# Watco Logistics

> Rail-Linked 3PL & Broker · Pittsburg, KS · Founded 1983

**Canonical URL:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/watco-logistics/
**Markdown source:** https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/watco-logistics/index.md
**Last updated:** 2026-05-08

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## Key facts

- Founded 1983 · headquartered in Pittsburg, KS
- Privately held
- FMCSA broker authority: **ACTIVE** (MC-430294)
- #55 on Transport Topics Top 100 (2026)
- Gross revenue: $334M per Transport Topics 2026
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Intermodal, Flatbed

## About

Watco Logistics is the brokerage and supply-chain services arm of Watco — a Pittsburg, Kansas-based privately held transportation and logistics company founded in 1983 by Charles R. 'Dick' Webb. The brokerage entity, Watco Supply Chain Services LLC, holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-430294 / USDOT 911275 and ranks #55 on the 2026 Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerage Firms with $334M gross brokerage revenue and $49M net (14.7% margin). The parent group employs roughly 4,800 people and reported $1.6B in 2022 revenues across all business lines.

Watco's distinguishing feature is its integration with parent-company assets: 47+ short-line railroads spanning more than 8,000 miles connecting to Class I railroads, plus 70+ transload and marine terminals across North America and Australia. The brokerage covers rail/intermodal, LTL, dry van truckload, refrigerated, and flatbed/heavy haul per Transport Topics 2026, with hazmat certification adding capability for chemical and energy shippers. Cross-border Canada service complements US/Australia parent footprint.

For shippers evaluating Watco Logistics, the strongest fit is industrial, agricultural, energy, and chemical freight that benefits from rail-truck-terminal integration. Shippers with origins or destinations near Watco short-line territories or transload terminals can capture meaningful efficiencies. Pure-play OTR shippers without rail or transload exposure may find more competitive options at brokers without the asset-network overhead — but for the right freight profile, Watco's integrated infrastructure is hard to replicate.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2026

## FMCSA & Licensing

| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| MC Number | MC-430294 |
| USDOT Number | USDOT 911275 |
| 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 · Australia (parent operations)

**Strongest lanes:**

- Rail-linked corridors with Watco short-line connections
- Midwest → Gulf Coast
- Industrial heartland flatbed lanes
- Bulk and hazmat-served origins

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- Unique integration with parent Watco's 47+ short-line railroads and 70+ transload/marine terminals
- Hazmat-certified — strong fit for chemical, energy, and regulated industrial freight
- Multi-modal capability including intermodal, flatbed, and bulk/tank
- Privately held, long operating history (founded 1983) — financial stability and consistent ownership

**Common complaints:**

- Pure OTR shippers without rail or terminal touchpoints may not capture differentiated value
- Limited cross-border Mexico capability — Canada served, but not Mexico
- Technology is relationship-led rather than digital-first — no instant quoting
- No air/expedited or parcel coverage — narrow modal mix outside truckload, intermodal, and rail-linked freight
- Coverage strongest where Watco short-lines operate; thinner brokerage density in coastal-only lanes

## FAQ

### Is Watco Logistics licensed and bonded as a freight broker?

Yes — Watco Supply Chain Services LLC (DBA Watco Logistics) holds active FMCSA broker authority MC-430294 / USDOT 911275, registered at 315 W 3rd Street, Pittsburg, KS. Hazmat-certified. Verify current bond and authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov before tendering a load.

### What types of freight does Watco Logistics handle?

Per Transport Topics 2026, Watco covers rail/intermodal, LTL, dry van truckload, refrigerated, and flatbed/heavy haul. Hazmat capable. Best fit is industrial, agricultural, chemical, or energy freight near Watco's short-line rail network or transload terminals.

### How do Watco Logistics' rates compare to other freight brokers?

Watco reported $334M gross / $49M net brokerage revenue in 2026 — a 14.7% margin, in line with mid-market 3PLs. Watco is most competitive where rail-truck-terminal integration adds value; benchmark via ShipperGuide for pure OTR comparisons.

## Best for

Industrial, agricultural, energy, and chemical shippers whose freight benefits from rail-truck-terminal integration via Watco's short-line and transload network.

## Compare alternatives

- [Hub Group](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/hub-group/) — 4,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Canada (50+ y…
- [England Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/england-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 50 states · Mexico · Canada · Intern…
- [PLS Logistics Services](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/pls-logistics-services/) — Dry Van, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Cana…
- [Trinity Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/trinity-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states + Canada · Mexi…
- [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