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HaulerMath
Know Your Numbers Before You Roll
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Printed June 10, 2026

Double-Brokering Red-Flag Checker

60-second 12-point screen for the broker fraud and double-brokering scams that cost carriers $500M+ in 2025.

VERIFY HARD. Risk 35 percent, 0 red flags confirmed.
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Answer the 12 questions below. Each "Yes" adds to the fraud-risk score. "Don't know" counts as partial risk — you can't ship what you can't verify. Run an FMCSA check on the MC first if you can.
  1. 1. Is the posted rate noticeably above market for this lane?

    Scammers post inflated rates to attract fast bookings. Cross-check with DAT or our AI Load Advisor.

  2. 2. Does the broker contact use a free email (gmail, yahoo, outlook, hotmail)?

    Legit brokers almost always use a company domain. Free email + new authority is the classic combo.

  3. 3. Is the broker's FMCSA authority less than 90 days old?

    Fraud rings spin up shell MCs constantly. Check the authority issue date on FMCSA SAFER.

  4. 4. Is the rate confirmation missing a company letterhead, address, or logo?
  5. 5. Does the broker's phone on the rate-con not match the number listed on FMCSA?

    Always call the FMCSA-listed number to confirm the load is real before dispatching.

  6. 6. Will the broker not share a current Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
  7. 7. Are payment terms over 45 days, or vague ("net soon", "on receipt")?
  8. 8. Will the broker refuse a recorded confirmation call?
  9. 9. Are they rushing you and the load was posted late evening or weekend?
  10. 10. Do they want you to receive payment through an unrelated third party?

    Major double-broker tell. Payment should come from the broker on the rate confirmation.

  11. 11. Does the broker name on the rate-con not match the FMCSA legal name?
  12. 12. Did they ask you to sign a new rate-con after dispatch with different details?

    Common scheme: the second rate-con re-routes payment to a fake company.

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VERIFY HARD

Concerning signals. Before dispatching, call the broker on their FMCSA-listed phone number, demand a COI emailed from a company domain, and confirm payment routing in writing.

Risk score
35%
Red flags
0
Of 12
12
Next steps that actually help
  • ✓ Verify the broker on FMCSA SAFER
  • ✓ Call the FMCSA-listed phone, not the rate-con phone.
  • ✓ Require a COI emailed from a company domain.
  • ✓ Never release the BOL until delivery instructions are in writing.
  • ✓ Report confirmed fraud to FMCSA NCCDB.
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