Protect yourself from freight fraud and double-brokering

Learn the warning signs of double-brokering and freight fraud on load boards, and how to verify brokers independently before you haul.

Freight fraud and double-brokering cost carriers time, money, and trust. Double-brokering happens when a broker gives your load to another carrier without telling you, or when a broker re-brokers a load they do not have the right to move. Freight fraud covers a wider range of scams, including fake brokers, stolen loads, and bait-and-switch rates.

Load Work checks broker authority and scores every load to help you spot risk early. But no algorithm replaces your own judgment. Always verify a broker yourself before you haul.

Red flags to watch for

Watch for these warning signs on any load or broker:

• No active authority — A red or gray authority badge means the broker is unverified. Check FMCSA yourself.
• New broker with very high load volume — A broker first seen days ago with thousands of postings is suspicious. Legitimate brokers build volume over time.
• Broker name is just a phone number with no MC — A bare phone number and no MC/DOT number is a strong caution signal.
• Rates that seem too good — If the rate is far above market for the lane, ask why. Fraudulent brokers sometimes use high rates to attract quick calls.
• Pressure to sign quickly or send paperwork fast — A legitimate broker will not rush you past your own verification steps.
• Broker asks you to re-broker the load — If a broker tells you to find another carrier for the load, that is double-brokering. Do not do it.

What to do if something feels wrong

If a load or broker raises any red flag, follow these steps:

1. Do not load. Stop the process immediately. No rate is worth the risk.
2. Verify on FMCSA independently. Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and look up the MC number yourself.
3. Contact the shipper directly if possible. If you can identify the shipper from the load details, call them to confirm the broker is authorized to move the freight.
4. Report the broker to Load Work. Email [e-mail] with the broker ID and a description of what happened. Response time is 1 business day.

Important caveat

Load Work’s scores and authority checks are based on available data and may lag reality. Always verify a broker’s MC number on FMCSA yourself before accepting a load. A green badge is a good signal, not a guarantee.

If a broker acted in bad faith

If you hauled a load and later discover fraud or non-payment:

• Document everything: load ID, broker ID, MC number, rate confirmation, BOL, and delivery receipts
• Email [e-mail] with the broker ID and what happened
• File a complaint with FMCSA if the broker is operating without authority
• Contact your factoring company or attorney if payment is withheld

Load Work does not book freight and does not verify that a booking happened. We provide the lead. You make the call, and you are responsible for your own verification.

Vet a broker before you call

A step-by-step checklist for researching any broker on Load Work.

Broker authority badges

What the green, red, and gray badges mean and how to respond to each.