---
title: What Brokers Must Provide Under the Broker Transparency Rules
description: Complete guide to what freight brokers are legally required to provide carriers under 49 CFR § 371.3 transparency regulations.
date: 2026-01-21
tags: [regulations, broker requirements, legal rights]
canonical: https://thetruerates.com/blog/what-brokers-must-provide
slug: what-brokers-must-provide
---

# What Brokers Must Provide Under the Broker Transparency Rules

# What Brokers Must Provide Under the Broker Transparency Rules

Understanding your legal rights is the first step to getting the transparency you deserve.

## The Legal Foundation: 49 CFR § 371.3

Federal regulations require property brokers to maintain and provide specific records for each transaction. This isn't optional—it's the law.

## Documents Brokers Must Keep (And Provide on Request)

### 1. Shipper Rate Confirmation
- The actual rate the shipper agreed to pay
- Must show the full amount, including all charges
- This reveals the true market rate for the lane

### 2. Carrier Rate Confirmation  
- The rate agreed upon with you, the carrier
- Should match what you were actually paid
- Comparison with shipper rate shows the margin

### 3. Transaction Records
- Complete record of the transaction
- Must include all parties involved
- Should show any accessorial charges

### 4. Margin/Commission Information
- The difference between shipper and carrier rates
- Brokers must disclose this upon request
- Essential for understanding true lane rates

## How Long Brokers Must Keep Records

Brokers are required to maintain these records for a minimum of **3 years** after the transaction. This means you can request historical documents for loads hauled up to 3 years ago.

## What Brokers Often Try to Hide

- "We can't share shipper information" - **False**
- "That's confidential business information" - **False**
- "We don't have those documents" - **Unlikely, and possibly illegal**
- "You don't have a right to that" - **Absolutely false**

## Your Rights If They Refuse

1. **Document the refusal** in writing
2. **File a complaint** with the FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB)
3. **Track the broker** for future reference
4. **Share with other carriers** - patterns of non-compliance affect everyone

## The 48-Hour Rule

You must request these documents within 48 hours of delivery completion. After that window, brokers are no longer legally obligated to provide them (though many will).

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*True Rates tracks the 48-hour window automatically and sends requests before the deadline. Protect your rights without the hassle.*