Fleet Fraud Exposed: Texas Carrier Owner Charged in Chameleon Carrier Scheme

In a dramatic move by federal authorities, a Texas-based fleet owner is facing serious charges for allegedly operating a network of illegal trucking companies—despite a federal ban prohibiting him from doing so. The Department of Justice has indicted Shaquan Jelks, 48, of Houston, Texas, accusing him of masterminding a sophisticated chameleon carrier scheme that spanned multiple motor carriers and exploited federal pandemic relief funds.

The Allegations

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Jelks continued to manage and control various commercial trucking companies even after being legally barred by both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and a federal court.

Instead of complying, Jelks allegedly set up shell companies under the names of friends and family in an effort to hide his involvement. These carriers included:

• Adversity Transport Inc.

• 4 Life Transport Corporation

• Vashti Freight Lines LLC

• Highway Empire Transportation

• King C Transportation LLC

  
  

In addition, Jelks is accused of shifting operations to other companies when federal scrutiny increased, including:

• TNT Top Hauling Inc.

• Oil Man Transport LLC

• RDAA Transportation LLC

• C.E. Transport

  
  

Fraudulent Financing and Fatal Consequences

Court documents reveal that Jelks fraudulently obtained funds through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and redirected them to finance his illicit carrier operations.

The indictment further states that Jelks:

• Provided false and misleading information to FMCSA during investigations.

• Submitted counterfeit documents to regulatory authorities.

• Obstructed federal investigators even after a tragic fatal crash in February 2022, when a driver employed by one of his companies died in a single-vehicle accident.

  
  

Rather than addressing the safety violations flagged by investigators, Jelks allegedly used chameleon tactics—abandoning one carrier name and shifting operations to a new one to avoid accountability and keep trucks moving.

Federal Investigation Ongoing

The ongoing investigation is being conducted jointly by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This case underscores the increasing focus on "chameleon carriers"—companies that close or change names to avoid federal scrutiny, safety enforcement, or financial liability. These operations not only undermine the integrity of the industry but pose a serious risk to public safety.

What This Means for the Trucking Industry

The FMCSA has been cracking down on repeat violators and fraudulent operators using layered identities to mask systemic safety failures. This high-profile case is likely to accelerate regulatory reforms and increase the use of carrier vetting technology, including:

• Tighter identity verification protocols

• Audits for newly registered carriers

• Closer monitoring of familial or business associations between carriers

• Stricter enforcement actions for known affiliates of banned operators

Final Word from Safety Lane

Carriers and brokers are urged to conduct enhanced due diligence when partnering with motor carriers, including verifying:

• True ownership and management

• Carrier safety scores and inspection history

• Prior affiliations or FMCSA interventions

As the case against Jelks proceeds, Safety Lane will continue to monitor developments and publish updates on chameleon carriers, fraud, and safety enforcement trends affecting the industry.

Stay compliant. Stay alert. Stay safe.

📞 Report suspicious carrier activity to the FMCSA or DOT OIG Tip Line.📌 For more regulatory insights and enforcement updates, follow Safety Lane Magazine.