Freight Brokerage Services in Detroit, MI

A freight broker is a middleman between shippers (companies with goods to move) and carriers (trucking companies). We source carrier capacity, negotiate rates, arrange pickup and delivery, handle documentation, and track shipments. We don't own trucks ourselves—we work with vetted carriers. Think of us as your transportation department, handling all the logistics coordination so you can focus on your business. We're particularly valuable if you ship irregularly or have complex routing requirements.

A carrier owns trucks and moves freight. A broker arranges transportation using other carriers' capacity. If you call a trucking company directly, you're working with a carrier. If you call a broker, we find the best carrier for your shipment, negotiate rates, and manage the relationship. Brokers offer flexibility—we can arrange one truck or coordinate a nationwide network. Carriers offer direct relationships but typically require minimum volume commitments.

We handle general freight, auto parts, machinery, furniture, retail goods, and most commercial cargo. We also arrange expedited and specialty services: flatbed for machinery or steel, step-deck for equipment, hazmat transport (with licensed carriers), and oversized loads. We don't typically handle perishable food (requires temperature-controlled carriers with additional certification) or certain hazardous materials without advance planning. Tell us what you're shipping and we'll confirm we can handle it.

Freight brokerage includes carrier rates plus our brokerage fee. Carrier rates depend on weight, distance, commodity type, and market demand. Our brokerage fees typically range from $100–$500 per shipment, or we can negotiate commission-based rates for high-volume accounts. We're transparent—you get a quote that shows the carrier rate and our fee separately. Volume accounts and dedicated routing often negotiate better all-in rates.

Yes. Expedited shipping means same-day or overnight delivery, using carriers willing to prioritize your load. Expedited rates are typically 50–100% higher than standard shipping, depending on distance and market conditions. For emergency shipments (parts for a stopped assembly line, last-minute orders), expedited is often worth the premium. We maintain relationships with expedited carriers and can often arrange pickup within hours.

FTL (Full Truckload) means your shipment fills an entire 53-foot trailer (typically 40,000–45,000 lbs). LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) means your shipment shares space with other shipments, paying only for the space you use. FTL is cheaper per pound but requires a full load; typical FTL from Detroit to Chicago runs $800–1,500 all-in. LTL is pricier per pound but flexible for smaller shipments; 2,000 lbs Detroit to Chicago might run $300–500. We advise which option makes sense for your weight and timeline.

We provide real-time tracking for most carriers. You get a tracking number and can see the truck's GPS location, estimated arrival time, and any delivery exceptions. Our WMS (Warehouse Management System) integrates with major carriers' tracking systems. Some smaller carriers provide basic tracking; for those, we call directly for updates. Every customer gets a dedicated contact to reach us with tracking questions or delivery issues.

Yes. We work with specialized carriers for oversized equipment, heavy machinery, and overweight loads. These require permits, pilot cars (in some cases), and careful route planning. Rates are significantly higher than standard shipping. We coordinate permits with state transportation departments and arrange the entire oversized operation. If your machinery exceeds standard trailer dimensions or weight limits, let us know upfront and we'll scope the cost and logistics.

Absolutely. If you have multiple smaller shipments going to the same region, we consolidate them into a single FTL, saving you money per shipment. We can consolidate on our dock or coordinate consolidation with a carrier's consolidation center. This "LTL consolidation" is a cost-saving strategy many shippers use. Let us know your typical shipment frequency and we can design a consolidation strategy.

Carrier cancellations are rare but happen due to mechanical breakdown or driver issues. We immediately book a backup carrier and communicate the new ETA to you. Delays due to weather or traffic happen occasionally. We stay in touch with the driver and provide updates. For time-critical shipments, we recommend expedited carriers or backup arrangements. If a carrier's failure causes real loss to your business, we can discuss liability and recovery options.

Yes, absolutely. We broker shipments nationwide and internationally. Rates and transit times vary significantly by distance and destination. A shipment from Detroit to Chicago is typically 2–3 days and $800–1,500 FTL. A shipment to Los Angeles is 5–6 days and $3,000–4,500 FTL. We negotiate national carrier rates and can handle cross-country consolidation. International ocean and air forwarding is handled through our [Freight Forwarding](/freight-forwarding-detroit) service.

Yes. Our supply chain consultants analyze your shipping patterns and identify savings opportunities: consolidation, route optimization, carrier selection, and volume negotiation. Many customers save 10–25% annually through better brokerage strategies. We also provide insights on your shipment patterns to help you optimize inventory and order timing. The first step is a no-cost logistics review of your current spend.