By facilitating communication between shippers and carriers, freight brokers play 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 if 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 used to pay creditors with the proceeds. In this situation, it's less likely that the debtors will receive the full amount.

• Chapter 11 Bankruptcy: The broker goes through a restructuring that will allow them to pay off their debts and possibly keep running their business. Although it could be delayed or reduced, creditors may still receive payment.

Understanding the type of bankruptcy a freight broker files can help you determine 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 important to take the right steps right away if a freight broker who owes you money files for bankruptcy. What you need to do is as follows:

2.1. Verify the bankruptcy filings

The first step is to confirm that the broker has actually filed for 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 not using a delay tactic.

2.2. Gather Records

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

• Payment terms and invoices

• Proof of service and delivery receipts

• Emails and records of communication with the freight broker

• Contracts or agreements These are important when bringing a bankruptcy court claim.

2.3. Obtain a Proof of Claim from a government agency.

You must submit a Proof of Claim with the bankruptcy court once the bankruptcy has been 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 files for bankruptcy. Knowing where you stand as a creditor and how much of your claim you can recover is crucial.

3. 1. cured vs. Unsecured Creditors:

• Secured Creditors: These creditors have a legal claim against the bankrupt broker's property and other assets, such as cars and homes. They are typically the first to receive a refund.

Carriers typically fall under this category, unless specific security arrangements were made 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..... Creating a Bond Claim

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

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

To submit a bond claim:

• Get in touch with the surety firm that issued the bond.

• Provide service-related documentation and proof of payment for the unpaid invoices.

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

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

5. Negotiating a Settlement

You might be able to bargain with the freight broker's bankruptcy trustee in some circumstances to reach a settlement. 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 might 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 complex cases like bankruptcy, collection agencies have experience recovering unpaid freight bills.

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

7..... Protecting Yourself from Bankruptcies of Future Freight Brokers

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

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

• Track Payment Patterns: A broker's repeated requests for longer payment terms or delays may 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 obtaining payment from the broker. This allows for immediate cash flow and lessens the chance of non-payment as a result of broker bankruptcy.

What is the conclusion?

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

Knowing your legal rights as a creditor and staying informed will help you navigate the bankruptcy process and recover your receivables the best.