Protect Yourself from Bad Brokers

When you're searching for a load and come across a broker you're not familiar with, you can easily verify their status by following this link: https://li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_authorityhistory

1. Simply input the MC or FF number (if FF number is selected, remember to click the drop-down box on the left and choose FF number)
2. Initiate the search
3. Proceed by clicking on the HTML button

By clicking on the link provided, you will be able to access important information about the broker, such as their legal name, whether they have a DBA name, the status of their broker authority, and the status of their bond.

To gather more details, navigate to the bottom of the screen and click on "active/pending insurance." It is crucial to ensure that there is no cancellation date listed on the bond. If a cancellation date is present, verify if another bond is in place to cover the cancellation period.

By selecting "insurance history," you can review any recent name changes associated with the broker. This will give you a better understanding of the broker's history and potential red flags.

Lastly, click on "authority history" to determine if the broker has experienced any recent cancellations, revocations of authority, or changes in ownership. This information is vital in assessing the reliability and credibility of the broker.

Remember, conducting thorough research and verifying the accuracy of the information provided by the broker is essential to protect your interests and ensure a successful transaction.

Another important factor to consider is the accuracy of the rate confirmation they provided. Take a close look to see if the name mentioned on the rate sheet matches the name listed on the FMCSA website. If there is a discrepancy, it poses a risk that if you proceed with the load and need to file a claim for payment, the bond company may not process it.

Pay attention to the rate sheet and check if it instructs you to check in using a different name than yours or the broker's. If you come across the name RIGZ anywhere on the rate sheet, such as being asked to submit paperwork to RIGZ, please note that we will not provide funding in such cases.

When your driver takes custody of the load, it is crucial for them to be vigilant and check the Bill of Lading (BOL) for any mention of a different broker or carrier name. If there is any name other than yours or the broker's name that you obtained the load from, it may indicate that the load is being double-brokered.

To establish your ownership over the load, instruct your driver to write your company name below their signature on the BOL. This simple step ensures that you have full control and responsibility for the load, safeguarding your interests and ensuring a smooth transaction.

WHEN REQUESTING A CREDIT CHECK VIA EMAIL

To expedite the process, please provide us with the MC/FF Number and the payment amount for the load. Including this information in your initial email will help us speed up the credit check. If you only have the name, we will need to know the city and state where they are located.

If your dispatch team does not currently have access to our portal for checking the credit status of a customer, we have a solution. We can set them up with personalized login information that grants them access to view the customer lookup section of our website. To make this happen, simply have the owner of your company request this service. Your dedicated account executive will be there every step of the way to assist you with this process.

Always keep in mind that if something seems too good to be true, it most likely is!

The link below is regarding fraud and identity theft. 

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/help/broker-and-carrier-fraud-and-identity-theft