Double brokering happens when a broker re-brokers your load without consent. Learn the red flags, how it harms carriers and shippers, and how to protect yourself.
Double brokering occurs when a freight broker accepts a load from a shipper or another broker and then re-brokers it to a third party — without the original shipper's knowledge or consent. The carrier that actually hauls the freight often gets paid late or not at all, because the middle broker disappears with the funds.
The original broker still holds the contract with the shipper, meaning they still collect payment. But instead of passing that payment to the actual carrier, the fraudulent middle broker pockets it. The real carrier is left chasing money they'll likely never see.
For shippers, double brokering means your cargo is in the hands of a carrier you never vetted, never approved, and may not meet your safety requirements. If that carrier causes an accident, the liability picture gets complicated fast.
Always verify the carrier's FMCSA information before tendering a load. Look up their DOT number directly on FMCSA and call back on the number listed in FMCSA records — not the number that called you. A scammer can spoof a phone number but can't change the one on file with the FMCSA.
Require that every driver check in with a selfie ID match before loading. This is the only way to confirm the person picking up your freight is who FMCSA records say they are.
FMCSA data tells you a carrier's authority exists. It doesn't tell you the person dispatching is actually affiliated with that carrier. Purple Squirrel closes that gap with MVR pulls and selfie ID verification — proof that the driver is who the records say.
Look up FMCSA authority, insurance, safety score, and scam risk indicators in seconds.
Run a Free Lookup →Double brokering without the shipper's consent violates FMCSA regulations and can constitute fraud. It can result in civil liability and criminal charges for the broker who re-brokers without authorization.
Double brokering incidents have increased significantly in recent years, particularly on high-demand lanes. Industry estimates suggest hundreds of millions of dollars in losses annually.
Stop the load if it hasn't been picked up. Contact FMCSA and file a complaint. Document everything — the rate confirmation, all communications, and the MC numbers involved. Contact your legal counsel.
Look up the carrier's DOT number on FMCSA, confirm their authority is active, and call back on the FMCSA-registered phone number. Never rely solely on the number or email that contacted you.
Data sourced from FMCSA. For informational purposes only — consult legal counsel for compliance questions.