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Level: Basic · 6 lessons · Free

Rules, Licenses and Scams

HOS, ELD, MC numbers and scam schemes: what to check so you do not get burned.

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What you will get

You know the hours and break limits
You understand how an MC number works
You recognize schemes like double brokering

01HOSHOS stands for Hours of Service. These are the rules for how long a driver can drive and how much rest is required.

02ELDELD is an electronic logging device. A box in the cab that automatically records how long the driver drove and sat.

0334-hour resetIt's a driver reboot. Thirty-four hours of rest in a row, and your work hours reset to zero.

04MC NUMBERMC is an operating authority number from the federal agency. Without it, a company can't haul freight for pay across state lines.

05Double BrokeringDouble brokering is cheating, trucking style.

06Owner-OperatorAn owner-operator is a driver who owns his truck. He is his own business.

Real-world cases

October 20, 2026Fake Broker Tries to Reroute $273,000 Seafood Load in New JerseyA scammer posed as a broker and tried to steal a shipment of seafood in New Jersey.October 16, 2026$60,000 Truck Load Stolen With a PrinterScammers cloned documents and rerouted a trailer carrying 75 drums of glycerin. The truck was stopped in Thornton, and the load was returned to its owner.October 13, 2026Six Trucking Companies Sue C.H. Robinson and TQLThe lawsuit was filed Sept. 23 in federal court in the Eastern District of Texas. The plaintiffs cite RICO and schemes involving "chameleon" carriers.

Practice

Guess the RateGuess the RateI show the lane — you guess what the broker will pay. Then we compare with the market.Next trackFrom Zero: The Language of TruckingEquipment, freight types and everyday terms. After this you understand what people in this business are saying.