Transparency & Methodology Note
The Ikarus Scheme Research Desk is an independent analytical project. We maintain zero affiliation with any trucking carrier, logistics brokerage, or truck manufacturing entity.
Data Sources
Our generalized data (CPM averages, fuel costs) is derived from aggregated public indexes including the DOE Diesel Fuel Index and widely available spot market rate averages. Specific contract analysis is based on redacted documents submitted by drivers for educational purposes.
Conflict of Interest Policy
We do not accept payment from carriers to “certify” their offers. We do not accept payment to remove negative analysis. The “Red Flags” listed in our scorecard are mathematical constants, not opinions available for purchase.
The “No-Defamation” Standard
We do not name specific carriers as “scams.” Instead, we critique structures. If a carrier utilizes a structure that we have mathematically proven to lead to insolvency for 80% of operators, we will label the structure as “High Risk,” regardless of the carrier’s brand reputation.