Support
The EU’s driver shortage and lack of consistent regulations has created a hot bed of risks. Chief among these is chameleon carriers who deceive businesses into handing over their shipments. If you’re transporting goods through the EU, it’s essential that you know how to spot these carriers and see through their disguise. Otherwise, you could find yourself falling for their trap.
What is a chameleon carrier?
A chameleon carrier, on the surface, seems like a normal carrier. However, it will often have a history of illegal activities, safety violations, or noncompliance. For example, the carrier might be responsible for fictitious pickups or have connections with unreliable drivers. In both cases, you shouldn’t work with these carriers, but it’s not always easy to identify them.
Chameleon carriers, as evidenced by the name, will “camouflage” themselves to avoid being identified. This usually means changing their name, address, and related details. These disguises can make it difficult for shippers and law enforcement alike to match the carrier with their previous misdeeds. In turn, the carrier is able to avoid repercussions and continue their illegal operations.
Why these carriers are prominent in the EU
Although chameleon carriers are a global issue, they’re especially prominent in the EU. This is largely because the EU lacks standardized regulations for cargo transport, which means fewer obstacles for chameleon carriers to bypass. Additionally, the relative ease of transport between EU countries makes it convenient to steal goods in one country and hide them in another. It then becomes difficult for law enforcement to intervene and return a company’s stolen cargo.
The EU is also known for transporting large amounts of high-value goods, including pharmaceutical and technology products. Criminals greatly desire these products and will go to great lengths to steal them. By working with chameleon carriers, it becomes much easier for the criminals to pass off their operations as legitimate. In turn, they’re able to offload these high-value goods not only in the Black Market, but also to everyday buyers.
Risks of chameleon carriers
Chameleon carriers pose a huge risk to supply chains throughout their entire shipment journey and affect various stakeholders, including:
Trucking companies and drivers
Chameleon carriers can cause legitimate truck drivers to be unfairly scrutinized or miss out on job opportunities. Additionally, the trucking industry at large can be seen as less reliable, causing shippers to turn to different modes instead.
Shippers
By operating illegally, chameleon carriers pass on multiple risks to shippers. Obviously, the biggest risk involves their products being stolen and illegally sold. However, they might also damage these products or even harm the shippers’ reputation. In the latter case, this could even cause companies to shut down their business.
Consumers
By accidentally purchasing stolen goods, consumers open themselves to multiple risks, such as accidentally consuming spoiled products. Additionally, they might never get the products they purchased, or else suffer significant delays.
Miscellaneous
Chameleon carriers don’t have the same safety protocols as traditional carriers, which often equals a hazardous safety record. For this reason, they are at increased risk for trucking accidents. Similarly, these carriers can mean issues for insurance providers, who are responsible for covering the cost of the stolen goods. Of course, in cases where a business lacks insurance, those costs fall to the company.
How to spot a chameleon carrier
Unfortunately, some chameleon carriers are extra difficult to identify. However, their “chameleon attributes” can’t disguise everything, and the following characteristics are easy to spot.
1. Branding
Chameleon carriers usually use trucks without any noticeable branding. This makes it easier for them to quickly camouflage as a different carrier when their illicit dealings are uncovered.
2. Inaccurate or missing information
A chameleon carrier might use a fake address or phone number. They might also offer no phone number or address at all. This is why it’s always important to go directly to a real carrier’s page to validate their contact information.
3. Lack of professionalism
If your driver shows up late or doesn’t answer calls, they might be working for a chameleon carrier. If they’re overly rude or seem in a hurry, this is also a distinct possibility.
4. Poor security measures
If a carrier lacks essential security protocols and technology, they probably shouldn’t be trusted, since they might be a chameleon carrier. Arguably, even if they aren’t, they should still be treated skeptically.
How Overhaul protects EU cargo from chameleon carriers
Unfortunately, the EU tends to put more emphasis on protecting facilities as opposed to distributors/carriers. Their shipments often go to the lowest bidder instead of the one who is most qualified or trustworthy.
This practice needs to change, and a large part of that change involves improving carrier vetting. Fortunately, Overhaul can help make this process simple, safe, and effective. We also offer risk based assessments to help shippers better understand their unique and evolving risks. And because our offerings extend throughout the EU and beyond, customers can rest assured that they’ll maintain visibility of their cargo wherever, whenever.
Reach out today to learn more about our EU-specific solutions.
