Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The trucking industry may soon see relief from a federal tax that has been in place for more than a century. On June 2, 2026, U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act, legislation aimed at eliminating the 12% federal excise tax (FET) on new heavy-duty trucks and trailers.   While the proposal is still working its way through Congress, it has already gained strong support from trucking industry leaders who believe the change could accelerate fleet modernization, improve safety, and reduce emissions across America's highways. A Tax Rooted in History The federal excise tax on heavy trucks was originally established in 1917 to help fund the United States' involvement in World War I.   More than 100 years later, the tax remains in place and is currently directed into the Highway Trust Fund to support transportation infrastructure projects. While the purpose of the tax has evolved, many industry stakeho...

The chemical transportation industry continues to evolve as regulators, shippers, and carriers work to improve safety, transparency, and supply chain resilience.   In 2026, hazardous materials (hazmat) compliance remains one of the most critical responsibilities for chemical manufacturers and distributors.   A single compliance failure can result in costly fines, shipment delays, environmental damage, or even serious safety incidents. As supply chains become increasingly complex and regulatory oversight grows, chemical shippers must stay informed about changing requirements and partner with transportation providers that prioritize safety and compliance. Why Hazmat Compliance Matters More Than Ever Chemical products are essential to countless industries, from manufacturing and agriculture to pharmaceuticals and consumer goods.   However, many of these materials present risks during transportation, including flammability, toxicity, corrosiveness, or environmental haza...

When temperatures rise during the summer months, refrigerated transportation faces one of its biggest annual stress tests.   Extreme heat, increased freight demand, traffic congestion, and tighter delivery windows all place additional pressure on cold chain operations. For companies shipping pharmaceuticals, food products, specialty chemicals, and other temperature-sensitive freight, a reefer breakdown can quickly turn into a major operational disruption. At Road Scholar Transport , protecting temperature-sensitive freight is more than just running refrigerated trailers—it’s about maintaining strict oversight, visibility, communication, and response protocols from pickup to delivery. Why Summer Creates Higher Reefer Risk Reefer units work harder during summer than at any other time of year. As outside temperatures climb, refrigeration systems must continuously maintain precise trailer temperatures despite: Prolonged highway heat exposure Frequent stop-and-go t...

A sweeping new highway bill introduced by the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee could reshape the trucking industry for years to come.   The proposed five-year, $580 billion surface transportation package — known as the BUILD America 250 Act — includes a wide range of trucking safety reforms, infrastructure investments, and emerging technology regulations aimed at modernizing freight transportation across the country. If passed before the current transportation authorization expires on Sept. 30, the legislation would impact carriers, brokers, drivers, technology providers, and shippers alike. A Historic Infrastructure Investment Committee Chairman Sam Graves called the proposal one of the most significant infrastructure investments in American history, particularly for bridge improvements.   The bill would direct more than $50 billion toward bridge projects while also streamlining transportation programs and reducing bureaucratic delays for construct...

The trucking and logistics industry received a major legal wake-up call this week after the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that freight brokers can be sued for negligent carrier selection.   The decision in Montgomery v. Caribe Transport II, LLC is already being described as one of the most consequential transportation rulings in years — and its impact could ripple across brokers, shippers, carriers, insurers, and third-party logistics providers alike. At the center of the case was a 2017 crash involving a truck arranged by brokerage giant C.H. Robinson.   The injured driver alleged that the broker failed to properly vet the carrier involved in the accident.   Lower courts had previously ruled that federal law shielded brokers from these types of state negligence claims.   But the Supreme Court disagreed. The ruling effectively opens the door for freight brokers to face liability if they fail to exercise reasonable care when selecting carriers. What the ...

The trucking industry is no stranger to regulatory changes, but this week marks one of the most significant updates to FMCSA registration systems in years.   Beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern on May 14, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s legacy registration platform will officially go offline as the agency prepares to launch its new registration system: Motus. For motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and other registered entities, this is not something to put off until later.   Companies that fail to prepare before the transition could face delays, verification issues, and temporary limitations accessing critical registration functions. What Is Motus? Motus is FMCSA’s new online registration and identity management platform designed to replace the agency’s outdated legacy systems.   According to FMCSA officials, the goal is to create a more modern, streamlined experience while also addressing the growing issue of fraud within the transportation indu...