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Inventory Ready

Freight Forwarders

Last reviewed: May 8, 2026

Freight brokers, asset-based LTL carriers, parcel aggregators, and 3PL-integrated freight providers serving US dietary supplement brands. FMCSA-verified broker authority, refrigerated capability for probiotics and liquid supplements, and rate-transparency posture documented per provider.

Companies here are scored using our six-gate assessment approach. The machine-readable directory map of how each company connects to capabilities and certifications lives at the manufacturer atlas.

Why Supplements Need a Specialized Freight Approach

Freight is not a commodity service for supplements. Probiotics decline outside the cold chain. Gummies melt in summer trailer temperatures. Liquid supplements crack and leak. Lot-tracked freight recovery during a recall depends on the broker's record-keeping discipline. A freight partner that treats your shipment as a regulated product, not bulk freight, protects product quality and your brand's recall posture.

The freight broker market is also one of the most fraud-exposed segments in supply chain. The Transportation Intermediaries Association reports a 65 percent surge in broker-fraud incidents between September 2024 and February 2025. Knowing what to verify, beyond the bond on file, is the operator's first line of defense.

The Diligence Most Operators Already Do

  • Active FMCSA broker authority: Look up the broker by Motor Carrier (MC) number on FMCSA SAFER. Confirm operating authority is active. This is the legal floor for property brokerage.
  • BMC-84 surety bond on file: Federal law requires every property broker to maintain a $75,000 bond. The bond protects shippers and motor carriers against broker default. Verify on FMCSA Licensing and Insurance.
  • Cargo insurance + contingent cargo coverage: Standard cargo insurance covers freight in the carrier's possession. Contingent cargo insurance covers gaps when the carrier's insurance fails. Supplement freight values can exceed standard $100,000 per truckload limits.
  • Years in business + ownership stability: Brokers operating through the 2023 to 2026 freight recession demonstrated resilience. Recent-vintage brokers (founded 2022 or later) are weaker signals; investigate cofounder track record before contract commitment.
  • Better Business Bureau profile: Look at complaint volume AND resolution rate. A broker with 30 complaints fully resolved is healthier than a broker with 5 complaints unresolved. The pattern matters more than the count.
  • Member of TIA or SmartWay: Transportation Intermediaries Association membership requires three years of operating history and ethics-code signing. EPA SmartWay partnership signals fuel-efficiency discipline. Both are skin-in-the-game proxies.

Diligence Signals an Experienced Operator May Not Know to Check

These are public-record signals that surface real risk and that no standard brand owner's checklist normally covers. They are part of Inventory Ready's per-record review for this category.

  • FMCSA Public Suspension List entry: After January 16, 2026, FMCSA suspends operating authority within seven days when a broker's bond drops below $75,000 and isn't replenished. The agency publishes the suspension list. A broker on the list cannot legally arrange freight. Worth checking before every new contract.
  • MC number transfer history (chameleon broker signal): An MC number can be inherited by a successor entity. A broker with an MC number transferred within the last six months may be a re-formed bad actor. The FMCSA AuthHist Open Data dataset publishes the full history. Old entity, fresh team, transferred MC, and a new corporate name within twelve months together signal a chameleon-broker pattern.
  • Operating-authority age vs corporate-formation age: If broker authority is six months old but the corporation was formed fifteen years ago, the company may be a freight pivot from another industry. Sometimes this is fine (acquisition, restructure). Sometimes it signals a freight-side learning curve at your expense. The two dates verify independently on FMCSA SAFER and on state Secretary of State records.
  • Double-brokering policy disclosed in writing: A broker that prohibits double-brokering in writing and discloses subcontracting practices is materially safer than one that says 'we vet all carriers' but won't disclose the policy. 'Unclear' on this question is a disqualifier in our framework.
  • Rate transparency posture: Itemized quotes (base rate, fuel surcharge, accessorials separate) vs bundled lump-sum vs opaque. 49 CFR 371.3 is the federal floor; many brokers obstruct it. A broker who voluntarily publishes rate methods is auditable; one who refuses is not.
  • BMC-85 trustee qualification post-2026-01-16: FMCSA estimates roughly 90 percent of pre-2026 BMC-85 trust trustees fail the new financial-responsibility test (cash, irrevocable letter of credit from a federally insured depository, or US Treasury bonds only). A broker still on a non-compliant BMC-85 trustee carries enforcement risk. BMC-84 surety bond brokers and BMC-85 brokers on compliant trustees are unaffected.
  • Contingent cargo insurance ceiling: Standard cargo insurance is typically $100,000 per truckload. Premium supplement freight (probiotics, branded ingredients, multi-pallet shipments) can exceed this. Contingent cargo insurance fills the gap when the motor carrier's insurance fails. Ask for the policy ceiling before high-value lanes.
  • DOT inspection out-of-service rate (asset-based carriers): FMCSA SAFER publishes the percentage of vehicle inspections that result in an out-of-service order. The national average is around 22 percent. A carrier under 15 percent demonstrates fleet maintenance discipline. A carrier above the national average warrants explanation.
  • Crash rate and severity (asset-based carriers): FMCSA Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores publish crashes and injuries by carrier. Public data. Correlates with driver training quality and fleet maintenance.
  • TIA Watchdog peer-fraud entries: Other brokers report each other for fraud through the TIA Watchdog system. Reports become visible to TIA members within 72 hours of broker non-response. A presence on the list within the last 24 months is a disqualifier in our framework.
  • Ownership-change history within 24 months: Private-equity acquisitions can change service models overnight. The September 2025 Thoma Bravo + Auctane combination of WWEX Group is one example. A new owner does not automatically degrade service, but operational integration risk is real for the first 12 to 18 months.
  • Subcontracting transparency: A broker willing to disclose what percentage of moves are subcontracted, and to whom, signals operational confidence. A broker who refuses to disclose subcontracting practices is a higher fraud-risk profile.
  • Claims handling time-to-payout: Industry median for cargo-claim payout is roughly 30 to 45 days. Outliers above 90 days correlate with cash-flow stress or systematic claim-denial behavior. Ask for the broker's median payout time and how they document partial-loss claims.

Common Freight Service Models

LTL Broker

Non-asset intermediary. Arranges less-than-truckload shipments by matching shippers with motor carriers. Holds FMCSA broker authority. Best for variable-volume shippers who need access to a deep carrier network without committing to a single asset relationship.

Asset-Based LTL Carrier

Owns the trucks. Ships your freight directly with their fleet. Holds FMCSA motor carrier authority. Examples: Old Dominion, FedEx Freight, XPO, Saia, Estes, R+L Carriers, ArcBest. Often the right choice for established lanes where rate predictability and on-time performance are critical.

Parcel Aggregator

Consolidates small parcels into bulk USPS or carrier inductions for discounted rates. Operates under carrier-of-record relationships. Examples: Pitney Bowes Presort, OSM Worldwide. Best for direct-to-consumer supplement brands shipping high parcel volumes.

3PL-Integrated Freight

Third-party logistics provider that bundles freight arrangement with warehousing, fulfillment, or both. Holds broker authority when intermediating. Examples: DTS One, FIDELITONE, Buske Logistics. Useful when freight is one component of a larger outsourced supply-chain stack.

Digital Freight Broker

Platform-first broker. Examples: Uber Freight, RXO digital marketplace, DAT Convoy bundle. Same FMCSA broker authority required as traditional broker. Strong for spot-market lanes; verify managed-transportation depth before committing to dedicated lanes.

What We Reviewed at Publication

Each provider in this directory has been reviewed against our six editorial gates. For freight specifically, we review FMCSA SAFER operating status, broker authority active state, vehicle out-of-service rate where applicable, crash data, ownership-change history within 24 months, rate-transparency posture, and double-brokering policy disclosure. The FMCSA Licensing and Insurance public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form submission and is reviewed per record by our editorial team post-publication. Records with bond and insurance review still pending carry editorial status “source-checked” and disclose the pending state. Read our full editorial method for the framework.

Related

Disclaimer: This page is educational content based on publicly available information, not professional advice. Freight brokerage carries regulatory and operational risks specific to your product mix, lanes, and volume. Verify every claim against current FMCSA records and direct broker outreach before contract commitment. Inventory Ready does not guarantee any provider's performance or legal status. See our Terms of Service and Editorial Method for details.

Directory

30 providers · 30 source-checked

What we verified: FMCSA SAFER operating status, broker authority active state, vehicle out-of-service rate (asset carriers), crash data where applicable, ownership-change history within 24 months, rate-transparency posture, and double-brokering policy. What's still pending: FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond + cargo insurance details (CAPTCHA- protected lookup verified per record post-publication by our editorial team).

ArcBest (ABF Freight)

Fort Smith, AR · Founded 1923

Source-checked
Asset CarrierLTL Broker

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodalFinal Mile
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 29910 · USDOT 82866 · Verified 2026-04-24

Public holding company (NASDAQ:ARCB). ABF Freight is the asset-based LTL subsidiary (unionized, Teamsters). Panther Premium Logistics subsidiary handles expedited time-critical freight. Also provides brokerage + integrated logistics through ArcBest Logistics.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: Industry forum discussion — ABF consistently named top-tier LTL — view

Arrive Logistics

Austin, TX · Founded 2014

Source-checked
LTL Broker

Modes

LTLFTL
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 787104 · USDOT 2310518 · Verified 2026-04-24

High-growth Austin TX broker. Dry van + LTL + drayage + partials + temperature-controlled + cross-border Mexico/Canada. Carrier vetting requires MC/MX/DOT + insurance + satisfactory safety ratings. ARRIVEnow TMS. Co-founders: Matt Pyatt + Eric Dunigan.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership + SmartWay partnership not disclosed publicly
  • Customer book heavily food/beverage + retail + CPG (Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, Target, Unilever, Hershey). No explicit supplement-vertical customers named

Source: Arrive Logistics website (verified 2026-04-24) — view

C.H. Robinson Worldwide

Eden Prairie, MN · Founded 1905

Source-checked
LTL BrokerDigital Broker3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodalParcelFinal Mile
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 384859 · USDOT 2226453 · Verified 2026-04-24

Largest LTL/freight broker in North America. AI-driven capacity ops (Navisphere platform). Public (NASDAQ:CHRW). Strong for national lanes; verify account management model at the brand's brand volume.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA Watchdog cross-check pending
  • Supplement-specific customer references not yet verified (CHR serves all CPG verticals)

Source: Supply Chain Management Review — 2025 NextGen 3PL/logistics track; CHR as AI-driven leader — view

DAT (Convoy bundle)

Denver, CO · Founded 1978

Source-checked
Digital BrokerLTL Broker

Modes

LTLFTL
Itemized rates

DAT Solutions (founded 1978 as a load-board) acquired Convoy Inc.'s technology after Convoy shut down in October 2023. Now offers a bundle including brokerage, managed transportation, dock scheduling, and TMS. Integration maturity varies — verify operational readiness before contract commitment.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown
  • Supplement-specific references not yet verified

Source: Q1 2026 AFS / industry analysis noting DAT acquired Convoy tech in 2024 for expanded brokerage bundle — view

DTS One

Torrance, CA

Source-checked
LTL Broker3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodal
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 611639 · USDOT 2239796 · Verified 2026-04-24

Torrance CA freight broker / 3PL. Claims 35+ years. Explicit supplement/nutraceutical vertical: handles gummies, tablets, capsules, powders, beverages, pet, sports, CBD, balms. Services: LTL + FTL + PTL + expedited + trade-show + international air + DHL Express reseller + ocean (FCL/LCL). REFRIGERATED supplement freight capability. Strong supplement-vertical fit.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown

Source: DTS One supplement/vitamins shipping page (verified 2026-04-24) — view

Echo Global Logistics

Chicago, IL · Founded 2005

Source-checked
LTL BrokerDigital Broker3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodalFinal Mile
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 511639 · USDOT 2233564 · Verified 2026-04-24

Was public (NASDAQ:ECHO); acquired by The Jordan Company for ~$1.3B in 2021 and taken private. Truckload + LTL + intermodal. Technology-first broker with EchoShip platform.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA Watchdog cross-check pending
  • Supplement-specific references not yet verified

Source: Translogistics — Top Freight Brokers Review 2025 — view

InTek Logistics

Indianapolis, IN

Source-checked
3PL + FreightLTL Broker

Modes

IntermodalFTLLTL
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 1021027 · USDOT 3246937 · Verified 2026-04-24

Indianapolis IN 3PL + broker. Intermodal-first (reefer intermodal with 24/7 satellite + internal temp monitoring). Also FTL + LTL + drayage + transloading + managed transportation. Explicit supplement claim (gummies, tablets, capsules, powders, fortified foods, beverages, balms). Strong cold-chain capability signal for probiotic/liquid supplement shippers.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown
  • Customer Tea Forte cited (non-supplement); supplement-specific client references not disclosed beyond product-category claim

Source: InTek Logistics nutraceuticals page (verified 2026-04-24) — view

Redwood Logistics

Chicago, IL · Founded 2001

Source-checked
Digital BrokerLTL Broker3PL + Freight

Modes

FTLLTLIntermodaldrayage
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 412533 · USDOT 2228062 · Verified 2026-05-08

Mid-tier multimodal broker positioning as a 4PL platform with technology integrations (Logistics Platform as a Service / LPaaS branding). Salesforce-style platform layer over carrier capacity. Account model emphasizes API-integrated shippers and technology-forward CPG operators. riskFlag 'ownership-change-pending-review' captures the unconfirmed PE-acquisition-date — Redwood is PE-backed but the specific owner + acquisition date is not confirmed; recheck pending Layer-3 ownership-change-history-within-24-months signal.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership not verified
  • Supplement-vertical references not confirmed

Source: Redwood Logistics — Contact + 4PL platform overview — view

RXO

Charlotte, NC · Founded 2022

Source-checked
LTL BrokerDigital Broker

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodalFinal Mile
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 175953 · USDOT 425389 · Verified 2026-04-24

Spun out from XPO in November 2022; acquired Coyote Logistics from UPS for $1.025B in September 2024. Now #3 brokered-transportation provider in NA by revenue. Financial losses and integration friction documented through Q3 2025.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Q3 2025: $63M net loss YTD (post-Coyote integration); monitor financial stability before multi-year contract commitments
  • Post-Coyote integration still in progress — operational stability during transition is a risk vector

Source: Finimize — RXO asset snapshot; Coyote Logistics acquisition Sept 2024 for $1.025B; Q3 2025 $63M loss — view

TForce Freight

Richmond, VA · Founded 1935

Source-checked
Asset CarrierLTL Broker

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 109533 · USDOT 121058 · Verified 2026-05-08

Legacy UPS Freight (originally Overnite Transportation 1935). 197 service centers, ~6,500 power units (per TFI parent company filings). Sister-brand to TFI's TForce Logistics broker arm; this record covers the LTL carrier with broker-authority sub-license. Best-suited for LTL lanes where shippers want a single-carrier accountability model rather than 3PL intermediation.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership not verified this session
  • Cold-chain tier listed ambient — TForce historical product is dry LTL

Source: Wikipedia — TForce Freight (UPS Freight legacy; April 2021 sale to TFI International for $800M) — view

Total Quality Logistics

Cincinnati, OH · Founded 1997

Source-checked
LTL Broker

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodalFinal Mile
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 322572 · USDOT 2223295 · Verified 2026-04-24

Largest privately-owned freight brokerage in the US. Known for high-volume-fast-match model. Sales-cycle aggressive — verify account pod structure and account manager stability at the brand's brand volume.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific vertical experience not documented in public sources
  • TIA Watchdog cross-check pending

Source: Translogistics — Top Freight Brokers Review 2025; TQL described as largest privately-owned broker — view

Uber Freight

Chicago, IL · Founded 2017

Source-checked
Digital BrokerLTL Broker

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodal
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 987790 · USDOT 2926893 · Verified 2026-04-24

Subsidiary of Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER). Acquired Transplace in Nov 2021 for $2.25B — brought traditional managed-transportation + brokerage scale to Uber's digital platform. Financial weakness Q3 2025 signals execution/integration risk.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown
  • Supplement-specific vertical experience not verified

Source: Uber Freight — Q1 2026 freight market update; Q3 2025 $43M EBITDA loss reported — view

Worldwide Express (WWEX Group)

Dallas, TX · Founded 1995

Source-checked
LTL BrokerParcel Aggregator

Modes

LTLFTLParcelFinal Mile
Bundled quotesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 635576 · USDOT 2241484 · Verified 2026-04-24

Disclosure: the brand's current incumbent Unishippers is part of WWEX Group. September 2025 Thoma Bravo acquired WWEX Group and combined it with Auctane (ShipStation, ShippingEasy, ShipEngine, Endicia) to form a combined logistics + shipping-software platform. UPS authorized reseller (largest non-retail in US). 130K+ customers. 50 offices nationwide. SpeedShip TMS. Franchise-adjacent model; franchisees earn book-of-business residuals which may misalign incentives with shippers. Include in dataset with explicit conflict disclosure.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown

Source: Worldwide Express website (verified 2026-04-24) — view

Flexport

San Francisco, CA · Founded 2013

Source-checked
Digital BrokerOcean / Air3PL + Freight

Modes

oceanairLTLFTLIntermodalParcel
Bundled quotesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 906604 · USDOT 4195637 · Verified 2026-05-08

Multimodal digital forwarder originating in ocean-air; expanded to US-domestic ground via 2024 platform build-out (post-Convoy-asset-acquisition lineage). Tech-platform-first interaction model; account fit is strongest for digital-native shippers with API integration appetite. VC-backed (rare in this category, where most peers are PE-owned). riskFlag 'ownership-change-pending-review' captures the 2022-2024 leadership-turnover signal (Dave Clark CEO 2022, departed 2023; Ryan Petersen returned as CEO 2024).

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-vertical references not confirmed; Flexport serves multi-industry CPG

Source: Wikipedia — Flexport corporate history + ownership + leadership timeline — view

MoLo Solutions

Chicago, IL · Founded 2017

Source-checked
Digital Broker

Modes

FTLLTLIntermodal
Bundled quotesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 023783 · USDOT 3000394 · Verified 2026-05-08

Asset-light truckload brokerage acquired by ArcBest in 2021. Sister-division to ABF Freight (separate listing at arcbest-abf-freight). Operates as ArcBest's truckload-broker arm while ABF is the LTL carrier arm — two distinct service surfaces from one parent. Account model carries digital-broker DNA (founder-led tech operations) with the financial backing of the ArcBest parent.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • FMCSA AuthHist Open Data cross-checked 2026-05-08 (Socrata sn3k-dnx7): MC 023783 + USDOT 3000394 not in revocation/transfer history — no Layer-3 chameleon-broker signal #2; Nov 2021 ArcBest acquisition was an ownership change, not an authority transfer. Public Suspension List (post-2026-01-16 rule) + BMC-84 bond not Socrata-accessible; L&I lookup still required
  • TIA membership not verified

Source: ArcBest — MoLo Solutions division page — view

Atlanta Bonded Warehouse + Colonial Cartage

Kennesaw, GA

Source-checked
3PL + FreightAsset Carrier

Modes

LTLFTL
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 170995 · USDOT 351203 · Verified 2026-04-24

Kennesaw GA. Bonded warehousing (4.2M sq ft). Colonial Cartage is the in-house asset-based motor carrier serving 26 states. Temperature-controlled space 'suitable for everything from pharmaceuticals to chocolate.' Also offers co-packaging + LTL/TL. Bonded = customs bonded warehouse capability (useful for the brand's if international ingredient inbound).

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown
  • Supplement-vertical claim implicit (pharma/chocolate explicitly cited) — verify supplement client list on direct outreach

Source: Atlanta Bonded Warehouse website (verified 2026-04-24) — Colonial Cartage = in-house asset carrier — view

Averitt

Cookeville, TN · Founded 1971

Source-checked
Asset CarrierOcean / Air3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLoceanairIntermodaldedicated
Itemized ratesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 121600 · USDOT 36684 · Verified 2026-05-08

Employee-owned (ESOP) regional asset-based LTL with national reach + international forwarding (FMC OTI license FF-12114). Triple authority (carrier + broker + freight forwarder) consolidates multiple service relationships under one accountability surface. Driver-side reputation strong on industry forums. Account model is hands-on commercial relationship; expedited rate-quote response within 30 minutes per their published service standard.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership not verified — broker-arm tenure unconfirmed
  • Refrigerated capability per service-page marketing; supplement-vertical references not confirmed

Source: Averitt — Contact directory + customer service email — view

Dayton Freight Lines

Vandalia, OH · Founded 1981

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 189528 · USDOT 273301 · Verified 2026-05-08

Private regional asset-based LTL carrier serving 15 Midwest + adjacent states from 70+ service centers. Non-union; founded 1981; long-stable private ownership. Driver-side reputation consistently strong on TruckersReport + DOT industry forums. Best-suited for shippers with regional Midwest LTL volume needing direct-carrier accountability rather than broker intermediation.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.

Source: Dayton Freight — Contact + rate estimator + customer service email — view

Estes Express Lines

Richmond, VA · Founded 1931

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 97275 · USDOT 121018 · Verified 2026-04-24

Largest privately-owned LTL carrier in US. Family-owned since 1931. Broad national coverage. Strong pricing discipline + on-time record.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: Industry forum discussion — Estes consistently named top-tier LTL — view

FedEx Freight

Memphis, TN · Founded 2001

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

Asset-based LTL subsidiary of FedEx Corporation (NYSE:FDX). Broad national coverage; strong for Amazon FBA inbound via Partner Carrier Program. FedEx announced spinoff of FedEx Freight planned for 2026 — monitor for structural changes post-spinoff.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: FreightWaves Ratings — top LTL carriers (FedEx Freight among leaders) — view

Old Dominion Freight Line

Thomasville, NC · Founded 1934

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 107478 · USDOT 90849 · Verified 2026-04-24

Asset-based LTL carrier (NASDAQ:ODFL). Top-ranked for on-time performance + claim-free record in industry surveys consistently. Exceptional pricing discipline cited in Q1 2026 TD Cowen/AFS Freight Index. Direct relationship preferred over broker intermediation for known lanes.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed — OD serves all CPG
  • TIA membership likely N/A (asset-based, not broker)

Source: Industry forum discussion — OD consistently named top-tier LTL carrier (TruckersReport) — view

R+L Carriers

Wilmington, OH · Founded 1965

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 99074 · USDOT 63391 · Verified 2026-04-24

Privately-held asset-based LTL carrier. National network. Wilmington OH HQ. Reputation for competitive pricing + broad service mix (LTL + logistics + warehousing).

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: Industry forum discussion — R+L consistently named top-tier LTL — view

Saia LTL Freight

Johns Creek, GA · Founded 1924

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 87511 · USDOT 29124 · Verified 2026-04-24

Asset-based LTL carrier (NASDAQ:SAIA). Expanded rapidly into former-Yellow territories after Yellow Corp bankruptcy in 2023. Traditionally strong Southeast; now approaching national footprint.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: Industry forum discussion — Saia consistently named top-tier LTL — view

Schneider National

Green Bay, WI · Founded 1935

Source-checked
Asset Carrier3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLIntermodaldedicated
Itemized ratesTIA memberRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 133655 · USDOT 264184 · Verified 2026-05-08

One of the largest asset-based motor carriers in North America (NYSE:SNDR). Brokerage arm and intermodal arm in addition to the asset-based LTL/FTL fleet. Long-stable ownership; no recent change-of-control. Account model is enterprise-scale with hands-on commercial relationship; fit best for established CPG operators with consistent volume.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership reported by FMCSA-mirror sources; tenure (3+ year requirement for trust signal) not directly verified this session
  • Refrigerated capability per corporate marketing; supplement-vertical references not confirmed

Source: Schneider corporate site — multimodal services (van, intermodal, dedicated, brokerage) — view

Werner Enterprises

Omaha, NE · Founded 1956

Source-checked
Asset Carrier3PL + Freight

Modes

FTLLTLdedicatedIntermodal
Bundled quotesRefrigerated

FMCSA MC# 138328 · USDOT 53467 · Verified 2026-05-08

Tier-1 asset-based motor carrier (NASDAQ:WERN) with brokerage + dedicated + intermodal divisions. Werner Bridge platform offers digital intake for shippers (instant quote, online tendering). Long-stable ownership; no recent change-of-control. Best fit for shippers with established volume needing a national van + brokerage hybrid relationship.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Refrigerated capacity per corporate marketing; supplement-vertical references not confirmed
  • TIA membership not verified

Source: Werner Bridge shipper platform — instant-quote digital intake — view

XPO Logistics

Greenwich, CT · Founded 1989

Source-checked
Asset Carrier

Modes

LTL
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 165377 · USDOT 241829 · Verified 2026-04-24

Public LTL carrier (NYSE:XPO). Focused on North American LTL post-2022 RXO spinoff. Strong Northeast + Mid-Atlantic network.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-vertical references not disclosed

Source: FreightWaves Ratings + industry forum (XPO top-5 LTL) — view

Buske Logistics

—

Source-checked
3PL + Freight

Modes

LTLFTLParcel
Itemized ratesAmbient

3PL with freight coordination. 'Over a century of experience'. FDA-registered facilities, cGMP-compliant. Lot/batch/expiration tracking, FIFO rotation, recall management. Supports Amazon eCommerce platform (FBA reference not explicit). Strong heritage signal + FDA registration = supplement-grade operational maturity.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Temperature-controlled capability not mentioned — verify for probiotic/liquid supplements
  • TIA membership status unknown

Source: Buske Logistics supplement 3PL page (verified 2026-04-24) — view

FIDELITONE

Wauconda, IL

Source-checked
3PL + Freight

Modes

ParcelLTLFTLFinal Mile
Itemized ratesCool

FMCSA MC# 1029767 · USDOT 3264859 · Verified 2026-04-24

Wauconda IL 3PL. Multi-modal transportation management (parcel + LTL + TL + last mile white glove). Temperature-controlled warehousing. FDA-registered. 99.9% order and inventory accuracy claim. Expiration-date + lot-control + FIFO/FEFO/LIFO — supplement-grade operational controls.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • TIA membership status unknown
  • 'extensive vitamin and supplement fulfillment' claim — supplement-specific customer references not named

Source: FIDELITONE health/wellness page (verified 2026-04-24) — view

OSM Worldwide

Glendale Heights, IL · Founded 2005

Source-checked
Parcel Aggregator

Modes

Parcel
Itemized ratesAmbient

USPS Workshare Partner for parcel consolidation. Mid-market DTC-focused. Alternative to Pitney Bowes Presort for smaller parcel shippers.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.
  • Supplement-specific customer references not disclosed

Source: Industry knowledge — OSM Worldwide is USPS Workshare Partner for parcel consolidation — view

Pitney Bowes Presort Services

Stamford, CT · Founded 1920

Source-checked
Parcel Aggregator

Modes

Parcel
Itemized ratesAmbient

FMCSA MC# 1606355 · USDOT 4174724 · Verified 2026-04-24

USPS Workshare Partner for high-volume parcel. Parcel consolidation + presorting for discounted USPS rates. DTC supplement brands with >3K monthly parcels may see material savings. Verify service continuity amid Pitney Bowes corporate restructuring 2024-2026.

Verification depth
  • FMCSA Licensing & Insurance bond and cargo insurance verification pending — public lookup uses CAPTCHA-protected form (not agent-automatable). Editorial team verifies post-publication.
  • FMCSA Public Suspension List cross-check (post-2026-01-16 rule) — verified at the time of last FMCSA SAFER lookup; queued for next Open Data quarterly verification cycle.

Source: Industry knowledge — Pitney Bowes Presort is a USPS Workshare Partner for parcel — view

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a freight broker, an asset-based LTL carrier, and a parcel aggregator?

A freight broker is a non-asset intermediary. The broker arranges your shipment with a motor carrier but does not own the trucks. They must hold FMCSA broker authority and a $75,000 BMC-84 surety bond. An asset-based LTL carrier owns its fleet and ships your freight directly. They hold FMCSA motor carrier authority instead of broker authority. A parcel aggregator (Pitney Bowes Presort, OSM Worldwide) consolidates small parcels for discounted USPS or carrier rates. Parcel aggregators do not hold broker authority because they operate under carrier-of-record relationships.

Why does FMCSA broker authority matter for supplement shippers?

Effective January 16, 2026, FMCSA enforces a continuous $75,000 financial-responsibility threshold for every property broker. If a broker's available bond drops below $75K and is not replenished within seven calendar days of FMCSA notice, the broker's operating authority is suspended. The agency also publishes a public suspension list. Shipping with a broker whose authority lapses puts your freight, your insurance recovery, and your delivery commitments at risk.

What is double-brokering, and why should I ask about a broker's policy on it?

Double-brokering is when a broker re-brokers your load to another broker without your knowledge. Industry surveys cited by the Transportation Intermediaries Association report 86% of brokers have experienced double-brokering fraud. Losses from double-brokering and adjacent schemes (hostage loads, fictitious pickups) are estimated at roughly one billion dollars per year. A broker that explicitly prohibits double-brokering in writing and discloses subcontracting practices materially reduces fraud exposure. A broker whose policy is unclear is a red flag.

What is rate transparency, and why does it matter for freight?

Federal regulation 49 CFR 371.3 requires brokers to maintain records of every transaction, including the rate paid by the shipper, the rate paid to the carrier, and the broker's compensation. Shippers have a federal right to request itemized rate records. Many brokers obstruct this right or quote bundled lump-sum rates that hide accessorials and fuel surcharges. A broker with itemized rate disclosure, transparent fuel-surcharge indexing (typically the Department of Energy diesel index), and disclosed accessorial schedules is materially easier to audit and dispute.

Do I need temperature-controlled freight for my supplement product?

Probiotics typically require cold-chain refrigeration to maintain colony-forming-unit viability through transit. Liquid supplements, gummies in summer months, omega-3 oils, and biologically active ingredients are all temperature-sensitive. Standard ambient LTL exposes freight to the trailer's interior temperature, which can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit in summer. Refrigerated LTL costs 30 to 60 percent more than ambient and requires the freight provider to disclose their cold-chain tier (refrigerated vs cool vs ambient) and continuous temperature monitoring practices.

What does Inventory Ready verify about each freight forwarder, and what's still pending?

At publication we review FMCSA SAFER operating status, broker authority active state, vehicle inspection out-of-service rate (asset-based carriers), crash data where applicable, ownership-change history within 24 months, rate-transparency posture, and double-brokering policy disclosure. The FMCSA Licensing & Insurance public lookup (which shows BMC-84 bond on file and cargo insurance details) requires CAPTCHA-protected form submission and is not agent-automatable. Our editorial team reviews L&I bond and insurance details per record post-publication. Records with L&I review still pending carry editorialStatus 'source-checked' rather than 'assessed' and disclose the pending state in their knownUnknowns block. See our editorial method page for the full framework.

Related Categories

Fulfillment & 3PL

Third-party logistics providers specializing in supplement warehousing, order fulfillment, and distribution. Temperature-controlled storage and lot-tracked inventory management.

Packaging & Labeling

Packaging suppliers and labeling companies for dietary supplements. Includes bottles, pouches, child-resistant closures, and FDA-compliant label design and printing.

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