Should I use a broker or contact a carrier directly?

Verify before you book

Two minutes on the FMCSA website tells you who you're really dealing with

You do not have to take any company's word for it. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration keeps free public records on every licensed broker and carrier in the country. Here is exactly what to ask for and where to verify it:

1. 1.Ask for the MC and USDOT numbers

   Every legitimate broker and carrier must provide both on request. Our numbers: USDOT #2273104 and MC #774106. If a company hesitates or deflects, stop.

2. 2.Look them up on the FMCSA SAFER system

   Go to safer.fmcsa.dot.gov and use the Company Snapshot search. Enter the MC or USDOT number and confirm the legal name, operating status and “Authorized” broker or carrier authority match what you were told.

3. 3.Confirm the $75,000 broker bond

   In the FMCSA Licensing & Insurance portal (li-public.fmcsa.dot.gov), verify the broker's BMC-84 bond or BMC-85 trust fund is active. No active bond means no legal authority to broker your shipment.

4. 4.Demand the carrier's information and payment breakdown

   If a company says they have a carrier for you but never sends you the carrier's name, DOT/MC number, driver contact and truck details, or you never get to see how much of your payment is going to the carrier, that is a red flag. A legitimate broker discloses the assigned carrier and explains the broker fee before you book.

When you check our records you'll find River Valley Auto Transport, USDOT #2273104, MC #774106; an owner-operated, federally licensed and bonded broker based in Rosemount, Minnesota, working by phone and email with no walk-in office. You can also read our full carrier vetting process.