Boston, MA - Bruning International Corp.
Bruning International Corp. (BIC) stands as a seasoned, holistic freight forwarding and logistics provider based in Holbrook, Massachusetts, with a storied history that spans over four decades. Founded in 1975 and rooted in the vibrant Northeast freight community, Bruning International has evolved from its Chelsea roots into a respected, full-service partner for global and domestic shipping needs. The company’s enduring presence is underpinned by a deeply experienced workforce, with an average team tenure of roughly 20 years, and a leadership cadre that has cultivated specialized expertise across air and ocean freight. This depth of experience translates into a capability to manage complex transportation plans, orchestrate seamless cross-border movements, and deliver dependable service for customers who routinely require large-scale, time-sensitive shipments. Bruning International’s client roster includes enterprises that depend on regular container loads and repeat shipments, underscoring the firm’s ability to sustain performance and reliability in fast-paced, demanding logistics environments.
Key to Bruning International’s differentiator is its integrated approach to packaging and handling, particularly for outsized and intricate cargo. The company operates a Custom Crating and Packaging division that features IPPC-certified crating, ensuring compliance with international phytosanitary standards for wood packaging. The packaging portfolio includes vacuum packing and vapor corrosion inhibitors (VCI) films to mitigate rust and degradation, as well as shrink wrap systems designed to provide corrosion protection for sensitive equipment. The crating repertoire extends to custom solid wood crates tailored to the dimensions and handling requirements of each shipment. On-site crating capabilities, IPPC-stamped dunnage, and container loading support further extend Bruning International’s service envelope, enabling end-to-end care from packaging and securing goods to loading them into containers for transit. This emphasis on packaging quality and on-site execution yields tangible benefits in terms of reduced handling damage, optimized space utilization, and smoother port and terminal operations, all of which contribute to faster clearance times and improved on-time performance.
Beyond packaging, Bruning International offers a comprehensive suite of freight forwarding and logistics services designed to meet the needs of both international and domestic shipments. The company handles ocean and air freight with a focus on ensuring reliable transit times, compliance with global customs requirements, and efficient routing. Domestic cargo services are positioned to complement international movements, enabling customers to synchronize supply chains that span multiple geographies and modes. A cornerstone of the operational model is the use of a Transportation Management System (TMS) that generates multiple carrier rate quotes, providing customers with transparent pricing options and the ability to compare coverage, service levels, and transit times. This technology-enabled approach supports data-driven decision making, enabling Bruning International to optimize mode selection, carrier partnerships, and cost control while maintaining a high standard of service quality.
Bruning International also emphasizes its capacity to manage heavy transport and project cargo, including the handling of heavy lift and out-of-gauge (OOG) shipments. The company’s project cargo capabilities are complemented by expertise in electrical, mechanical, and industrial equipment moves, where route planning, equipment selection, and precise scheduling are critical to successful outcomes. The combination of heavy transport capabilities with a robust customs brokerage practice positions Bruning International as a one-stop shop for shipments that require careful coordination across multiple stages, regulatory environments, and stakeholder groups. The company’s approach reflects a practical understanding of the complexities inherent in cross-border logistics, including import/export documentation, tariff considerations, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
From a procedural standpoint, Bruning International’s service model prioritizes end-to-end accountability and communication. The team works to synchronize transportation, packaging, documentation, and regulatory clearance, minimizing handoffs and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication that can delay goods or inflate costs. The company’s package of services is designed to facilitate seamless transitions across origin, transit, and destination points, with an emphasis on reducing dwell times in ports and warehouses while ensuring compliance with international trade requirements. This focus on process discipline and proactive problem-solving is essential for customers who rely on predictable, timely, and cost-efficient logistics solutions.
The company’s historical trajectory adds depth to its profile. Bruning International’s narrative includes a strategic relocation from its origin in Chelsea, Massachusetts, to a larger facility in October 2013, reflecting growth and a commitment to expanding capabilities to meet evolving customer needs. The business is led by President Dennis Bruning and third-generation Managing Director Michael Bruning, whose leadership has helped sustain the family legacy while driving modernization and expansion of service offerings. The organization’s long-standing presence—borne from more than 45 years of operation—speaks to enduring customer relationships, a stable operational backbone, and a proven ability to adapt to market changes and regulatory developments in global logistics. Bruning International’s approach is anchored by a philosophy of responsiveness and partnership, underscored by its message that “Your world is a phone call away,” a reminder of its client-centric focus and dedication to accessible, hands-on service.
From a capability perspective, Bruning International provides a robust suite of logistics services that align with the needs of shippers seeking reliable, scalable, and compliant movement of goods across borders and within domestic markets. The freight forwarding and global shipping offerings are complemented by heavy transport solutions and customs brokerage, enabling customers to navigate the complexities of international trade with confidence. The company’s packaging and crating capabilities are especially relevant for sensitive, high-value, or irregularly shaped cargo, where specialized handling, environmental protection, and wood packaging compliance are critical to safeguarding items throughout the supply chain. By combining freight forwarding expertise with in-house packaging, project cargo know-how, and a technology-enabled rate quoting process, Bruning International positions itself as a comprehensive logistics partner capable of handling both standard shipments and mission-critical, high-stakes moves.
From the Freightcue platform perspective, Bruning International exemplifies a mature, customer-centric logistics provider that embraces modern digital tools to enhance transparency, pricing accuracy, and collaboration. The company’s emphasis on data-driven rate quotes via a TMS aligns with Freightcue’s focus on enabling efficient inquiry-to-quote workflows and real-time competitiveness across multiple carriers. Bruning International’s deep sector knowledge, particularly in OOG and heavy-lift moves from sources in the Far East and other high-demand corridors, contributes to a strong value proposition for Freightcue users seeking a trusted partner for complex, multi-modal shipments. The combination of packaging excellence, cross-border experience, and a history of steady performance makes Bruning International a compelling candidate for shippers evaluating options on Freightcue, where the goal is to connect with freight forwarders that can deliver consistent, auditable, and cost-effective logistics solutions. In short, Bruning International demonstrates how a veteran forwarder can leverage packaging agility, technical know-how, and modern digital tools to create a reliable, scalable logistics platform—an ideal fit for a platform like Freightcue that seeks to unify global freight providers and streamline inquiry, quote, and collaboration processes for buyers and carriers alike.
