Business Details
37 Years
experience
Your Trusted Freight Brokerage Partner in the Midwest
Founded in 1989, Bahler Transportation Services has established itself as a trusted freight brokerage partner in the Midwest transportation market. Our expertise spans truckload, less-than-truckload, and dry bulk freight solutions, tailored to meet the evolving needs of shippers and carriers. With a network of reliable carriers and decades of industry experience, we prioritize personalized service, honest communication, and innovative strategies to address transportation challenges. Our commitment to timely delivery, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer support has solidified our reputation as a leader in logistics. Headquartered in Fairbury, Illinois, we serve agricultural and industrial clients across the Midwest, leveraging strong carrier relationships to ensure operational efficiency.Our team combines deep industry knowledge with a passion for transportation excellence, delivering customized solutions for every load. We uphold core values of integrity, partnership, and responsiveness, ensuring clients receive dependable service even during peak demand periods. By maintaining fast payment terms for carriers and prioritizing equipment availability, we foster long-term trust with our business partners. Our mission remains to be customers' top choice for freight management through flexibility, expertise, and dedicated support.
Services
Truckload (TL)
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Dry Bulk Freight
Carrier Management
Freight Brokerage
Details
- Year established: 1989
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of Midwest transportation expertise since 1989
- Vast network of pre-vetted reliable carriers
- Tailored freight solutions for agricultural and industrial needs
- Fast carrier payments within 10 days of invoice receipt
- Dedicated team for real-time shipment tracking and support
Services
Truckload (TL)
Our truckload services secure dedicated carriers for full-container shipments, ensuring timely delivery regardless of seasonal demand fluctuations. With 30+ years of industry experience and a network of trusted carriers, we guarantee capacity even during peak periods. Clients benefit from competitive pricing and real-time tracking for complete shipment visibility.
Less-Than-Truckload (LTL)
Tailored LTL solutions handle freight volumes from single pallets to twenty-pallet shipments, optimizing costs through pooled carrier resources. We combine direct contracts with strategic partnerships to maintain reliability while reducing transportation expenses. Our team ensures proper freight classification and route optimization for efficient delivery.
Dry Bulk Freight
Specialized dry bulk services move agricultural commodities and industrial materials using hopper, dump, and walking floor trailers. With 25+ years of bulk logistics expertise, we coordinate equipment availability and route planning to minimize delays. Our solutions maintain product integrity while maximizing load efficiency for cost-effective transportation.
Carrier Management
We build long-term carrier partnerships through transparent communication, fast payments within 10 days, and consistent freight opportunities. Our network includes pre-vetted carriers meeting strict safety and reliability standards. Dedicated account managers ensure seamless coordination between shippers and carriers for operational efficiency.
Freight Brokerage
As non-asset-based brokers, we leverage industry expertise and carrier relationships to create customized transportation solutions. Our services include load matching, rate negotiation, and shipment tracking across TL, LTL, and bulk freight. Clients receive personalized support from experienced brokers focused on reducing transportation costs and improving delivery performance.
People
Keith Bahler
Co-Founder, Brokerage / Sales
With 30+ years in freight logistics, Keith Bahler co-founded Bahler Transportation and leads brokerage operations. His industry expertise and carrier relationships ensure reliable capacity solutions for clients.
Lisa Bahler
Co-Founder, Brokerage
Lisa Bahler co-founded the company and contributes extensive brokerage experience. She focuses on building carrier partnerships and maintaining the company's commitment to personalized service standards.
Dawn Briscoe
Brokerage / Sales
Dawn Briscoe manages brokerage operations with emphasis on safety compliance. Her 20+ years in transportation ensure carriers meet strict safety standards while maintaining efficient freight movement.
Tina Byrne
Accounts Receivable / Payable
Tina Byrne oversees financial operations, ensuring timely payments to carriers within 10 days. Her financial expertise supports the company's fast payment reputation and carrier retention efforts.
Michelle Davis
Brokerage / Sales
Michelle Davis brings 15+ years of freight brokerage experience to her role. She specializes in matching client needs with carrier capabilities for optimal transportation solutions.
Questions
What transportation services does Bahler offer?
We provide truckload, less-than-truckload, and dry bulk freight services across the Midwest. Our non-asset-based model connects shippers with reliable carriers through our extensive network.
How does Bahler ensure on-time deliveries?
Our experienced brokers coordinate real-time tracking, anticipate potential delays, and maintain backup carrier options. Dedicated account management ensures proactive problem resolution during transit.
What payment terms do you offer carriers?
We pay carriers faster than industry standards, processing payments within 10 days of invoice receipt while maintaining strict documentation requirements for accuracy.
How do you handle agricultural freight needs?
Located in Illinois' agricultural heartland, we specialize in seasonal commodity transport using bulk carriers. Our expertise includes harvest season capacity planning and specialized equipment coordination.
Can you accommodate urgent shipping requests?
Our network of preferred carriers allows rapid response to urgent freight needs. While we don't offer 24/7 service, our team prioritizes expedited shipments through dedicated carrier partnerships.
What areas do you serve?
We focus on Midwest transportation with primary coverage in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Indiana. Our carrier network extends service capabilities to additional regional markets as needed.
