This is definitely a thing. Some of the larger factoring companies like OTR have direct ties to freight brokerages, and they share data under the radar. It’s not just about rates either—brokerages get access to carrier payment habits, load preferences, and even lanes they run frequently.
It’s frustrating because it feels like carriers are being exploited for their data. If you’re using a factoring company, it’s worth asking questions about their affiliations and how they handle your information.