Why do owner operators need forwarders and brokers?

I'm interested in why carriers can't stop using these without losing everything

 

Because they can't get away with treating a customer like they would a broker.

 

It all boils down to convenience. This applies to Carriers and the Shippers/Receivers. For a Transportation Manager it's much easier to just farm the loads out to a broker and walk away. For a Carrier, it's much easier to call a broker instead of making sales efforts. Also, Carriers can file a surety bond claim on the Broker's policy in the event of non-payment instead of pursuing legal actions.