Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

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 Motus is FMCSA’s new online registration and identity management platform designed to replace the agency’s outdated legacy systems.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...

Hazardous materials transportation has always required precision, training, and strict compliance.   But in 2026, the risks facing hazmat shippers are growing more complex than ever.   From evolving lithium battery regulations to cargo theft and freight fraud, today’s supply chain environment leaves very little room for error. For manufacturers and distributors moving chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, or other regulated materials, understanding these risks is critical—not only for compliance, but for protecting people, products, and business continuity. Here are some of the biggest hazmat transportation risks shippers are facing in 2026. 1. Lithium Battery Shipments Continue to Create Major Safety Challenges Lithium-ion batteries remain one of the fastest-growing concerns in hazmat transportation.   As demand for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, medical equipment, and electronics rises, so does the volume of battery shipments moving through the supp...

The trucking industry’s most anticipated—and scrutinized—week of the year is here. From May 12–14, 2026, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will conduct its annual International Roadcheck, a 72-hour inspection blitz spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Often referred to as “DOT Blitz Week,” this initiative is the largest targeted enforcement program for commercial motor vehicles in the world, with inspectors examining thousands of trucks and drivers at weigh stations, roadside checkpoints, and pop-up inspection sites. For carriers and shippers alike, this isn’t just another week—it’s a stress test on compliance, capacity, and operational discipline. What Is International Roadcheck? International Roadcheck is a coordinated, North America-wide enforcement effort focused on improving highway safety.   During this 72-hour window, certified inspectors conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, a comprehensive 37-step process that evaluates both th...

With a fleet dedicated to dozens of meaningful causes, Road Scholar Transport continues its mission of turning miles into awareness.   Each truck tells a story—and this May, we spotlight three impactful causes: Neurofibromatosis, Lupus, and Cystic Fibrosis. Neurofibromatosis (NF) Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow on nerve tissue.   Today, it affects roughly 1 in 3,000 people worldwide, with about 50% of cases resulting from spontaneous genetic mutations. Types of NF include: NF1: The most common form, often identified by skin changes such as café-au-lait spots and benign nerve tumors. NF2-related Schwannomatosis (NF2): A rarer form that can lead to hearing loss, balance challenges, and tumors on auditory nerves. Schwannomatosis: The rarest type, often associated with chronic and severe nerve pain. Road Scholar Transport proudly partnered with the Children’s Tumor Foundation to introduce a dedi...

Smart Sensors, Real-Time Tracking, and Tighter Tolerances Are Redefining Cold Chain Reliability Temperature-controlled shipping is no longer just about refrigerated trailers and insulated packaging.   In 2026, it has become a highly engineered, data-driven ecosystem where real-time visibility, predictive monitoring, and strict compliance standards are reshaping how food, pharmaceutical, and chemical freight moves across the supply chain. For shippers, this evolution isn’t optional—it’s essential.   A single temperature deviation can now mean regulatory action, complete product loss, or irreversible damage to high-value goods. So what exactly is changing? 📡 Real-Time Visibility Is Now the Standard, Not the Upgrade One of the most significant shifts in temperature-controlled logistics is the move from periodic temperature checks to continuous, real-time monitoring. Modern cold chain shipments are increasingly equipped with IoT-enabled sensors that track: Intern...