Freight exchange vs freight broker

Side by side

When a shipper uses a freight broker

A broker suits a shipper that wants one contact for every load: the broker finds and checks the carrier, agrees the rate, follows the shipment and handles problems on the way. The shipper pays for that service through the broker’s margin.

When a freight exchange is the better fit

An exchange suits a company that can choose carriers itself — a forwarder, a broker or a shipper with its own transport desk. It posts the load, compares the carriers who respond and contracts the carrier directly; the exchange charges a subscription, not a share of the load.

Posting loads is restricted to active paid subscribers and valid trials: the load is posted from a broker account — shippers and forwarders use the same account type — of a verified company, and is published in that account’s own markets.

• How to find carriers
• How brokers post loads

Why carriers use both

Brokers use freight exchanges heavily: they post their customers’ loads there to find carriers. For a carrier, an exchange is a way to reach many brokers and shippers at once instead of one at a time.

Frequently asked questions