Pink Cheetah v. TQL

We are so back! Total Quality Logistics (TQL), the nation’s second-largest freight broker, is under fire in a new federal lawsuit filed on Feb. 25 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

Pink Cheetah Express LLC, a small Kissimmee, Florida-based motor carrier, alleges that TQL has flouted a 2023 Department of Transportation order mandating compliance with federal broker transparency rules. The suit, which seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, reignites a long-simmering debate over rate transparency in the trucking industry – just as freight markets brace for new tariffs.

The complaint centers on TQL’s alleged refusal to provide Pink Cheetah with transactional records for 15 loads hauled over the past three years, despite a Nov. 30, 2023, order from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That order, issued after an investigation sparked by Pink Cheetah’s 2023 complaint, directed TQL to ditch contract language waiving carriers’ rights under 49 CFR 371.3 – a regulation guaranteeing carriers access to broker records – and to comply with future transparency requests. Pink Cheetah claims TQL has done neither, accusing the Cincinnati-based brokerage of “arrogantly” acting “above the law.”

What does TQL say? We have their answer!

This program is brought to you by DAT Freight & Analytics. Since 1978, DAT has helped truckers & brokers discover more available loads. Whether you're heading home or looking for your next adventure, DAT has the data! New users of DAT can save 10% off for the first 12 months by following the links below.

For Truckers, DAT One Pro gives you access to tri-haul & 15-day rate as opposed to 30-day rate. For Brokers, DAT One Select gives you access to Market Conditions, Exact Match alarms & more. Even under the best circumstances, moving freight was never easy.