Check Any Freight Broker Before You Haul: Free MC Number Lookup

Non-paying brokers, double-brokering, and outright fraud cost truck drivers an estimated $800 million per year (ATA). The FBI has flagged trucking fraud as one of the fastest-growing forms of commercial crime. In 2024 alone, FMCSA received over 6,000 complaints about broker non-payment. TRU LOAD lets you check any freight broker by MC number before you accept the load — for free. Get FMCSA status, community payment data, and an A through F reliability grade in seconds.

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$800M
Lost to broker fraud/year (ATA)
6,000+
FMCSA complaints in 2024
Free
For all TRU LOAD users

Broker Grade Scale: A Through F

A

Excellent — pays on time, low complaint rate, established business

B

Good — mostly pays on time, few complaints, reliable

C

Fair — occasional slow payments, some complaints, proceed with caution

D

Poor — frequent slow payments, multiple complaints, high risk

F

Avoid — non-payment history, fraud reports, or inactive authority

How TRU LOAD Broker Check Works

1

Enter MC Number

Type the broker’s MC number in the app or say “Hey Tru Load, check broker MC 123456.” Works from the load board, a broker call, or an email offer.

2

Get Instant Report

TRU LOAD returns: FMCSA authority status (active/inactive), authority age, surety bond status, insurance on file, community payment score, number of complaints, and overall A-F grade. Results in under 3 seconds.

3

Make an Informed Decision

See exactly what you are dealing with before you commit. A-B graded brokers are generally safe. C grade means proceed with caution. D-F means walk away or demand upfront payment.

Sample Broker Credit Report

ABC Freight Brokerage
MC-987654
A
Authority Status
Active
Authority Age
8 years, 4 months
Surety Bond
$75,000 — Active
Insurance
On File
Community Score
4.6 / 5.0 (142 reports)
FMCSA Complaints
2 (resolved)
Low Risk — Safe to haul

6 Red Flags to Watch For

Authority less than 6 months old

New brokers are more likely to fail. 50% of new brokerages close within 2 years.

No bond or insurance on file

Brokers must have a $75,000 surety bond. No bond = no way to recover your money.

Multiple complaints in carrier411 or similar

Community reports of non-payment, double-brokering, or identity theft.

Rate significantly above market

If a rate seems too good to be true, it often is. Common double-brokering tactic.

Pressure to book immediately

Legitimate brokers give you time to decide. High-pressure tactics suggest fraud.

Cannot verify the load with the shipper

Real loads can be verified. If the broker will not let you confirm, walk away.

Free for All Users

Never Haul Blind Again

Broker credit check is free for every TRU LOAD user on every plan. Unlimited lookups. We believe driver protection is not a premium feature — it is a basic right. Works with any broker or shipper you already haul for.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does TRU LOAD calculate the broker grade?+

TRU LOAD combines multiple data sources: FMCSA authority status and age, surety bond status, insurance on file, community payment reports from TRU LOAD users, public complaint databases, and business registration data. The AI weighs these factors to produce an A through F grade with specific risk indicators.

Is the broker credit check really free?+

Yes. Every TRU LOAD user, including those on the Free plan, can check any broker by MC number. We believe protecting drivers from non-paying brokers is a basic safety feature, not a premium one. Unlimited lookups on all plans.

What data sources does TRU LOAD use?+

FMCSA SAFER database (authority status, age, bond, insurance), FMCSA complaint database, community payment reports from TRU LOAD users, public business records, and carrier community forums. We aggregate and analyze all available data to produce the most accurate picture possible.

What should I do if a broker gets a D or F grade?+

We strongly recommend not hauling for D or F graded brokers. If you still choose to, demand payment upfront or upon delivery. Never accept Net 30 terms from a low-rated broker. Also consider using a factoring company for immediate payment so your risk exposure is limited.

Can I report a broker who did not pay me?+

Yes. TRU LOAD users can submit payment reports for any broker. These community reports help other drivers avoid non-paying brokers and contribute to the overall grade calculation. You can also report double-brokering and identity theft.

Related Guides

Check Any Broker in 3 Seconds. Free.

Enter an MC number. Get FMCSA status, payment data, and an A-F grade. Protect yourself from non-paying brokers before you commit to the load.

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