Carrier Authority Checker
Search FMCSA records by company name to verify operating authority status. Spot inactive and revoked authorities before dispatching.
Always verify on the day of dispatch. Authority status can change at any time. A carrier that was active yesterday may be inactive today. Run a check for every new carrier, every load.
Common Freight Fraud Red Flags
Know these warning signs before you tender a load. One flag is reason for extra scrutiny — two or more means walk away.
Authority granted less than 6 months ago
New authorities are the #1 vector for freight fraud. Legitimate carriers typically have years of operating history.
Carrier using a different MC# than advertised
Always verify the MC# on the rate confirmation matches what FMCSA shows for that company name.
Pressure to book the load immediately
Fraudulent carriers create false urgency to prevent you from completing due diligence. Legitimate carriers will wait.
Rate far below market average
If the rate seems too good to be true, it usually is. Extreme underbidding is a classic double-brokering setup.
Carrier requests payment before delivery
Standard freight payment is net 30-45 days after delivery. Any upfront payment request is a fraud indicator.
Phone number doesn’t match FMCSA record
Cross-check the callback number with the FMCSA-listed phone. Fraudsters often spoof legitimate carrier identities.
What is double brokering?
Double brokering occurs when a carrier accepts a load and then re-tenders it to another carrier without your knowledge or authorization. You pay the first carrier, who may never pay the actual carrier. Your shipper's cargo ends up with someone you've never vetted.
How to protect yourself
- ✓Vet every carrier on FreightSafe before tendering
- ✓Confirm the truck and driver at pickup via photo ID
- ✓Use a signed rate confirmation with no re-brokering clause
- ✓Call the FMCSA-listed number, not a number the carrier gives you
- ✓Track the load — any handoff mid-transit is a red flag