Common scams in trucking
Freight fraud takes many forms. The most common ones owner operators meet are double brokering, fake brokers using stolen MC numbers, fake pickups and fraudulent payment requests. They target carriers who are in a hurry or new to the business.
What double brokering looks like
A carrier or fake company accepts a load from a broker and quietly resells it to another carrier at a lower rate. The second carrier hauls the freight but may never get paid, because the money went to the middleman. Signs include rate confirmations from a company that differs from the one you spoke to and instructions to pick up under a different name.
Habits that protect you
- Run the verification checklist for every new broker.
- Call the number listed on the FMCSA record, not the one in the email.
- Compare the company on the rate confirmation with the company on the bill of lading. They should match the real shipper and broker.
- Never pay fees to get a load, and never send money to a stranger.
- Do not release freight to anyone you cannot verify at the dock.
- Report suspicious activity to the broker, the load board and the FMCSA.
Red flags in the first message
- A rate far above the market for that lane.
- Pressure to book immediately and skip paperwork.
- A brand new email domain or a free email address.
- Poor grammar, odd phone numbers or no website.
- Requests to change payment details or switch brokers after booking.
If you suspect fraud
Stop work and do not deliver if you cannot confirm the load is legitimate. Save every message, document and photo. Contact the broker of record using verified contact details, and report it. Learn the difference between roles in freight broker vs dispatcher.
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