An honest side-by-side for shippers deciding between a direct-style domestic truckload broker (Stretch XL Freight) and the largest US 3PL (C.H. Robinson, CHR).
| Feature | Stretch XL Freight Faster + Cheaper for TL | C.H. Robinson |
|---|---|---|
| Business type | Direct-style truckload broker | Enterprise multi-modal 3PL |
| USDOT / MC | USDOT 4409725 · MC 01732149 | Multiple authorities |
| Quote turnaround | 60 seconds, instant carrier bids | Hours to days via Navisphere or rep |
| Broker margin | ~8% shipper / 10% off-market carrier | ~15–25% traditional 3PL spread + mgmt fees |
| Modes supported | US domestic truckload (van, reefer, flatbed, step-deck, hot-shot, power-only, container) | Multi-modal — TL, LTL, ocean, rail, air, customs |
| Live market data | TruckerPath, Truckstop, 123Loadboard aggregated every 3 min | Internal pricing only |
| Self-serve booking | Yes — 60 seconds, no account | Account required, rep onboarding |
| Pricing transparency | All-in price visible at quote | Rep-managed |
| Public freight rates API | Yes — $29–$99/mo | Navisphere API (enterprise only) |
| Free public tools | Live lane rates, carrier verification, rate calculator | None publicly |
| Best for | Small to mid-volume domestic truckload shippers | Enterprise multi-modal global shippers with dedicated reps |
Speed + transparency on domestic truckload. CHR's quoting goes through Navisphere or an account rep, with hours-to-days turnaround. Stretch XL Freight returns 60-second quotes with live multi-board rates (TruckerPath, Truckstop, 123Loadboard) plus competing carrier bids. The price you see is all-in — linehaul, fuel, accessorials.
Cost structure. CHR runs the traditional 3PL margin: 15–25% spread between carrier pay and shipper price, plus management fees on contract accounts. Stretch XL Freight runs closer to 8% on the shipper side and 10% off-market on the carrier side. For spot truckload, that's typically 10–20% in savings.
Self-serve tools. Free public tools for any shipper: live lane rates (real loads from 4 feeds), FMCSA carrier verification, per-mile rate calculator, plus a $29–$99/mo API for TMS integrators. CHR's equivalents are enterprise-gated.
Multi-modal global freight. CHR is the heavyweight champion of multi-modal — truckload + LTL + ocean + rail + air + customs brokerage under one roof, with global offices and dedicated account managers. If your freight needs to cross modes (rail-to-truck), borders (customs), or oceans (FCL/LCL), CHR is built for that. Stretch XL Freight is domestic truckload only.
Enterprise contract logistics. CHR's TMC (Transportation Management as a Service) and Managed Services are for shippers running thousands of loads per month who want CHR to operate their transportation function. Stretch XL Freight doesn't offer that level of managed service (yet).
CHR is the largest US 3PL — multi-modal (truckload, LTL, ocean, rail, air, customs), built around Navisphere plus dedicated account reps. Stretch XL Freight is a direct-style domestic truckload broker that surfaces competing carrier bids in 60 seconds with live multi-board market data and transparent all-in pricing.
CHR operates on the traditional 3PL margin model — typically 15–25% spread between carrier pay and shipper price. Stretch XL Freight runs closer to an 8% shipper margin / 10% off-market carrier discount. For spot truckload, the spread is usually 10–20% in Stretch XL Freight's favor.
Yes — CHR's strength is multi-modal. Stretch XL Freight is domestic truckload-focused. If your freight crosses modes or borders, CHR is the right pick.
Navisphere is enterprise-grade TMS + visibility for large contract shippers. Stretch XL Freight offers public self-serve tools: 60-second quoting, free live lane rates, FMCSA verification, rate calculator, and a $29–$99/mo API.
Yes. CHR operates multiple FMCSA authorities; Stretch XL Freight operates under USDOT #4409725 / MC #01732149.
See live multi-board market rates + competing carrier bids on your lane. No subscription, no account required to quote.