What to do when a broker short-pays your invoice

When a broker short-pays, compare the remittance to the rate confirmation, then dispute the gap in writing with proof. Under 49 CFR 371.3, brokers keep each transaction record for 3 years, and each party may review it.

By Clovrr · Updated October 1, 2026

Find the short-pay

Short-pays hide in remittances. Match every payment to its rate con and invoice, line by line.

When a payment comes up short, look for the reason. Common ones to check:

• An accessorial line, such as detention or lumper, was dropped.
• A deduction for late delivery, missing paperwork or a claimed shortage.
• A quick-pay or factoring fee you did or didn't agree to.
• A plain math or keying error.

Dispute it in writing

1. 01Email the broker's carrier payables team. Give the load number, invoice amount, amount paid and the gap.
2. 02Ask for the reason for each deduction, in writing.
3. 03Attach the rate con, signed BOL or proof of delivery, the invoice and any approval emails.
4. 04Follow up on a set schedule. Keep every reply.
5. 05If you factor, tell your factoring company. Your agreement may say who disputes the short-pay.

Ask for the broker's records

Federal rules require brokers to keep a record of each brokered load. Under 49 CFR 371.3, the record includes:

• the broker's compensation and who paid it,
• any freight charges the broker collected, and
• the date the broker paid the carrier.

Brokers must keep these records for 3 years. Each party to the brokered transaction has the right to review the record.

Know the deadlines

Start with your own paperwork. Check your rate confirmation and broker-carrier agreement for dispute and claim deadlines.

Federal law also sets a time limit. Under 49 U.S.C. 14705, a carrier must begin a civil action to recover charges within 18 months after the claim accrues.

For shipments, the claim accrues on delivery or tender of delivery. This is not legal advice. Talk to an attorney about how it applies to your load.

If the broker stops paying altogether

Property brokers must keep a $75,000 surety bond (Form BMC-84) or trust fund (Form BMC-85), under 49 CFR 387.307. It pays shippers or motor carriers if the broker fails to carry out its contracts.

New rules apply from January 16, 2026, the compliance date FMCSA set. If a broker's security falls below $75,000, FMCSA suspends its authority within 7 business days of notice, unless the broker fixes it.

If a surety finds a broker in financial failure, it must notify FMCSA and start cancelling the bond.

FMCSA then posts notice in the FMCSA Register. The surety must accept claims for 60 calendar days after that notice.

If a broker owes you money and stops answering, watch the FMCSA Register for that notice.