Lensink Expedition warns fellow conveyors of AC Truck & Handel GmbH

Warning: Scams Target Truckers Using Freight Exchange Platforms

The trucking industry faces a growing threat: payment fraud orchestrated by companies exploiting popular freight exchange platforms like Timocom. Transport entrepreneur André Lensink from lensink Expedition recently suffered significant financial losses due to the alleged deceptive practices of AC Truck & Handel GmbH, formerly known as AC Logistik GmbH.lensink’s experience serves as a stark warning to fellow carriers about the potential pitfalls of engaging with unreliable entities on these platforms.

The Bitter Wait for Payment

In August 2024,Lensink Expedition accepted two transport assignments from AC Logistik,based in Salzgitter,via Timocom. After successfully completing the deliveries, Lensink promptly issued invoices. Though, what followed was a prolonged ordeal of unanswered phone calls and emails as payment remained elusive. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the issue, the company remained unresponsive. “And then the long wait started,” Lensink lamented, expressing his frustration with the company’s lack of interaction and disregard for contractual obligations.

Name Change, Same Tactics

early in 2025, Lensink discovered that AC Logistik GmbH no longer existed. It had rebranded as AC Truck & Handel GmbH, operating from the same address and with the same management team.Despite this change, Timocom re-admitted the company to its platform, raising concerns about the platform’s screening process for new members.

Collective Alarm Bells

Lensink’s experience is not an isolated incident. Google searches for AC Truck & Trade reveal a pattern of negative reviews from other carriers who have reported unpaid invoices. This widespread pattern of alleged fraud highlights a systemic issue within the industry, urging trucking companies to exercise caution when engaging with new partners.

Response from Timocom

Timocom, when questioned about the re-admission of AC Truck & Handel GmbH, attributed payment delays in the transportation sector to long payment terms. While acknowledging that situations like this occur, Timocom emphasized its reliance on user notifications for identifying potential abuses.The platform claims to have a dedicated department monitoring platform quality and investigating customer complaints. They also highlighted the use of fraud detection software to combat misleading offers.

Seeking Improved Protections

While Timocom outlined its efforts to mitigate fraud, Lensink criticizes the platform’s inadequate vetting process. He argues that despite multiple complaints about AC Logistik GmbH, the company was allowed to join under a new name, perpetuating the cycle of deceit. He calls for stricter oversight and more robust measures to protect carriers from falling victim to such schemes.

A Call to Action for the Industry

Lensink’s case underscores the vulnerability of trucking companies operating within a complex and often opaque system. While platforms like Timocom offer valuable tools for connecting shippers and transporters, it’s crucial for carriers to remain vigilant and adopt proactive measures to protect themselves. conducting thorough due diligence on potential partners, setting credit limits, and exploring additional safeguards like escrow services can substantially reduce the risk of encountering fraudulent entities.

The trucking industry must come together to combat this growing threat. Sharing information about potentially fraudulent companies, demanding greater accountability from platforms, and advocating for stronger regulatory measures are essential steps towards creating a safer and more transparent marketplace for all involved.

What specific measures are trucking companies using to verify the legitimacy of potential clients and partners thay connect with online?

Interview with André Lensink: Truckers Beware of Scams on Freight exchange Platforms

Q: Mr. Lensink, could you share your experience with AC Logistik GmbH/AC Truck & Handel GmbH and how it has raised awareness about fraudulent activities on freight exchange platforms?

André Lensink: In 2024, my company, lensink Expedition, engaged with AC Logistik via Timocom for two transport assignments. After completing the jobs, we faced an unprecedented challenge – non-payment, despite repeated attempts to contact them. We later discovered they had rebranded as AC Truck & Handel, and othre carriers shared similar stories, revealing a pattern of alleged fraud.

Q: What steps should trucking companies take to protect themselves from such incidents?

André Lensink: Frist, conduct thorough due diligence on potential partners. Check their background, reviews, and track record. Set credit limits and explore additional safeguards like escrow services. be proactive and don’t wait for problems to occur.

Q: Timocom has responded to these issues. How do you think platforms like theirs can better protect carriers from fraudulent companies?

André Lensink: timocom needs to improve its vetting process. despite multiple complaints against AC Logistik, they were allowed to join under a new name. Platforms must ensure stricter oversight and invest in robust measures to protect carriers. They should also encourage users to report suspicious activities promptly.

Q: You’ve called for greater industry collaboration to combat this growing threat.how can carriers, shippers, and platforms work together to create a safer marketplace?

André Lensink: We must share data about possibly fraudulent companies openly. Platforms should provide easy-to-use tools for reporting abuses. Let’s demand greater accountability from platforms and advocate for stronger regulatory measures together.

Q: Looking ahead, what do you hope will change in the industry to protect truckers from falling victim to such schemes?

andré Lensink: I hope to see enhanced clarity, stricter regulations, and improved cooperation among industry stakeholders. By working together, we can create a safer, more secure marketplace for all involved. After all, trust is the foundation of any successful business relationship.

Your Thoughts:

Have you or someone you know fallen victim to similar scams? share your experiences and thoughts on how the industry can address this issue in the comments below.