Carriers Sue TQL and C.H. Robinson Over Fraud

Six motor carriers allege the freight brokers conspired with fraudulent trucking companies, seeking damages for lost contracts.

Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Transportation

Carriers Sue TQL and C.H. Robinson Over Fraud

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Six motor carriers have filed a civil RICO lawsuit against freight brokers TQL and C.H. Robinson, alleging the defendants relied on fraudulent carriers and locked legitimate carriers out of shipper contracts. TQL has filed motions to dismiss, and C.H. Robinson has entered its appearance in the case.

Why it matters

The suit targets how brokers select carriers, an area that moves a large share of U.S. freight, and the outcome could shape vetting practices across the industry. The allegations remain unproven claims made by the plaintiffs.

The plaintiffs seek damages totaling tens of millions of dollars for lost contracts, and the national average out-of-service rate for commercial vehicles is 24.9%, against which three plaintiff carriers' rates are measured. No damages have been determined, and the court has not yet ruled on the defendants' motions.

The players

TQL

TQL is a freight brokerage company that is a named defendant in the lawsuit and is headquartered in Ohio.

C.H. Robinson

C.H. Robinson is a publicly traded third-party logistics company and freight broker that is a named defendant in the lawsuit.

The details

The six carriers allege TQL and C.H. Robinson conspired with fraudulent trucking companies that used forced labor and illegal ELD manipulations, and that the defendants locked legitimate carriers out of shipper contracts. TQL has moved to dismiss for failure to state a claim and has asked to transfer the case from Texas to federal court in Ohio, arguing its evidence and arbitration clauses point there.

Day before interview: C.H. Robinson filed its appearance in the case.
April 2028: Tentative jury selection date, though the timeline could stretch further.

Market Landscape

The suit uses the federal civil RICO statute, which permits treble damages, to challenge how large freight brokers vet carriers. Its outcome could set a precedent for broker liability in an industry where brokers handle about 30% of U.S. freight.

Shippers and carriers who work through brokers could see changes in how carriers are vetted and which carriers get access to contracts if the suit succeeds. The case is still at the pleading stage, so no immediate change in freight rates or contract terms has been established.

The takeaway

Carrier vetting is a central issue in freight brokerage, and shippers may want to review how their brokers verify the safety records of the carriers they use. The suit's allegations are unproven, so readers should watch the court's rulings on the pending motions.