Full explanation
Carrier vetting is the due diligence process that freight brokers, shippers, and 3PLs perform to verify a motor carrier's legitimacy, safety record, and operational capability before entrusting them with freight. A thorough vetting process checks: active operating authority (MC number status), current insurance coverage (BMC-91 filing), DOT safety record (inspections, violations, OOS rates), fleet size verification, authority age (new authorities are higher risk), address verification, and risk indicators (chameleon carrier flags, double-brokering history). The importance of carrier vetting has increased dramatically as freight fraud losses have grown — industry estimates suggest over $500 million in annual losses from carrier non-compliance, identity theft, and double brokering. Basic vetting takes minutes using tools like Truck Graph's DOT Lookup and Risk Check, while comprehensive vetting may include reference checks, facility verification, and onboarding questionnaires. Many companies set minimum thresholds: authority age over 12 months, insurance verified within 24 hours, no active OOS orders, and a satisfactory safety rating (if one exists).
Source: FMCSA: Protect Your Move
Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum carrier vetting checklist?
At minimum: verify active MC/DOT authority, confirm current insurance (check BMC-91 filing date), review OOS rates, check for active out-of-service orders, verify authority age (>12 months preferred), and check Truck Graph's risk indicators.
How often should carriers be re-vetted?
Best practice is continuous monitoring with automated alerts for insurance lapses, authority changes, or new safety events. At minimum, re-vet carriers every 90 days and immediately before tendering high-value loads.
What are red flags during carrier vetting?
Major red flags: authority less than 90 days old, insurance filing within last 30 days, address matching a recently revoked carrier, no inspections on record despite claiming active operations, and phone numbers associated with multiple DOT numbers.
Related terms
A motor carrier that reincorporates under a new name and DOT number to evade its...
Double BrokeringThe illegal practice of a carrier accepting a load under its own authority then ...
Operating AuthorityLegal permission to operate as a for-hire carrier, broker, or freight forwarder ...
New Entrant CarrierA motor carrier that has held FMCSA operating authority for less than 18 months ...