FMCSA Forces Transparency From Uber Freight

This story details how owner-operator Richard Blaga, working with his small fleet, fell victim to a double brokering scam on Uber Freight's network in late 2023. Blaga booked a load of wine for $8,850 but ended up unpaid after the load was double brokered.

Blaga booked the load through DAT with a broker called Delta Dune. However, upon receiving the paperwork, he noticed discrepancies. The Bill of Lading (BOL) showed Uber Freight as the origin, raising suspicion. Blaga contacted Uber Freight to clarify the situation.

Image: Uber Freight Trailer

More Issues:
Despite providing evidence of the original rate confirmation, Uber Freight's Anthony Pasquale initially vouched for the second broker, Maroon Express, and convinced Blaga to haul the load.

Blaga completed the haul but faced delays in receiving payment from either Delta Dune or Maroon. He contacted Pasquale again, who offered little help beyond claiming he was investigating.

Image: FMCSA

FMCSA Involvement:
After months of waiting and unanswered calls, Blaga sought help from a debt collection agency. The agency invoked the carrier's right to broker transparency, prompting Uber Freight to finally reveal the paperwork. However, they refused to pay the agreed-upon rate.

Blaga filed a complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Under pressure from the regulator, Uber Freight released the paperwork but maintained their lower payment offer.

Stalemate:
Negotiations reached a stalemate. Uber Freight admitted paying the fraudulent carrier, Maroon Express, $6,000 but refused to pay Blaga the full $8,850. Eventually, Uber Freight offered the full amount, but Blaga now seeks additional compensation for interest, delays, and collection fees.

Unanswered Questions and Ongoing Fight:
The FMCSA's intervention in this case raises questions about their future involvement in similar situations. The agency is taking steps to combat fraud but has delayed broker transparency rulemaking.

Sources: Overdrive