Carrier vs broker
A carrier physically transports freight with its own equipment; a broker arranges transportation between shippers and carriers without hauling it.
A motor carrier owns or operates the equipment that physically moves freight. A freight broker is an intermediary that arranges shipments between shippers and carriers but does not transport the goods itself — it holds broker authority, not carrier authority.
The distinction matters for insurance, liability and targeting. Fraktix's directory is carriers; the authority type on a profile distinguishes for-hire carriers from broker authority.
Related terms
Operating authority
FMCSA permission that defines what kind of freight or passengers a carrier may transport for hire — common, contract or broker authority.
MC number
An FMCSA 'motor carrier' operating-authority number that shows a carrier is authorized to haul regulated freight for hire across state lines.