Incorrigible Unregistered Carriers

Unregistered Carriers on 03/16/2009 - 660
Unregistered Carriers on 03/17/2010 - 660

Illinois - 96.96%
Maine - 96.34%
Indiana - 92.20%
Alabama - 91.85%
Kentucky - 89.84%

Ok, I understand that the UCR program is confusing at the moment. I also understand that some carriers are thinking that they can wait until 2010 fees come out before they have to register --- and then they think that they won't have to register for 2009 at all. I get all that.

But there is also a group of carriers who KNOW that they are supposed to register ... and they just sandbag us. I make no apologies for not registering these guys. Many of them are in out-of-the-way locations. Usually, they are little guys. They don't see many of our cops ... or MCSAP cops either, for that matter. We continue to contact them and try to get them to register. If our cops see them, they're toast ... MCSAP guys, not so much.

The time may soon be coming, however, when the Feds will have to help us out by taking action against these carriers - probably by way of the DOT number. Perhaps a deactivation of the number and/or an Out-Of-Service designation.

What I'm suggesting will be difficult for the Feds. UCR is not really on their radar ... except for that pesky fee rule! Nevertheless, I think they will be the first to admit that deactivating a USDOT number gets the attention of roadside motor carrier safety officers and inspectors everywhere. They instantly know that something is wrong with the guy - which, in turn, causes them to dig deeper.

We have to be patient - but persistent - on this issue. At then end of the day, I think we're all after the same thing - safe, fit and accountable carriers. A little help from our friends at the Fed will take us a long way in that direction.