LinkLane vs. traditional freight brokers
LinkLane is a freight broker like any other in what it does: it finds and books a carrier for your shipment.
The difference is in how fast you get a price and what happens next: an instant LTL rate or a truckload quote in under a minute, then booking and tracking in one portal.
How does LinkLane compare with Traditional brokers?
| LinkLane | Traditional brokers | |
|---|---|---|
| How quotes are priced | Benchmarked against real-time market rates for the lane, the equipment and the date. | Varies by broker; often set by a rep after checking with carriers. |
| How fast you get a quote | LTL: instantly online. Truckload: under a minute by email to quotes@linklane.ai. | Usually by phone or email, after the broker checks with carriers. |
| Tracking | Live, door to door, at app.linklane.ai/track. | Varies by broker; often updates by phone or email. |
| Modes | Full truckload, LTL and expedited. | Varies by broker. |
| Licensing | FMCSA-licensed property broker (USDOT 9273761, MC-52780633). | A U.S. broker arranging interstate freight needs FMCSA broker authority too. |
Facts about Traditional brokers come from the public sources listed at the end of this page.
What should I know about Traditional brokers?
Whatever broker you use, federal rules require it to keep a record of each shipment it arranges, including the compensation it received, and each party to the shipment has a right to review that record (49 CFR § 371.3).
When is a traditional broker the better fit?
- You want one dedicated rep who already knows your freight, your docks and your customers, and you value that relationship over quote speed.
- You need ocean freight, customs or other international services. LinkLane is a U.S. property broker, not an NVOCC or ocean forwarder.
Frequently asked questions
Is LinkLane a freight broker or a carrier?
A freight broker. LinkLane doesn't own trucks; it books a vetted carrier for your shipment and tracks it until delivery.
How is a LinkLane quote different from a traditional broker's?
A LinkLane quote is benchmarked against real-time market rates for the lane and comes back in seconds online, or in under a minute by email. You then book and track the shipment in the same portal.
Can I see what a broker earned on my shipment?
Under 49 CFR § 371.3, each party to a brokered shipment has a right to review the broker's record of that transaction, which includes the broker's compensation.
Do I still talk to a person at LinkLane?
Yes. You can email quotes@linklane.ai in any format, or use the contact options on linklane.ai.
Sources
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