In the TSL (Transport‑Forwarding‑Logistics) industry, trust is the cornerstone of cooperation. A tempting, suspicious transport offer – low price, express delivery – might seem ideal, but how reliable is it really? Discover five crucial warning signs that help you avoid fraud and protect your company’s interests.
1. Lack of verified contact information and documentation
Fraud often starts with a facade of credibility:
- The company operates only online, without a physical office or a valid phone number.
- Licensing, certificates, and legal documentation are missing.
- No website, or no client reviews (or only suspicious ones).
- The company is newly registered under a new name,often linked to a previous fraudster within the same family.
What to do: Always verify the company in the official registry (e.g., CEIDG), check its VAT/NIP number, physical address, and reputation – never sign a contract without these confirmations.
2. Falsified transport documents
Manipulating documents is one of the most common fraud tactics:
- Forged CMR consignment notes.
- Fake proofs of delivery.
- Altered cargo descriptions.
How to protect yourself: Verify all documents in your TMS. Check for consistency in numbers and data – even minor discrepancies can signal a potential scam.
3. A price too good to be true
Offers significantly below market rates can indicate trouble. Real logistics costs cannot be sustainably low.
Your approach: Compare offers against market standards. Ask about fuel surcharges, ADR charges, and extra fees. A suspiciously low price should be a red flag.
4. Phantom carriers – fake transport companies
Some fraudsters create shell companies complete with forged documents, fake license plates, and counterfeit CMR notes.
What to do:
- Verify actual license plates.
- Confirm the driver’s identity.
- Request proof of insurance.
If an offer sounds “too good to be true,” do extra due diligence before proceeding with loading.
5. Cargo theft or route manipulation (cargo theft / diversion)
Even with valid-looking documents, shipments can go missing or be diverted to unauthorized locations.
Best practice: Only work with carriers that provide:
- GPS tracking,
- Real-time delivery statuses,
- Regular route reports (every 4–6 hours),
to safeguard your cargo from loss.
Suspicious transport offer – red flags to watch for summary
| Red flags to watch for | What to do |
|---|---|
| No verifiable contact or documentation | Verify in official registries (CEIDG, VAT, etc.) |
| Falsified transport documents | Cross-check in TMS; validate details |
| Suspiciously low price | Benchmark against market; ask about cost details |
| Phantom carrier (fake company) | Validate carrier, driver, vehicle, and insurance |
| Cargo theft or route manipulation | Use GPS/tracking and require frequent updates |
How to verify a carrier step by step
- Check official registers and documents
- Poland: CEIDG / KRS – company registration data and start date.
- VAT UE, NIP, REGON – confirmation of tax activity.
- Transport license issued by GITD (or the relevant authority in another country).
- Verify carrier liability insurance (OCP/CMR insurance)
- Request a copy of the OCP policy.
- Confirm the policy number directly with the insurer – check if it’s valid and whether it covers the type of cargo
- Check reputation and references
- Transport platforms (e.g. Trans.eu, Timocom) – ratings and feedback.
- Industry forums and TSL groups – watch out for warnings about fraudsters.
- Google Maps, LinkedIn – verify if the company truly exists beyond paper.
- Verify fleet and drivers
- Ask for a copy of the vehicle registration certificate and driver’s license.
- Check if license plates match documents and the CMR.
- Ensure the driver has the right permits (e.g. ADR license if required).
- Run a practical test
- Start with a smaller, test shipment.
- Require GPS tracking, proof of loading/unloading.
- Assess speed and reliability of communication.
Suspicious transport offers are real and increasingly sophisticated.
Defend your operations by:
- Verifying documentation and credentials.
- Being wary of unusually low prices.
- Monitoring the shipment throughout its journey.
At eXportsy, we work only with carriers whose reputation, documentation, and security systems have been thoroughly verified. Want logistics you can trust? Let’s protect your shipment from A to Z.
Contact us: offer@exportsy.pl
