In plain English
The broker finds a carrier with space and an available truck, agrees on a price with both sides and handles the paperwork. The shipper pays the broker, and the broker pays the carrier. In the United States a broker must hold operating authority from the FMCSA and keep a surety bond or trust fund on file.
A broker is different from a carrier, which owns and operates the trucks and takes responsibility for the cargo on the road.
Why it matters when you ship
A broker can find capacity and compare rates faster than most shippers can. The trade-off is that you are buying from the broker, not the carrier, so ask who is actually moving your freight and how claims are handled.
You can check a broker’s authority and carrier’s safety record on the FMCSA website using the MC or USDOT number.
Example
A furniture maker needs a one-off truck. A broker finds three carriers, quotes the best price and books the truck. The maker pays the broker; the broker pays the carrier.
Related terms
Learn more
Freight broker: common questions
What does a freight broker do?
Arranges transport between a shipper and a carrier, negotiates the price, handles paperwork and usually manages the shipment until delivery.
What is the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and moves the freight. A broker arranges the move with a carrier but does not haul the freight.
Cite this page
Cite as: Transportli, “Freight Broker: What It Is and What It Does”, https://transportli.com/glossary/freight-broker/, updated November 11, 2026.
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