October 16, 2025

FMCSA Updates from 2025 Carriers and Brokers Need to Know

*This blog has been updated as of October 16, 2025 to include important corrections and relevant updates announced by the FMCSA for all freight professionals. Use this link to see the revised sections with October’s announcements. This year is shaping up to be one of the most significant years for the U.S. trucking industry in the past decade. Fleet owners, safety managers, and drivers are about to experience two major regulatory shifts that will reshape how safety and compliance are managed across the country.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is in the process of overhauling its Safety Measurement System (SMS). At the same time, several new federal trucking regulations are set to take effect in the coming months and years. Carriers and brokers must understand these changes, including their timelines, impacts, and how to stay compliant.  This guide breaks down both the expected SMS changes and the latest […]
September 22, 2025

Cargo Theft on the Rise: Why Cyber Liability Insurance Is Critical for Brokers

Digital Theft Is Rising. Are You Covered? In 2023, reported cargo theft in the U.S. topped $1 billion for the first time. According to NICB and CargoNet, incidents rose 27% from the year before, and things aren’t slowing down. Losses are expected to jump another 22% by the end of 2025. Criminals are getting smarter, using fake carrier identities, spoofed emails, and hacked dispatch systems to steal freight remotely. Cybercrime can be a major setback for businesses without cyber liability insurance. If you’re a freight broker or forwarder, you’re already juggling tight margins, complex compliance, and demanding shippers.  But here’s the kicker: most brokers still don’t have protection against today’s biggest risk, cybercrime. Freight Crime Has Gone Digital Cybercriminals are targeting freight and logistics more than ever. IBM’s latest report showed the transportation industry ranked as the fifth most attacked sector in 2024, up from eighth the year before. Why? […]
July 10, 2025

Law Enforcement to Target Commercial Vehicles During CVSA’s Operation Safe Drivers Week

Understanding Operation Safe Driver Week 2025 Each July, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) rolls out its highly anticipated Operation Safe Driver Week. It’s not just another annual campaign. It’s a strategic, nationwide enforcement initiative targeting risky driving behaviors by all drivers (commercial and passenger vehicles alike). Backed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), this operation is designed to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities involving large trucks and buses. For 2025, the CVSA is zeroing in on two behaviors: reckless driving and careless driving. Truckers, fleet managers, and owner-operators should expect increased roadside inspections, heightened enforcement presence on major freight corridors, and a laser focus on unsafe driving habits. Why This Week Matters to Commercial Drivers Commercial vehicle drivers are already held to higher standards on the road. During Safe Driver Week, those standards are put to the test. Law enforcement officers across North America will be watching […]
June 23, 2025

Understanding Transportation Insurance for Freight Brokers

Freight brokers have an important role in connecting shippers and carriers. Proper transportation insurance coverage is critical for a broker’s success: carrying the right transportation insurance ensures compliance and protects the freight broker’s business, clients, and carriers from expensive liabilities.  Without the right coverage, there is a higher risk of major financial losses from denied claims.  Why Insurance Matters for Freight Brokers Unlike carriers, brokers don’t physically handle freight, but they still face liability if something goes wrong. If a carrier’s insurance denies a claim due to negligence, inadequate coverage, or insolvency, the broker could be held financially responsible. That’s why understanding different types of insurance, coverage limits, and risk management strategies is non-negotiable. Key Types of Transportation Insurance How Freight Brokers Can Mitigate Risk Verify Carrier Coverage  To protect their business from costly claims, freight brokers must take a proactive approach to risk management. The first line of defense […]
April 10, 2025

Carrier Vetting for Freight Brokers: Requirements, Best Practices, and More

With the industry-shaking ruling of Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC, freight brokers are on high alert. Leniency in carrier vetting can lead to serious liabilities for your brokerage if you overlook a history of reckless driving that eventually leads to property loss, injury, or death. Imagine going through the standard motions when hiring, checking safety ratings and the certificate of insurance (COI), only to find out after a major accident that their COI was fraudulent. How can you do your job if you’re not aware of every possible vulnerability that could go wrong? That’s where PFA steps in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the motor carrier vetting process, why it’s more important now than ever, the necessary steps, what red flags to watch out for, and more. What Is Motor Carrier Vetting? Motor carrier vetting is the comprehensive review of a carrier’s qualifications, history, and compliance with […]
August 26, 2024

FMCSA & USDOT Identity Fraud Alert

Freight fraud is a growing menace in the logistics industry, costing businesses millions and disrupting supply chains worldwide. Whether it’s through elaborate scams like phishing emails or identity theft, fraudsters are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods. This article sheds light upon the latest in a never-ending barrage of attacks from criminals trying to steal your money. Keep scrolling to know the latest potential threats to your business. FMCSA High Alert – New Phishing Fake Email Dear [Authorized Entities], The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests your assistance in amplifying this important message regarding a new phishing fake email.   The agency is aware that an email is being sent to registered entities by a party pretending to be FMCSA and requesting that carriers complete forms attached to the email. Those forms ask for a social security number and USDOT PIN. FMCSA does not require such information on  official FMCSA forms . […]