> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://loadwork.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Vet a broker before you call them

> Follow this checklist to research a broker on Load Work before you pick up the phone. Check authority, activity, rates history, and payment contacts.

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    Something in the app look different from this page?{' '}
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Before you call a broker, spend 60 seconds checking their profile. The data on Load Work can save you from a bad load or a slow pay. Follow these steps in order.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Check the authority badge on the load card">
    Look at the broker's badge on the load card in search results.

    * **Green** = Active FMCSA authority. Good signal.
    * **Red** = Unverified. Pause and verify before you proceed.
    * **Gray** = Not checked yet. Treat like red until you confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the broker profile">
    Click **View broker** on the load card to open the full profile at `/brokers/broker_<id>`.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the MC# on FMCSA">
    Copy the MC number from the profile. Look it up on [safer.fmcsa.dot.gov](https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). Confirm the broker authority is active and the name matches.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check total loads seen and first seen date">
    A broker first seen days ago with thousands of total loads warrants extra scrutiny. Very high volume from a brand-new name is a red flag. Cross-check with FMCSA.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review average time to fill">
    Fast-filling brokers are usually competitive and legitimate. If the average is missing or very slow, that is neutral. If it is very fast on a huge volume, that confirms active business.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check posting completeness">
    This tells you how organized the broker is, not whether they are legitimate. A tidy broker is easier to work with. A messy broker with low completeness may waste your time with incomplete details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan the Previous loads tab">
    The Previous tab shows aged-off postings. Compare today's rate against their history. If the rate is far off their normal range, ask why before you commit.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm AP contact info">
    Check the Contact panel for AP contact, AP email, and AP phone. AP means accounts payable. You need this to invoice and get paid. If it is N/A, ask for it on your first call.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What to do if something feels off

If the authority badge is red, the MC number does not match FMCSA, or the broker's history looks suspicious, do not load. Go back to the board and find another broker. No load is worth the risk of fraud or non-payment.

<Warning>
  Load Work's scores and authority checks are based on available data and may lag reality. Always verify the MC number on FMCSA yourself before accepting a load.
</Warning>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Avoiding freight fraud" icon="shield-exclamation" href="/trust/avoiding-freight-fraud">
    Red flags for double-brokering and fraud, and what to do if you spot them.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Read a broker profile" icon="id-card" href="/trust/read-a-broker-profile">
    A full breakdown of every section on a broker profile page and how to use it.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<PageFooter path="/trust/vet-a-broker-before-you-call" />