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.

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 radius, 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.

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 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.

Your business information — including financial details, contract terms, and internal communications — 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 — you can report the concern through the platform. Our team reviews all 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.