Question 1

What is double brokering?

Accepted Answer

Double brokering is when a freight broker illegally re-brokers a load to another carrier without authorization. The original shipper pays the first broker, but the actual hauling carrier often never gets paid — losses topped $500M in 2025.

Question 2

What are the biggest double-brokering red flags?

Accepted Answer

Posted rate well above market, broker contact uses a free email (gmail, yahoo), no rate-con on company letterhead, refusal to verify on a recorded line, payment terms over 45 days, broker authority less than 90 days old, and refusal to share a COI.

Question 3

How do I protect myself from double-brokered loads?

Accepted Answer

Always verify the MC# on FMCSA SAFER, call the broker back at the listed FMCSA phone number (not the number on the rate confirmation), require an emailed rate-con from a company domain, and never release the BOL until you have written delivery instructions.

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