The freight market moves fast — and nowhere is that more evident than in full truckload (FTL) shipping. Truckload brokers operate on the front lines of supply chain volatility, often balancing customer expectations, volatile spot rates, and a constantly shifting capacity landscape. When volume surges or network gaps appear, even the best truckload brokers need support.
Enter co-brokerage — a strategic solution that allows brokers to scale capacity, serve shippers better, and mitigate risk without overextending their own internal operations.
At Freight SideKick, we partner with truckload brokers across North America to help them move more freight, more reliably, and with full transparency. Here’s how strategic co-brokerage can transform your truckload operations.
What is Co-Brokerage?
Co-brokerage is a legally recognized agreement between two FMCSA-authorized freight brokers to jointly coordinate a shipment. It’s used when:
- A broker needs help sourcing carrier capacity
- A load type or lane falls outside their core strengths
- A spike in volume overwhelms internal coverage capabilities
The key is transparency and compliance:
- The originating broker (Broker A) maintains the customer relationship.
- The co-broker (Broker B) brings the capacity, carrier relationships, and dispatch support.
Both parties operate under a co-brokerage agreement, and all communication and documentation is clear.
Why Truckload Brokers Need Co-Brokerage
Even the best truckload brokerages hit constraints:
- Market Surges: Spot markets can tighten with little warning
- New Shipper Awards: Winning new accounts may outpace your carrier network
- Geographic Gaps: Regional brokers may lack national reach
- Carrier Shortfalls: Existing carriers may decline a load or fall off unexpectedly
Rather than risking customer service or scrambling last-minute, brokers use co-brokerage to fill gaps quickly and legally.
Co-Brokerage vs. Double Brokering
There’s often confusion between legal co-brokerage and illegal double brokering—especially in fast-moving truckload freight. Here’s the difference:
| Practice | Legal? | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Co-Brokerage | ✅ Yes | Two licensed brokers working transparently, with shipper and carrier informed |
| Double Brokering | ❌ No | A carrier or unauthorized party reassigns the load without disclosure |
As long as everyone knows who is involved — and who the actual carrier is — co-brokerage is fully compliant with FMCSA regulations.
When Should a Truckload Broker Use a Co-Broker?
- During high-volume periods when your internal team can’t keep up
- For new shippers or RFP wins requiring sudden scale
- To fill regional or modal gaps (e.g., flatbed, reefer, LTL)
- When you need a fallback for last-minute capacity
What Makes a Good Co-Broker Partner?
- FMCSA-authorized and properly insured
- Deep carrier network across relevant modes and regions
- Transparent, tech-enabled quoting and dispatch
- Willing to sign and operate under a formal co-brokerage agreement
Why Truckload Brokers Choose Freight SideKick
At Freight SideKick, we help truckload brokers scale faster and smarter:
- Fast coverage with access to vetted FTL carriers
- Technology-enabled quotes and booking tools
- Experience across reefer, dry van, flatbed, and specialized modes
- Co-brokerage transparency and documentation
- Responsive support and white-label flexibility
We empower you to focus on the customer while we help execute — seamlessly.
Expand Your Truckload Coverage with Confidence
If you're a truckload broker looking to scale without compromising compliance or service, co-brokerage is a good strategic move. With the right partner, you can stay agile, win more freight, and keep customers happy.
Visit our Co-Brokerage Page to request a co-brokerage agreement and start expanding your capacity today.
