Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

Road Scholar Transport is showcasing its dedication to raising awareness for several important causes this October with five specially designed awareness trucks.   Here's a closer look at the causes: 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 640 babies (or less than 1%) are born with this. There are certain physical features that Down syndrome individuals 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 condition...

I first started working for Road Scholar over a decade ago.   Since day one, I was always taken back by the company’s awareness program , started years ago by our founding President Jim Barrett.   I’ve interviewed and written about each trailer as it came onboard, never realizing that someday I’d be sharing my own story. It was always a dream of mine to have a baby of my own and having undergone two surgeries for severe endometriosis, was told that there was a chance I wouldn’t be able to, so I was extremely excited to find out that I was pregnant with my first child in 2021.   I’ll never forget the day that I went in for my 10-week ultrasound and was told that something was wrong…fluid was detected on the back of the baby’s neck and I needed to immediately see a high risk doctor that day.   Hearing this, I passed out, facing every mother’s nightmare, that their child was in danger.   After a Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) test, in which a needle is i...

Shipping hazardous materials is a complex process that requires compliance with stringent regulations set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).   These regulations aim to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of dangerous goods, whether by road or air. DOT Regulations In the U.S., the DOT’s Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) govern the transport of hazmat via highways, railways, and waterways.   Shippers must classify materials correctly, use proper packaging, and label shipments with appropriate placards.   Training for employees handling hazardous materials is a critical part of compliance. IATA Regulations For air transport, IATA’s Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) apply.   These rules mirror international standards to ensure that hazardous goods are properly handled and packed, with specific attention to air travel risks.   IATA’s regulations are more stringent, often requiring a...

As the threat of a major strike at three dozen U.S. ports from Maine to Texas looms, businesses and economists are bracing for its potentially devastating effects.   With the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) representing 25,000 dockworkers, the failure to negotiate a new labor contract by October 1, 2024, could halt operations at critical ports, which handle nearly half of the nation’s seaborne imports.   This disruption would lead to severe supply chain backlogs, raise prices, and affect a wide range of industries, from retail to food production.   A shutdown could have widespread ramifications, particularly as it coincides with the holiday season, a critical period for retailers.   Business leaders are already implementing contingency plans, such as rerouting shipments and increasing inventories, but many fear that prolonged delays will inevitably lead to shortages and higher consumer costs.   Rising concerns also stem from inflation, as dela...

The trucking industry is facing a significant downturn, with nearly 10,000 motor carriers shutting down in the first half of 2024 alone.   Factors like rising operational costs, excess capacity, and a stagnant freight market have forced many companies out of business, including notable names like Midwest Transport Inc. and Arnold Transportation Services. While smaller carriers are hit hardest, the closures mark an alarming trend, as the sector struggles to adapt to new economic realities post-COVID.   Rising Challenges: Industry-Wide Closures The closure of Midwest Transport Inc., affecting 480 drivers, is just one part of a larger story.   A staggering 33,000 fewer motor carriers are operational now compared to the peak in May 2022.   Many in the industry hoped for a return to pre-pandemic freight volumes, but historical trends suggest a continued flatlining, with excess capacity still needing to be shed. In fact, the industry still has 64,000 more than ...

The House passed the BIOSECURE Act last week, aimed at protecting national security, marking a significant shift in U.S. biotechnology regulations. The Act restricts federal agencies from procuring biotechnology equipment or services from companies linked to foreign adversaries like China, Russia, and others.   Specific companies such as BGI and WuXi Biologics are automatically listed as "biotechnology companies of concern." Key Provisions and Impact Prohibition : Federal agencies, contractors, and grant recipients can't use services from listed companies. Designation Process : The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) will publish and maintain a list of companies of concern, with input from national security agencies. Unwinding Period : A five- to seven-year grace period allows existing contracts to phase out.   Potential Disruptions : Pharmaceutical supply chains may face delays as companies like WuXi, a major C...

September 11, 2001, remains a somber day etched into the hearts of Americans.   As we recall that tragic morning, the impact of the attacks reverberates across time, and honoring the lives lost is a duty we carry forward.   Road Scholar Transport goes beyond a yearly tribute, keeping the memory of 9/11 alive year-round with its Flight 93 and Rolling Memorial trucks, which travel the country as moving tributes. Flight 93 Tribute Road Scholar’s Flight 93 awareness truck bears the majestic image of an American bald eagle in flight, symbolizing freedom and resilience.   Across the trailer are the names of the 40 heroes who lost their lives on Flight 93, remembered for their courage in preventing further devastation.   Road Scholar has supported several commemorative efforts, including transporting a significant piece of World Trade Center steel to honor first responders and victims alike. Rolling Memorial Debuting in time for the 10th anniversary of the atta...