# Zipline Logistics

> CPG & Retail Freight Specialist · Columbus, OH · Founded 2007

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

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## Key facts

- Founded 2007 · headquartered in Columbus, OH
- Privately held
- Gross revenue: $0.2B per Transport Topics 2024
- Primary freight modes: Dry Van, Reefer, LTL

## About

Zipline Logistics is a Columbus, Ohio-based freight broker founded in 2007 that has carved out a distinct niche as a CPG (consumer packaged goods) and retail freight specialist. The company generated approximately $200 million in gross brokerage revenue in 2024. Zipline's core differentiator is its deep knowledge of retail supply chain compliance requirements — the specific carrier certification, appointment scheduling, EDI connectivity, and on-time delivery standards that major grocery chains, big-box retailers, and mass market distributors impose on their freight programs. This expertise makes Zipline a preferred partner for CPG brands shipping to retail distribution centers.

The company brokers dry van FTL, LTL, and refrigerated freight, covering the primary modes used in retail and grocery distribution. Zipline's last-mile capability is notable for a broker its size — useful for CPG brands managing deliveries to individual store locations or small-format retail formats beyond standard DC shipments. The Columbus, Ohio location puts Zipline at the center of one of the most strategically connected freight markets in the US, with strong carrier coverage on Midwest-to-coast lanes that feed major retail and grocery DCs.

For shippers evaluating Zipline Logistics, the strongest fit is a CPG brand, food and beverage company, or agricultural producer shipping into retail distribution networks — particularly grocery chains and big-box retailers with demanding compliance requirements. Shippers with industrial freight, flatbed, intermodal, or cross-border needs should look at brokers with those specific capabilities. Zipline's retail and CPG focus means non-retail shippers may find a better service match with a general-purpose broker.

## Load types

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

Source: Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Brokerages, 2024

## FMCSA & Licensing

FMCSA MC# and DOT# not confirmed for Zipline Logistics, LLC. Verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching the legal entity name before tendering a load.

## Coverage

All 48 contiguous states, focused on retail and grocery distribution networks

**Strongest lanes:**

- Midwest to Southeast
- Ohio to Southeast
- Midwest to Northeast
- CPG distribution lanes

## Pros & Cons

**What shippers like:**

- CPG and retail supply chain expertise — specific knowledge of retailer routing guide compliance requirements that generalist brokers may lack
- Strong dry van FTL, LTL, and reefer capability covering the primary retail distribution modes
- Last-mile delivery capability for store-ready deliveries beyond standard DC-to-DC freight
- Columbus, Ohio location provides central access to the US freight network and major retail DC corridors
- Over 15 years of operating history with a stable and focused service model

**Common complaints:**

- Retail and CPG focus means less depth for industrial freight, flatbed, intermodal, or cross-border
- No instant quoting — requires rep engagement for pricing
- Smaller national carrier network than Tier 1 brokers on lanes outside retail distribution corridors
- Technology platform is functional but not a digital-first differentiator
- No air, ocean, cross-border Mexico/Canada, or parcel freight capability

## FAQ

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

Zipline Logistics, LLC operates as a licensed freight broker. FMCSA MC# and DOT# are not confirmed in this profile — verify current broker authority status at li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching 'Zipline Logistics' before tendering a load. All licensed freight brokers carry a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond or trust fund.

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

Zipline Logistics primarily brokers dry van FTL, LTL, and refrigerated/reefer freight, with additional last-mile delivery capability for retail environments. Flatbed, intermodal, air, ocean, and cross-border freight are not available. Zipline specializes in retail and CPG supply chains — particularly grocery and big-box retailer distribution networks.

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

Zipline Logistics specializes in retail freight compliance, which means their pricing reflects expertise in meeting retailer requirements — not just moving freight. Benchmark Zipline's rates on ShipperGuide alongside other brokers to ensure you're getting market-competitive pricing. For CPG and retail lanes, Zipline's carrier compliance expertise often justifies their positioning even if base rates are similar to generalist alternatives.

## Best for

CPG brands, food and beverage companies, and agricultural producers shipping into retail distribution networks — particularly grocery chains and big-box retailers with strict routing guide compliance requirements.

## Compare alternatives

- [Choptank Transport](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/choptank-transport/) — 8,000+ carriers · Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Flatbed · All 48 contiguous states · Canada
- [Loadsmart / ShipperGuide](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/loadsmart-shipperguide/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico · Inte…
- [R2 Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/r2-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, Air/Expedited · All 48 contiguous states, with deep Sout…
- [Arrive Logistics](https://instant-rates.com/freight-brokers/arrive-logistics/) — Dry Van, Reefer, LTL, Intermodal · All 48 contiguous states · Mexico
- [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…

## 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