Shipper
A shipper is a company or individual that has goods to be transported and contracts with a carrier or freight broker to move their freight. Shippers are the source of all freight in the supply chain.
In Depth
Shippers range from individual consumers (parcel shipping) to Fortune 500 manufacturers moving thousands of truckloads per month. Working directly with shippers (without a broker) maximizes carrier revenue but requires sales effort to establish relationships.
Usage Example
Example: 'I landed a direct contract with a shipper — no broker. They pay $2.90/mile and I run 3 loads/week for them.'
Related Terms
Broker
A freight broker is a licensed intermediary that connects shippers who need to move freight with carriers who have available capacity. Brokers earn a commission (the spread between what shippers pay and what carriers receive).
Carrier
In trucking, a carrier is the licensed motor carrier (company or owner-operator) that physically transports freight using its own equipment under its own DOT/MC authority.
Rate Confirmation
A rate confirmation (rate con) is a document issued by a broker to a carrier that outlines the terms of a load: pickup and delivery locations, freight description, rate, accessorial rates (detention, TONU), and payment terms.
Bill of Lading (BOL)
A Bill of Lading (BOL or B/L) is a legal document issued by a carrier to a shipper that serves as a receipt for cargo, a contract of carriage, and a document of title. The BOL must accompany every shipment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to work directly with shippers?
Direct shipper relationships pay more per mile than broker loads, but require sales effort and consistent capacity commitment.