Module 01
Who actually makes money moving freight?
Freight doesn't move itself. Five distinct roles move it — and the money flows back through the same parties. Some companies hold several of these roles at once.
The five core participants
1
Shipper
Has goods that need transportation.
2
Broker / logistics intermediary
May arrange transportation between shippers and carriers.
3
Motor carrier
Accepts legal responsibility for hauling loads.
4
Driver
Operates the truck.
5
Equipment owner
Owns or finances the tractor and possibly the trailer.
★
One company, several roles
Many operators wear multiple hats — the carrier may own the truck, drive it, and dispatch it.
How a load actually moves
Freight flow →
1Shipper
2Broker / direct
3Rocky's carrier
4Driver & truck
5Delivery
← Payment flow (return)
·Delivery
·Driver & truck
·Rocky's carrier
·Broker / direct
·Shipper
In a direct shipper relationship, the carrier is paid by the shipper and the broker step disappears. In a brokered load, a broker arranges the haul and the carrier is paid by (or through) the broker.
Many of these terms appear throughout the Playbook as hover tooltips.
Knowledge check — three questions
01Who accepts legal responsibility for hauling a load?
02Deadhead miles are…
03An equipment owner…
Reported roles and relationships must be verified before any financing decision.