# Total Quality Logistics (TQL)

> Full-Service Freight Broker · Cincinnati, OH · Founded 1997

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/total-quality-logistics/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/total-quality-logistics/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-04-27

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## Key facts

- Founded 1997 · headquartered in Cincinnati, OH
- Privately held
- 110,000+ carriers · 3.6M+/yr shipments per year
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-322572)
- #3 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2024)
- Gross revenue: $6.82B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Reefer, Intermodal, Flatbed

## About

Total Quality Logistics (TQL) is the third-largest freight broker in North America, founded in 1997 in Cincinnati, Ohio by Ken Oaks. The company has grown from a small startup to over 9,000 employees and 110,000+ carrier relationships, moving approximately 3.6 million loads per year. TQL remains privately owned — about 99% by Oaks — and has built a reputation for aggressive sales culture and broad FTL coverage across dry van, reefer, flatbed, and intermodal.

TQL's primary strength is domestic truckload freight, where its 110,000-carrier network and 24/7 operations allow it to cover nearly any lane in the contiguous 48 states. The broker has expanded into LTL, ocean, air, and international services including Mexico cross-border through its FMC-licensed NVOCC status. Its TQL TRAX platform provides shippers with real-time visibility and a self-service quoting portal.

Shippers working with TQL typically deal with a dedicated account rep and benefit from TQL's deep spot market coverage, particularly in truckload and reefer. The broker's model prioritizes load volume over technology-first automation, making it a stronger fit for shippers who want a relationship-based broker with broad lane coverage than those seeking a fully digital freight marketplace.

## Load types

| Mode | Status |
|---|---|
| Dry Van TL | ● Primary |
| Refrigerated | ● Primary |
| LTL | ✓ Active |
| Intermodal | ● Primary |
| Flatbed | ● Primary |
| Air / Expedited | ✓ Active |
| Bulk / Tank | Limited |
| Parcel | Not offered |

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-322572 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 2223295 |
| Broker Authority | ● ACTIVE |
| Surety Bond | $75,000 BMC-84 · On File |

Verify status: https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states · Canada · Mexico · Ocean (NVOCC)

**Strongest lanes:**

- Midwest → Southeast
- Ohio → Texas
- Chicago → Atlanta
- Southeast produce lanes
- US → Mexico cross-border
- East Coast corridors

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- One of the largest carrier networks in North America — strong lane coverage in all 48 states
- Dedicated account reps available 24/7 for truckload and reefer needs
- Strong produce and temperature-controlled expertise, especially Southeast and Midwest lanes
- FMC-licensed NVOCC for ocean freight — one-stop shop for domestic and international
- Intermodal and flatbed coverage through same account team

**Common complaints:**

- Higher spot rates than digital-first or smaller brokers — margins reflect large overhead
- Service quality is rep-dependent — experiences vary widely across the sales organization
- Aggressive outbound sales tactics reported by shippers; do-not-call requests sometimes ignored
- Less competitive on LTL compared to LTL-specialist brokers
- Limited TMS-level automation — more relationship-driven than API-first

## FAQ

### Is TQL licensed and bonded?

Per FMCSA public records, Total Quality Logistics holds active broker authority (MC-322572 / USDOT 2223295) with a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond on file. Always confirm current status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does TQL move?

Per Transport Topics' Top 100 report, TQL primarily brokers dry van TL, refrigerated/reefer, flatbed, and intermodal. LTL, air freight, and ocean (NVOCC) are also active. Cross-border Mexico and Canada service is available. Reefer and produce are core specialties.

### How do TQL's rates compare to other freight brokers?

TQL is a full-service broker with a large overhead and tends to price at or above mid-market on spot freight. Its 20.1% net margin (per Transport Topics 2024) is in line with large traditional brokers. Use ShipperGuide to compare TQL rates against 50+ brokers instantly, for free.

## Best for

Mid-to-large shippers needing broad domestic truckload coverage — especially FTL dry van, reefer, and flatbed — who prefer a relationship-based account team over a self-service platform.

## Compare alternatives

- [C.H. Robinson Worldwide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/ch-robinson-worldwide/) — 85,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 50 states · Mexico · Canada · 120+ c…
- [RXO (incl. Coyote Logistics)](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/rxo/) — 100,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [Echo Global Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/echo-global-logistics/) — 50,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico (EchoX…
- [Uber Freight](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/uber-freight/) — 95,000+ FTL carriers; 150+ LTL carriers carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states; no confirmed c…
- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…

## Sources

- Revenue and ranking: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages (annual list)
- FMCSA licensing: li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov — broker authority status verified at publication where possible
- Reviews: G2, Trustpilot, Google Business — shipper reviews only
- Listing assembled from public records. Brokers can claim/update via directory@shipperguide.com