The Growing Concern of Double Brokering in the Logistics Industry

Logistics and supply chain operations often run smoothly, akin to a well-oiled engine. However, like any engine, there are weak points prone to malfunction. In the vast landscape of trucking and transportation, one such concerning practice is double brokering.

Understanding Double Brokering

Double brokering is an unauthorized practice where a load originally assigned to one party is reassigned to another, unbeknownst to the shipper or sometimes even the broker. This stands in contrast to co-brokering, which involves the authorized reassignment of loads with the shipper’s knowledge.

The main issues with double brokering are:

1. An original broker reassigning a load to another brokerage without the shipper’s knowledge.

2. A carrier being assigned a load and then passing it to another carrier without permission.

This lack of transparency means shippers and brokers are often in the dark about who is transporting their goods.

The Impact of Double Brokering

The repercussions of double brokering are manifold:

– Visibility: Shippers and brokers can’t track their loads, leading to distrust and possible load mismanagement.

– Hostage Loads: Carriers may hold loads ransom, demanding upfront payment when they realize they’ve been involved in double brokering.

– Theft: Due to lack of tracking, there’s a heightened risk of shipments getting lost or stolen. Moreover, original carriers might not pay the second carrier, leading to potential conflicts.

-Insurance Liability: Uncertainty about insurance coverage for double brokered loads could lead to legal and financial complications.

The gravest concern, however, is the erosion of trust. Relationships between brokers and carriers, already delicate, can easily break down due to fraudulent practices.

Why Does Double Brokering Persist?

Despite its negative implications, double brokering is on the rise. Reasons for its prevalence include:

1. Brokers being unable to find carriers and passing the load to another broker.

2. Carriers needing cash and transferring the shipment to a cheaper carrier to gain profit.

3. Carriers lacking the capacity to transport an accepted load and passing it on.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has been urged to address this growing issue. The National Association of Small Trucking Companies has emphasized the need for better law enforcement to curb these fraudulent practices.

Spotting the Red Flags

Stay vigilant! Some warning signs of double brokering are:

– Poor carrier ratings on platforms like Truckstop.com or DAT.

– A carrier’s short history and lack of inspections.

– Being directed to a dispatch company instead of the carrier.

– Absence of driver details.

– Mismatched VIN and truck details.

– Carriers blaming issues on their owner-operator.

– Frequent requests for quick pay or fuel advances by the carrier.

Addressing the Issue

To combat double brokering:

1. Embrace Technology: Adopt platforms that prioritize load visibility like PNGLC TMS can help manage and dispatch loads securely, offering real-time updates.

2. Report: If you encounter double brokering, report it to DOT/FMCSA. Many instances go unnoticed, but highlighting them can bring about change.

In Conclusion