TQL blames carriers for 'losing freight' to bottom-dollar haulers

Mega broker TQL responded to accusations of federal racketeering from six motor carriers, blaming the carriers themselves for "poor business practices" causing them to lose out to cheaper carriers.

The original complaint came from carriers Stevens Trucking Co.; Western Flyer Express, LLC; D&M Carriers, LLC d/b/a Freymiller Trucking; IWX Motor Freight, LLC; Christenson Transportation Inc.; and E.O.S. Inc., and was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Division of Texas, Marshall Division.

It begins by stating the "decline of lawful asset-based trucking operations in the United States" is "driven by a coordinated relationship" between the brokers and "illegal carriers." The complaint cites witnesses saying they drove for Super Ego-affiliated carriers, went over hours-of-service limits, and that sometimes C.H. Robinson or TQL was listed as the carrier on their load's bill of lading.

Overall, the complaint says the big brokers conspired with illegal carriers (both C.H. Robinson and TQL honored Super Ego with awards for being a top carrier in their networks, despite Super Ego describing itself as a leasing company) and cost them business.

This story was originally published by Overdrive. Read the full story at Overdrive →