Freight Broker Bankruptcy: What Happens to Your Unpaid Freight Invoices

By facilitating communication between shippers and carriers, freight brokers have a significant role in the transportation sector. However, having a freight broker file for bankruptcy and owes you money can put you under a lot of strain, especially if you're a carrier and waiting for unpaid freight bills. Understanding the legal process and the steps involved can help you get some or all of the money owed.

In this article, we'll explain what to do in the event that a freight broker declares bankruptcy, how to file a claim, and the best ways to protect your interests.

1. Understanding Bankruptcy of Freight Brokers

In essence, a freight broker's filing for bankruptcy means they are unable to fulfill their financial obligations to creditors, including shippers, carriers, and other business partners. They can either liquidate their assets or reorganize their debts as a result of the bankruptcy process. Here are the two typical filings that bankruptcy freight brokers make:

• Chapter 7 Bankruptcy: The broker's assets are liquidated and the money used to pay its debtors. In this situation, it's less likely that the debtors will receive full payment.

• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: The broker goes through a restructuring that will allow them to consolidate their debts and possibly carry on their business. Although it may be delayed or reduced, creditors may still be receiving payment.

Knowing what kind of bankruptcy a freight broker files can tell you how likely it is to be able to recover your unpaid freight bills.

2.... Important Actions to Take if a Freight Broker Files for Bankruptcy

It's crucial to take the right steps right away if a freight broker who owes you money files for bankruptcy. What you need to do is the following:

2. 1. Verify the bankruptcy filing process

The first step is to confirm that the broker has actually declared bankruptcy. The Public Access to Court Electronic Records( PACER) system, which contains case and docket details, allows you to check bankruptcy filings. This verification makes sure that the event is legitimate and that the broker is using a delay tactic.

2. 2. Gather Records

Gather all necessary paperwork related to the unpaid freight invoices. Among these is:

• Payment terms and invoicing

• Proof of service and delivery receipts

• Emails and correspondence with the freight broker

• Agreements or contracts These documents are essential when bringing a claim in bankruptcy court.

2. 3. File a claim proof.

You must file a Proof of Claim with the bankruptcy court once the bankruptcy is confirmed. The amount of money the broker owes you is set forth in a formal statement. To support your claim, be sure to include all supporting documentation.

A Proof of Claim is necessary because it could prevent you from being added to the list of creditors who may be eligible for any payments once the bankruptcy proceedings are settled.

3.... Understanding Your Status as a Creditor

Creditors are typically prioritized based on the priority of their claims when a freight broker declares bankruptcy. Knowing where you stand as a creditor and how much of your claim you can recover is important.

3.1. Secured vs. Unsecured Creditors:

• Secured Creditors: These creditors have a legal claim against the bankrupt broker's property and other assets, such as cars and properties. They typically come in first place for repayment.

• Unsecured Creditors: Carriers typically fall under this umbrella, unless a specific security arrangement was reached with the broker. In a Chapter 7 liquidation, unsecured creditors have a lower priority, meaning they may not be paid in full, especially if they are in default.

4.... Defending a Bond Claim

In addition to their licensing with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration( FMCSA), freight brokers are required to carry a surety bond or a trust fund agreement. In the event that the broker does n't pay them, the bond's purpose is to protect carriers and shippers.

You can file a claim against the freight broker's bond if the broker owes you money and has filed for bankruptcy. Brokers are required by the FMCSA to maintain a minimum$ 75, 000 bond, which can aid in recovering some of your debts.

To claim a bond:

• Get in touch with the bond issuer.

• Provide a copy of the service agreement and proof of payment.

• Follow the surety company's instructions for the claim process.

Important to remember that bond payouts are constrained, and that the amount will be divided between creditors if more money is owed.

5. Negotiating a Settlement

You might be able to bargain with the freight broker's bankruptcy trustee in some circumstances. The trustee is in charge of managing the broker's assets and giving them to the creditors.

You might be able to come to terms with someone who wants to receive only a portion of the payment or come up with a payment plan over time. This could be a quicker way to get some compensation than to wait until the bankruptcy process is over, even though you may not be able to recover the entire sum.

6. Using a collection agency

You might want to work with a collection firm with a focus on the freight industry if trying to navigate the bankruptcy process seems overwhelming. Even in challenging circumstances like bankruptcy, collection agencies have experience recovering unpaid freight bills.

The agency will work with you to file lawsuits, reach settlements, and find other ways to get your money back. Keep in mind that collections companies typically bill a percentage of the amount recovered as their fee.

7..... Defending Yourself from Bankrupt Future Freight Brokers

There are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk in the future, even though it's challenging to predict when a broker will file for bankruptcy.

• Conduct Credit Checks: Conduct a Advance Global Logistics LLC credit check to check a freight broker's financial health and payment history before establishing a business relationship with them.

• Track Payment Patterns: A broker's repeated requests for longer payment terms or delays could indicate cash flow issues. Be cautious if you intend to continue doing business with them.

• Request Payment in Advance: To reduce the risk of non-payment, consider making a request for payment upfront or using shorter payment terms for high-value shipments or new clients.

• Use Freight Factoring: Freight factoring enables carriers to sell their invoices to a factoring company, who then takes on the task of getting payment from the broker. This gives you immediate cash flow and lessens the chance of non-payment as a result of broker bankruptcy.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with a freight broker's bankruptcy can be stressful, especially if you are owed money for unpaid freight bills. You can increase your chances of recovering some or all of the money you owe by taking action right away, such as verifying the bankruptcy filing, gathering documentation, submitting a Proof of Claim, and pursuing a bond claim. Additionally, proactive measures like credit checks and freight factoring can help you avoid similar circumstances in the future.

Knowing your legal rights as a creditor and staying informed will give you the best chance of surviving the bankruptcy process and recovering your receivables.