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Do I need broker authority? A self-check for truck dispatchers
Answer 16 yes/no questions about how you work. The result shows which of FMCSA's 2023 factors apply to you. It runs in your browser. Nothing you pick is sent or saved.
This is not a legal determination and not legal advice. FMCSA says its two lists are not exclusive, and a dispatch service does not have to meet every factor. Ask a transportation lawyer before you rely on the result.
Part 1: how you work
Answer yes if it is true of your business today.
Part 2: things that point toward needing authority
Answer yes if you do this, even sometimes.
Where the questions come from
The 9 factors against needing authority and the 7 for it are in FMCSA's final guidance on broker and bona fide agent definitions, published Jun 16, 2023 (88 FR 39368). Taking money from a broker or factor, working for shippers, or choosing between carriers are the ones that most often change the answer. Read more: Do I need broker authority to be a truck dispatcher?
Last reviewed Thu, Nov 12, 2026 · Where our data comes from