The freight industry is seeing a major shift — and it’s happening fast.
At Parham Dispatching, we’ve been watching brokers and load boards quietly roll out new requirements aimed at combating fraud. One of the biggest changes? Many are now only approving carriers and drivers who were born in the United States.
While the intention is to crack down on double brokering, stolen MC numbers, and fake carrier profiles, this shift is already creating ripple effects — for both U.S.-born carriers and legal foreign-born operators.
Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do to stay ahead.
Why Are Load Boards Requiring U.S.-Born Drivers?
Load boards like DAT and Truckstop, along with many brokers, have been facing a surge in fraudulent activity. These issues include:
- Fake carrier identities
- Double brokering schemes
- Ghost trucks picking up freight and disappearing
- Stolen MC numbers used to run illegal operations
In response, platforms are tightening security. Some are introducing video verification, stricter ID checks, and now — manual vetting processes that favor U.S.-born applicants only.
It’s not always stated in writing, but carriers are getting declined, and brokers are starting to demand additional proof of birthplace — even for long-standing, legally registered carriers.
Who Is Affected Most?
This policy shift is impacting two main groups:
1. Foreign-born but legally operating carriers:
Drivers and fleet owners who’ve lived and worked in the U.S. for years are being flagged or denied loads — not because they did anything wrong, but because they weren’t born in the U.S.
2. U.S.-born carriers:
While this change is frustrating for some, it’s creating an advantage for U.S.-born operators. There’s less competition for loads, fewer undercut rates, and more brokers actively seeking U.S.-born MCs.
The Short-Term Opportunity
If you were born in the U.S., this is your window to stand out. Brokers are working hard to reduce fraud and want reliable carriers they can trust. That gives you a chance to:
✅ Get faster approvals
✅ Command better rates
✅ Build long-term broker relationships
✅ Lock in more consistent freight
Long-Term Concerns
While this might be a temporary win for some, there are concerns across the industry:
- Potential discrimination lawsuits
- Driver shortages could worsen
- Experienced, legal drivers being unfairly excluded
- Possible federal scrutiny or policy changes in the future
The trucking world is in flux, and while fraud is a serious problem, this may be an overcorrection that doesn’t serve the industry in the long run.
How Carriers Can Protect Their Business
Whether you’re benefiting from the changes or being affected by them, here’s what we recommend:
📝 Keep all documents current and consistent — MC, W9, COI, CDL, etc.
📞 Be ready for live verification and broker calls
🤝 Build direct broker relationships (outside of load boards)
📊 Use this time to increase your rates and reinforce your value
🚫 Avoid shady brokers or anything that looks like double brokering
Final Thoughts from Parham Dispatching
At Parham Dispatching, we work exclusively with U.S.-based, verified carriers and take pride in helping our clients stay compliant, booked, and profitable. These new rules may create new challenges, but they also create room for stronger partnerships — and we’re here to help you navigate them.
If you’re a U.S.-born carrier looking to maximize your freight opportunities, or a legal operator needing guidance in this changing landscape — let’s talk.
