Broker agreement

I have never said yes when approached like this.

First, contract or not, IMO it's simply a matter of principle. If not for the broker, you would not have made the contact in the first place. Given the absence of any broker shenanigans, I figure I owe the broker that much at least. I am out to build good relationships, not bad ones. I am out to build my company and improve my reputation every day. This is no way to go about it.

Second, as sjmay said, in the long run, the broker may well benefit your bottom line more than the shipper.

Third, if the shipper doesn't pay you, whose bond will you file against?

Fourth, I would probably tell the broker that the shipper approached me.