Freight Matching
Freight matching is how shippers connect with major trucking companies. Learn how FreightCenter’s free quote tool acts as a freight matching tool and how it helps make booking freight shipping easier.
Freight Matching
Freight matching is the process of connecting brokers and shippers with ideal carriers and drivers for shipments.
Today, brokers and shippers utilize modern technology to optimize matches between shippers and carriers. While this makes finding the right carrier for your shipping needs easier, it has also added some competition in the freight brokerage world from freight-matching companies, which are capitalizing on AI and machine learning technology to automate the brokerage process.
How is freight matching evolving in modern times, and how does FreightCenter match shippers and carriers? Let’s take a look at what’s so special about freight matching and how FreightCenter does it.
We provide competitive freight shipping prices and an all-inclusive, easy-to-use shipping experience for our customers. Exceeding our customers’ expectations results in thousands of satisfied customer reviews and repeat business. We believe in the power of our customer relationships. Check out FreightCenter reviews from real customers, and learn what they have to say about their freight shipping experience!
- 2021, 2017 & 2016 Food Logistics’ Top Green Providers
- 2021 & 2018 Supply & Demand Chain Executives’ Pros to Know: Matthew Brosious
- 2020 & 2019 Top Food Logistics’ 3PL & Cold Storage Provider Award
- 2020 & 2019 Business Observer’s Top 500 Companies on the Gulf Coast
- 2020 & 2017 SmartWay® Transport Partner
- 2020 & 2017 Food Logistics’ Champions: Rock Stars of the Supply Chain
- 2020 Best of Palm Harbor Awards for Local Businesses
- 2017 Green Supply Chain Award from Supply & Demand Chain Executive
- 2017 Tampa Bay Business Journal Heroes at Work
- 2016, 2015, & 2012 Food Logistics Top 100 Software and Technology Providers
- 2013 Tampa Bay Business 100 by Tampa Bay Business Journal
- 2013 Top 100 Great Supply Chain Partners by SupplyChainBrain
- 2012 TIA Samaritan Award Honorable Mention
- 2012, 2011 & 2010 TBBJ Fast 50 Recipient
- 2013, 2011, & 2010 Diversity Business Top Businesses
Why Choose FreightCenter for Freight Matching?
Expertise in Freight Shipping: With over 25 years in the logistics industry, FreightCenter is dedicated to guiding you through the entire logistics process, from beginning to end. Our goal is to make freight shipping easy to understand and book. Don’t waste time researching and receiving quotes from individual carriers- FreightCenter’s got your back!
Competitive Rates with Tailored Solutions: We prioritize high-quality customer service without breaking your wallet. We utilize our relationships with regional and national carriers to offer you competitive, affordable rates while providing personalized solutions to your needs. Need a liftgate? We got you! Want to expedite your order? Leave it to us! We’re ready to provide tailored solutions that don’t compromise your freight shipment.
Personalized Customer Support: FreightCenter is committed to satisfying our customers. Our friendly customer support team is here to help you every step of the way, from initial inquiries to post-shipment concerns. We handle all aspects of logistics, including tracking, paperwork, and communication with carriers, so you can focus on your business while we manage your shipment. Choose us for our reliable service and affordable quotes!
Who Uses Freight Matching?
Technically speaking, everyone who arranges freight transportation for shippers employs some form of freight matching. Freight brokering acts as an intermediary between people and businesses in the logistics industry, so it makes sense that they would utilize freight matching to find carriers for their shippers.
However, this concept has existed since the beginning of truck driving. Before computers, bulletin boards were placed at strategic points advertising loads for truck drivers to pick up, like at truck stops. Brokers also had offices at or near truck stops for drivers to ask about available loads. Drivers would also use old pay phones to call brokers or carrier offices. This eventually transitioned into brokers using fax machines to send carrier load opportunities.
Nowadays, technology has enhanced freight matching to become even more user-friendly. Shippers and brokers can now post loads on websites like load boards, where carriers and drivers can view and bid on the loads they desire in real-time. Load boards also allow carriers to filter loads based on their preferences, such as:
- Location
- Cargo Type
- Routes
- Equipment needed
- Rates
Load boards are a type of matching model called digital freight matching (DFM). DFM platforms contain digital algorithms that pair shippers and carriers. Filters and saved preferences narrow the list to a specific number of ideal loads that carriers can view and negotiate with.
This has led to a new type of freight brokerage/3PL. These “digital freight matchers” prioritize automation in their approach to freight matching. They rely on AI and machine learning on their platforms (usually freight marketplaces) to make matches and manage freight, eliminating the need for human interactions between shippers and carriers during transactions.
However, these 3PLs are less people-focused than traditional brokerages. Their platforms can be used for everything from picking loads to filling out paperwork without any human interactions. While seasoned veterans may appreciate a DFM’s streamlined booking process, first-time shippers looking for guidance in booking freight shipments may be disadvantaged.
To create value for our customers by delivering customized shipping solutions that meet their unique needs and to fulfill shipping demands from simple to complex with expertise, guidance and ingenuity.
Trust the experts at FreightCenter to give you the best prices and the most comprehensive options for all your LTL freight shipping needs.
We deliver optimized solutions for full or partial truckloads and competitive dry van, flatbed, and refrigerated freight pricing. We can cover your full truckload shipping needs.
Nationwide Expedited Trucking services move your freight securely and rapidly. Your freight requires fast delivery; our freight shipping experts can get your shipment fast, whether in one large box or a full truckload.
The most reliable Specialized Freight Services rates from all the top carriers are just a few steps away. From white glove service to international shipping, we've got you covered.
FreightCenter’s Version of Freight Matching
When FreightCenter was established in 1998, our key goal was to make the shipping experience more accessible for customers. We incorporated a DFM platform on our website through our free online quote tool to achieve this objective, leveraging technology to enhance the shipping process.
The freight quote tool allows prospective shippers to get an initial rate on their shipment without committing. All you have to do is plug in basic information about your shipment and its pickup/delivery locations, such as:
- Whether you’ll be using LTL or FTL shipping
- The shipment’s dimensions and weight
- Your shipment’s freight class (it’s okay if you don’t know this; just put down “I don’t know” or use our Freight Class Calculator if you wish to figure it out on your own)
- Pickup and delivery zip codes
- Extra information like whether you need a lift gate, if the addresses are residential or limited access areas, and if your freight contains hazardous materials
After submitting your information (and making an account with FreightCenter), you’ll be shown a list of carriers and their initial rates for your shipment. These rates aren’t entirely accurate, as other circumstances with your shipment may alter the rate. However, they will give you an overview of carriers that could become your match. We’ll then call you for more information about your shipment and provide new, accurate quotes that you can choose from.
If you decide FreightCenter is the right 3PL provider for your shipment, we’ll handle the rest of the booking! We’ll file the paperwork, add your shipment to our preferred load boards like DAT and Truckstop if it’s an FTL shipment, and communicate with your chosen carrier. You’ll also be able to track your shipment and ask us additional questions or concerns about post-shipment issues.
Guaranteed competitive pricing every time you ship.
FreightCenter Does Freight Matching Right
As a 3PL, FreightCenter’s duty is to help customers weed through the complexities of the logistics world to find carriers for their shipments. While technology streamlines the process, it’s not the main focus of our business.
We prioritize developing a relationship with our customers by guaranteeing excellent service and friendly customer support from beginning to end. We don’t let our tech do all the talking: we rely on our shipping knowledge from our 25+ years in logistics. Finding the perfect carrier for your next shipment can be challenging, so leave it to the shipping experts to do it right.
Call us at (800) 716-7608 or try our free online quote tool to start matching with carriers today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Freight Matching
Q. What is freight matching?
Freight matching is the process of partnering brokers and shippers with carriers and drivers to deliver their freight. This can refer to either a corporation specializing in freight matches, like a freight brokerage or 3PL provider, or a system designed to pair shippers with carriers, like a load board.
Q. Are load boards a type of freight matching?
Yes, they are! Load boards are a digital platform where shippers can post information about their loads, which carriers can bid on. They use algorithms to find ideal loads for carriers based on preexisting criteria while offering other features like shipment tracking and message boards for carriers and shippers to communicate with one another.
Q. What are the benefits of using a freight matching service?
Freight matching, whether physical or digital, accelerates the connection between shippers and carriers. Freight matching places, especially brokers utilizing DFMs, make finding loads more manageable and accessible to drivers with specific load preferences. They also simplify the booking process, leaving the complicated tasks to either a freight broker and carrier or the system itself.
Q. Can amateur shippers use a freight matching service?
If you plan on using a 3PL (like FreightCenter) to handle your shipping, you already have! FreightCenter uses online quote tools to give you initial rates that carriers would charge you based on the information you provide, which can help you make informed decisions about your shipment. We’ll then call you to learn more about your shipment and give you more accurate rates.
If you were debating on going with a newer 3PL that has an advanced DFM system, remember that these companies prioritize their technologies, like AI and machine learning, over human interactions that could blossom into long-term relationships with their customers for a better shipping experience in the future.
3 Advantages of Using FreightCenter for Freight Matching
25+ Years of Service
We have over 25 years of experience, as evidenced by our extensive network of professional carriers. Our knowledgeable team of shipping experts is ready to help you optimize your small business for the intricate world of logistics.
Customizable Shipping Options
Need a liftgate? No problem! Need to ship your products quickly? We've got you covered! Our FreightCenter agents can offer you tailored solutions for your specific shipping needs, no matter what kind of small business you are.
Friendly Customer Support
Our customer support team has the answers to many of your shipping questions and concerns. We’re here to help you through every step of the shipping process, from initial inquiries to post-shipment issues.
