Commercial Drivers and Owner Operators: Protect Yourself From Scams

There are numerous stories in the trucking industry that involve carriers believing they have transported a load they believed to be legitimate, but ultimately realized they were a target in a scam. Generally, a fraudster pinpoints truck drivers in various scams because of the large size of the truck and the numerous commercial truck insurance requirements.

When the drivers realize they hauled a load they will never be paid for, some are able to move forward with their business despite taking a financial hit. Unfortunately, there are others who are not able to move forward after hauling a load for free. There are precautionary measures we encourage you to take so you can protect your finances and so you can avoid becoming a victim to one of the many commercial trucking scams in the industry.

Before you attempt to conduct business with someone new, it is important to perform your due diligence. You should leave no stone unturned. With the advancements in technology and the resources we have today, you have a multitude of ways to perform an adequate assessment of a potential business partner. Do not be afraid to ask questions and seek opinions from others. If you have doubts about a potential partner or if anything seems out of the ordinary to you, you can always reach out to the potential broker and receive the confirmation you need.

When you receive a carrier agreement and a rate schedule from a potential partner, do not sign anything that you do not approve of. Pay close attention to any terms that may prevent you from utilizing your rights to be fairly compensated. If you notice anything that you want to be changed, request for modifications before signing on the dotted lines and submitting the documents.

Commercial trucking scams are a dime a dozen. It is important to do everything you can to protect yourself from those scams. Here are some additional things you can do:

  • Document everything
  • Verify the identity and address of the potential partner before transferring payment details
  • Receive voice authorization before any transaction
  • Do not let anyone pressure you into giving information when you are not ready
  • If you think a deal is too good for it to be true, it probably means you should be extra cautious

As a commercial truck driver or owner-operator, there are numerous things you have to deal with on a daily basis. With all of those things on your plate, you do not want to have to worry about potentially being the victim of fraudulent activities. For more important tips on how to better protect yourself by working with a commercial auto insurer, please do not hesitate to contact us today. J.E.B. Insurance Services is licensed in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Tennessee & Texas.

David Ott

David Ott