Seamless freight journeys start here
Getting your products where they need to be shouldn't be a gamble, even when the transportation market is unpredictable. At C.H. Robinson, our freight brokerage services can bring clarity and control to your strategy.
Freight brokerage options for every need
Air
Wherever you ship, explore our available air services at major hubs around the world.
LTL
Get competitive pricing across North America from our less than truckload (LTL) experts.
Ocean
Access more capacity and competitive rates through our major ocean shipping alliances.
Truckload
Choose from thousands of qualified truckload contract carriers across North America.
Take your freight brokerage to the next level
Consolidation
Apply the right consolidation services for your weekly freight mix to improve performance.
Customs
Clear customs quickly with in-house, licensed brokers who understand how to minimize risks.
LCL
Keep your freight moving on schedule—and budget—even if it doesn’t fill an entire container.
What sets C.H. Robinson freight brokerage services apart
Unmatched Expertise
Our team combines market analysis, logistics optimization, and proactive problem-solving to keep your freight moving—on schedule and on budget.
Unrivaled Scale
Access the right capacity for your freight, exactly when and where you need, with our vast network of over 450,000 contract carriers around the world.
Tailored Solutions
A one-size-fits-all approach just won’t cut it in logistics. We take the time to evaluate, understand, and tailor freight solutions specifically for your business.
Unlock the potential of international shipments
Looking to streamline global shipping? Make C.H. Robinson your go-to for cross-border logistics. With our experts managing over 2 million cross-border shipments every year, put our experience and local support to work for you.
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“C.H. Robinson provides real value. They provide value in their initiatives and their collaboration with us, as well as in their ongoing efforts to drive down costs.”
Critical logistics insights, explored
Stay proactive with our freight market updates. These timely insights on transportation trends have everything you need to stay ahead of the curve. Armed with the latest information, you’ll be ready to make smart, informed decisions to control costs and tackle supply chain disruptions before they impact your business.
Freight brokerage frequently asked questions
Q: What is a freight brokerage service?
A freight brokerage service connects shippers with carriers, arranging transportation without owning trucks or warehouses. Brokers coordinate all types of shipments—including truckload, LTL, and international air or ocean freight—using networks of contract carriers to secure shipping capacity efficiently.
For example, C.H. Robinson’s freight brokerage services leverage a vast network of over 450,000 contract carriers to secure capacity for shippers, ensuring goods are moved efficiently even in volatile markets.
Q: How much does a freight broker charge?
Freight brokers typically charge for their services by adding a commission or margin on top of the carrier’s rate for a shipment. The exact percentage can vary depending on the broker and the situation: factors like market demand, shipment complexity, and service level can influence the broker’s markup.
Ultimately, the broker’s charge is built into the freight rate the shipper pays, in exchange for the value they provide in arranging and managing the shipment.
Q: How hard is freight brokering?
Freight brokering is tough, with high competition and slim margins. Only one in three new brokerages lasts beyond two years. Success requires persistence, knowledge of the industry, and strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
Given these challenges, partnering with an experienced and dependable freight brokerage, such as C.H. Robinson, can make a significant difference. Established partners bring stability, trusted carrier relationships, and consistent support that help shippers and brokers navigate a highly competitive market more effectively.
Q: Who is the biggest freight broker?
C.H. Robinson is the biggest provider of freight brokerage services in the industry today. It consistently ranks as the #1 freight brokerage company by size, managing 37 million shipments annually and a network of over 450,000 contract carriers worldwide.
This scale far surpasses other brokers, making C.H. Robinson the largest freight broker in North America (and one of the largest globally).
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