Going behind broker's back?

Need some advice here. Just starting out on my own, on my first load today.
Picked up a load, got it through a broker, and when I got to the shipper we got to talking about how many loads are going out and what next week looks like. Shipper told me the broker I am getting this load from only handles his freight that goes to 2 customers. He said he has another customer in another state that he finds his own trucks for.

Question: If he hired me directly, could broker say anything? If the shipper calls me and wants to hire me directly, does that violate their terms and essentially put me on a black list for this broker?

Note: Broker I am talking about also has loads (steady) for me through the winter. The pay is good even through the broker (2.81 per mile on 690 total miles). If the broker calls me up and asks what I am doing, should I just flat out lie? How would he ever find out even if shipper hired me direct?

Is there a way to keep everyone happy?

Need some advice from experienced independent owner ops. Thank you

 

The thing is I do not want to start off on the wrong foot with this broker. They will be one of my go-to brokers come November when the winter time starts. The shipper made it quite obvious that he was unhappy with the service the broker was providing. Apparently they were sending people who can't speak english to come pick up the loads, showing up with dirty inside reefer, and arriving at delivery late. He was angry with them to put it lightly. He was also glad to see me show up in a professional manner, and turns out the place is only 35 miles or so from the house. How does broker ever find out to accuse you of back-soliciting anyway? Appreciate the input.

 

Yes I read them. It said if I go behind their back and "steal" their customer, they are entitled to 8% of what I make for 2 years. Now here's the thing ...

***The following is according to the shipper***
1. He told me this broker finds trucks to haul the loads to 2 receivers in NJ. For their other freight, in MD, he finds his own trucks.
2. If I say ok, I will haul your NJ loads through broker, and get your MD from you direct, would I still be liable for them to come after me for the 8%? Shipper also said to me he has another local trucking outfit that comes in to do his MD loads.

 

That is pretty much what I was thinking of doing.

Here's another question:
If in the future the shipper fires the broker, does that mean I can go direct? I think next season this shipper will be re-evaluating who he hires to haul the loads.

I should add that I have no interest at this point in being in the broker business. I am a one truck show, and will perhaps size up my situation when this operation gets running along smoothly over the next 2-3 years. See how it goes.