In the world of transportation and logistics, a freight broker is someone who acts as the middleman between shippers and carriers. Shippers are those who have goods that need to be moved from one place to another, while carriers are the trucking companies and transportation service providers who have the capacity to move them.
Also known as logistics brokers, freight brokers don’t drive trucks or move freight themselves. Instead, they use their network, knowledge, and savvy to manage shipments, negotiate rates, handle paperwork, and ensure that goods move from point A to B as smoothly as possible.
By handling all the logistics of the shipping process, brokers enable shippers and carriers to focus on their core operations. In today’s fast-paced freight industry, they play an essential role in streamlining the supply chain.
The question now is how much do brokers make per load? Here, One Freight Broker will talk about basic broker revenue models, how they get paid, and how much they typically earn.
How Much Do Brokers Make Per Load?
Freight brokers usually earn income using one—or a mix—of these basic models:
Commission-Based
In a commission-based model, freight brokers earn a percentage of the total shipping cost paid by the client. This model is common among brokers who work under a larger brokerage or logistics company. For example, a broker might earn 10 to 30% of the profit from each load they book.
This structure incentivizes brokers to find and negotiate higher-paying loads while building strong relationships with shippers. However, this also means their income may fluctuate depending on market conditions and the broker’s own performance.
Margin-Based
The margin-based model is another common structure used in the freight brokerage industry. Brokers charge the shipper a higher rate than they pay the carrier and keep the difference as their profit. For instance, if the broker charges the shipper $1,800 for a load and pays the carrier $1,500, the broker earns a $300 margin.
This model gives brokers more control over their earnings and encourages smart pricing and negotiation skills. It’s also more transparent for brokers who are managing their own clients independently.
Flat Fee Per Load
Some brokers or logistics platforms operate on a flat-fee model, charging a set amount per load regardless of the shipment cost or distance. For shippers, this structure gives them predictable pricing. For brokers, this can make them more competitive in cost-sensitive markets.
Keep in mind that while this model simplifies billing, it may also limit the broker’s earning potential—especially on high-value or complex shipments. For these specific instances, the flat fee should be adjusted based on specific service tiers or volume.
Subscription or Retainer + Per Load Fee
In this hybrid model, brokers charge clients a recurring monthly fee (subscription or retainer) to access their services, plus a smaller fee for each load they manage. This offers more consistent income and works well for brokers serving high-volume or dedicated clients.
It is also particularly attractive to shippers who want ongoing support, reliable pricing, and access to a dedicated broker. The recurring revenue even benefits brokers as it allows them to scale their business more predictably while building long-term client relationships.
Typical Per‑Load Earnings
With these revenue models in mind, we can now discuss how much freight brokers typically make per load. Most of the time, when people ask this question, they are referring to a per-load markup.
Freight brokers typically earn per load based on a combination of industry-standard margins and the type of freight they’re handling. For standard dry van shipments on regional routes, brokers often bring in $100 to $300 per load. Remember that these are not exact figures and may fluctuate based on numerous factors.
Long-haul domestic interstate shipments tend to generate higher returns, ranging from $300 to $600 or more, depending on distance and market conditions. When handling specialized freight like refrigerated goods, hazardous materials, or oversized loads, the complexity and regulatory requirements allow brokers to command significantly higher margins, often earning $500 to over $1,000 per load.
Similarly, full truckload rail or intermodal conversions usually bring in $400 to $800+ per load. This is because they require added logistics expertise in order to coordinate and time properly.
A commonly referenced benchmark in the industry is a profit margin of 5% to 15% on total load revenue. This means that on a $3,000 load, a broker might expect to earn between $150 and $450 in gross income. These margins can also fluctuate based on market demand, capacity shortages, fuel prices, and seasonality.
While margins might seem slim, the volume of loads handled weekly or monthly can add up to substantial earnings, especially for established brokers with steady shipper clients. The best brokers are the ones who are able to navigate these complex variables and maximize their margins through strong carrier relationships and efficient matching of loads.
Factors That Influence Per‑Load Profits
In the freight industry, each load represents a unique opportunity—and challenge—to generate revenue. But as we mentioned, there are numerous factors that can influence per-load profits. This means profitability for brokers depends on more than just securing a load.
Successful brokers understand how to optimize each variable for maximum return. Here are some of the most important factors that influence how much profit a freight broker can make on each load:
Load Type and Value
Profitability is significantly affected by the nature of the load. High-value or specialized freight typically commands higher rates due to the added risk, complexity, and insurance requirements. Brokers who handle these types of loads often earn better margins. However, you also need specific expertise in order to handle these loads safely and legally.
Geographic Lanes and Demand
The origin and destination of a load can impact how much a broker earns. High-demand lanes, such as those connecting major ports or distribution hubs, tend to have more competition—but also more volume.
On the flip side, lanes in remote or underserved areas might command higher rates because of limited carrier availability. As a broker, you can improve your profit margins by understanding regional supply-and-demand patterns and negotiating better deals.
Broker Experience and Relationships
Seasoned brokers often earn more per load simply because of their industry knowledge and established relationships. Long-term partnerships with reliable carriers and shippers are important because they reduce negotiation time and minimize risks.
Experienced brokers can even spot better opportunities while avoiding pitfalls and securing repeat business.
Market Conditions
Fluctuations in fuel prices, economic trends, seasonal shipping cycles, and capacity constraints all influence freight rates. In tight markets where carrier capacity is low, brokers can charge higher fees. Meanwhile, profit margins may shrink in softer markets unless a broker can offer added value.
Value Add Services
Brokers can often justify higher fees by offering additional services like freight tracking, real-time communication, warehousing, etc. These extras can even make a broker more attractive to shippers, allowing them to stand out from the crowded market.
Brokers who consistently deliver value beyond basic load matching are often able to secure better rates and long-term contracts, ultimately improving their profitability per load.
Tips for Brokers: Maximize Per‑Load Profit
If you want to run a sustainable and competitive operation as a freight broker, One Freight Broker recommends learning how to maximize your per-load profit.
While volume plays a role, the real key to running a successful freight brokerage lies in smart strategy, efficient operations, and strong partnerships. Here are some practical ways to increase your margins on each load while maintaining service quality with clients and carriers alike:
Build Strong Carrier Relationships
Networking is a huge part of running a freight brokerage. This is because a strong network can make or break your margins.
By building long-term relationships, you gain access to better rates, faster booking, and priority service, especially during tight market conditions. Carriers are more likely to offer favorable pricing and prioritize your loads when they know you consistently offer fair and fast payment, reliability, and clear communication.
These partnerships reduce deadhead miles and missed pickups, both of which eat into profits.
Use a Strong TMS and Load Matching Tech
Investing in a powerful transportation management system (TMS) and load matching tools can go a long way in this business. These platforms improve efficiency, cutting down the costs of manual work. They can streamline everything from quoting and dispatch to tracking and billing. They also help match loads with the best available carriers—often within seconds.
A strong TMS can uncover better margin opportunities by analyzing past load data, optimizing routes, and flagging cost-saving trends that can be easily missed.
Leverage Spot vs. Contract Mix
Balancing spot market loads with contract freight helps stabilize profits and reduce risk. Spot loads can offer higher per-load margins during market surges, but they’re also unpredictable. Contract freight provides steadier volume and income but usually at lower margins.
Smart brokers monitor market conditions and adjust their mix accordingly, locking in contracts during weak markets and capitalizing on spot opportunities when demand spikes. This flexibility is crucial for maintaining high overall profitability.
Work with One Freight Broker
At the end of the day, how much a freight broker makes per load depends on a wide number of factors, so there’s no simple answer to this question. It all depends on market conditions, the type of load, and the broker’s network.
Whether you’re aspiring to run a high‑volume brokerage or just curious about the freight industry, understanding the variables helps you appreciate the opportunity—and challenges—that brokers face.
If you are in need of reliable freight transportation services, choose One Freight Broker. We have become the go-to choice for shippers everywhere, thanks to our unique and inclusive approach that allows them to build direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with reliable trucking allies.
We pass on high volume discounts to our shipping partners by reducing their dependence on intermediaries. In fact, since our founding in 2013, we have significantly reduced shipping costs for clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings.
In addition to this, we are also known for our wide service range, technology-driven solutions, and exceptional customer service.
One Freight Broker offers LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and even expedited shipping options, covering everything you need. Our dedicated team will ensure smooth shipping operations, providing personalized support and an assigned account manager to guide you through best shipping practices.
At One Freight Broker, we’re committed to providing tailored logistics solutions that align with your shipping costs and needs, whether you’re navigating domestic shipments or exploring international logistics. Our deep industry knowledge and network of reliable carriers ensure your freight is in expert hands. Let us help you streamline your logistics for maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
