Freight Brokerage as a Strategic Advantage in 2026
Trucking and logistics leaders need to maintain consistent service levels while managing costs and reducing risk, which can be a challenge in a volatile freight market. Freight brokerage can be used as a strategic advantage, helping fleets and shippers remain agile and respond to fluctuations in capacity demands and shipping needs.
Dynamic Capacity: Brokers offer instant access to a vast network of vetted carriers to fill short-term or unexpected gaps in a shipper’s capacity. Penske, for example, has an expansive network of preferred DOT-authorized for-hire carriers and private fleets under contract. This aggregated capacity provides flexibility during volatile market conditions or transitions.
Expanded Geographic Coverage: Brokers help shippers fill network gaps and find capacity in underserved or new lanes. For asset-based carriers, partnering with a brokerage can allow them to serve more lanes or bid on more contracts.
Backhaul Optimization: Empty miles reduce profitability. Brokers can help carriers and shippers find backhauls in real time, reducing deadheads, boosting asset productivity and helping to control costs.
Increased Resilience: In the face of supply chain disruptions such as a rejected load, labor strikes or weather events, brokers can provide alternative options to keep freight moving, increasing operational resilience.
Real-Time Visibility: Visibility is essential in the supply chain, and technology enables real-time tracking of shipments and load monitoring. Real-time data transmission removes manual processes involved with shipment updates, pickups, deliveries and proof-of-delivery documentation, improving communication, saving time and reducing human error risk.
Market Intelligence: Brokers often have real-time insights into lane availability, rate fluctuations and regional capacity constraints. Shippers can use this data to guide procurement strategies, plan their budgets and optimize their networks.
Surge Capacity: Shippers face sudden spikes in demand from new releases/hot ticket items to seasonality or unexpected volume surges. Penske positions brokers to deliver capacity to scale, which supports sales and operational continuity.
Building in Flexibility
When used strategically, freight brokerage can ensure more resilient, agile and competitive operations that are prepared to meet shifting needs. Penske freight brokerage has access to reliable truckload capacity within our fleet and through our highly qualified nationwide and global network of for-hire carriers.