Marmon Link is a freight brokerage and logistics platform owned by Marmon Holdings
Marmon Link is a digital freight marketplace that connects shippers—companies that need to move goods—with carriers who have trucks available. It operates as a broker, meaning it sits between the two sides and arranges the transportation. Marmon Holdings, a large industrial company, owns it as part of its broader logistics division.
The platform lets shippers post loads they need moved, and carriers can bid on those loads or accept posted rates. Marmon Link handles some of the paperwork, tracking, and payment processing that would otherwise fall to the shipper or carrier individually. It is one of several digital freight platforms that have grown in the past decade, alongside companies like Uber Freight, Convoy, and traditional brokers moving online.
If you are a shipper, you use it to find carriers without calling brokers one by one. If you are a carrier or owner-operator, you use it to find loads without waiting for phone calls or relying on a single broker relationship. The goal on both sides is to reduce empty miles, fill trucks faster, and cut the time spent on logistics coordination.
Key Takeaways
- Marmon Link is a digital freight marketplace where shippers post loads and carriers bid on or accept them, with Marmon handling some coordination and payment.
- Shippers use the platform to find carriers without calling multiple brokers, while carriers use it to find loads and reduce empty miles.
- The platform charges fees to one or both sides—typically a percentage of the load value—though the exact structure depends on your account type and negotiated rates.
- You will need a valid DOT number if you are a carrier, proof of insurance, and a way to verify your business identity before you can start using the platform.
- Marmon Link is one option among many freight platforms; comparing rates, load availability, and payment terms across platforms can help you decide if it fits your needs.
How shippers use Marmon Link to find carriers
A shipper logs into the platform, enters details about the load—origin, destination, weight, commodity type, pickup and delivery dates—and either posts it for carriers to bid on or searches for available carriers. The system shows rates, carrier ratings, and insurance information. Once a carrier accepts or the shipper selects one, Marmon Link generates a bill of lading and tracks the shipment.
The shipper pays Marmon Link or the carrier directly, depending on the account setup. Marmon Link then takes its fee—usually a percentage of the load value, though this varies by contract—and pays the carrier the remainder. This arrangement saves the shipper from managing multiple broker relationships and gives them visibility into carrier availability and pricing in real time.
How carriers and owner-operators use the platform
A carrier or owner-operator creates an account, uploads proof of insurance, DOT number, and safety records, and then browses available loads. Loads are listed with origin, destination, weight, rate, and pickup window. The carrier can accept a load when ready at the posted rate or submit a bid if the load is open for bidding.
Once a load is accepted, the carrier receives the bill of lading and pickup instructions. Marmon Link tracks the shipment and handles invoicing. Payment typically arrives within a set number of days after delivery—often 7 to 14 days, though this depends on the shipper's terms. The carrier avoids the downtime of empty miles by filling their truck with loads from the platform rather than waiting for calls from a single broker.
Fees and how payment works
Marmon Link charges fees to use the platform, but the structure is not published as a single rate. Fees are typically a percentage of the load value and vary based on your account type, volume, and any negotiated discounts. Shippers and carriers should ask about the fee schedule during onboarding or in writing before committing to the platform.
Payment flow depends on your role. Shippers pay Marmon Link or the carrier; Marmon Link deducts its fee and pays the carrier. Carriers receive payment after delivery, usually within 7 to 14 days. Some accounts offer faster payment for an additional fee. If you are considering the platform, request a clear breakdown of fees and payment timing in writing so you can compare it to other brokers or platforms.
What you need to set up an account
If you are a shipper, you will need a business account, proof of your company's identity, and a way to pay invoices—usually a credit card or bank account. Marmon Link may also ask for references or a credit check.
If you are a carrier or owner-operator, you will need a valid DOT number, proof of active insurance (liability and cargo, at minimum), a Motor Carrier (MC) number, and a way to receive payment. You will also need to pass a background check and provide safety records. The exact documents vary by state and carrier type, so ask Marmon Link what they require before you start gathering paperwork.
Marmon Link compared to other freight platforms
Marmon Link competes with platforms like Uber Freight, Convoy, and traditional freight brokers that have moved online. Each has different fee structures, load availability, and payment terms. Uber Freight tends to focus on smaller, time-sensitive loads and offers faster payment to carriers. Convoy emphasizes owner-operators and has a strong presence in certain regions. Traditional brokers often have deeper shipper relationships but slower digital tools.
The best choice depends on your needs: if you move a high volume of loads, you might negotiate better rates with a traditional broker. If you want flexibility and quick payment, a digital platform may suit you better. If you are a carrier looking to reduce empty miles, comparing load availability and rates across two or three platforms can help you decide where to focus your time.
Common questions about using Marmon Link
Many users wonder whether they have to use Marmon Link exclusively or can use other platforms at the same time. The answer is usually yes—you can use multiple platforms. However, you must make sure you do not double-book a load. Once you accept a load on one platform, remove it from others or mark it as unavailable.
Another question is whether Marmon Link guarantees payment. The platform does not may provide that a shipper will pay; it is a marketplace, not a lender. If a shipper fails to pay, you have the same recourse as you would with any broker—small claims court, collection agencies, or writing off the loss. You can reduce this risk by checking shipper ratings on the platform and asking for payment terms in writing before you accept a load.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a certain amount of experience to use Marmon Link?
No minimum experience is required, but you do need the required licenses and insurance. If you are a new carrier, you will still need a valid DOT number, MC number, and active insurance. Some platforms prioritize loads for carriers with higher safety ratings, so new carriers may see fewer loads initially.
What happens if a shipper does not pay after delivery?
Marmon Link is a marketplace, not a guarantor of payment. If a shipper does not pay, you can contact Marmon Link to report it, but the platform does not automatically collect on your behalf. You would need to pursue payment through small claims court or a collection agency. Checking shipper ratings before accepting a load can reduce this risk.
Can I negotiate rates on Marmon Link, or are they fixed?
Some loads are posted at a fixed rate that you accept or decline. Others are open for bidding, where you can submit a lower rate if you choose. Rates depend on market conditions, load type, and distance. You can also negotiate volume discounts or payment terms directly with shippers if you build a relationship through the platform.
How long does it take to get paid after I deliver a load?
Payment typically arrives 7 to 14 days after delivery, though this varies by shipper and account type. Some accounts offer faster payment for a fee. Ask about payment timing when you set up your account so you know what to expect and can plan your cash flow.
Is Marmon Link available in all states?
Marmon Link operates across the United States, but load availability varies by region. Urban areas and major freight corridors typically have more loads. If you operate in a rural area or a region with less freight traffic, you may see fewer loads on the platform compared to a broker with local relationships in that area.