Freight Broker & Shipper Security Best Practices

As intermediaries between shippers and carriers, freight brokers are increasingly the target of freight broker scams, such as double brokering for freight, identity theft and falsified shipping documentation. This can result in financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal issues. Implementing stringent verification processes and promoting a culture of awareness can go a long way in mitigating the risk of fraud.

Freight Broker Tips for Communication

In an effort to minimize the risk for potential fraud, freight brokers should:

1. Confirm all information provided by the potential carrier is correct: We know fraudsters use different phone, fax and emails than the actual carrier.

Beyond the Carrier411 platform, a quick internet search of the carrier's name (which is real) should provide the authentic contact and equipment details for the actual trucker. If the contact details are different than what the potential carrier provided, a red flag should be raised and proceed with caution.

2. Contact the real trucker through a known phone number from Carrier411 or an internet search. The truck broker should confirm:

• Company name, name of owner/driver, address, phone and email
• Size of operation, number of drivers and pieces/type of equipment
• Area of coverage (interstate or intrastate, Canada)
• When did you submit your carrier information to book a move?

3. Be cautious of end-of-day and evening inbound calls where carrier information may be hard to verify.

4. Once it has been established that you are talking with the real carrier:

• Confirm name of the driver assigned to pick up the load
• Confirm signage and license plate information on the tractor/trailer, and provide the same information to the shipper for further confirmation at time of pick up

For Warehouse and Cargo Personnel

Warehouse or cargo releasing facility personnel can also play a key role in the freight broker risk mitigation process by taking the following steps:

1. Photocopy the carrier’s commercial driver’s license (CDL).
2. Confirm the carrier’s driver’s license is valid.
3. Place a video camera on the back wall of the shipping office, facing the driver window, for clear identification of the driver.
4. Require drivers to sign in upon arrival at the shipping window, and verify the information on the sign in sheet. Ask drivers to sit in their trucks and wait while identities are verified with the trucking company.
5. Photograph and confirm signage, numbers, and plates on tractor doors and trailer. If signage does not match the information provided by the transportation broker or the signage is not visible, contact the transportation broker for clarification and further instruction.