When working on logistics, one must be vigilant not only about meeting delivery deadlines but also about protecting your business from fraud. Today, we shed light on a relatively unknown yet cunning scam that could impact those involved in booking, vetting, and dealing with carriers.
This particular fraud involves carriers who, despite having just one or a few straight truck inspections (typically associated with box trucks), seek to be hired for over-the-road (OTR) full truckload shipments. Here's what you need to know and how to protect your business from falling victim to this "box truck" scam.
- What is The Box - Truck Scam?
Carriers are well aware that many brokers and shippers require at least one roadside inspection as a prerequisite for hiring. These inspections validate the equipment's quality, confirm the carrier's existence, and instill confidence when entrusting them with OTR and full truckload shipments.
However, some unscrupulous actors have devised a scheme to exploit this requirement. They rent U-Haul trucks, engage in box truck or hotshot operations, accumulate a few inspections, and then transition into brokering OTR shipments.
- How To Protect Your Business From a Box-Truck Scam?
To safeguard your business from falling prey to this scam, consider the following steps:
- Thoroughly Analyze Carrier Inspections:
Use Carrier Assure, a tool that can help you analyze carrier inspections. It will alert you if a carrier has only had straight truck inspections.
We produce an easy-to-understand score predicting how the carrier will perform.
- Ask Questions:
When you notice that a carrier has primarily straight truck inspections but is seeking an OTR full truckload shipment, inquire about their equipment. Politely ask for details regarding their capabilities and the specific equipment they intend to use.
- Contact References and Insurance Brokers:
Reach out to the carrier's references and their insurance broker to gain a deeper understanding of their operations and reputation.
- Dig Deeper into the Carrier:
Go beyond the surface level and research the carrier thoroughly before making any commitments.
We understand that carrier vetting can be a complex task, which is why we host weekly webinars to assist you in mastering the art of carrier vetting, whether you're a novice or an expert. These webinars cover everything from basic vetting procedures to intensive carrier scrutiny, helping you avoid fraudulent situations.
Join our community and sign up for our webinars at carrierassure.com, where you'll find a wealth of knowledge and resources to fortify your business against these types of scams and frauds.
You can also check out our More Freight, More Problems website https://morefreightmoreproblems.com/ for more information regarding fraud in the shipping industry.
Remember: Knowledge is your most potent weapon against those who seek to deceive. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and protect your business from these emerging threats in the transportation industry.
