Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The freight and logistics sector is entering a new phase of crisis as cargo theft and sophisticated fraud schemes reach unprecedented levels.   According to the State of Fraud in the Industry report released last week by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA), fraud in freight brokerage is no longer a nuisance—it’s a full-blown epidemic. Between September 2024 and February 2025, reported fraud cases surged 65% compared to the previous period.   The data, drawn from TIA member surveys and reports submitted to the association’s Watchdog platform, paints a grim picture of rising risk and financial strain, especially for small and mid-sized freight brokers. A Dual Blow: Losses and Prevention Costs The TIA report exposes a financial double-bind: not only are brokers losing large sums to fraudulent activity, they’re also being forced to ramp up spending on prevention.   Nearly a quarter of respondents reported losses exceeding $200,000 due to fraud over ...

The trucking industry is once again at the center of national regulatory change, as the current administration moves to strengthen enforcement of long-standing English language requirements for commercial drivers.   Two recent executive orders—one declaring English the official language of the U.S., and another directing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to enforce existing English proficiency laws—are poised to reshape hiring practices and operational standards across the trucking sector. With the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) voting to reinstate English language violations as grounds for placing drivers out of service, the new policy will officially take effect on June 25, 2025.   For carriers already navigating a severe driver shortage, this added enforcement could significantly impact driver availability, route coverage, and overall capacity. What Changed? The new executive orders from the current administration do not create a new law; rather,...

With a fleet dedicated to several dozen causes and organizations, Road Scholar Transport continues its mission to raise awareness for various health conditions.   This May, we spotlight three significant causes: Neurofibromatosis, Lupus, and Cystic Fibrosis.​ Neurofibromatosis (NF) Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder causing tumors to form on nerve tissue.   It affects approximately 1 in 3,000 individuals, with about 50% of cases resulting from spontaneous mutations. ​ NCBI Types of NF: NF1 : The most common form, characterized by skin changes and benign tumors. NF2 : Rarer, leading to hearing loss, balance issues, and tumors on the auditory nerves. Schwannomatosis : The rarest type, causing intense pain due to tumors on peripheral nerves.​ In 2019, Road Scholar introduced a Children’s Tumor Foundation truck, featuring the image of President Debra Barrett’s grandson, who was diagnosed with a tumor.   This initiative aims to sprea...

The world of cold chain logistics is more complex—and more critical—than ever before.   As global demand for temperature-sensitive products like pharmaceuticals, biologics, food, and specialty chemicals grows, so too does the importance of maintaining absolute integrity throughout the shipping process.   For shippers and logistics providers, staying ahead of evolving regulations is no longer optional—it’s essential to protecting public health, maintaining customer trust, and avoiding costly penalties. The Growing Pressure of Evolving Regulations Cold chain logistics providers are now required to comply with a stringent and ever-expanding set of regulations from multiple governing bodies, including: FDA (Food and Drug Administration) : Under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), shippers must implement preventive controls for perishable foods.   Additionally, the FDA's Good Distribution Practice (GDP) guidelines for pharmaceuticals stress proper tem...

In the complex and high-stakes world of global logistics, the latest 2024 Cargo Theft Report from BSI Consulting and TT Club reads like a warning siren for shippers, carriers, and supply chain managers.   The report reveals a concerning shift in criminal tactics—away from brute-force methods and toward more sophisticated, strategic thefts rooted in deception, digital manipulation, and advanced planning. For companies involved in the movement of goods—whether regionally or across borders—understanding these evolving threats isn't optional.   It's essential for survival. By the Numbers: What the Data Tells Us The report is built on comprehensive analysis, including detailed case studies and data on cargo theft incidents worldwide.   Here are some key findings: Food and beverages remained the most stolen commodity, accounting for 22% of all thefts. Trucks were involved in 76% of all incidents, including hijackings (21%) and outright vehicle theft (20%)....

In a landmark ruling last week, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed all legal challenges to New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan, effectively greenlighting the first-in-the-nation tolling program aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s central business district.   Among the lawsuits tossed out was a high-profile challenge by the Trucking Association of New York (TANY), which argued the program unfairly targets trucking companies and threatens to drive up costs for both carriers and consumers. Despite growing public opposition, pushback from federal officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and even a warning from the Trump administration to halt the program, New York has held firm. So what does this mean for the trucking industry—and more importantly, for the shippers who rely on it?   Let’s break it down. What Is Congestion Pricing, and Why Does It Matter? Starting January 5, 2025, vehicles entering Manhattan belo...