Carrier identity impersonation remains one of the most disruptive risks in freight transportation. Organized criminal groups increasingly pose as legitimate motor carriers by using real MC numbers paired with falsified contact information, forged documents, and look-alike email domains. These schemes allow unauthorized parties to secure loads, reroute shipments, or intercept freight before disappearing. As freight networks rely more heavily on digital platforms and rapid communication, distinguishing legitimate carriers from impostors has become more challenging and more critical.
Effective carrier identity verification starts before freight is tendered. Brokers and shippers should validate carrier authority, insurance, and safety status using trusted regulatory records and confirm contact details independently rather than relying solely on load board profiles or email signatures. Extra caution is warranted when working with newly activated carriers, unfamiliar dispatchers, or last-minute carrier substitutions. These situations are frequently exploited by impersonators seeking to blend into normal freight operations.
Verification should continue throughout the load lifecycle. Requests to modify pickup locations, delivery instructions, or dispatcher contacts should be treated as high risk and confirmed through established communication channels. Shipping documents such as rate confirmations and bills of lading should be reviewed for inconsistencies in company names, phone numbers, and formatting. Limiting system access and enforcing multi factor authentication reduces the risk that compromised credentials can be used to gain control of freight information or load assignments.
Protecting freight begins with knowing who is moving it. By strengthening carrier identity verification practices and maintaining consistent checks at every handoff, brokers and their customers can significantly reduce exposure to fraudulent pickups and shipment diversion. Clear verification standards help preserve service reliability, safeguard shipments, and reinforce trust across the transportation network.
Sources
Verisk CargoNet Cargo Theft and Fraud Trendshttps://www.verisk.com/solutions/transportation/Truckstop Freight Fraud Indexhttps://truckstop.com/freight-fraud-prevention/Transportation Intermediaries Association Fraud Prevention Resourceshttps://www.tianet.org
