Mode Transportation
Mode Transportation is a Dallas-based, non-asset third-party logistics provider founded in 1989, serving SMBs to Fortune 500 companies across North America with intermodal, truckload, LTL, air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain services via a proprietary TMS and a 200+ office, 50,000+ carrier network as a subsidiary of MODE Global.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersDallas, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What Mode Transportation does
Mode Transportation, LLC is a privately held, non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider founded in 1989 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The company operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of MODE Global, LLC and ranks among the top six transportation and logistics companies in North America. Mode serves customers ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies across food and beverage, industrial, manufacturing, and chemicals verticals, delivering 265,000+ intermodal movements in 2021 and maintaining 200+ offices throughout North America.
Mode's service portfolio spans seven modes: intermodal, truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain solutions. The company connects shippers to a network of 50,000+ active carriers with access to 2,000,000+ pieces of equipment and 250,000+ intermodal containers and trailers. Its proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS) supports 24/7 real-time tracking across all modes, EDI integration with carriers, automated tendering, document generation, and route optimization. MODE VPO, launched in 2023, adds multi-modal network optimization with a carbon calculator. The MODE Parcel product provides multi-carrier parcel software with e-commerce platform synchronization, leveraging FedEx and DHL infrastructure.
Mode earns revenue through transaction-based brokerage fees on freight movements, commission-based income distributed to its freight agent network, and fee-based parcel/TMS services. The freight agent model uses independent business owners operating under the Mode umbrella who access proprietary technology, carrier networks, and back-office support. Pricing is quote-based rather than tier-listed. Mode's certifications include EPA SmartWay Level 1, C-TPAT (air and ocean), FMC Ocean Transportation Intermediary licensing, and an Indirect Air Carrier license, supporting its positioning with enterprise customers such as PepsiCo, Univar Solutions, Blue Bell Ice Cream, and Food Shippers of America.
Mode Transportation firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Mode Transportation
- Legal name
- MODE Transportation, LLC
- Website
- https://modetransportation.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Mode Transportation is a Dallas-based, non-asset third-party logistics provider founded in 1989, serving SMBs to Fortune 500 companies across North America with intermodal, truckload, LTL, air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain services via a proprietary TMS and a 200+ office, 50,000+ carrier network as a subsidiary of MODE Global.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Mode Transportation industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Freight Brokerage and Logistics Services
- NAICS
- Freight Transportation Arrangement (48851), Freight Transportation Arrangement (4885)
- SIC
- Arrangement Of Transportation Of Freight & Cargo (4731), Transportation Services (4700)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Transportation Management Services (TMS-as-a-Service / Managed Transportation) (TLAIANAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Brokerage/3PL TMS (Freight Brokerage Operations) (TLAEAAAB), Managed Transportation Services (MTS) / Outsourced TMS Operations (TLAIAEAB)
Keywords
Where Mode Transportation is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Dallas
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
Mode Transportation business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Freight Brokerage Services: MODE acts as a non-asset based third-party logistics provider, arranging transportation services for shippers and earning transaction fees or commissions on freight movements across intermodal, truckload, LTL, air, ocean, and parcel modes.
- Freight Agent Commissions: Independent freight agents earn commission-based income by connecting customers with carriers, with MODE providing technology, support, and back-office services.
- Parcel and TMS Services: Fee-based parcel shipping platform services including multi-carrier parcel software, analytics, e-commerce integration, and consulting services for cost optimization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Transaction based/ take rate | Pay-as-you-go | Custom Quote-Based Pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
Mode Transportation product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Mode Transportation is a non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider that arranges freight transportation across multiple modes — intermodal, truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain solutions — on behalf of shippers. The company leverages a proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS), a network of 50,000+ active carriers, 2,000,000+ pieces of equipment, and 200+ offices throughout North America to source capacity, execute shipments, and provide real-time visibility across all modes.
Product overview
MODE Transportation is a non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) company and subsidiary of MODE Global, offering a comprehensive suite of transportation and logistics services. The core offering includes seven primary service modules: Intermodal, Truckload, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL), Air Freight, Ocean Freight, Parcel, and Supply Chain solutions. These services are underpinned by MODE's proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS), a platform providing full shipment execution, real-time tracking across all modes, and carrier management capabilities. MODE Parcel provides specialized multi-carrier parcel software with e-commerce synchronization for B2B and e-commerce shipping. MODE VPO (Value Performance Optimization) is an add-on network optimization tool featuring a carbon calculator for sustainability initiatives. With over 200 offices across North America, access to over 50,000 carriers, and 2,000,000+ pieces of equipment, the company delivers freight management services as one of North America's largest 3PL providers.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MODE Transportation Services Non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) services providing transportation and freight management across multiple shipping modes including intermodal, truckload, LTL, air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain solutions, for small businesses through Fortune 500 enterprises.
- Intermodal Transportation
Quantifiable outcome
- 265,000+ intermodal movements in 2021
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Mode Transportation
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
Mode Transportation technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration3 records
Feature5 records
Mode Transportation partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (SmartWay)coreMODE is an EPA Certified SmartWay Logistics Company Partner with the highest rating of 1.25. SmartWay Transport Partnership demonstrates MODE's commitment to measuring, benchmarking and tracking efforts to increase efficiency and fuel economy for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
- HighwaycoreMODE has partnered with Highway to deliver a fast, secure and hassle-free carrier onboarding process. Highway's intuitive and easy-to-use platform streamlines carrier registration and qualification.
- FedExcoreMODE leverages FedEx's infrastructure for parcel shipping services, ensuring seamless process for ground, express, and mail services for B2B and e-commerce customers.
- DHLcoreMODE leverages DHL's infrastructure for international parcel shipping services, providing global reach for import and export shipments.
- All Major North American RailroadscoreMODE has access to all major North American railroads for intermodal transportation, including BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, enabling comprehensive rail-based shipping solutions.
- IANA (Intermodal Association of North America)minorIndustry association membership providing credibility, networking opportunities, and industry standards compliance.
- CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals)minorProfessional association membership for supply chain management professionals, providing industry thought leadership and networking.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association)minorAir transport association membership supporting MODE's air freight forwarding capabilities and compliance with international air transport standards.
- TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association)minorTrade association membership for transportation intermediaries providing advocacy and industry standards.
- TMSA (Transportation Marketing & Sales Association)minorProfessional association membership supporting MODE's marketing and sales efforts in the transportation industry.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Mode Transportation competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Schneider National: Diversified asset-based carrier with a sizable brokerage and intermodal arm that overlaps Mode's truckload and intermodal offerings as a broader logistics incumbent.
- Knight-Swift Transportation: Largest US truckload carrier with growing logistics (brokerage) segment that competes with Mode for shipper freight and carrier capacity across multiple modes.
- ArcBest: Asset-based LTL carrier (ABF Freight) with an asset-light logistics segment offering truckload brokerage, intermodal, and managed transportation — overlapping Mode's LTL and multi-modal offerings.
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services: Large, diversified carrier whose Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) brokerage segment competes with Mode in non-asset truckload and intermodal, alongside owned-asset businesses.
Direct peers
- Echo Global Logistics: Technology-driven non-asset 3PL providing truckload, LTL, intermodal, and managed transportation — closely overlapping Mode's multi-modal brokerage offering before its take-private.
- Hub Group: Asset-light intermodal and logistics services provider combining rail-based intermodal with truck brokerage and dedicated — directly comparable to Mode's intermodal-heavy service mix.
- Landstar System: Non-asset transportation services company using an agent-based owner-operator model — structurally analogous to Mode's independent freight agent distribution approach.
- RXO (XPO Logistics spin-off): Tech-enabled North American truckload brokerage and managed transportation spin-off of XPO, directly competing with Mode in non-asset brokerage and last-mile/freight services.
- C.H. Robinson Worldwide: Largest non-asset North American 3PL offering truckload, LTL, intermodal, ocean, and air forwarding through a global office and agent network — the same multi-modal brokerage model Mode operates.
- Coyote Logistics (UPS subsidiary): Asset-light freight brokerage owned by UPS offering truckload, LTL, and intermodal across North America — a direct competitor in Mode's core non-asset 3PL category.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Mode Transportation social profiles
Digital presenceMode Transportation compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Mode Transportation financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Mode Transportation leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Mode Transportation funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Mode Transportation M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Mode Transportation
What does Mode Transportation do?
Mode Transportation is a non-asset-based third-party logistics (3PL) provider that arranges freight transportation across multiple modes — intermodal, truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), air, ocean, parcel, and supply chain solutions — on behalf of shippers. The company leverages a proprietary Transportation Management System (TMS), a network of 50,000+ active carriers, 2,000,000+ pieces of equipment, and 200+ offices throughout North America to source capacity, execute shipments, and provide real-time visibility across all modes.
Is Mode Transportation a public or private company?
Mode Transportation is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was Mode Transportation founded?
Mode Transportation was founded in 1989. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Mode Transportation based?
Mode Transportation is headquartered in Dallas, United States, in the North America region.
How does Mode Transportation make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Freight Brokerage Services are the primary driver. The others are freight Agent Commissions and parcel and TMS Services.
Who are Mode Transportation's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Schneider National, Knight-Swift Transportation, ArcBest and J.B. Hunt Transport Services. Direct peers are Echo Global Logistics, Hub Group, Landstar System, RXO (XPO Logistics spin-off), C.H. Robinson Worldwide and Coyote Logistics (UPS subsidiary).
Does Mode Transportation have an API?
No public API is recorded for Mode Transportation.
What industry is Mode Transportation in?
Mode Transportation's product category is Freight Brokerage and Logistics Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAIANAB, Transportation Management Services (TMS-as-a-Service / Managed Transportation), with a secondary code of TLAEAAAB, Brokerage/3PL TMS (Freight Brokerage Operations). Its NAICS code is 48851 and its SIC code is 4731.