Secure the Load: Rethinking Carrier Vetting in Small-Truck Freight

At the TIA Capital Ideas Conference 2026, industry leaders came together for a timely discussion: how to safely vet small-truck carriers in an environment where speed and risk are constantly in tension.

This article reflects insights from the panel “Secure the Load: Smart Strategies for Vetting Small-Truck Carriers,” where industry leaders discussed the growing role of small-truckload (STL), the rise of fraud targeting expedited freight, and how brokers can adapt their vetting strategies.

A Growing Mode with Structural Challenges

Small-truckload, often moved via sprinter vans and box trucks, has become a critical solution for time-sensitive freight. However, it comes with inherent limitations in visibility.

“Not all of them are governed by the FMCSA so they have some limitations,” said Mike Ernst, president of Expedite All. “That creates a challenge in itself to try to vet them”

Without consistent MC or DOT requirements, traditional vetting tools often fall short. At the same time, the value of STL freight continues to increase.

“There’s such a misconception that just because it’s a small truckload that it’s not valuable,” said Winnie Wilson, MegaCorp Logistics. She noted that a lot of the STLs, despite being in Sprinter vans and similar vehicles, have a freight valued over $200,000 or over $300,000.

Evolving Fraud Risks in STL

Panelists emphasized that STL has become a prime target for fraud, with schemes growing more sophisticated and coordinated.

“”We’re seeing identity spoofing, we’re seeing double brokering, load redirection where the bad guys are calling the driver in transit and redirecting them to a (different) warehouse location.” said Jerry Jacobs, director of risk management at Prosponsive Logistics.

Jacobs also pointed to emerging risks tied to technology, including manipulated shipping documents.

Also, what I’m seeing is an explosion of BOL (bill of lading) deception using AI technology. What they’re doing is, they’re running BOLs through AI technology to change quantity and seal numbers.”

These risks extend beyond carriers. Panelists noted an increase in shipper impersonation and misdirected loads, further complicating the verification process.

Rethinking Carrier Vetting

With limited regulatory data, brokers must rely on real-time validation and more dynamic processes.

“You need to find more creative ways to create visibility within your vetting process,” said Matt Minthorn, senior director of carrier development at Allen Lund Company. “Actually see the truck, see the driver, and vet from there.”

This includes verifying insurance at the equipment level, confirming driver identity through live interaction, and requiring GPS tracking to prevent issues like mid-route load redirection.

Still, urgency remains the biggest vulnerability.

“A lot of times, it’s an urgent situation,” Minthorn said.  “We need to do our safety steps. We need to do our compliance steps and make sure it’s all done right.”

Building a Culture of Compliance

Beyond tools and processes, panelists stressed the importance of organizational alignment.

“It has to be a complete buy-in from your complete organization,” Jacobs said. “It has to start from the top.”

As STL continues to grow, brokers must move toward a layered approach to vetting, combining technology, real-time verification, and disciplined execution. In a market where fraud is evolving rapidly, the ability to move fast must be matched by the ability to verify with certainty.