Posts

FAIR Trucking Act: New Bill Targets “Weaponized Litigation” Against Trucking Companies

 A new piece of legislation aims to reshape how high-dollar trucking accident cases are handled in court.   On September 10, Representatives Tom Barrett (R-MI) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, a bill designed to combat what lawmakers describe as “lawsuit abuse” within the trucking industry. The measure, H.R. 5268, would shift certain cases from state courts into federal jurisdiction.   Specifically, federal courts would hear lawsuits if: The case involves commercial trucks engaged in interstate commerce, The damages sought exceed $5 million, and At least one plaintiff and one defendant are from different states. Why the Bill Was Introduced Over the past decade, trucking companies — particularly small operators — have increasingly found themselves on the receiving end of what are often called nuclear verdicts : jury awards that climb into the tens of millions of dollars.  ...

The Battle Over the Next Highway Bill: Trucking Industry at a Crossroads

As Congress gears up to reauthorize the next surface transportation bill, the trucking industry finds itself at the center of a heated policy debate.   Nearly 2,800 organizations, drivers, and advocacy groups have weighed in with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), offering drastically different visions for the future of freight.   From the push for bigger trucks to questions about automation, driver training, and safety oversight, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Supply Chain Advocates Push Safety and Workforce Protections One influential supply chain organization has submitted a list of priorities that focus on driver safety and protecting the workforce.   Their recommendations emphasize: Preserving Hours of Service (HOS) protections.   They oppose weakening these federal fatigue-prevention standards or allowing states to opt out. Strong guardrails for autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment.   They want legislation requiring stricter ...

Expedited Shipments: When Time Is Critical, Road Scholar Delivers

  In the fast-paced world of logistics, delays can ripple through the supply chain, causing costly disruptions. Whether it's a late-afternoon pickup due to upstream hiccups or a customer facing a potential line shutdown from lack of product,   Road Scholar Transport   is the call you make when time is not on your side. The Challenge: Time-Sensitive Freight Meets HOS Regulations Expedited shipments often come with unique challenges: Late-day pickups   that push drivers close to their Hours of Service (HOS) limits. Long-haul routes   that exceed what a single driver can legally complete. Urgent deliveries  are  needed to prevent production halts or missed deadlines. These scenarios demand more than just speed—they require precision, coordination, and a network built for agility. Our Solution: A Strategically Located Terminal Network At Road Scholar Transport, we've built a   relay system   that turns HOS limitations into opportunities for effic...

Fueling the Future: Diesel Price Trends & Reefer Fuel Realities

Over the past six months, diesel fuel prices in the U.S. have seen a steady climb. In April 2025, prices hovered around   $3.85 per gallon , rising to   $4.15   by August. Forecasts suggest this upward trend will continue, with prices expected to reach   $4.40 per gallon by December   This increase impacts every aspect of trucking operations—from linehaul costs to reefer fuel consumption, which is often   not fully accounted for in fuel surcharges . The Hidden Cost of Refrigerated Trailers Refrigerated trailers (reefers) are essential for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, but they come with a significant fuel cost. Most reefers operate in one of two modes: Continuous Mode : Burns approximately   1 gallon of diesel per hour Start/Stop Mode : Burns approximately   0.4 gallons per hour Over a 24-hour period, this translates to: 24 gallons/day   in continuous mode 9.6 gallons/day   in start/stop mode Holding a load for multiple days ...

Autonomous Trucking Pilots

  The Road Ahead: Autonomous Trucking Pilots Are Expanding The trucking industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the most talked-about developments is the expansion of   autonomous trucking pilots . Major logistics players are partnering with tech companies to test self-driving trucks across various routes, with the goal of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and addressing driver shortages. Recently, companies like   J.B. Hunt   have teamed up with autonomous vehicle developers to launch pilot programs using   self-driving Freightliner tractors . These trucks are being tested in real-world conditions, hauling freight between distribution centers with minimal human intervention. The technology promises to reshape long-haul logistics, especially for repetitive routes and overnight deliveries. While autonomous trucking is gaining traction, it's still in its early stages. Regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and infrastructure limitations mean that human drivers ...

Seamless Port-to-Door Solutions: How Road Scholar Transport and Pentagon Transport Simplify Drayage

At   Road Scholar Transport , we understand that the journey doesn't end at the port—it begins there. That's why our brokerage division,   Pentagon Transport , specializes in   drayage services   from major ports across North America, including: Massachusetts (MA) New Jersey (NJ) New York (NY) Norfolk, Virginia (VA) Long Beach, California (CA) Vancouver, Canada Whether you're importing goods from overseas or managing complex supply chains, our drayage solutions are designed to move your freight swiftly, securely, and efficiently. Strategic Access to Cross-Dock Facilities One of the key advantages of working with Pentagon Transport is our   proximity to cross-dock facilities   at each port. This allows us to: Unload containers quickly Return them to the port promptly , avoiding costly demurrage and detention fees Transfer freight to trailers for final delivery , streamlining the process and reducing transit time This hybrid approach—container drayage followe...

Moving Your Business? Road Scholar Transport Has You Covered

Moving Your Business? Road Scholar Transport Has You Covered Relocating a business from one facility to another is a major undertaking, and transportation is often one of the most complex parts of the process. Whether you're upgrading to a larger warehouse, consolidating operations, or shifting to a more strategic location, the logistics of moving inventory, equipment, and sensitive materials can be daunting. How Common Are Business Relocations? According to recent industry data,  over 10% of U.S. businesses relocate their facilities each year , with many citing growth, cost savings, or logistical improvements as key drivers. For warehousing and manufacturing sectors, these moves often involve  large volumes of goods , specialized equipment, and strict timelines. That's where  Road Scholar Transport  comes in. Specialized Support for Complex Moves At Road Scholar Transport, we've successfully assisted numerous companies in transitioning their operations from one faci...