“Double brokering” is a shady practice that has been eroding that trust for shippers across the industry. At Sure Shot Logistics, we take proactive steps to protect our clients from these risks, so you can rest easy knowing your shipment is secure. Let’s break down what double brokering is, why it’s a problem, and how you can avoid falling victim to it.
What Exactly Is Double Brokering?
Double brokering happens when a broker or carrier accepts a load, only to turn around and hand it off to another party without the shipper’s knowledge. Here’s a typical scenario: A shipper hires a broker to manage their load, trusting it will go directly to a trusted carrier. Instead, that broker reassigns the load to a different carrier or even another broker. Suddenly, the shipper’s freight is moving through an unknown chain, with no clear line of accountability. It’s one of the main reasons we developed our Fraud Fight program.
This “hand-off” leaves shippers in the dark. They’re unaware of the third-party involvement, which means any issues along the way can be much harder to resolve. In short, double brokering adds confusion and risk to an already complex process.
Why Double Brokering Poses a Risk
Double brokering creates several serious issues:
- Accountability Gaps
With multiple brokers or carriers involved, it’s unclear who’s ultimately responsible. If something goes wrong—like a delay or damage to goods—who’s to blame? Getting answers becomes a challenge, with everyone passing the buck. - Higher Risk of Fraud
Some brokers or carriers may double broker loads just to skim a profit, charging a premium to clients while outsourcing the job to a lower-cost provider. Worse, in some cases, fraudulent parties simply disappear, taking the load (and payment) with them. - Service Quality Drops
When a load is double-brokered, there’s a high chance it won’t receive the same level of care. Communication may break down, shipments may get delayed, and overall service quality suffers as the load moves down an unmonitored chain. - Insurance and Liability Headaches
With extra hands involved, figuring out who’s liable if goods are damaged or lost can be a nightmare. Shippers may end up covering costs they thought were insured or handled by their broker.
Tips to Protect Your Business from Double Brokering
While double brokering is a risk, you can take steps to protect your shipments and ensure you’re working with trustworthy partners:
- Choose Reliable Brokers
Partner with brokers who have a solid track record, like Sure Shot Logistics. Look for industry certifications, client reviews, and a transparent history. A reputable broker prioritizes your shipment’s security and keeps you informed every step of the way. - Insist on Clear Communication and Documentation
Always ask for detailed updates on which carrier is handling your load. If a broker hesitates to provide this, consider it a red flag. Clear communication keeps you in control. - Conduct Regular Carrier Audits
For frequent shippers, periodic audits of carriers can help identify any unexpected hand-offs. A little due diligence goes a long way in catching double brokering before it causes a problem. - Utilize Tracking Technology
Real-time tracking provides transparency into where your shipment is at all times. Many freight management systems now offer this, making it harder for unauthorized hand-offs to happen unnoticed. - Establish Direct Contracts with Your Broker
If possible, set up contracts with your broker that explicitly prohibit double brokering without prior consent. This way, if they breach the agreement, you’re protected.
How Sure Shot Logistics Keeps You Safe
At Sure Shot Logistics, we believe in transparency and accountability. Here’s how we protect our clients from the risks of double brokering:
- Vetted Carrier Partnerships
We only work with carriers who meet our high standards, ensuring they’re reliable, responsible, and trustworthy. You’ll always know who’s handling your shipment. - Real-Time Tracking and Regular Updates
With us, you get real-time visibility into where your freight is and who’s managing it. We provide updates at every step so you’re never left wondering. - Open, Honest Communication
Our team keeps you informed with proactive communication. We share carrier details, shipment status, and any updates promptly, so you’re always in the loop. - Strict Anti-Fraud Policies and Full Insurance Coverage
We enforce strict policies against double brokering, and every load is insured. In the rare case of an issue, you’re financially covered.
Double brokering is an unfortunate reality in freight logistics, but you don’t have to face it alone. By partnering with Sure Shot Logistics, you’re choosing a team that values trust, transparency, and accountability. Reach out today to learn how we can safeguard your freight and ensure a seamless shipping experience from start to finish.