Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The transportation industry depends on trust.   Shippers entrust carriers with valuable products, freight brokers rely on transportation partners to deliver shipments safely, and businesses depend on the supply chain to keep their operations moving.   But what happens when criminals exploit that trust to steal millions of dollars in freight? A recent federal cargo theft case involving an alleged $12 million scheme demonstrates how sophisticated criminals are finding new ways to infiltrate the trucking industry.   Rather than simply stealing a truck or breaking into a trailer, the individuals involved allegedly took control of established trucking companies, used their identities to secure legitimate freight contracts, and diverted shipments before they reached their destinations. The case serves as a critical reminder for shippers, freight brokers, and logistics professionals: Verifying a carrier's identity, business history, and drivers is an essential part of protec...

Food safety touches every household, and proposed changes to the legal framework aim to modernize how food production, distribution, and oversight are handled from farm to table. During the 2nd Session of the 16th National Assembly, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan—authorized by the Prime Minister—presented the draft Law on Food Safety (Amended).   This comprehensive overhaul consists of 9 chapters and 74 articles, replacing outdated provisions with risk-based management strategies aligned with international Codex standards. Here is a detailed look at what the proposed legislation entails, what changes are on the horizon for businesses and regulators, and the key refinements recommended by lawmakers. Key Pillars of the Proposed Law The draft law shifts the primary focus of food safety oversight from pre-market approvals to continuous supply chain control and targeted post-inspections. Risk-Based Categorization: Foods will be divided into high-risk and low-risk c...

For trucking companies across the country, fuel costs have always played a major role in profitability.   In 2026, however, unpredictable diesel prices have become an even greater concern, creating new challenges for carriers, shippers, and businesses that depend on reliable freight transportation. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), diesel price volatility ranked as the trucking industry's top concern in 2026, marking a dramatic shift from the previous year.   The findings highlight the financial pressures facing motor carriers as they navigate changing operating expenses, driver recruitment challenges, insurance costs, and an uncertain economic environment. For shippers, these developments matter, too.   Fuel is a significant component of transportation costs, and fluctuations can influence freight rates, carrier capacity, delivery planning, and long-term shipping agreements. Understanding these changes can help businesses make more...

The trucking industry is facing growing financial pressure as large lawsuit verdicts, rising insurance premiums, and increasingly sophisticated fraud schemes reshape the cost of moving freight across the United States.   For trucking companies, the consequences can extend far beyond the courtroom.   For shippers, manufacturers, distributors, and ultimately consumers, these costs can affect transportation rates, capacity, and the reliability of supply chains. A new report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), Roadblock: The Trucking Litigation Problem and How to Fix It , examines the financial impact of commercial truck accident litigation between June 2023 and July 2026.   Its findings highlight the risks facing motor carriers and raise important questions about how the industry can protect itself while maintaining safe, dependable transportation services. For businesses that rely on trucking to deliver raw materials, finished products, f...

As the holiday shipping season approaches, cargo security is becoming an increasingly important concern for manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and transportation providers.   With high-value merchandise moving through warehouses, distribution centers, and highways across North America, organized criminals are finding new opportunities to steal freight—and increasingly, they are using sophisticated fraud and cyber tactics to do it. Recent industry data highlights the growing financial consequences of cargo theft. According to figures cited by Videoloft, estimated cargo theft losses across the United States and Canada reached $304.6 million in the second quarter of 2026, more than double the $135.7 million reported during the same period in 2025.   Meanwhile, CargoNet recorded 677 theft incidents between April and June 2026, a 26% decrease from the previous year. These figures reveal a troubling development: although reported incidents declined, the total value of stole...

Greater flexibility for drivers could improve scheduling, reduce the impact of loading delays, and help carriers deliver freight more efficiently—but safety must remain the priority. Hours-of-service (HOS) regulations play a critical role in the trucking industry.   Designed to help prevent driver fatigue and improve highway safety, these federal rules determine how long commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles, when they must take breaks, and how much rest they need between driving shifts. However, anyone involved in freight transportation knows that a driver's schedule rarely goes exactly as planned.   Traffic congestion, unexpected road closures, weather disruptions, and lengthy waits at shipping and receiving facilities can all interfere with a carefully planned route.   Under current regulations, even time spent waiting for freight to be loaded or unloaded can reduce the amount of time a driver has available to complete a trip. Now, the Federal Motor...