Many shippers use the terms freight broker and carrier interchangeably, but the two serve very different roles in freight transportation. Understanding the difference helps companies choose the right partners and avoid confusion when managing shipments.
Buchanan Logistics, Inc. operates as a logistics brokerage, not a trucking carrier. Its role is to coordinate freight transportation rather than physically move freight with company-owned trucks.
What a Carrier Does
A carrier owns or operates trucks and trailers that physically transport freight from origin to destination. Carriers are responsible for:
- Providing drivers and equipment
- Executing pickups and deliveries
- Maintaining compliance and safety standards
- Operating within specific lanes or regions
Carriers are essential to freight movement, but their scope is limited to their own equipment and capacity.
What a Freight Broker Does
A freight broker acts as the coordinator between shippers and carriers. Rather than owning trucks, a logistics brokerage manages the transportation process using a network of qualified carriers.
A freight broker is responsible for:
- Matching shipments with appropriate carriers
- Coordinating pickup and delivery details
- Monitoring freight in transit
- Communicating with all parties involved
- Adjusting plans when conditions change
This role allows shippers to access broader capacity through a single point of contact.
Why Shippers Work With Logistics Brokerages
Shippers often choose a logistics brokerage when flexibility and scalability are important. Instead of managing multiple carrier relationships, shippers rely on a broker to handle coordination.
Buchanan Logistics provides:
- Truckload freight brokerage across multiple lanes
- Access to carriers suited for each shipment
- Consistent communication throughout transit
- Support when issues arise
Details on freight services can be found at https://www.buchananlogistics.com/freight-capabilities
When a Brokerage Makes More Sense Than a Carrier
A logistics brokerage is especially valuable when:
- Shipping volumes fluctuate
- Freight moves across multiple regions
- Specialized equipment is occasionally required
- Internal logistics resources are limited
In these situations, a brokerage provides adaptability without long-term commitments.
A Clear and Accountable Approach
Buchanan Logistics emphasizes transparency and accountability in every shipment it coordinates. Shippers know who is managing their freight and how issues will be addressed.
This approach is part of the Buchanan Advantage, outlined at https://www.buchananlogistics.com/the-buchanan-advantage
Choosing the Right Freight Partner
Understanding the difference between a carrier and a freight broker helps shippers make informed decisions. For companies seeking coordination, visibility, and reliability, a logistics brokerage provides a practical solution.
Check out our company overview ebrochure: Buchanan Logistics Digital Brochure
