Trucking: freight bill, reputable brokers, trucking company

Question
I run a small trucking company in California and have about $20,000 in uncollected freight bill.  The brokers that gave us those shipments have disappeared.  Is there anything I can do if the shippers have already paid these brokers?  Please help!!!
Chau

Answer
Chau, you can try to collect from the shipper unless you signed a contract with the broker that prohibits it.  If you can find the broker you can sue for breach of contract or possibly fraud.  In the future deal only with reputable brokers who pay their carriers.  There are credit checking services to check them out.  Here is the one I use bu there are others:
https://www.compunetcredit.com/CompuNetWebSite/Home.aspx
Best wishes.  Jim.