breaking

Federal regulators uncover massive shell carrier network operating 160 vehicles per registered truck

A network of 32 motor carriers registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration collectively report just 38 power units while operating approximately 6,082 unique vehicles across the country, according to inspection records.

Suplicium Transport LLC exemplifies the pattern. The Springfield, Illinois-based carrier lists a single truck in federal filings yet was stopped 801 times on 675 different vehicles across 46 states during one reporting period.

The 32 carriers account for 7,505 inspections spanning roughly 160 vehicles per registered unit. The vehicles frequently switch between carriers without altering ownership.

Operators fleeing tightened long-haul regulations have migrated into hotshot and auto transport sectors. These include English proficiency requirements and electronic logging mandates. These segments face lighter inspection scrutiny and lower insurance costs.

Ford and Ram pickups comprise 46 percent of vehicles operating under multiple carriers. Kaufman-style car-hauler trailers represent another 14 percent. The trend accelerated after Jack Cooper, a 97-year-old unionized auto hauler, shut down in early 2025 after losing its Ford and General Motors contracts.