Fraud and non-payment in freight have grown. Before booking with a broker you have not worked with, check who they are and how they pay.
Check the authority and bond
Look the broker up on FMCSA's public records. Brokers must have active broker authority and a $75,000 surety bond or trust fund (BMC-84 or BMC-85). Confirm the name, MC number and phone match the person you are talking to.
Check how they pay
- Credit and days-to-pay scores from your load board or factoring company.
- Whether your factoring company will buy their invoices.
- Quick pay fees and standard terms.
- Reviews from other carriers.
Watch for red flags
- Email domains that do not match the company.
- Pressure to move fast, or changed pickup details after booking.
- A rate far above the market.
Our new broker checklist walks through each check.
General information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
