What Shippers Should Ask Freight Brokers Right Now: A Carrier Selection Checklist
The Montgomery decision put more focus on how freight brokers select and monitor carriers. For shippers, that means the process behind your freight matters more now. At TQL, we follow FMCSA guidance and take a disciplined approach to carrier vetting and selection.
Use this checklist to evaluate broker licensing, coverage, vetting records, fraud controls and operating standards.Licensing & Coverage
- Verify broker has active FMCSA operating authority
- Confirm a $75K surety bond is on file
- Verify contingent cargo insurance and auto liability coverage
Vetting & Documentation
- Confirm broker maintains time-stamped vetting records
- Ensure signed carrier agreements are on file
- Validate ongoing carrier monitoring and how often FMCSA data is refreshed
- Confirm TMS has automated hard stops for non-compliant carriers
Fraud & Re-Brokering Controls
- Obtain written policy prohibiting re-brokering/double-brokering
- Confirm systems are in place to detect unauthorized activity
Contracts & Standards
- Review broker agreement for clear roles/responsibilities
- Ensure minimum carrier qualification standards are defined
See how TQL evaluates carriers →
Explore our carrier vetting process for more on monitoring, oversight, and compliance.
