Quick Definition
Double brokering occurs when a load is re-brokered without authorization, obscuring accountability and increasing fraud risk.
In legitimate brokerage, transparency matters. Double brokering removes it.
A fraudster accepts a load, then reassigns it—often to an unvetted or nonexistent carrier. The original shipper believes one party is responsible, while the actual carrier may never get paid.
In many cases, the load disappears entirely.
Why Double Brokering Enables Fraud
Double brokering:
- Breaks the trust chain
- Masks the true carrier identity
- Creates confusion when things go wrong
- Facilitates additional fraud or redirection of shipments
It’s frequently paired with identity misuse and load board fraud.
Real-World Scenario
A shipper contracts a broker they’ve used before. Unknown to them, that broker identity has been compromised. The load is re-brokered twice before pickup. When the shipment goes missing, no party can clearly identify who was responsible.
Key Warning Signs
- Inconsistent carrier information
- Communication gaps or delays
- Payment disputes before delivery
How NMFTA Helps
Identity assurance and standardized digital workflows make it harder to obscure who is actually moving freight.