Transparency

If a truck is legitimately leased onto a carrier’s authority, the equipment should display that carrier’s name and USDOT/MC before it hauls under that authority. That’s not optional — it’s a compliance issue. And from a broker’s standpoint, if there’s a claim and the door signage doesn’t match the carrier packet, things can get messy fast.
Yes, if it’s a legit lease-on situation, the carrier should disclose it upfront. Transparency avoids confusion and protects everyone involved. Most reputable carriers make sure decals are applied immediately and won’t dispatch a truck under their authority until that’s handled.