Beware of Fraudulent Freight Brokers: Protecting Yourself from Slot Fee Scams


Beware of Fraudulent Freight Brokers: Protecting Yourself from Slot Fee Scams

Freight Broker Scam Warning

💥 Protecting Yourself from Slot Fee Scams

You’ve heard of double brokering—but what about the Slot Fee Scam?

In the trucking industry, dealing with freight brokers is often unavoidable. However, carriers must be cautious of fraudulent broker practices that can cost them money and time. A growing scam we’re seeing involves brokers asking for upfront “slot fees” in exchange for high-paying loads that never materialize. These scams prey on desperate carriers, especially during slow markets.

Freight Girlz is committed to protecting and educating carriers. Here’s what you need to know to avoid getting scammed.

Slot Fee Scam Example

📸 Real-life message from a fraudulent broker offering “slots”

🚧 What Is the Slot Fee Scam?

Scammers posing as brokers will claim they have a premium-paying load ready—if you pay a “slot fee” to reserve it. Once the money is paid, one of two things usually happens:

  • The load disappears and the “broker” ghosts you.
  • You get a load that pays far less than promised—if you get anything at all.

📨 Real Scam Example

Here’s a real message a new carrier received after activating their MC number:

Hi I recently got my MC active and I got a text from a number offering really good loads and rates, trying to figure out if it’s legit.

2 red flags I noticed:
1. They are asking for a deposit to reserve the spot (I have a Sprinter van)
2. Their broker doesn’t have a phone number—just an email.

They did send me a broker/carrier agreement. Everything looks good but at the same time, it looks fraudulent. Like… too good to be true.

Here’s the text I received:
Hi there! My name is Mark and I’m reaching out from Dispatch Services. How are you doing today? We’re a dispatch company that offers loads all over the USA with competitive rates ranging from $3 to $3.5 per mile. We have Amazon Loads and dedicated routes for Box Trucks and Sprinter/Cargo vans. Our services are top-notch and we’re offering a 2% or $200 a week rate to carriers and owner-operators. We work every week and provide 2 to 3 daily load options throughout the week.

Reply ‘STOP’ to opt out.

Total Miles: 300
Rate per round trip: $1,030.00
You will get 5 round trips in a week.
2 Slots Available
$325 Slot deposit (Refundable after first delivery)
60 Days lane with back haul
Broker: TLA TRANSIT LLC

This is a textbook slot scam setup. New carriers are a frequent target—especially when scammers know you’ve recently activated your authority.

🗣 Common Complaints from Drivers

Platforms like TruckersReport.com are filled with stories of frustrated drivers:

  • Slot fees paid in advance with no follow-through.
  • Fake brokers who vanish or become unreachable after payment.
  • Low-paying loads substituted for what was originally promised.
  • Brokers without a valid MC number or bond—leaving drivers with no way to recover lost money.

🚫 How to Stay Safe

  • Never pay upfront fees to secure a load. This is a major red flag.
  • Verify broker credentials using the FMCSA’s SAFER system.
  • Check online reviews and complaints from other drivers.
  • If something sounds too good to be true—it probably is.

🛡 Need help navigating broker red flags or avoiding scams? Contact us today.

🔐 How to Protect Yourself

As a carrier, it’s essential to safeguard your business from scams like the slot fee fraud. Below are actionable steps to help you stay protected:

  1. Research the Broker: Always verify credentials through the FMCSA database.
  2. Avoid Upfront Payments: Legitimate brokers do not charge slot fees. Walk away from any deal requiring payment before work begins.
  3. Request a Written Agreement: Ensure load details, pay, terms, and responsibilities are documented.
  4. Vet Load Offers: If a rate sounds unrealistically high, slow down and investigate.
  5. File Complaints: Report scams to the FMCSA and learn how to file a bond claim via Trucking101.

💬 Final Thoughts

At Freight Girlz, we believe in full transparency and ethical freight dispatching. As a 100% U.S.-based team, we proudly uphold the highest standards in the logistics industry.

Protecting your business starts with education and awareness. Don’t fall for the slot fee scam or other broker traps. Trust your instincts, vet your partners, and know that you have resources and support to keep your trucking operation secure and profitable.

Have questions or need help navigating shady broker behavior? Reach out to our team. We’re here to help you move freight with confidence.