TIA Pushes Back on Broker Rate Transparency Proposal, Citing Threat to Small Businesses and Free Markets

TIA is voicing strong opposition to a proposal that would mandate freight brokers and shippers to disclose pricing and contract details—a move the group warns could have far-reaching economic consequences.

On July 22, TIA President and CEO Chris Burroughs issued a statement via email sharply criticizing the proposal, calling it a “weaponized 1980s-era regulation” that undermines both competitive business practices and the viability of small logistics companies.

What’s at Stake

• The proposal, supported by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) in recent Senate testimony, seeks mandated transparency of broker and shipper rates.
• TIA argues this would force disclosure of proprietary pricing, destabilize private negotiations, and raise costs for shippers, brokers, and ultimately, consumers.

“If this can happen to freight brokers today, who’s next? Will General Motors be forced to disclose what it pays for steel?” — Chris Burroughs, TIA

TIA’s Core Arguments

• Slippery slope: The requirement would set a precedent for forced disclosure across multiple sectors.
• Small business burden: Over 70% of TIA members generate under $15 million annually. New compliance costs and shrinking margins could push many out of the market.
• Consumer costs: Increased freight rates due to transparency mandates would ripple down to retail pricing, affecting American households already strained by inflation.
• Redundant systems: TIA points to existing rate benchmarking tools and load boards as sufficient for promoting transparency in the freight market.

“This isn’t about protecting truckers—it’s about handing private business information to competitors under the guise of transparency.” — Chris Burroughs, TIA

Deeper Concern

According to coverage from The Journal of Commerce, the transparency debate has been simmering since the post-pandemic rate volatility drew more scrutiny to broker margins. OOIDA and some independent drivers have accused brokers of exploiting information asymmetries.

But TIA insists the solution lies not in forced disclosure, but in targeted action against fraud and more balanced oversight that doesn’t penalize legitimate players in the logistics sector.

“Congress and regulators should focus on real solutions to freight fraud—not misguided policies that punish legitimate players.” — TIA Statement

What’s Next

TIA has called on Congress and federal regulators to reject the proposal and reaffirm support for market-based freight negotiations. As debate continues in Washington, the group is positioning itself as the defender of small logistics firms and warning that the fallout could extend well beyond trucking.