Defining who carries your freight matters more than just the rate. When a freight broker shows you the carrier name and rate, you gain transparency, accountability and a foundation for service improvement. Here’s why carrier name disclosure should matter in your selection of a trucking broker.
What is carrier name disclosure in freight brokerage?
Definition and how the practice works
Carrier name disclosure means the broker reveals which actual carrier (truck operator or fleet) will move your freight, not just “we’ll pick one for you.” It often means the shipper sees the carrier’s DOT number, safety rating, asset profile and contract terms. The broker tendered the load, but you know the executing asset.
How traditional brokerage models hide carrier identity and margins
In many standard broker models, the shipper negotiates a rate with the broker, the broker sources a carrier behind the scenes, and the actual carrier identity remains opaque. The broker often keeps a spread (difference between what the shipper pays and what the carrier receives) without full disclosure. That model can lead to misalignment on service expectations, unclear accessorial cost responsibility and diluted accountability.
Regulatory context: FMCSA rules and upcoming changes
Under regulation 49 CFR 371.3 carriers already have the right to review broker transaction records. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently proposed a rulemaking (Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0257) that would require brokers to maintain electronic transaction records and provide them within 48 hours on request. That regulatory push underscores the broader shift toward disclosure and accountability.
The direct benefits of carrier-name disclosure for shippers
Better alignment and control of asset-based carriers vs anonymous capacity
When you can see which carrier will run your freight you can evaluate: their asset-type (dry van, reefer, flatbed), whether they’re dedicated or on the spot market, their safety and insurance credentials, and whether they are indeed stable and invested in your lanes. For example, a shipper running a reefer lane may prefer a carrier which owns its own temperature-controlled trailers rather than one hired via a chain of intermediaries.
Improved service, on-time delivery and fewer accessorial surprises
Knowing the carrier lets you hold the right party accountable. When you don’t know who the carrier is until after dispatch, missed pickups, detention and accessorial charges can proliferate. Transparent brokers report higher on-time pickup/delivery rates because they align incentives clearly. In one case a dry-van shipper shifted from an anonymous broker to a transparent model, and saw on-time deliveries move from ~88 % to ~94 % over six months.
Rate stability and elimination of hidden mark-ups (low fixed margin angle)
When the carrier name and rate are disclosed, there’s less room for hidden spreads or surprise mark-ups. Instead of the broker “buying” the capacity and reselling it at a higher rate, the shipper sees the asset cost plus a clear margin. That margin can be fixed (rather than variable) which promotes stability. At 1fr8.broker we use a low fixed margin so your cost doesn’t swing as widely.
Example lane scenario: how disclosure changed performance on a dry-van FTL route
A manufacturing shipper with a Midwest-to-Southwest FTL lane was using a large broker. The carrier pool changed often and many carriers dropped the business due to low volume. The broker shifted carriers weekly and performance slipped. The shipper switched to a broker that provided disclosure of the carrier name and contract each month, selected a dedicated asset carrier, and instituted a drop-trailer program. Over the next quarter OTP improved, accessorials dropped, and cost predictability improved.
Common objections and pitfalls in carrier name disclosure
Why many brokers resist disclosure (information asymmetry, margin protection)
Some brokers argue that disclosing which carrier runs the freight reduces their negotiating leverage. They fear carriers seeing what other carriers are paid may drive costs up. Some contracts even include waiver clauses preventing carriers from requesting the transaction records mandated under 49 CFR 371.3.
How to evaluate if a broker truly discloses names and rates (audit, scorecards, no back-solicitation)
When assessing brokers ask: Are you given the carrier name and DOT number when the freight is tendered? Do you see the rate paid to the carrier vs what you pay the broker? Are there safeguards against “back-solicitation” (the carrier contacting your company directly and bypassing you)? Are there carrier scorecards for performance, accessorials, detention, claims?
The contract-vs-spot decision: how disclosure helps procurement build a stable route guide
Building a route guide for contract lanes often requires consistency — same carriers, service expectations, pricing stability. Without disclosure you may be dealing with shifting carriers and rates. With disclosure you can evaluate carriers individually, lock in service partners, and use tier-based incentives (dedicated, drop-trailer, live-load) because you know who’s executing the freight.
How 1 fr8.broker makes carrier-name disclosure work—and why that matters
Low fixed margin model: transparent rates, no hidden spreads
At 1fr8.broker we align with shippers by operating on a low fixed margin structure. You see the carrier rate, you see our margin, you know what you’re paying. No surprise spreads. That pricing structure supports service stability, not just cost optimization.
Vetted asset fleets, no double-brokering, no back-solicitation trap
We work only with asset-based carriers vetted for safety (CSA scores, insurance, ELD compliance), service history and ethics. You know the carrier name, you know the fleet. We prohibit back-solicitation so you retain the freight.
Service proof: Drop-trailer program, dedicated lanes, flatbed/reefer support
Our transparency extends across service types — dry van FTL, LTL, reefer, flatbed, drop-trailer programs, dedicated lanes. For instance, in a drop-trailer scenario you know which carrier park the trailer, when pick-up occurs, and which carrier hauls it later — all disclosed and managed.
Internal links to our programs
Learn more about our [Carrier Sourcing Program] and how we compare in [Comparison: One Freight Broker vs Brokers].
Practical checklist for shippers on demanding carrier name disclosure
Questions to ask potential brokers
- Will you disclose the carrier name and DOT number when quoting and when tendered?
- What margin are you charging and is it fixed or variable?
- How do you vet carriers (asset-based, safety rating, insurance, CSA)?
- Do you support drop-trailer, dedicated lanes, live-load?
- How are accessorials handled and disclosed?
- Do you have scorecards tracking on-time %, claims ratio, detention?
- Do you forbid back-solicitation and share direct contract terms?
Metrics you should benchmark
- On-time pickup/delivery % for the lane
- Detention minutes per load
- Accessorials per 100 shipments
- Claims (cargo, damage, refund) ratio
- Rate variance (month-over-month)
- Number of unique carriers utilized (lower often means more stability)
Scenario planning: contract vs spot, dedicated lanes, route guide design
If you’re operating high-volume lanes, aim for contract terms with disclosed carriers. For spot loads, ensure you still get disclosure or a transparent marketplace. Using carrier name disclosure allows you to build a hybrid model: dedicated on core lanes, spot on overflow, all built around known carriers.
Partner with One Freight Broker
Carrier name disclosure is more than a transparency buzzword — it’s a service enabler. When you know who is hauling your freight, you get aligned incentives, measurable performance, fewer surprises and more control. For procurement and logistics leaders managing freight spend, shifting to a broker model that reveals carrier name and rate should be on your checklist.
Our approach enables shipping partners of all sizes to establish direct, beneficial, and enduring connections with carriers. We assist businesses in managing shipments every month, facilitating cost and time savings by linking them with dependable trucking allies. Our service offers an unprecedented depth of strategic insight and procurement expertise. Since our founding in 2013, we’ve significantly reduced shipping costs for our clients, amounting to tens of millions in savings, and have enhanced the profitability of asset fleets by reducing their dependence on intermediaries.
Why Choose One Freight Broker?
Our extensive service range, competitive pricing, and advanced technological solutions make One Freight Broker the go-to choice for shippers seeking reliable freight transportation services. Here’s why:
- Wide Range of Services: From LTL to FTL, domestic to international, and expedited shipping options, we cater to diverse shipping requirements, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your needs.
- Competitive Pricing: Leveraging our vast network of carriers, we negotiate favorable rates, passing on high-volume discounts to our customers.
- Technology-Driven Solutions: Our user-friendly online platform and TMS streamline the shipping process, from obtaining quotes to tracking shipments in real-time, offering transparency and efficiency.
- Exceptional Customer Service: Our dedicated team ensures smooth shipping operations, providing personalized support and an assigned account manager to guide you through best shipping practices.
- Industry Expertise: With over two decades of experience, One Freight Broker brings unparalleled knowledge of the freight industry, staying ahead of trends and regulatory changes to serve you better.
Contact Us Today
Ready to simplify your shipping experience? Contact One Freight Broker to discover how our expertise can benefit your business, ensuring your cargo is in safe hands every step of the way.
For more information on how we can assist your business, visit our website at 1fr8.broker.
