Common questions about working with Cargoos Logistics. If you do not find your answer here, call us or send the lane and we will come back to you.
What does a freight broker do, and what does Cargoos do?
A freight broker arranges truckload capacity between companies that need to ship goods and the carriers that move them. Cargoos sources carriers, negotiates rates, books the load and tracks it to delivery. You work with one point of contact instead of managing individual trucking companies. We have been brokering freight since 2013, we are based in Chicago, and we hold FMCSA property broker authority (MC-990007). We have brokered more than 16,000 loads to date, with an average haul of more than 1,000 miles.
What areas does Cargoos cover?
We cover the 48 contiguous United States and Canada. We do not serve Alaska or Hawaii. Our network reaches more than 4,700 carriers and over 200,000 trucks. Availability still varies by lane, date and equipment type.
What types of equipment can Cargoos arrange?
We arrange dry van, refrigerated (reefer), flatbed, step deck, box truck and specialized equipment. We handle full truckload, partial and LTL shipments on short and long haul lanes. We also cover expedited, dedicated, surge and overflow capacity.
What is the difference between a flatbed and a step deck?
The difference is deck height. A flatbed is a single-level open platform. A step deck has a lower and an upper deck, so it carries taller cargo without an over-height permit. If your load fits within legal height on a flatbed, choose the flatbed — it is simpler and cheaper. If it does not, a step deck skips the permit process entirely.
When do I need a refrigerated (reefer) trailer?
You need a reefer whenever your freight must stay within a specific temperature range in transit. A reefer holds a target temperature from pickup through delivery. A dry van only keeps the load enclosed.
How fast can I get a freight quote?
Call the sales line and we can give you a preliminary quote within 15 minutes. A firm rate depends on three things: your ship date, how much time we have to cover the load, and which trucks sit on that lane right now. More lead time means a better rate. Booking early is the single biggest lever you have on price.
What information do you need to quote a load?
Send us the pickup and delivery locations, the pickup date, the equipment type, and the weight and dimensions. Add any special requirements too — temperature range, oversize dimensions, appointment times or hazmat classification. That covers the basics. We can work out the rest once we see the lane.
What affects the price of a truckload shipment?
Truckload pricing follows the market, not a fixed rate card. Distance and the specific lane matter most. So do equipment type, lead time before pickup, and how many trucks sit near your pickup point. Fuel prices and seasonality move rates as well. Direction matters too: lanes running into high-demand regions cost more than lanes running out of them. Weight, dimensions and extras such as temperature control, appointment scheduling or additional stops also shift the final number.
Does Cargoos operate outside office hours?
Yes. We monitor loads 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Chicago office opens Monday to Friday 07:00 to 18:00 and Saturday 08:30 to 14:00 Central Time. Outside those hours a Cargoos representative still watches over every active load. Your shipment is never unattended overnight or over a weekend.
How do I track my shipment?
We use our own AI tracking system, integrated with FourKites or Motive, for real-time visibility from pickup through delivery. Tracking runs 24/7. You can also call customer service at any hour for an update.
How does Cargoos verify carriers?
We vet every carrier before we tender a load. We screen carriers through Carrier411, FlexShieldPro and Highway, checking identity, operating authority, insurance and load-level risk signals. Before hauling, a carrier must complete our carrier packet, sign the Transportation Brokerage Agreement, submit a W-9 and a DOT safety rating review letter, and name Cargoos Logistics as a certificate holder on their insurance. Technology narrows the search. An experienced operator makes the final call.
What insurance coverage is in place?
Cargoos Logistics carries $2,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance, $100,000 in contingent cargo insurance and a $75,000 broker bond. Every carrier hauling our freight must also carry cargo insurance of at least $100,000 with no cargo exclusion, plus auto liability with a combined single limit of at least $1,000,000. Each names Cargoos as certificate holder. That carrier-level cargo coverage protects your freight in transit.
Do I need to set up an account before shipping?
Yes, and we usually approve the same day. New shippers complete our Business Credit Application. It covers business details, the credit line and terms you want, company principals, a bank reference and trade references. Our AI Verification Assistant reviews each prospective customer for solvency, credibility and open litigation. In urgent cases we can dispatch a truck against a prepaid payment by credit card or Zelle while the application is still processing.
How long does delivery take?
Transit time depends on distance, pickup time, delivery appointment, and whether the load moves with a solo or team driver. A solo driver covers roughly 500 to 600 miles per day. A team keeps the truck moving longer and covers roughly 900 to 1,100 miles per day.
What are typical transit times from Chicago?
Atlanta sits about 715 miles out: 1 to 2 days solo, roughly 1 day with a team. Dallas is 930 to 970 miles: about 2 days solo, about 1 day with a team. Miami is around 1,380 miles: 2.5 to 3 days solo, 1.5 to 2 days with a team. Los Angeles is about 2,015 miles: 3.5 to 4 days solo, about 2 days with a team. We specialize in long-haul freight and can arrange expedited or team service when your deadline is tight. Treat these as estimates — appointments, traffic, weather, route conditions, loading delays and the driver’s remaining hours all shift them.
What industries and companies does Cargoos work with?
We work mainly with construction, industrial and manufacturing shippers. We also move food and beverage, building materials and produce freight. Our customers have included Edward Don, GAF, Barry, Impact Plastics, Precision Machinery Systems, CM Detention Products, All American Compactors, Texas Chutes, Chute Systems, Menifee Metals Manufacturing and Tower Recycling Systems.
Can Cargoos work with government agencies and prime contractors?
Yes. We hold certification as a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), and we operate as an FMCSA-authorized property broker. Our registration details: UEI UM3JNVW7LPD4, CAGE 7U3J2, MC-990007, USDOT 2931641, SCAC CLON, NAICS 488510, PSC V119 / V999. We also belong to NMFTA and carry a $75,000 bond.