Why Brokers Avoid New MC Authorities (And How to Overcome It)

You've invested in your MC authority, purchased insurance, and you're ready to run freight. But when you start calling brokers, you hear the same response: "We require 6 months to 2 years of authority age." Understanding why brokers implement these requirements—and how to work around them—is essential for building a successful trucking business.

The Real Reasons Brokers Set Authority Age Requirements

Before you can overcome broker objections, you need to understand them. Freight brokers aren't trying to make your life difficult—they're managing real business risks that affect their reputation and bottom line.

When a broker books a load with a carrier, they're putting their relationship with the shipper on the line. If freight arrives late, damaged, or not at all, the broker takes responsibility. This creates legitimate concerns when working with unknown carriers.

Risk Factors Brokers Consider:

• No delivery track record – Zero completed loads means zero proof of reliability
• Higher failure rates – Industry data shows new authorities fail at higher rates than established carriers
• Unknown communication patterns – Will this carrier answer calls? Update on delays?
• Potential inexperience – New authority doesn't always mean new to trucking, but brokers can't know
• Fraud concerns – Unfortunately, some bad actors use new authorities for cargo theft schemes

Understanding these concerns positions you to address them directly when approaching brokers. Instead of feeling frustrated, you can demonstrate why you're different from the statistics.

The Truth About Authority Age Requirements

Here's something many new carriers don't realize: authority age requirements aren't universal rules. They're guidelines that individual brokers set based on their own risk tolerance.

Some brokers strictly enforce 2-year minimums. Others will work with authorities that are only 30 days old. Many fall somewhere in between, evaluating each carrier individually based on factors beyond just authority age.

The key insight is that thousands of loads move daily with carriers who have newer authorities. The freight is there—you just need to know where to find it and how to present yourself.

Strategy 1: Lead with Professionalism

When brokers evaluate new authorities, they're looking for signals that indicate reliability. How you present yourself in the first interaction often determines whether you get a chance.

Professional Presentation Checklist:

• Answer calls with your company name professionally
• Have your carrier packet ready to send within minutes
• Know your equipment specifications (dimensions, weight capacity, features)
• Speak clearly about your service area and capabilities
• Ask informed questions about the load details
• Follow up promptly on any requests

A broker who talks to a new authority that sounds organized and knowledgeable is more likely to take a chance than one who talks to a carrier who seems uncertain or unprepared.

Strategy 2: Target New-Authority-Friendly Brokers

Not all brokers have strict authority age requirements. Some specialize in working with newer carriers, understanding that everyone has to start somewhere.

Finding these brokers requires research and persistence. Load boards sometimes indicate broker requirements in their listings. Calling and asking directly—even when you get rejected—helps you build a list of possibilities.

Working with a professional dispatch service accelerates this process significantly. Experienced dispatchers already know which brokers work with new authorities and have established relationships with them.

Strategy 3: Highlight Your Background and Experience

A new authority doesn't mean you're new to trucking. Many new MC holders have years of driving experience as company drivers or lease operators. This experience matters to brokers.

When talking to brokers, mention relevant experience:

• Years of driving experience (CDL history)
• Types of freight you've hauled previously
• Specific routes or regions you know well
• Safety record and certifications
• Previous companies you've driven for

A carrier with 10 years of driving experience and a new MC represents much lower risk than someone brand new to trucking entirely. Make sure brokers understand your background.

Strategy 4: Start with Less Competitive Freight

Premium freight with easy lanes and high rates attracts experienced carriers. As a new authority, you may have better success targeting loads that established carriers pass over.

Freight Opportunities for New Authorities:

• Short-notice loads – When brokers need coverage quickly, they're more flexible on requirements
• Difficult pickup locations – Remote areas or locations with limited parking
• Tighter delivery windows – Loads that require careful planning and commitment
• Less desirable lanes – Routes that take you to areas with fewer backhaul options
• Smaller brokerages – May have more flexibility than large corporate operations

Every completed load builds your track record. Focus on getting freight moving, delivering professionally, and building relationships. Better lanes open up as you establish history.

Strategy 5: Partner with a New-Authority-Focused Dispatch Service

The fastest path through broker resistance is working with dispatchers who already have the relationships you need. Our team at We Have Lots Of Loads Logistics specializes in new authority support because we understand this exact challenge.

When you work with established dispatchers, you benefit from their reputation. Brokers who trust your dispatch company are more willing to take a chance on a new carrier because they know the dispatcher won't risk their relationship with an unreliable partner.

Our nationwide dispatch coverage means we can help you find freight in any state, with brokers we've worked with for years.

Frequently Asked Questions