How to Verify a Carrier’s True Identity Before Booking a Load
Avoiding Freight Fraud: Steps to Ensure You’re Working with a Legitimate Carrier
One of the biggest threats in freight brokerage today is carrier identity fraud—where fraudulent operators pose as legitimate carriers to steal freight, engage in double brokering, or exploit loopholes for financial gain.
Brokers must take proactive steps to verify a carrier’s identity before assigning a load to avoid costly scams, reputational damage, and legal consequences.
In this post, we’ll walk through a step-by-step carrier verification process to ensure that every load is handled by a legitimate, FMCSA-compliant carrier.
🚨 The Most Common Carrier Identity Fraud Tactics
1️⃣ Using Fake or Stolen MC & DOT Numbers
🔍 What Happens:
Fraudsters use inactive or stolen MC (Motor Carrier) and DOT (Department of Transportation) numbers to appear legitimate.
They copy logos, FMCSA details, and website information from real companies to deceive brokers.
Victims often don’t realize they’ve been scammed until the load disappears or is double-brokered.
✅ How to Prevent This:
Verify the MC/DOT number on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov).
Cross-check carrier contact information with their official registration data.
Call the carrier directly using their FMCSA-registered phone number to confirm authenticity.
2️⃣ Spoofed Email Addresses & Fake Phone Numbers
📧 What Happens:
Scammers create email addresses that look nearly identical to legitimate carrier domains.
They use VOIP or burner phone numbers that can’t be traced back to the real company.
Unsuspecting brokers send load details and payments to the fraudulent party.
✅ How to Prevent This:
Check the email domain closely— most large legitimate carriers use company-branded emails, not free providers like Gmail or Yahoo.
Verify phone numbers using the FMCSA registry or the carrier’s official website.
Call the carrier’s public number and ask for their dispatch department—if the contact details don’t match, it’s a red flag.
3️⃣ Fake Insurance Certificates
📜 What Happens:
Fraudulent carriers forge insurance documents.
Some tamper with policy limits to meet broker requirements.
Brokers realize the fraud only after a claim is denied due to an invalid policy.
✅ How to Prevent This:
Verify the insurance policy directly by calling the insurance provider listed on the certificate.
Use trusted insurance verification services to confirm active coverage.
Check for inconsistencies in fonts, formatting, and issuer details—common signs of fake certificates.
4️⃣ Double Brokering & Freight Swaps
🔄 What Happens:
A fraudulent carrier accepts the load but secretly re-brokers it to an unknown third party.
The real carrier doesn’t get paid, while the fraudster disappears with the broker’s payment.
Sometimes, loads get stolen outright or delayed due to contract disputes.
✅ How to Prevent This:
Only work with carriers that have a clean FMCSA record and no history of double brokering complaints.
Use carrier monitoring services to detect sudden changes in company behavior (e.g., new MCs, address changes, spikes in activity).
Confirm the carrier’s direct involvement by requesting driver details and load tracking updates.
🔒 The Ultimate Carrier Verification Checklist for Brokers
To minimize fraud risks, freight brokers should implement a multi-step verification process before assigning a load.
✅ Step 1: Verify MC/DOT Registration – Cross-check details on FMCSA SAFER and confirm the carrier’s status is active and in good standing.
✅ Step 2: Confirm Contact Information – Call the carrier using their official FMCSA-registered phone number and compare details to their website.
✅ Step 3: Validate Insurance Coverage – Contact the insurance provider directly to ensure the policy is active and meets requirements.
✅ Step 4: Check for Double Brokering Risks – Use industry databases and freight fraud tracking tools to flag suspicious carriers.
✅ Step 5: Require Real-Time Load Tracking – Use GPS tracking solutions (THROUGH ELD ONLY) or TMS software that monitors load movement for added security.
📌 Need help building a secure carrier vetting process? Our experts can help you prevent freight fraud. Book a Consultation today.
