Strategies for Mitigating Double-Brokering and Freight Fraud in U.S. Trucking

The U.S. trucking industry is grappling with a surge in double-brokering, freight fraud, and identity theft, threats that undermine the integrity of domestic supply chains, inflate operational costs, and erode trust among shippers, brokers, and carriers. This paper examines the root causes and escalating impact of these issues, drawing on recent case studies, regulatory filings, and first-hand industry observations. It critically analyzes why existing countermeasures both technological and regulatory have often proven inadequate and exposes the market and enforcement gaps that allow scams such as “ghost trucks” and “phantom capacity” to proliferate. Leveraging industry interviews and data from recent fraud incidents, the paper quantifies the financial and reputational risks facing U.S. stakeholders. It then presents a framework for practical, evidence-based solutions: advanced digital verification platforms, blockchain-enabled identity management, and real-time data sharing protocols, alongside necessary regulatory reforms. Each recommendation is grounded in operational realities, emphasizing actionable steps that shippers, brokers, and carriers can implement immediately, as well as longer-term strategies for systemic industry change. The findings aim to guide both practitioners and policymakers toward urgent, coordinated action to safeguard the future of U.S. freight.