# Cipher & Row > Trust infrastructure for freight. Verify carriers, vet brokers, close deals with confidence. ## What is Cipher & Row? Cipher & Row is a trust platform built for the freight industry. It provides carrier verification, trust scoring, document validation, and deal management for dispatchers, brokers, and carriers. ## Key Features - **Carrier Verification**: FMCSA lookup, DOT/MC validation, insurance checks, authority status verification - **Trust Scoring**: 6-tier trust system (New to Verified Elite) computed from FMCSA data and transaction history - **Trust Links**: Send verifiable links to carriers via SMS for real-time load tracking, POD upload, detention timing, and rate confirmation - **Fleet Management**: Register trucks, track live positions, manage driver assignments - **Load Board**: Post loads, search available freight, match with verified carriers - **Deal Engine**: Negotiate, counter-offer, approve deals with full audit trail - **Document Validation**: BOL, rate confirmation, insurance certificate scanning and verification - **Fraud Detection**: Sybil detection, anomaly scoring, correlation analysis ## Who Uses It - **Dispatchers** ($79-499/month): Manage fleets, negotiate with brokers, verify carriers - **Brokers** ($149-999/month): Post loads, find verified carriers, vet with trust scores - **Carriers** (free): Get verified profiles, appear in fleet registry, build trust scores ## Access Methods 1. **Dashboard**: Web application with 75+ pages, role-based access for 7 logistics roles 2. **REST API**: External agent registration, deal creation, load posting 3. **MCP Server**: 28 AI tools for carrier lookup, trust checks, and deal management ## Technical Details - Built with React, TypeScript, Supabase (Postgres + Edge Functions + Auth) - 113+ edge functions for business logic - Real-time carrier verification via FMCSA integration - Stripe billing integration - SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA compliance frameworks ## Links - Website: https://cipherandrow.com - Signup: https://cipherandrow.com/signup - API Docs: https://cipherandrow.com/docs - Pricing: https://cipherandrow.com/pricing - Verify a carrier (free, no signup): https://cipherandrow.com/verify - Trust link preview (open on your phone): https://cipherandrow.com/track/preview ## For AI agents - Full markdown mirror: https://cipherandrow.com/llms-full.txt - OpenAPI 3.1 spec for the REST API: https://cipherandrow.com/api-spec.yaml - AI usage policy: https://cipherandrow.com/ai.txt - Per-page markdown mirrors: - https://cipherandrow.com/pricing.md - https://cipherandrow.com/about.md - https://cipherandrow.com/dispatchers.md - https://cipherandrow.com/carriers.md - https://cipherandrow.com/verify.md - https://cipherandrow.com/integrate.md --- ## Key Definitions **Double brokering** is the illegal practice where a freight broker accepts a load from a shipper, then re-brokers it to another broker or carrier without the shipper's knowledge or consent. It violates 49 USC 14808 and creates liability, payment, and insurance gaps. **A BMC-84 bond** (surety bond) is a $75,000 financial instrument required by the FMCSA for freight brokers and freight forwarders. It guarantees payment to carriers and shippers if the broker fails to meet obligations. **A BMC-85 trust fund** is an alternative to the BMC-84 bond. Instead of a surety bond, brokers deposit $75,000 into a trust account managed by a financial institution approved by the FMCSA. **FMCSA operating authority** (also called an MC number) is the license required to operate as a for-hire carrier, broker, or freight forwarder in the United States. It is issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. **A BOC-3 filing** (Designation of Process Agents) is a legal form filed with the FMCSA that designates a process agent in each state where a carrier or broker operates, enabling legal service. **Co-brokering** is the legal practice where two licensed brokers share a load with the shipper's knowledge and consent. Unlike double brokering, both parties are transparent and properly licensed. **Carrier identity theft** occurs when a fraudulent entity poses as a legitimate carrier by using stolen DOT/MC numbers, insurance certificates, and company credentials to pick up loads and divert freight. **The MCS-150 form** is the biennial update that all registered motor carriers must file with the FMCSA to keep their operating authority active. Failure to file can result in deactivation. **A CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration)** is required for carriers operating commercial vehicles in Ontario, Canada. It tracks safety performance and compliance history. **The NSC (National Safety Code)** is Canada's framework of safety standards for commercial vehicles, covering driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement. **Freight factoring** is when a carrier or broker sells unpaid invoices to a factoring company at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. Quick pay is a similar concept offered directly by brokers, typically for a 2-5% fee. **A TMS (Transportation Management System)** is software used by brokers, carriers, and shippers to plan, execute, and optimize freight movements including routing, carrier selection, rate management, and compliance tracking. --- ## Blog Articles ### FMCSA Compliance & Regulation - [FMCSA Broker Financial Responsibility Rule 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/fmcsa-broker-financial-responsibility-rule-2026) : Overview of the 2026 FMCSA rule changes affecting broker bond requirements and financial responsibility standards. - [BMC-84 vs BMC-85: Freight Broker Bond](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/bmc-84-vs-bmc-85-freight-broker-bond) : Side-by-side comparison of surety bonds vs trust funds for freight broker compliance. - [BMC-85 Trustee: FMCSA Compliant](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/bmc-85-trustee-fmcsa-compliant) : How to set up and maintain a BMC-85 trust fund that meets FMCSA requirements. - [FMCSA Operating Authority: Verify Carrier MC/USDOT](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/fmcsa-operating-authority-verify-carrier-mc-usdot) : Step-by-step guide to verifying a carrier's operating authority using DOT and MC numbers. - [Broker Trust Fund Drops Below $75,000](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/broker-trust-fund-drops-below-75000) : What happens when a broker's trust fund balance falls below the required $75,000 threshold and remediation steps. - [FMCSA Unified Registration System: MC/USDOT](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/fmcsa-unified-registration-system-mc-usdot) : Guide to the FMCSA's Unified Registration System for obtaining and managing MC and USDOT numbers. - [Freight Broker FMCSA Insurance Requirements](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-fmcsa-insurance-requirements) : Complete breakdown of insurance requirements for freight brokers under FMCSA regulations. - [MCS-150 Biennial Update for Carriers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/mcs-150-biennial-update-carriers) : How carriers file MCS-150 biennial updates to maintain active FMCSA operating authority. - [FMCSA Broker vs Dispatcher: Bona Fide Agent](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/fmcsa-broker-vs-dispatcher-bona-fide-agent) : Legal distinction between freight brokers and dispatchers under FMCSA regulations, including bona fide agent rules. - [BOC-3 Filing for Freight Brokers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/boc-3-filing-freight-brokers) : How to file BOC-3 process agent designations with the FMCSA and maintain compliance. - [FMCSA Complaint: Fraudulent Broker or Carrier](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/fmcsa-complaint-fraudulent-broker-carrier) : How to file an FMCSA complaint against a fraudulent broker or carrier, with documentation requirements. - [Freight Broker Compliance: Audit Ready](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-compliance-audit-ready) : Checklist for freight brokers to stay audit-ready including record retention, bond status, and authority verification. - [Regulatory Terms Every Freight Professional Should Know](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/regulatory-terms-freight-professional) : Glossary of key regulatory terms affecting freight brokers, carriers, and dispatchers. ### Fraud Prevention & Security - [What is Double Brokering?](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/what-is-double-brokering) : Definition of double brokering, how it works, why it is illegal, and who it harms in the freight supply chain. - [Red Flags: Carrier Double Brokering](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/red-flags-carrier-double-brokering) : Warning signs that a carrier may be double brokering loads, with verification steps to protect your freight. - [Carrier Identity Theft in Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/carrier-identity-theft-freight) : How carrier identity theft works, common attack patterns, and prevention strategies for brokers and shippers. - [Vet a New Carrier Before Tendering a Load](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/vet-new-carrier-before-tendering-load) : Step-by-step carrier vetting process including FMCSA checks, insurance verification, and reference calls. - [Freight Broker Fraud Prevention Checklist 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-fraud-prevention-checklist-2026) : Comprehensive checklist for brokers to prevent fraud, verify carriers, and protect against scams. - [Cryptographic Signatures to End Double Brokering](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cryptographic-signatures-end-double-brokering) : How digital signatures and blockchain-based verification can prevent double brokering in the freight industry. - [Co-Brokering vs Double Brokering](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/co-brokering-vs-double-brokering) : Key legal and operational differences between legitimate co-brokering and illegal double brokering. - [Real Cost of Double Brokering: Case Studies](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/real-cost-double-brokering-case-studies) : Real-world case studies showing the financial and operational impact of double brokering on carriers and shippers. - [Cargo Theft in North America 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cargo-theft-north-america-2026) : Analysis of cargo theft trends, methods, and prevention strategies across North America in 2026. - [Cybersecurity for Freight Companies](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cybersecurity-freight-companies) : Essential cybersecurity practices for freight brokers, carriers, and logistics companies. ### Dispatching & Operations - [How to Start a Freight Dispatch Business 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/how-to-start-freight-dispatch-business-2026) : Complete guide to starting a freight dispatch business including legal setup, tools, and finding carriers. - [Freight Dispatcher vs Freight Broker](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-dispatcher-vs-freight-broker) : Key differences between freight dispatchers and brokers including licensing, liability, and compensation models. - [Best Tools & Software for Freight Dispatchers 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/best-tools-software-freight-dispatchers-2026) : Comparison of top dispatch software, TMS platforms, and operational tools for freight dispatchers. - [Freight Dispatchers: Pricing Guide 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-dispatchers-charge-pricing-guide-2026) : How freight dispatchers set rates, typical fee structures, and pricing strategies for different fleet sizes. - [Find Carriers as a New Freight Dispatcher](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/find-carriers-new-freight-dispatcher) : Strategies for new dispatchers to build a carrier network from scratch. - [Negotiate Freight Rates with Brokers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/negotiate-freight-rates-brokers) : Negotiation tactics and strategies for dispatchers when working with freight brokers. - [Dispatch Service Agreement Template](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/dispatch-service-agreement-template) : Key clauses and structure for dispatch service agreements between dispatchers and carriers. - [How Many Trucks Can a Dispatcher Handle?](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/how-many-trucks-can-dispatcher-handle) : Analysis of dispatcher capacity, optimal truck-to-dispatcher ratios, and scaling strategies. - [Build a Carrier Network as a Freight Dispatcher](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/build-carrier-network-freight-dispatcher) : Long-term strategies for dispatchers to grow and maintain a reliable carrier network. ### Brokerage Operations - [Starting a Freight Brokerage 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/starting-freight-brokerage-2026) : Step-by-step guide to launching a freight brokerage including licensing, bonds, and technology setup. - [Freight Broker Surety Bonds](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-surety-bonds) : How surety bonds work for freight brokers, costs, claims process, and provider selection. - [Building a Carrier Network: Broker Guide](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/building-carrier-network-broker-guide) : How freight brokers build and maintain a reliable carrier network for consistent capacity. - [Freight Broker Sales: Shipper Contracts](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-sales-shipper-contracts) : Sales strategies for freight brokers to win and retain shipper contracts. - [Margin Management for Freight Brokers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/margin-management-freight-brokers) : Strategies for maintaining healthy margins including rate benchmarking, carrier negotiation, and cost control. - [Freight Broker Technology & Software Stack](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-technology-software-stack) : Essential technology stack for modern freight brokerages including TMS, CRM, and automation tools. - [Claims Management for Freight Brokers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/claims-management-freight-brokers) : How freight brokers handle cargo claims, liability disputes, and insurance processes. - [Scaling a Freight Brokerage: Growth](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/scaling-freight-brokerage-growth) : Growth strategies for freight brokerages including hiring, technology, and market expansion. - [Working with Owner-Operators: Broker Guide](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/working-with-owner-operators-broker) : Best practices for brokers working with owner-operators including payment, communication, and retention. ### Cross-Border & Canada - [Cross-Border Freight: US-Canada Guide](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cross-border-freight-us-canada-guide) : Comprehensive guide to cross-border freight between the US and Canada, covering customs, documentation, and compliance. - [Canadian ELD Requirements for US Carriers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/canadian-eld-requirements-us-carriers) : Electronic logging device requirements for US carriers operating in Canada. - [CVOR & NSC: Canadian Carrier Compliance](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cvor-nsc-canadian-carrier-compliance) : Ontario CVOR and National Safety Code requirements for carriers operating in Canada. - [Customs Documentation: Canada-US Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/customs-documentation-canada-us-freight) : Required customs documents for freight crossing the US-Canada border. - [Canadian Freight Market Trends 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/canadian-freight-market-trends-2026) : Analysis of the Canadian freight market including capacity, rates, and regulatory changes. - [Provincial Weight & Dimension Regulations: Canada](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/provincial-weight-dimension-regulations-canada) : Province-by-province guide to weight and dimension limits for commercial vehicles in Canada. ### Technology & Innovation - [AI in Freight: Machine Learning for Logistics](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/ai-freight-machine-learning-logistics) : How AI and machine learning are transforming freight matching, pricing, and route optimization. - [Blockchain in Freight: Beyond the Hype](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/blockchain-freight-beyond-hype) : Practical applications of blockchain in freight including document verification and payment settlement. - [APIs in Freight: Connecting Your Tech Stack](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/apis-freight-connecting-tech-stack) : How freight companies use APIs to connect TMS, ELD, and accounting systems. - [Predictive Analytics for Freight Brokers](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/predictive-analytics-freight-brokers) : How brokers use predictive analytics for rate forecasting, capacity planning, and risk assessment. - [Digital Freight Matching: Future of Load Boards](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/digital-freight-matching-future-load-boards) : How digital freight matching platforms are replacing traditional load boards. ### Industry Comparisons - [DAT vs Truckstop vs 123Loadboard](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/dat-vs-truckstop-vs-123loadboard) : Feature comparison of the three major load board platforms for brokers and carriers. - [DAT vs Truckstop: Load Board Comparison](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/dat-vs-truckstop-load-board) : Detailed comparison of DAT and Truckstop load boards including pricing, features, and market data. - [Freight Broker vs Dispatcher: What's the Difference?](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-broker-vs-dispatcher-difference) : Side-by-side comparison of broker and dispatcher roles, licensing, and business models. - [Owner-Operator vs Company Driver](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/owner-operator-vs-company-driver) : Comparison of owner-operator and company driver career paths including income, expenses, and flexibility. - [TMS Comparison: Choosing the Right System](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/tms-comparison-right-system) : How to evaluate and compare transportation management systems for your freight operation. - [Factoring vs Quick Pay in Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/factoring-vs-quick-pay-freight) : Comparison of freight factoring and quick pay options including costs, speed, and contract terms. - [Dry Van vs Reefer vs Flatbed](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/dry-van-vs-reefer-vs-flatbed) : Comparison of major trailer types including use cases, rates, and operational considerations. - [Independent Dispatcher vs Dispatch Service](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/independent-dispatcher-vs-dispatch-service) : Pros and cons of working as an independent dispatcher versus joining an established dispatch service. - [Spot Market vs Contract Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/spot-market-vs-contract-freight) : Differences between spot market and contract freight including pricing, risk, and capacity strategies. ### Industry Trends & Market - [Freight Market Outlook 2026](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-market-outlook-2026) : Analysis of freight market conditions, rate forecasts, and capacity trends for 2026. - [Driver Shortage: Causes & Solutions](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/driver-shortage-causes-solutions) : Analysis of the truck driver shortage including root causes, impact, and industry solutions. - [Sustainability in Freight: Green Logistics](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/sustainability-freight-green-logistics) : How the freight industry is adopting sustainable practices including fuel efficiency, EVs, and carbon reduction. - [Electric Trucks: Future of Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/electric-trucks-future-freight) : Current state and future outlook for electric trucks in commercial freight operations. - [Autonomous Trucks: Timeline & Impact](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/autonomous-trucks-timeline-impact) : Realistic timeline for autonomous trucking adoption and its impact on drivers, brokers, and carriers. - [Nearshoring Trends: North American Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/nearshoring-trends-north-american-freight) : How nearshoring trends are reshaping North American freight patterns and capacity demand. - [Freight Rates 2026: Market Dynamics](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-rates-2026-market-dynamics) : Deep analysis of 2026 freight rate trends driven by capacity, demand, and regulatory changes. - [Rise of Freight Marketplaces: Disruption](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/rise-freight-marketplaces-disruption) : How digital freight marketplaces are disrupting traditional brokerage and carrier relationships. ### Case Studies & Success Stories - [Dispatcher Eliminated Fraud with Verification](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/dispatcher-eliminated-fraud-verification) : How a dispatcher used carrier verification tools to eliminate fraud from their operations. - [Growing a Brokerage from Startup to $10M Revenue](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/growing-brokerage-startup-10m-revenue) : Case study of a freight brokerage scaling from launch to $10M in annual revenue. - [Small Fleet Reduced Insurance Costs](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/small-fleet-reduced-insurance-costs) : How a small carrier fleet reduced insurance premiums through safety programs and compliance tracking. - [Cross-Border Success: US-Canada Freight](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/cross-border-success-us-canada-freight) : Case study of a carrier successfully expanding into cross-border US-Canada operations. - [Technology Transformation: From Paper to Digital Dispatch](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/technology-transformation-dispatch-digital) : How a dispatch operation transitioned from paper-based to digital workflows. - [Recovering from Fraud: Broker Comeback](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/recovering-from-fraud-broker-comeback) : How a freight broker recovered after being victimized by fraud and rebuilt their business. ### Glossary & Reference - [Freight Glossary: Terms A-C](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-a-c) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from A to C. - [Freight Glossary: Terms D-F](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-d-f) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from D to F. - [Freight Glossary: Terms G-I](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-g-i) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from G to I. - [Freight Glossary: Terms J-L](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-j-l) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from J to L. - [Freight Glossary: Terms M-O](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-m-o) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from M to O. - [Freight Glossary: Terms P-R](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-p-r) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from P to R. - [Freight Glossary: Terms S-U](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-s-u) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from S to U. - [Freight Glossary: Terms V-Z](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-glossary-terms-v-z) : Freight industry glossary covering terms from V to Z. - [Freight Acronyms Guide Part 1](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-acronyms-guide-part-1) : Comprehensive guide to freight industry acronyms, part 1. - [Freight Acronyms Guide Part 2](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-acronyms-guide-part-2) : Comprehensive guide to freight industry acronyms, part 2. - [Understanding Freight Classifications](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/understanding-freight-classifications) : How NMFC freight classes work and how they affect shipping rates. - [Trucking Equipment Types Explained](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/trucking-equipment-types-explained) : Guide to different trucking equipment types including trailers, chassis, and specialized rigs. - [Freight Documents & Forms Guide](https://cipherandrow.com/blog/freight-documents-forms-guide) : Complete guide to freight documents including BOL, rate confirmation, POD, and customs forms.