Carrier SPAM: How To Decode It & Avoid It

With the surge of SPAM in the trucking industry, carriers are finding it increasingly difficult to determine what is legitimate from what is not. As a result, more carriers are getting scammed because they're worried about losing their authority and dealing with costly fines.

In this blog, we will discuss the main types of fraud that carriers are facing today and provide key tips on how to tell what's legit and what's SPAM.

Different Types Of SPAM

Double brokering occurs when a carrier accepts a load and then brokers it to another carrier without informing the original shipper. This can significantly impact carriers by reducing revenue, causing shipment delays, and even payment disputes. Brokers engaging in double brokering risk fines and even imprisonment if caught.

Have you ever received a notice claiming your DOT number is outdated, threatening hefty fines if not renewed immediately? You're not alone. Despite needing to update your DOT number every two years, scammers try to instill fear by prompting premature updates that will cause unnecessary financial loss.

Recently, hackers have adopted a new tactic of posing as brokers and contacting carriers for their CDL license information Their goal is to change your MCS-150 details so they can access to your DOT number to secure freight contracts or payments for services they never intend to deliver. If this happens, you're responsible for any damage caused. Just remember, a legitimate broker shouldn't ask for your CDL license number.

How to Decode SPAM

Identifying spam doesn’t need to be challenging. Make sure to check the sender's details, and pay attention to the email address, sender's information on letters, text sender's number, and caller's number. If anything feels off, it's likely spam.

Additionally, if the message isn't from your factoring or compliance partner, it's probably spam. A reliable compliance partner keeps your licenses current and ensures ongoing compliance. And a reputable factoring provider will always offer free credit checks to verify the legitimacy of brokers or shippers.