Key facts
| When payment is due | Whatever your rate confirmation or broker-carrier agreement says |
|---|---|
| Financial security | $75,000 bond or trust fund, shared by all claimants |
| Your records right | 49 CFR 371.3: review the broker's record of your load |
| Report fraud to FMCSA | 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) |
| Using a factor? | Tell your factoring company right away; the invoice may be theirs to collect |
Step by step
Check the payment terms
Find the due date and payment method on your rate confirmation or broker-carrier agreement so you know when the payment is actually late.
Resend a complete invoice
Send the invoice again with the signed proof of delivery and rate confirmation, to the billing contact on file. Missing paperwork is a common reason for delays.
Send a written demand
Put it in writing: the load, amount owed, the documents attached and a deadline. Keep proof you sent it.
Check the broker on FMCSA
Look up the broker's authority and bond. If authority was revoked or the bond cancelled, move fast on a bond claim.
File a bond claim
Send your claim to the surety that held the broker's bond on your delivery date, with copies of all your documents.
Report and escalate
Report fraud to FMCSA and keep a record. For larger amounts, small claims court or an attorney may be the way to get paid.
Checklist
- Rate confirmation with payment terms
- Signed bill of lading and proof of delivery
- Invoice sent to the right billing contact
- Written demand with a deadline
- Broker's FMCSA authority and bond checked
- Bond claim filed if the deadline passes
FAQ
How long does a broker have to pay?
It depends on the payment terms in your rate confirmation or broker-carrier agreement. Read them before you book, keep a signed copy, and invoice the same day you deliver so the clock starts as early as possible.
Does reporting the broker to FMCSA get me paid?
Not directly. FMCSA has said its authority over payment disputes is limited. A complaint creates a record and helps against fraud, but the money usually comes from the broker, its bond or a court.
Can I find out what the broker was paid for my load?
Federal rules (49 CFR 371.3) require brokers to keep a record of each transaction for three years, and each party to the transaction has the right to review it. Some broker agreements try to waive this, so check yours.
Want someone to handle it?
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Official sources
- FMCSA: Broker and carrier fraud and identity theft
- FMCSA Licensing & Insurance (L&I)
- 49 CFR 371.3: Records to be kept by brokers
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm your exact situation with the agency linked above.