How to Spot Bad Freight Brokers in 2025: A Carrier's Guide to Protecting Profits

The Real Cost of Working With Bad Freight Brokers

The trucking industry is no stranger to challenges, but few issues hit carriers harder than dealing with bad brokers. Whether it's getting stiffed on payment or falling victim to identity fraud, the damage can be costly and often irreversible.

In a recent video that’s been making rounds in the freight community, @longmoneytrucking called out a list of brokers that carriers should be cautious about. These aren’t just complaints — many drivers have shared experiences of non-payment, miscommunication, and even fraudulent activity linked to these companies.

With the rise of double brokering and broker impersonation, it's more important than ever to stay alert. One wrong load can result in weeks of chasing payment or losing money entirely. Unfortunately, many new carriers learn this lesson the hard way — often when it's too late to recover the lost revenue.

Who Are the Risky Brokers in 2025?

Here are the brokers mentioned in the TikTok video that drivers should approach with caution:

• Leonards Express

• Bergenstar

• A Class Logistics

• Rock Island Rail

• Priority Logistics

• Sheertrans Solutions

• Magna Transportation

• Business to Business Logistics (newly added)

• Yucarza Logistics (newly added)
  

Additionally, Candor Expedite was mentioned as a credible broker that recently fell victim to identity fraud. While Candor itself remains trustworthy, it highlights just how critical broker verification has become in today’s market.

How to Spot Bad Freight Brokers Before It's Too Late

Learning how to spot bad freight brokers in 2025 is not optional — it's essential. Carriers must go beyond surface-level trust and conduct due diligence before every load. Here are proven steps to avoid scams and protect your operation:

Always Perform Broker Credit Checks

Use platforms like Ansonia, Truckstop.com, or FreightCheck to research broker credit scores. If a broker has a history of delayed payments or unresolved claims, that’s a red flag.

Look beyond just the credit score — read reviews, check their payment timelines, and see how they handle disputes. Some brokers may seem legitimate on paper but have a reputation for slow-pay or shady communication practices.

Verify Identity and Contact Info

Make sure the broker’s phone number, email, and MC number match what’s listed on official directories like FMCSA. Scammers often spoof emails or create duplicate websites to mislead carriers. If the contact information feels inconsistent, stop and verify through a trusted source.

Fraudsters are also known to slightly alter domain names (e.g., using .net instead of .com), so be cautious of every detail. When in doubt, cross-check with industry forums and factoring companies.

Look for Warning Signs

Is the rate too good to be true? Are they rushing you to accept the load? Is there pressure to bypass written agreements or complete transactions outside of secure platforms? These are all signals that something may be off.

Watch for:

• Unprofessional communication

• Vague load details

• Hesitation to share credentials

• A sense of urgency without explanation

  
  

Ask the Right Questions

When working with a new broker, ask:

• How long have you been in business?

• Can I see your carrier packet and COI?

• Who are your references?
  

Even if the answers sound good, cross-check them against available public records and carrier forums. If they can’t provide clear documentation, walk away.

Identity Fraud is Growing

The mention of Candor Expedite as a fraud victim reveals a new layer of concern: even reputable brokers can be impersonated. Scammers are increasingly cloning MC numbers, company names, and websites to trick carriers into accepting fake loads.

This type of fraud is especially dangerous because it creates a false sense of trust. A carrier might think they’re working with a reputable company, only to find out after the load is delivered that the paperwork was fake and the real broker never authorized the shipment.

To protect yourself:

• Call the broker using the number on their official website, not one provided via email.

• Confirm payment procedures and use factoring services when possible.

• Use industry-recognized platforms for transactions and document sharing.

• If something feels off, walk away. It’s better to miss a load than lose your paycheck.

Why Every Dollar Counts

In a business where margins are thin, one unpaid load can throw off your entire week’s revenue. For owner-operators and small fleets, it can mean delayed payroll, missed fuel payments, or worse. As @longmoneytrucking puts it, “every dollar counts.”

Taking the time to do proper due diligence isn't just good practice—it’s survival. A five-minute background check could save you thousands in losses. With costs rising across fuel, maintenance, and insurance, there’s simply no room for financial missteps.

And it’s not just about lost money. Bad brokers cost time. The back-and-forth with collections, disputes, and chasing invoices wastes resources and distracts from growth.

Final Thoughts: Stay Focused, Stay Paid

The freight world in 2025 is faster and riskier than ever, but it also offers more tools to protect yourself. Whether it’s checking credit reports, verifying MC numbers, or leaning on trusted carrier networks, the resources are there.

Knowing how to spot bad freight brokers is no longer just something veteran carriers talk about — it’s a mission-critical skill for every dispatcher, driver, and fleet owner.

Don’t get comfortable just because you’ve been paid on time a few times. Scammers are always evolving. Staying vigilant is the only way to stay safe.

Stay sharp, stay skeptical, and most importantly, stay paid.

Follow balkandispatch.com for more updates, freight insights, and practical tools to grow your trucking business with confidence.