The Rising Threat of Motor Carrier Number Manipulation
Cargo theft is an evolving threat, and one growing trend is Motor Carrier (MC) Number Manipulation. This method involves cargo thieves purchasing MC numbers from legitimate trucking companies and using them to steal freight, often with devastating consequences. Trusted by brokers, these criminals impersonate the original carriers to steal loads before abandoning the MC number. Scott Cornell of Travelers explains that these schemes have surged, particularly post-COVID, as many truckers sold their MC numbers after spot rates peaked. Thieves are exploiting this market, luring unsuspecting brokers into fraudulent deals and pilfering high-value goods. Cornell notes, “They’re real in the sense that they have trucks and an MC number, but their intent is nefarious.” Why MC Number Manipulation is on the Rise MC numbers are essential for conducting business in the trucking industry, and older numbers carry more credibility, especially among brokers. However, with the econom