SPR 2013 Prime KTC: Chameleon Carriers

This project will serve to identify these problematic motor carriers and help to institute countermeasures to prevent this problem for occurring. Motor carriers who attempt to change or hide their identity by acquiring a new USDOT number are referred to as “chameleon carriers”. There are some checks that occur on the national and state level to try to prevent this from occurring. Unfortunately, there are still motor carriers that are able to change their identity with a new USDOT number. These chameleon carriers are identified frequently by Kentucky State Police- Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) at the roadside. By the time, KSP-CVE sees the problem however, the carrier already has dual identifies. These cases are turned over to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for investigation at that point. If these motor carriers could be stopped from obtaining two identities during the registration process, significant safety benefits could be seen and additional revenue could be collected. A well known issue identified by the Division of Motor Carriers and Commercial Vehicle Enforcement is the ability for a motor carrier to obtain a new USDOT number and other new credentials and leave behind unpaid taxes, fees, and serious safety issues. This seemingly new company may really just be trying to hide their identity and make a “fresh” start due to serious tax, registration or safety issues. Although the Division of Motor Carriers has some mechanisms in place to prevent this from happening, the problem continues to occur. The magnitude of the problem and the impact it has on the Road Fund is not fully understood. This project will serve to identify these problematic motor carriers and help to institute countermeasures to prevent this problem for occurring.