# Independent Freight Brokerage

*Last updated: 2026-06-24*

> When a shipper needs to move cargo, an independent freight broker sources available carrier capacity, negotiates rates, and confirms the booking – all without owning any transport assets.

When a shipper needs to move cargo, an independent freight broker sources available carrier capacity, negotiates rates, and confirms the booking – all without owning any transport assets. As a non-asset-based intermediary, the broker coordinates documentation, customs clearance, and shipment tracking on the shipper's behalf. Revenue comes from the margin between the carrier rate secured and the rate invoiced to the client, plus fees for ancillary services. The key distinction from a freight forwarder lies in contractual scope: brokers match loads to carriers without assuming principal liability, whereas forwarders issue their own transport documents and are directly liable to the shipper. In the United States, freight brokers must hold a licence from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA); comparable licensing requirements apply in other jurisdictions.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_broker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_broker)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Independent Freight Brokerage |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 126 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-24 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freight_broker |

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