What to Do When a Load Looks Suspicious or Pickup Information Changes

A valid MC or USDOT number does not prove that a caller or load tender is genuine. Criminals may impersonate a registered broker or carrier and copy employee names or insurance documents. When a pickup location, pickup number, contact, driver or vehicle, destination, or payment instruction changes at the last minute, place the load on hold and preserve both versions.

Verification must use information outside the suspicious message. Search FMCSA's Motus Public Search by USDOT number, legal name, or DBA, then compare the entity type and operating authority. A broker's $75,000 bond or trust filing is a compliance record, not proof of the caller's identity. The legacy Licensing and Insurance system has been historical-only since May 14, 2026. Use SAFER Company Snapshot to obtain a published phone number, or call a previously verified contact. Contact details in a rate confirmation, email, text, search advertisement, or caller ID cannot verify the sender.

Confirm the load number, pickup details, carrier, driver and vehicle, destination, and payment arrangement with an authorized person. Keep the written confirmation. FMCSA identifies requests to impersonate another carrier, lie about an employer, use a blind load to avoid destination questions, or accept an abnormal rate increase as reasons to stop a transaction. One red flag does not prove fraud, but it warrants more verification.

At pickup, record the driver's name, tractor and trailer plates, vehicle photographs, gate activity, and bill of lading. If cargo has moved, do not redirect it to an unfamiliar location based only on a new message. Contact the verified broker, shipper or receiver, insurer, and local law enforcement as appropriate. Do not delete communications, recreate documents, or hold a load hostage for payment.

Call 911 or local police for an active theft, threat, hijacking, or missing cargo. FMCSA's NCCDB accepts relevant broker, truck-company, and registration identity complaints. California CHP's CTIP notification does not replace a local police report. Cyber-enabled fraud may also be reported to FBI IC3 and FTC ReportFraud. Filing does not guarantee recovery, payment, insurance coverage, investigation, or arrest.