Booking a load with an unfamiliar broker?

Here are some quick tips on how to check the broker’s operating authority history.

1. Go to: https://lipublic.fmcsa.dot.gov/LIVIEW/pkg_carrquery.prc_authorityhistory
2. Enter the MC number or FF number of the broker where it says “DOCKET Number”
3. Click search
4. Click on HTML Button in the “View Details (the report is PDF)”
   1. Here you can see the broker’s legal name, if they have an assumed name (dba), if the broker’s operating authority is active and if a surety bond or trust fund is on file.
5. By clicking on insurance history at the bottom, this will show any recent bond/trust fund cancellations/revocations or name changes.
6. By clicking on authority history, this will show revocations and changes to the status of the operating authority.

Pay attention to the rate confirmation sheet the broker sent you!

1. Does the name on the rate confirmation sheet match the name on the FMCSA website you just checked? If it does not, there is a risk that if you had to file on the broker’s bond for payment, it may not be processed by the bond company.
2. Does the rate confirmation sheet tell you to check in under a name other than yours or the broker’s name?
3. Do you see the name RIGZ anywhere on the rate confirmation sheet such as submit paperwork to RIGZ? We will not fund invoices with rate confirmation sheets referring to RIGZ.

When you or your driver picks up the load, watch for:

1. Any other broker/carrier name listed on the BOL/POD. If there is a name other than yours or the broker’s name you contracted with, the load could be double brokered, and double brokering is illegal.
2. When signing the BOL as the driver also list your company name below the signature. This gives you ownership of the load.

When emailing our office for a broker credit check, please make sure to give an MC/FF number and the amount the load is paying. This will speed up the process. If you only have the name of the brokerage, include the city and state where they are located.

The Great Plains email for credit checks is creditchecks@grtplains.com. 

To set dispatchers up with access to our online portal to check the credit status of a customer have the owner of the company contact us for authorization forms. Your account executive can help you with this process.

Please remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!