Frequently Asked Questions

CarrierLinq uses geo-matching technology to automatically connect 3PLs with qualified motor carriers based on service area, equipment type, and capabilities. When you post a delivery opportunity with a location and service requirements, our platform instantly identifies carriers whose coverage area overlaps with your delivery zone and who have the right trucks and skills for the job. This replaces the traditional process of cold-calling carriers and searching directories, reducing sourcing time from weeks to minutes.

CarrierLinq supports sourcing for all major last-mile delivery service types, including threshold delivery, white glove delivery with room-of-choice placement and assembly, appliance installation (both basic hookup and complex gas or electrical connections), electronics installation, and flatbed local delivery for oversized items. Carriers on the platform specify their exact capabilities, so you can filter results to find partners qualified for your specific service requirements.

You can also filter by truck type — box trucks, flatbeds, Sprinter vans, cargo vans, straight trucks, and more — and by specialized equipment like liftgates and Moffett forklifts.

Every carrier on CarrierLinq goes through a multi-step verification process. When a carrier registers with their USDOT number, we automatically query the FMCSA database to verify their operating authority status, insurance filing, safety record, and company details. This data is displayed on the carrier's profile so you can review it before engaging.

We check that the carrier's operating authority is active, their required insurance is on file with the FMCSA, and their safety record meets baseline standards. This automated verification runs against authoritative federal data, providing a more reliable foundation than self-reported information alone.

Yes. You can create delivery opportunities in as many markets as you need, and each opportunity will independently match with carriers whose service areas cover that location. This is particularly valuable for 3PLs launching nationwide delivery programs or expanding into new markets. Each opportunity specifies its own location, service requirements, and equipment needs, so you receive targeted carrier matches for every market.

There is no limit to the number of active opportunities you can maintain on the platform, making it easy to scale your carrier sourcing as your delivery network grows.

Once you post a delivery opportunity with a location and service requirements, CarrierLinq's geo-matching surfaces carriers whose coverage overlaps that area right away. In markets with an established carrier presence, you can often begin reviewing matched profiles and interest responses the same day instead of spending weeks on manual outreach.

Coverage density varies by metro. If a new market has fewer registered carriers, posting the opportunity still helps attract operators who browse open work, and you can refine equipment or capability filters as responses come in.

If few or no carriers currently match your opportunity, keep the listing active — carriers searching for work in that ZIP or metro can still find it and express interest as they join or expand their profiles. You can also broaden your service radius, adjust equipment requirements, or post related opportunities in nearby metros that feed the same delivery corridor.

CarrierLinq is growing nationwide; posting clear, accurate opportunities in underserved markets is one of the best ways to attract local capacity over time.

Yes. When carriers register with a USDOT number, CarrierLinq pulls verification data from FMCSA sources and displays relevant status information on the carrier profile, including operating authority and insurance filing indicators used in our verification checks. This gives you a faster starting point than piecing together records from scratch.

We still recommend confirming critical details in the FMCSA SAFER system and reviewing certificates of insurance directly before you contract, since federal filings can change between platform refresh cycles.

CarrierLinq is a discovery and matching platform — rates are negotiated directly between you and each carrier, not set by the platform. Use matched carrier profiles to compare equipment, crew size, service capabilities, and coverage, then discuss pricing offline based on your stop profile, service level, and accessorial needs.

When comparing quotes, model total cost including accessorials such as stairs, long carries, wait time, and redeliveries. The lowest base rate is not always the most economical once service failures and claims are factored in.

Getting started takes just a few minutes. Sign up with your business email, then complete your carrier profile by entering your USDOT number, MC number (if applicable), service area ZIP codes and radii, truck types, crew sizes, and delivery capabilities. Our system automatically verifies your FMCSA credentials and displays your verification status on your profile.

Once your profile is complete, you will start appearing in search results when 3PLs post opportunities that match your service area and capabilities. You can also browse open opportunities and express interest in the ones that fit your operation.

A USDOT number is required for all carriers on CarrierLinq. An MC number (Motor Carrier operating authority) is strongly recommended and is required if you transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. Many 3PLs on the platform require their carrier partners to have active MC authority as part of their qualification criteria.

If you operate exclusively within a single state (intrastate only), you may not need an MC number under federal law, but you should verify your state's specific requirements. Carriers with both a USDOT number and active MC authority have access to the widest range of opportunities on the platform.

When you set up your carrier profile, you specify one or more service locations, each with a base ZIP code and a service radius in miles. Our system converts each ZIP code to geographic coordinates and creates a coverage area based on your specified radius. When a 3PL posts an opportunity, the platform calculates the distance between the opportunity location and your service area centers, surfacing your profile if the opportunity falls within your coverage.

You can define multiple service locations if you operate from more than one base, and each location can have different truck types and capabilities. This allows you to accurately represent your operation even if you have different equipment stationed in different areas.

CarrierLinq is designed for carriers of all sizes, from single-truck owner-operators to mid-size fleets with 50 or more vehicles. Our geo-matching system evaluates carriers based on service area coverage, equipment capabilities, and verified credentials — not fleet size. A one-truck operation with the right equipment in the right location is just as visible to 3PLs as a larger fleet.

In fact, many 3PLs specifically seek smaller, local carriers for last-mile delivery because they offer personalized service, local market knowledge, and operational flexibility that larger fleets sometimes cannot match.

Requirements depend on the opportunities you pursue. Many last-mile programs need box trucks or cargo vans with two-person crews; white glove and appliance work often require blankets, straps, dollies, and sometimes a liftgate. List every truck type and capability you actually have — including Sprinter vans, flatbeds, Moffett forklifts, or installation skills — so matches stay accurate.

You do not need a large fleet to get started. A single well-equipped truck with a complete, verified profile can compete for local opportunities that fit your service area.

FMCSA verification typically runs automatically when you submit a valid USDOT number during profile setup. In most cases, status appears on your profile within minutes once the lookup succeeds. If the federal data is incomplete, temporarily unavailable, or your number does not match expected records, verification may take longer or require you to correct profile details and retry.

Keep your USDOT information current with the FMCSA so platform checks reflect an active, accurate record when 3PLs review your profile.

Yes. You can define multiple service locations on your profile, each with its own base ZIP code and radius. This is useful if you stage equipment in more than one city or regularly serve adjacent metros from a central yard. Each location can be associated with the truck types and capabilities available there.

Accurate multi-metro profiles help you appear in the right opportunity matches without overstating coverage in markets you cannot reliably serve.

When you find an open opportunity that fits your equipment and service area, you can express interest through the platform. That signals to the posting 3PL that you are available and interested so they can review your profile and follow up. Expressing interest does not create a binding contract — commercial terms are still negotiated directly between you and the 3PL.

Responding with a complete, accurate profile and a clear fit for the stated requirements gives you the best chance of being contacted for next steps.

Complete every section of your carrier profile: USDOT and MC numbers, service areas, truck types, crew sizes, and delivery capabilities. Verified credentials and specific capabilities (for example, appliance installation or liftgate service) make you more likely to match filtered searches. Keep service radii realistic so 3PLs trust that you can cover the stops you claim.

Also browse and express interest in open opportunities in your markets. Active carriers who respond thoughtfully tend to stand out compared with incomplete profiles that never engage.

CarrierLinq is free to join for both 3PLs and carriers. Creating an account, building your profile, and browsing the platform costs nothing. Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for 3PLs and carriers to discover each other and begin working together.

As the platform evolves, we may introduce premium features for power users, but the core functionality of posting opportunities, discovering carriers through geo-matching, and expressing interest will remain accessible to all registered users.

CarrierLinq is a discovery and matching platform, not a payment processor. We connect 3PLs with qualified carriers, but the commercial terms — including rates, payment schedules, and invoicing — are negotiated directly between the parties. This gives both sides full control over their business relationships and avoids the fees and constraints that come with intermediated payment systems.

We recommend that 3PLs and carriers formalize their agreements with written contracts that specify rates, payment terms, service level expectations, and dispute resolution procedures before beginning delivery operations.

CarrierLinq covers the entire United States. Our geo-matching system works with any valid US ZIP code, so carriers and 3PLs in every state and metropolitan area can use the platform. Coverage density varies by region — major metros like Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Houston have the highest concentration of registered carriers, but the platform is available nationwide.

As our carrier network grows, coverage in smaller markets and rural areas continues to improve. If you are a 3PL looking for carriers in a specific area and do not see enough options, posting an opportunity in that market helps attract carriers who may not yet be registered on the platform.

Traditional load boards are designed for long-haul and LTL freight, where the primary matching criteria are origin, destination, and equipment type. CarrierLinq is purpose-built for last-mile delivery, where the matching criteria are fundamentally different: service area coverage, delivery capabilities (white glove, installation, threshold), crew size, and specialized equipment.

Unlike load boards that focus on individual loads, CarrierLinq helps 3PLs find carriers for ongoing delivery programs. The platform's FMCSA verification, capability-based filtering, and geo-matching technology are specifically designed for the last-mile use case, making it far more effective than repurposing a tool built for a different segment of the freight industry.

CarrierLinq is a web application designed to work in modern mobile and desktop browsers. There is no separate native iOS or Android app today. You can sign in, manage your profile, browse opportunities, and express interest from a phone or tablet using the responsive website.

If native mobile apps become available later, we will announce them to registered users. Until then, bookmark the site on your device for quick access in the field.

CarrierLinq does not currently offer direct TMS integrations. Today the platform focuses on discovery, geo-matching, credential verification, and interest workflows in the web app. Commercial terms and operational execution after you connect remain between the 3PL and carrier, often inside each party's existing TMS or dispatch tools.

TMS and API integrations are on our longer-term product roadmap. If integration is critical for your operation, contact the CarrierLinq team so we can learn about your stack and priorities.

There is no published cap on the number of active opportunities a 3PL can maintain, and carriers may express interest in the opportunities that fit their operation. We expect users to engage in good faith — posting accurate requirements and responding only to work they can realistically perform.

If we detect spam, misuse, or abusive volume that harms other users, we may contact the account holder or restrict access. Fair use keeps matching useful for everyone on the platform.

Carrier profiles and opportunity details are intended for registered platform users participating in matching, not for open public web indexes of your full business data. 3PLs use carrier profiles to evaluate fit when opportunities match, and carriers browse opportunities posted by 3PLs.

Do not put secrets or sensitive contract terms in profile fields. Share pricing, insurance certificates, and detailed operating procedures through your normal business channels once you decide to engage.

Core CarrierLinq features — account creation, profiles, opportunity posting, geo-matching discovery, and expressing interest — are free for registered 3PLs and carriers. We do not take a cut of loads or insert ourselves into payment between parties.

We may introduce optional paid features in the future for advanced workflows, but our intent is to keep the essential matching experience accessible. Any future pricing changes will be communicated clearly before they affect your account.

CarrierLinq takes data security seriously. All data transmitted between your browser and our servers is encrypted using TLS (Transport Layer Security). Passwords are hashed using bcrypt with industry-standard salt rounds, meaning we never store your password in plain text. Our database is hosted on managed infrastructure with automated backups and access controls.

The platform stores the data needed to operate matching — such as profile details, opportunity listings, and interest expressions — and that information is only visible to you and the parties you choose to engage with. We do not sell user data to third parties or use it for purposes beyond operating the platform.

CarrierLinq periodically re-verifies carrier credentials against the FMCSA database. If a carrier's operating authority is revoked, their insurance filing lapses, or their USDOT registration becomes inactive, their verification status on the platform is updated to reflect the change. 3PLs can see the current verification status on every carrier profile before engaging.

We recommend that 3PLs independently verify carrier credentials before entering into contracts, as FMCSA data can change between platform verification cycles. The FMCSA's SAFER system is freely accessible and provides real-time status information for any carrier with a USDOT number.

If you experience an issue with another user — such as misrepresented capabilities, unprofessional conduct, or suspected fraud — contact the CarrierLinq team with the details of your concern. Our team reviews reports and takes appropriate action, which may include contacting the reported party, adding notes to their account, or suspending access in serious cases.

We encourage both 3PLs and carriers to document any issues with specific details, including dates, communications, and relevant evidence. This helps our team investigate effectively and maintain the trust and quality standards that make the platform valuable for all users.

CarrierLinq verifies carrier credentials through FMCSA data integration and provides tools to help 3PLs evaluate potential partners, but we do not guarantee the performance of any individual carrier. The platform is a discovery and matching tool — the responsibility for due diligence, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance management rests with the 3PL and carrier.

We strongly recommend that 3PLs conduct their own qualification process beyond platform verification, including reference checks, insurance certificate review, and pilot programs before committing to full-scale delivery partnerships. The FMCSA verification on CarrierLinq is a starting point, not a substitute for comprehensive carrier vetting.

CarrierLinq periodically re-checks carrier credentials against FMCSA data after the initial verification at signup. Refresh timing can vary based on system schedules and data availability, so treat platform status as a helpful snapshot rather than a real-time substitute for your own pre-contract checks.

For time-sensitive qualification decisions, confirm authority and insurance status directly in FMCSA SAFER and request current certificates of insurance from the carrier.

CarrierLinq surfaces FMCSA insurance filing status as part of carrier verification, but the platform does not replace your company's insurance requirements. Federal minimums vary by vehicle weight and cargo type, and most 3PLs in last-mile programs require higher limits — commonly $1 million auto liability and meaningful cargo coverage — before awarding work.

Set and enforce your own insurance standards in contracts, and always collect certificates that name the correct parties and coverage dates.

CarrierLinq does not currently offer an in-product block button. If you need to avoid further contact with another user because of harassment, suspected fraud, or repeated unprofessional behavior, contact the CarrierLinq team with the account details and a description of the issue so we can review and take appropriate action.

You remain free to decline opportunities or partnerships outside the platform using your normal business judgment.

CarrierLinq does not adjudicate commercial disputes such as rate disagreements, service failures, or freight claims. Those matters are handled directly between the 3PL and carrier under whatever contract or terms they agreed to. The platform's role is discovery and matching, not payment processing or claims management.

If a dispute involves platform misuse, misrepresentation on a profile, or safety concerns, contact the CarrierLinq team. For cargo claims and contract issues, follow your written agreement and applicable insurance processes.

CarrierLinq is primarily a matching platform. Profile details, opportunities, and interest expressions are shared with the parties involved in those workflows. The product is not positioned as an end-to-end encrypted messaging suite for ongoing operational chat, and sensitive commercial negotiations should happen through your normal business channels once you choose to engage.

Do not post confidential pricing sheets, customer lists, or personal data in opportunity descriptions or public-facing profile fields.

Our automated checks focus on FMCSA-linked credential signals tied to a carrier's USDOT number — such as operating authority status and insurance filing indicators used in verification — plus the profile information carriers submit about equipment and capabilities. We do not certify every state license, local permit, or customer-specific compliance program a 3PL may require.

Treat platform verification as a baseline. Layer on your own qualification checklist for insurance limits, driver screening, installation licensing, and any program-specific standards before awarding volume.