The Hidden War Between Brokers and Owner-Operators

For decades, independent truckers have carried America on their backs. Every mile we drive keeps the shelves stocked, factories running, and families supplied. Yet behind the wheel, there is an invisible war: brokers quietly exploiting carriers through a lack of transparency.

Load boards, once a neutral meeting ground, have turned into manipulated marketplaces. Shippers may pay $3,000 for a lane, but the carrier often sees only $1,800. The missing $1,200? It’s hidden in broker margins. According to FMCSA regulations, carriers are entitled to see transaction records, including what the shipper actually paid. In reality, most brokers use loopholes or contract clauses to delay or deny access.

This isn’t speculation. In 2024, the FMCSA proposed stricter transparency rules to force brokers to share transaction records within 48 hours. Groups like OOIDA have demanded these rules cover all brokers, large and small, since the ones hurting small carriers the most are often mid-tier companies.

Why does it matter? Because opacity keeps us chasing cheap freight. Transparency means leverage. When carriers know the true shipper rate, we can demand a fair cut. Without it, the industry remains a rigged casino where the house (brokers) always wins.

Aurora Cooperative was born from this fight. We believe truckers should no longer beg for scraps but instead build a system where contracts, invoices, and payments are transparent by default.