Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released its 15th annual ranking of the most congested truck bottlenecks in the United States — and this year, there’s a new #1. For the first time ever, the interchange of Interstate 294 and Interstates 290/88 Interchange in Chicago has been named the most congested freight bottleneck in the country, surpassing the long-standing congestion hotspot at Fort Lee I-95 at SR 4. While rankings may shift, the underlying message remains the same: congestion continues to strain the nation’s freight network, impacting carriers, shippers, and ultimately consumers. The Cost of Congestion: 436,000 Drivers Sitting Idle According to ATRI President and COO Rebecca Brewster, congestion delays are equivalent to 436,000 truck drivers sitting idle for an entire year. Let that sink in. That lost time translates into: Reduced productivity Higher operating costs Increased emissions Delayed deliveries Higher pric...

Highway safety and industry accountability are back in the spotlight following the introduction of new federal legislation aimed at cracking down on so-called “chameleon carriers” — trucking companies that shut down after enforcement action only to resurface under a new name and USDOT number. On February 12, 2026, Harriet Hageman introduced the Safety and Accountability in Freight Enforcement (SAFE) Act (HR7539) in the U.S. House of Representatives.   The bill seeks to strengthen oversight of motor carriers that attempt to evade federal penalties and enforcement actions by rebranding and reentering the market as new entities. What Are Chameleon Carriers? A chameleon carrier is a company that has been cited, fined, or shut down by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and then reopens under a different business name and DOT number.   While the branding may change, the leadership, ownership, operational practices, and safety risks often remain the same. ...

For the past several years, freight headlines have focused on rate cycles, demand softness, and capacity swings.   But beneath the surface of spot market fluctuations, a more significant shift is taking place — structural cost inflation. Insurance premiums, regulatory compliance requirements, litigation exposure, equipment costs, and operational overhead are quietly redefining trucking economics.   And while these pressures may not always make daily headlines, they are materially changing how carriers operate and how shippers allocate freight. The Rise of “Hidden” Cost Inflation Unlike fuel or driver wages — which are visible and trackable — structural costs are more complex and often less predictable.   Yet they are climbing steadily. 1. Insurance & Nuclear Verdicts Insurance remains one of the fastest-growing cost centers for fleets.   Premiums have increased sharply in recent years due to: Large jury awards (“nuclear verdicts”) Increased ...

In food and beverage transportation, safety doesn’t stop at the production line.   What happens between the dock and the delivery door plays a critical role in protecting product integrity, consumer health, and brand reputation.   One of the biggest risks in transit?   Cross-contamination. Whether you’re shipping packaged foods, ingredients, beverages, or temperature-sensitive products, preventing cross-contamination requires strict processes, the right equipment, and a transportation partner that treats sanitation as non-negotiable. 🚨 What Is Cross-Contamination in Trucking? Cross-contamination occurs when food products are exposed to contaminants during transport, such as: Residual chemicals or cleaning agents Odors or residue from previous loads Bacteria from unsanitary equipment Improper handling or mixed freight Even sealed or packaged goods can be compromised if equipment standards and handling protocols aren’t followed. 🧼 1. Equi...

Every February, as National Cancer Awareness Month arrives, people across the country come together to honor those affected by cancer, spread vital education about prevention and early detection, and raise funds for research. At Road Scholar Transport, we use our fleet of eye-catching tractor trailers as moving billboards to amplify cancer awareness—turning every mile we travel into an opportunity to educate and inspire communities nationwide. 🧠 Cancer Statistics: Why Awareness Matters Now More Than Ever According to the American Cancer Society’s 2026 Cancer Statistics report, the current burden of cancer in the United States is significant: an estimated 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths are projected for this year alone. While progress has been made — including a record 70% five-year survival rate for all cancers combined thanks to advances in treatment and early detection — cancer continues to be a leading cause of death, underscoring the ongoing need for...

As we move deeper into 2026, hazardous materials (hazmat) shipping regulations in the United States are shifting in ways that matter for manufacturers, logistics teams, and transportation partners alike.   With new rules entering force and others still under consideration, staying informed isn’t just smart—it’s essential for compliance and smooth transport operations. Here’s what’s changing in 2026 and how these developments impact businesses that ship regulated materials: 📑 1. New PHMSA Final Rule Takes Effect In January 2026, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule focused on eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens on fuel transportation while maintaining safety standards under the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR).   This rule took effect on February 13, 2026, with a voluntary compliance date of January 14, 2026.   Among other changes, it clarifies marking requirements for petroleum distillate fuels and u...