Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The trucking industry remains a favorite target for politicians and regulators. Whether the justification is highway safety or environmental issues, state and federal governments continue to develop new and more comprehensive laws and regulations . We monitor these developments here at Road Scholar Transport and provide the following as a recap of major items in place or expected in 2023 . Safety, Workplace, and Environment The first two years of the current administration saw a significant push for new legislation in many areas affecting the trucking industry. While the fact that Republicans now control the House will slow the momentum of such efforts, the federal regulatory bodies are expected to continue to impose new rules based on the recently passed and previous laws. Several states are also actively pursuing new controls for various aspects of the trucking industry. A recent discussion in FleetOwner reviewed several of the more significant regulations that will impact t...

  In the year 2024, the trucking industry is expected to undergo several significant regulations and changes.  One of the key areas of focus will be on environmental sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.  Governments around the world are increasingly implementing stricter emission standards for trucks, aiming to combat climate change and improve air quality. In the United States, for example, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is likely to introduce more stringent regulations on truck emissions.  This may include stricter limits on nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emissions, as well as the promotion of cleaner fuels such as biodiesel or electric power.   Another important aspect of trucking industry regulations next year will be safety.  Governments and regulatory bodies are continuously working to enhance road safety and reduce accidents involving commercial vehicles.  This may involve the implementation of advance...

    From its inception more than a century ago, the trucking industry has been a significant “silent partner” to American businesses. Today, more than seventy percent of everything consumers will purchase off retail shelves and 100 percent of all online purchases are delivered by commercial trucks. The industry employs more than 800,000 drivers and more than 3 million other workers are responsible for generating in excess of $650 billion in annual revenues. Focus of Governments The pandemic helped focus a spotlight on the vital role of truckers and trucking firms. However, local, state, and federal governments have long given a great deal of attention to the regulation and control of many aspects of the trucking industry. That is increasingly the case today. This regulatory and legal focus on trucking is driven by the potential source of revenue in taxes and fees, the issue of road safety, and the huge investment in the nation’s infrastructure of roads and bridges....

  A common theme of many who focus their attention on the commercial trucking industry is that of safety. To be sure, the multi-ton truck many may see bearing down in their rear mirror, as well as certain sensationalized media stories about accidents, gives some reason for these concerns. A Partially Known Story To be sure, even one vehicle crash can be a tragic event, and the goal of total safety should be a consistent one actively pursued. However, it is important to put numbers and statistics in context. Just as one airline crash gains a great deal of attention, commercial flying still remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Likewise, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that a total of 4,998 large trucks and buses were involved in some type of accident in 2020 . These statistics also show that the number of fatalities from these crashes, especially when compared to the total Vehicle Miles Travelled, have periodic trends of decreases and incre...

You may be hearing about famous architectures “lighting it up blue” or people “Taking 6” this month in honor of Autism and Parkinson’s Disease awareness month.  Road Scholar Transport is not any different.  With 53’ tractor trailers advertising both causes, Road Scholar travels the country, not just for the month of April, but all throughout the year spreading awareness.  Light it Up Blue   Since 2010, Autism Speaks (founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, growing to become the largest autism science and advocacy organization in the nation) launched its Light it Up Blue campaign to help celebrate April 2 nd ’s World Autism Awareness Day. Striking participation around the world, the Light it Up Blue campaign encourages companies, landmarks, and individuals to show their support by shining a blue light in their home or on their building, by decking out their website, social media pages or phone with the light it up blue logo, spreading awareness by distribut...

Shipping alcohol and beer properly is indeed crucial to ensure their quality and safety.  Let's dive into the importance of choosing the right trucking company and the conditions required during transport. When it comes to shipping alcohol and beer, it's essential to select a trucking company that specializes in handling these types of products.  Such companies have the necessary expertise and equipment to ensure proper handling and transportation.  They understand the specific requirements and regulations associated with shipping alcohol, which can vary depending on the destination and type of alcohol being transported. Now, let's talk about the conditions that beer and alcohol need to be shipped in.  First and foremost, temperature control is vital.  Most alcoholic beverages, especially beer, are sensitive to temperature fluctuations.  They should be stored and transported at a consistent temperature to maintain their quality and prevent spoilage. ...

  As we approach the Labor Day weekend of 2023, the trucking industry is bracing itself for a surge in cargo theft incidents.  Historically, holiday weekends have been a prime time for cargo theft, with thieves taking advantage of the extended transit times and unattended freight.  However, amidst these challenges, Road Scholar Transport stands out as a reliable carrier, offering robust solutions to protect your freight during the transport process. Cargo theft is a significant concern for the trucking industry, causing losses amounting to billions of dollars annually.  In 2023, the problem has only intensified, with thieves becoming more sophisticated and daring.  They are targeting high-value goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages, which are often transported over holiday weekends. Labor Day weekend has seen a spike in cargo theft incidents in recent years.  Thieves exploit the fact that goods are often left unattended f...

  Road Scholar Transport’s awareness trucks are making a special stop this weekend at not one, but two events! Saturday:  Touch-a-Truck  (Scranton, PA) This Saturday, Sept. 23, marks the Junior League of Scranton’s 13 th annual Touch-a-Truck at Nay Aug Park in Scranton, PA.  From 11 am to 3 pm, children will be allowed to touch and interact with a variety of cars and trucks, including construction, buses, rescue, and other specialty vehicles, as well as become educated on safety, the parts of the vehicle, and the occupation associated with  each.  Come out and see some of your favorite mascots, enjoy food, beverages, and music, purchase souvenirs, and take part in activities and games. For those children with sensory disorders but still want to enjoy the trucks, the event will feature a quiet hour from 11 a.m. to noon.   Admission costs $5 (2 and under free).   Don’t forget to get up close and personal with Road Scholar’s dog and “Be Cool” trucks...

In the world of freight transportation, maintaining the right temperature is crucial, especially when it comes to transporting perishable goods.  One wrong move can lead to significant losses, as we've seen in recent news stories.  Road Scholar Transport, however, stands out as a reliable choice for temperature-controlled freight, ensuring your goods arrive in perfect condition every time.  In the past few months, we've seen several instances where food was damaged during transport due to lack of proper temperature control.  For instance, in July, a truckload of fresh produce worth thousands of dollars was spoiled due to a malfunctioning refrigeration unit.  In another incident in August, a shipment of frozen seafood thawed prematurely due to inadequate temperature control, leading to a significant financial loss and a tarnished reputation for the involved company. These incidents underscore the importance of choosing a reliable freight company like Road Sch...

Road Scholar Transport’s trucks are working overtime this month, spreading the word for five different causes whose awareness month is in October.  Let’s take a closer look: Down Syndrome: There are three types of Down syndrome:  Trisomy 21 (the most common, consisting of about 95% of cases in which there is an extra chromosome 21 in every cell), Translocation (around 3% where the additional chromosome is attached to another instead of on its own), and Mosaicism (around 2%, in which only some cells contain the extra chromosome).   Each year, around 1 in 700 babies (or less than 1%) are born with this. There are certain physical features that Down syndrome people have in common including slanted eyes, short neck, absence of a nasal bone, small ears, a protruding tongue, short stature, white spots in the colored part of the eyes, weak muscle tone, and a single crease on the palm of the hand.   There are certain conditions that people with Down syndrome...

If you’ve ever watched a western that showed the pony express at work, you have a glimpse at the concept of a modern supply chain solution: relay shipping. Modern trucking firms are constantly seeking new ways to make their services more efficient and cost-effective. Relay shipping is often chosen as one of those innovative solutions. A Win-Win-Win Option Today’s hours of service rules have created serious limitations on the amount of time one truck and one driver can be on the road. This requires more time to cover long distances. Those delays in delivery may not be acceptable for many time-sensitive or critical shipments. One popular solution is the use of team drivers to keep a truck on the road without extended stops. Another option, popular for its affordability and other benefits, is relay shipping. If your firm faces regular or periodic needs to get your products to customers with minimum delay, take time to consider what relay shipping can accomplish for you. The win ...

Roadchecks are a fact of life for all commercial drivers. During specific campaigns, such as the International Roadcheck taking place over the three days beginning May 16, 2023, it pays to be prepared. The International Roadcheck concept is a North American law enforcement and educational initiative that was started in 1988. It is the largest such program in the world. During the three days, an average of 15 commercial trucks and motorcoaches will be inspected every minute across North America. This means it is expected that 60,000 or more inspections of commercial vehicles will be conducted during this focused effort. If the past results of previous campaigns remain consistent, more than 12,000 vehicles, or one in five, will be cited and placed out of service. To avoid the costs and inconvenience of an OOS situation, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publishes a “cheat sheet ” that provides details of the things inspectors will examine and be looking for during...

  The concept of a “perfect storm” focuses on situations where multiple factors come together simultaneously to create a dangerous or difficult situation. For many owner-operator trucking professionals, a perfect storm may be brewing for 2023. Facing a Series of Challenges A recent article on the Trucknews.com website focuses on the special set of circumstances that are coming together to challenge owner-operators in the coming year. One key point of the discussion is that the larger fleets have experienced some of their best years during and since the pandemic. The disruptions in the supply chain have created rising demand with limited capacity, driving shipping rates up. These factors, combined with the consolidations and bankruptcies in the industry, have allowed the larger fleets to focus on strengths and eliminate less desirable routes and customers. However, the smaller owner-operator is facing the other side of that coin. Whether or not a full-blown recession hits...

Road Scholar Transport’s awareness fleet just got a little bigger with our newest addition this month, Papa’s Path.  We’ve caught up with Jeff Babbush, Amy Babbush Eisenberg, and David Babbush, the children of Sandy and Chuck Babbush (known as Papa by his grandchildren) to learn more about this organization whose premise is to raise awareness and funds for those living with Parkinson’s disease. “Our father, Dr. Charles Babbush, was first diagnosed with essential tremors in 2012 while practicing as an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon specializing in implant dentistry,” Amy explained.  “He lectured and taught all over the world, making a real difference in the lives of his students and patients alike.  As his tremors increased in severity, he made the difficult decision to retire from his surgical practice. “Along with the dramatic shift in symptoms, came a confirmed Parkinson's diagnosis in 2017.  With the decline in his quality of life and abi...

Legislators in New Jersey have taken further action on a highly controversial bill that targets commercial truck drivers. The bill, against loud opposition from many industry representatives, was voted out of the Assembly transportation committee recently. The Senate version of the bill remains in the transportation committee of that body with no projected date for discussion. The Ed Durr Revenge Bill? The bill (A4470) was introduced in 2022 and has been called “stupid” and “punitive” among other characterizations. A writer for Politico went so far as to label the proposed law as a form of payback for the election of former Republican truck driver Ed Durr when he defeated Democrat Steve Sweeney, who was formally the New Jersey Senate President. It was noted the only opposition to forwarding the bill came from a Republican Assemblyman. While using the cover of added truck safety, an issue gaining attention at the federal and state level , the proposed legislation would double...

As a truck driver, you likely work long hours and push yourself to the brink to ensure that businesses have the necessary products and families can put food on the table each night. It can be a thankless job, but you mustn’t take your body for granted in the process. As you drive across the nation, you need to stay healthy, prevent illness , and focus on diet and fitness. It may seem impossible to exercise and eat right when you’re stuck behind the wheel, but when there’s a will, there’s a way. This guide will provide tips and considerations to remember so you can prioritize your health during your next long haul. Smart Food Choices and Snacks on The Road When you only have so much time between stops, it can be tempting to get a quick meal at the truck stop fast food joint or grab snacks at the gas station, but you need to be careful about what you eat. Fast food contains trans fats that can make you feel tired and sluggish, and that’s dangerous when you need to focus on the ro...