Broker
A company or person arranging freight between shippers and authorized carriers.
Written and reviewed by LaneMath Editorial Team. Updated 2026-06-08. LaneMath pages are maintained as practical carrier education using public references, example-only math, and internal editorial review.
Carrier note
Use this term in context with the rate confirmation, broker communication, facility instructions, and billing paperwork. A short definition is useful, but the written load terms control the actual freight decision.
Carrier example
A carrier receives a load offer from a freight broker who has a shipper needing dry van service from Dallas to Memphis. The broker is arranging the transaction — they do not own the freight and are not the shipper.
Common mistake
Treating a broker's phone description of the load as the binding agreement — the rate confirmation is the actual written record, and any discrepancy between the call and the document should be corrected before dispatch.
Paperwork note
Keep the broker name, MC number, and contact information with the rate confirmation so any billing or authority question can be traced to the registered party.
References and methodology
- Broker Registration - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Used as a public reference for broker basics.
- Industry terminology and editorial explanation - LaneMath Editorial Desk. Editorial explanations are not official guidance, legal advice, or market data.