Shipping & Freight News

Trust and clarity are the foundations of success in partnerships between freight brokers and carriers. While many brokers operate with integrity and professionalism, a growing number of reports from carriers highlight concerns about opaque practices and unfair treatment. That’s why broker transparency is more important than ever.

“At OOIDA, we support the broker transparency thing,” explains Lewie Pugh, Vice President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “We’re the ones who petitioned for it back in 2020, when rates went through the floor and truckers went to D.C. screaming and hollering that brokers were trying to rip them off.”

The foundation for broker transparency has existed for decades. Federal regulations introduced in the 1980s grants all parties involved in a freight transaction the right to access all related documents. This rule aims to ensure fairness and accountability between brokers, carriers, and shippers. However, loopholes in broker-carrier agreements often allow brokers to sidestep this regulation by having carriers waive their rights to view the paperwork. In effect, carriers lose the ability to confirm fair compensation or challenge unexpected claims.

“Too many brokers ask truckers to exempt themselves from that regulation in their broker-carrier agreement once they haul a load,” says Pugh.

A notable concern among carriers is the issue of post-delivery claims. In some cases, brokers allege a claim on a load weeks after delivery, even when the carrier received a clean bill of lading. These claims often come with vague justifications and no documentation—and when carriers request proof, they’re reminded that they waived their rights. In other cases, brokers offer access to documents only during limited hours and only in person, which is impractical for drivers constantly on the road.

Would greater transparency lead to better outcomes for carriers? Join the conversation with the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lance Podcast.

Transparency would empower carriers to verify claims and confirm that payment deductions are justified. It would also help them understand rate fluctuations, especially in seasonal freight markets. For example, a newer carrier might not realize that rates drop during certain months, leading to suspicion of broker misconduct. If full documentation were available, that carrier could see for themselves how pricing changes over time and make better-informed business decisions.

Providing electronic access to documentation is both reasonable and realistic in today’s digital-first world. With the widespread use of tools like DocuSign and electronic billing, there’s no practical reason brokers can’t share these materials digitally. Transparency isn’t about overregulation; it’s about honoring existing rules and building stronger relationships across the supply chain.

The goal isn’t to vilify brokers. In fact, many do play fair and offer tremendous value to the industry. But giving carriers the right to verify what they are paid and why creates a more educated, confident, and cooperative freight environment. It supports fairness, reduces conflict, and helps weed out bad actors who damage the industry’s reputation.

“We’re not trying to re-regulate,” says Pugh. “We just don’t believe that any business entity has a right to tell another business entity that they can waive their right from federal law.”

At Triple T Transport, by providing clear communication, full deduction documentation, and reliable service, we help carriers and shippers alike navigate the complexities of freight with confidence. When you work with Triple T, you’re choosing a third-party logistics partner committed to fairness, accountability, and long-term success.