June 18, 2025
In an industry built on trust, timing, and complex handoffs, fraud isn’t just a threat — it’s a growing reality. Identity fraud has become one of the most common and disruptive forms of fraud in logistics. Whether you’re a shipper, broker, or carrier, the risk of someone pretending to be someone they’re not, can lead to costly consequences, lost freight, and damaged reputations.
So, what is identity fraud in the context of freight?
It’s when a person or organization poses as a legitimate carrier or broker to intercept loads, gain access to sensitive information, or commit financial fraud. These bad actors often use spoofed emails, stolen or fake MC numbers, falsified documents, or slightly altered contact info to appear credible. Once in, they may disappear with the load, double-broker it illegally, or secure payment under false pretenses.
With the right safeguards, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
WHAT SHIPPERS SHOULD LOOK FOR WHEN WORKING WITH A BROKER
As a shipper, your first line of defense is choosing a trustworthy broker. Here’s what you should expect — and what to look out for — when working with a 3PL:
- Confirm Contact Information: Verify phone numbers through FMCSA records or trusted directories. Don’t rely solely on what’s in an email signature or text message.
- Scrutinize Email Addresses: Be alert to unexpected email domains (like Gmail or Yahoo) or slight variations in spelling. Fraudsters often impersonate known contacts.
- Validate Business Address: Confirm the broker’s office location through public records or Google. A legitimate brokerage will have a verifiable physical address — not just a PO box.
- Check Brokerage Authority: Look into how long the broker has held its authority. While newer authorities aren’t automatically suspect, they merit closer review.
- Verify Bond Coverage: A legal broker must carry a $75,000 surety bond. You can verify broker bond coverage on the FMCSA website, and it’s a good idea to call the insurance carrier directly to confirm it’s active and valid.
- Confirm Load Details Directly: If anything about a load or communication seems off, call the broker using a phone number you’ve independently verified to confirm the load’s legitimacy.
SHIPPER SAFEGUARDS AT PICKUP AND DELIVERY
When a truck arrives to pick up or deliver your freight, these extra steps can help protect your shipment:
- Match MC number and company markings on the truck and trailer at both shipper and receiver locations.
- Obtain and review the driver’s CDL. Have them complete a check-in form.
- Personally review the check-in form — don’t just rely on the driver’s completion.
- Ensure the check-in form captures:
- Truck and trailer numbers
- Last 4 digits of VIN
- License plate numbers (truck + trailer)
- Use yard/dock security cameras to document pickups and deliveries.
(Optional but valuable): Ask to see the insurance card in the truck
WHAT OPENROAD DOES TO VET CARRIERS
Once you’ve selected a reliable broker, the next step is trusting that broker to vet the carrier — and that’s where OpenRoad excels. Here’s how we protect your freight by verifying carriers:
- We verify contact information against FMCSA and trusted compliance tools like Highway.
- We review email domains for consistency and legitimacy, flagging suspicious domains or sudden changes.
- We confirm physical business addresses — no PO boxes, only legitimate operational locations.
- We evaluate MC authority age — established carriers have proven track records.
- We assess safety and operational expertise through conversations, CSA scores, and FMCSA data.
- We validate active insurance coverage by reviewing COIs and confirming appropriate levels of liability and cargo insurance.
HOW OPENROAD PROTECTS AGAINST FRAUD
At OpenRoad, we’ve built fraud prevention into our DNA. As a shipper, here’s what you can expect:
- A dedicated compliance team monitoring every load.
- Highway and other vetting platforms used on every carrier we work with.
- Extremely low claims ratios thanks to thorough vetting and proactive safeguards.
- A strong, reliable carrier network — with long-standing relationships built by our carrier reps.
- Ongoing FMCSA monitoring to detect and respond to potential fraud.
- A fully bonded brokerage with deep industry partnerships and fraud monitoring connections.
WHAT CARRIERS CAN EXPECT FROM OPENROAD
If you’re a carrier, OpenRoad works to protect you too. When you haul for us:
- You’re vetted through a thorough compliance and onboarding process.
- You’ll have a dedicated carrier rep who knows your business and helps safeguard your identity.
- We work to prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft through our vetting processes and fraud monitoring.
Tips for carriers to protect their identity:
- Regularly monitor your FMCSA profile for unauthorized changes.
- Protect login credentials and company documents.
- Watch for fraudulent use of your MC number and report it immediately.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT OR ENCOUNTER FRAUD
If you suspect fraud or experience a fraudulent incident:
- Call the customer on the BOL to confirm the carrier or broker’s authority.
- Review all shipping documents for discrepancies — including rate cons, BOLs, and load tenders.
- Verify revisions or updates by contacting the original source using known contact info.
OpenRoad: Your Trusted Fraud Prevention Partner
At OpenRoad, we’re committed to staying ahead of fraud threats so our customers and carrier partners can focus on what they do best — moving freight.
We monitor industry fraud trends, collaborate with our partners, and continuously strengthen our network and tools to protect your business.
Let us be your dedicated logistics partner — working together to keep your freight secure.
READY TO SHIP OR HAUL WITH CONFIDENCE?
Contact OpenRoad today to experience the difference of a partner that puts fraud prevention first.
About OpenRoad
Since 2004, OpenRoad has been empowering companies to achieve more through innovative supply chain solutions and a relentless commitment to top level service. With a full suite of logistics services and the industry’s most advanced technological tools, we partner with companies to strengthen their supply chains, enabling them to operate more efficiently, manage their transportation spend, and ultimately serve their customers better.
Media Contact
503-687-2797
marketing@openroad.inc
