Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

Over the past six months, diesel fuel prices in the U.S. have seen a steady climb. In April 2025, prices hovered around   $3.85 per gallon , rising to   $4.15   by August. Forecasts suggest this upward trend will continue, with prices expected to reach   $4.40 per gallon by December   This increase impacts every aspect of trucking operations—from linehaul costs to reefer fuel consumption, which is often   not fully accounted for in fuel surcharges . The Hidden Cost of Refrigerated Trailers Refrigerated trailers (reefers) are essential for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, but they come with a significant fuel cost. Most reefers operate in one of two modes: Continuous Mode : Burns approximately   1 gallon of diesel per hour Start/Stop Mode : Burns approximately   0.4 gallons per hour Over a 24-hour period, this translates to: 24 gallons/day   in continuous mode 9.6 gallons/day   in start/stop mode Holding a load for multiple days ...

  The Road Ahead: Autonomous Trucking Pilots Are Expanding The trucking industry is rapidly evolving, and one of the most talked-about developments is the expansion of   autonomous trucking pilots . Major logistics players are partnering with tech companies to test self-driving trucks across various routes, with the goal of improving efficiency, reducing costs, and addressing driver shortages. Recently, companies like   J.B. Hunt   have teamed up with autonomous vehicle developers to launch pilot programs using   self-driving Freightliner tractors . These trucks are being tested in real-world conditions, hauling freight between distribution centers with minimal human intervention. The technology promises to reshape long-haul logistics, especially for repetitive routes and overnight deliveries. While autonomous trucking is gaining traction, it's still in its early stages. Regulatory hurdles, safety concerns, and infrastructure limitations mean that human drivers ...

At   Road Scholar Transport , we understand that the journey doesn't end at the port—it begins there. That's why our brokerage division,   Pentagon Transport , specializes in   drayage services   from major ports across North America, including: Massachusetts (MA) New Jersey (NJ) New York (NY) Norfolk, Virginia (VA) Long Beach, California (CA) Vancouver, Canada Whether you're importing goods from overseas or managing complex supply chains, our drayage solutions are designed to move your freight swiftly, securely, and efficiently. Strategic Access to Cross-Dock Facilities One of the key advantages of working with Pentagon Transport is our   proximity to cross-dock facilities   at each port. This allows us to: Unload containers quickly Return them to the port promptly , avoiding costly demurrage and detention fees Transfer freight to trailers for final delivery , streamlining the process and reducing transit time This hybrid approach—container drayage followe...

Moving Your Business? Road Scholar Transport Has You Covered Relocating a business from one facility to another is a major undertaking, and transportation is often one of the most complex parts of the process. Whether you're upgrading to a larger warehouse, consolidating operations, or shifting to a more strategic location, the logistics of moving inventory, equipment, and sensitive materials can be daunting. How Common Are Business Relocations? According to recent industry data,  over 10% of U.S. businesses relocate their facilities each year , with many citing growth, cost savings, or logistical improvements as key drivers. For warehousing and manufacturing sectors, these moves often involve  large volumes of goods , specialized equipment, and strict timelines. That's where  Road Scholar Transport  comes in. Specialized Support for Complex Moves At Road Scholar Transport, we've successfully assisted numerous companies in transitioning their operations from one faci...

As the pace of innovation in transportation accelerates, lawmakers in Washington are beginning to seriously confront the regulatory challenges posed by autonomous vehicles—especially in the trucking sector.   Last week, U.S. Representative Vince Fong (R-California) introduced the AMERICA DRIVES Act , a landmark piece of legislation aimed at establishing a clear, national framework for autonomous commercial trucks. At its core, the AMERICA DRIVES Act—short for Autonomous Mobility Ensuring Regulation, Innovation, Commerce, and Advancement Driving Reliability in Vehicle Efficiency and Safety Act —is designed to eliminate the current patchwork of state-by-state laws that govern autonomous vehicles.   By providing a uniform set of federal standards, the bill seeks to streamline the testing, deployment, and commercial operation of trucks equipped with Level 4 or Level 5 Automated Driving Systems (ADS). Why This Matters Now As of now, autonomous truck testing or operations are ...

The U.S. supply chain faced another major security challenge this past quarter, with cargo theft losses surpassing $61.6 million between April and June 2025.   According to the Second Quarter Supply Chain Risk Trends Analysis released by logistics security firm CargoNet, thefts are not just becoming more frequent—they’re also getting smarter, more targeted, and more coordinated than ever before. The 884 recorded cargo theft incidents during Q2 2025 represent a 13% increase over the same period in 2024, and a 10% jump from the first quarter of 2025.   These numbers aren’t simply a reflection of petty theft or isolated criminal activity; they highlight a growing sophistication among organized crime groups actively exploiting vulnerabilities in freight transport and logistics. Where It’s Happening: Key Hotspots for Theft CargoNet’s report indicates that more than half of the reported thefts—53%—occurred in just three states: California Illinois Texas These are not surp...

On July 19, 2025, the less-than-truckload (LTL) freight industry entered a new era.   The long-anticipated changes to the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system—outlined in Docket 2025-1 —officially took effect, marking the most comprehensive update in decades.   Led by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), this overhaul is not just a bureaucratic shift; it's a bold step toward simplifying and future-proofing how goods are classified, rated, and billed across the LTL landscape.  Why It Matters At its core, the NMFC system is the backbone of LTL freight.   It standardizes the way commodities are classified by evaluating four key factors: density, handling, stowability, and liability.   This standardization promotes consistency in pricing, regulatory compliance, and shipment planning for a wide range of stakeholders—shippers, carriers, freight brokers, and 3PLs.  However, as new products emerged, supply chains evolved, and d...

As the September 30, 2026, expiration date for the current Surface Transportation Authorization looms, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) is ramping up momentum toward a new legislative framework to drive infrastructure development across the country.   With key stakeholders, industry leaders, and lawmakers gathering under the leadership of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the nation’s top transportation officials are laying the groundwork for a bold, streamlined, and safety-focused reauthorization bill. Laying the Foundation: Priorities for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Speaking at a recent transportation policy conference, Secretary Duffy unveiled President Trump’s “America is Building Again” agenda—an aggressive plan to accelerate infrastructure development while cutting regulatory red tape.   The agenda outlines several critical policy pillars:  Enhancing Transportation Safety : From improved bridge safety and pedestrian protect...

The U.S. trucking industry is at a pivotal crossroads.   According to a new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the sector is undergoing a notable demographic shift — one that presents both significant challenges and vital opportunities.   With an aging driver population, a glaring gender imbalance, and dwindling interest from younger generations, the future of freight transportation depends on how proactively the industry adapts.  ATRI’s research underscores an urgent truth: if fleets want to remain competitive and operational in the years ahead, they must not only evolve their recruitment strategies but also redefine their culture, systems, and values to attract a broader, more diverse pool of talent. The Aging Face of Trucking  ATRI's findings reveal a stark demographic reality: the average truck driver in America is now 47 years old, and the number of drivers 55 and older has increased by 8.6% in recent years.   By contras...

When summer heatwaves hit, they don’t just affect the people walking the streets—they impact the trucks hauling freight across the country.   As temperatures soar, so do the challenges for carriers, drivers, and fleet managers.   From reduced fuel efficiency to dangerous tire blowouts and increased stress on both trucks and drivers, extreme heat can take a serious toll on freight operations.  Let’s explore how summer heat affects freight efficiency—and what carriers can do to stay safe and productive during the hottest months of the year. 🔥 1. Tire Blowouts: Hot Roads, High Pressure  Summer is peak season for tire blowouts, and it’s no coincidence.   As the pavement heats up, the air inside tires expands.   Combined with underinflated or worn tires, this thermal expansion creates a perfect storm for catastrophic failure. Key Risk : Blowouts can cause accidents, freight delays, and costly roadside repairs.  Prevention : Regular pr...

In a sweeping move aimed at reducing regulatory pressure on America’s truck drivers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially scrapped a proposed rule mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.   The decision, announced on June 27 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is part of a larger package of initiatives designed to improve conditions for drivers and the broader trucking industry. The move stems from an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump, which called for the rollback of burdensome regulations and emphasized empowering the essential trucking workforce.   The now-defunct proposal would have required speed-limiting devices on trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds.   A joint effort between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FMCSA dating back to 2016 had suggested speed caps of 60, 65, or 68 mph.   When FMCSA revived the proposal in 2022, it received nearly 16,000 pub...

As summer temperatures climb, so do the risks associated with transporting temperature-sensitive goods.   From pharmaceuticals to produce, frozen foods to floral arrangements, many products rely on a tightly controlled cold chain to maintain safety, quality, and shelf life.   But what happens when this chain breaks in the scorching summer heat?  Spoiler alert: the damage isn’t just measured in dollars—it can lead to health hazards, product recalls, and strained customer relationships. When the Cold Chain Fails: Real-World Consequences  1. Spoiled Goods and Financial Losses A single reefer (refrigerated trailer) failure can lead to thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars in losses.   A major grocery chain once reported discarding an entire shipment of frozen meats after a temperature excursion of just a few degrees, lasting under two hours.   In the summer, trailers heat up fast, and the clock starts ticking the moment cooling fails. 2. Food Safety Haza...

The American trucking industry continues to navigate a challenging and rapidly evolving landscape, where rising costs and regulatory changes are squeezing profit margins from both ends.   Two recent developments—an upcoming Pennsylvania Turnpike toll increase and record-high operating costs in 2024—are raising new concerns for motor carriers already grappling with a tough freight market. Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Hike: A Small Increase, Big Implications  Effective January 4, 2026, tolls on the Pennsylvania Turnpike will rise by 4%, marking the latest in a string of annual increases.   While Turnpike officials were quick to note that this is the lowest increase since 2014 , the costs still add up for long-haul carriers and regional fleets that rely on the route for efficient transit across the state. Per-mile rates will increase from $0.07 to $0.073. Segment fees will rise from $1.09 to $1.13. The toll hike is part of a broader funding mandate passed in 2007, ...

Each July, National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month serves as a powerful reminder of the thousands of children and adults affected by facial differences.   It’s a time to honor their strength, educate the public, and support organizations that provide critical resources and hope.   For Road Scholar Transport, this month holds special meaning—not only in raising awareness but in rolling it across America on wheels. A Chance Encounter  The story of Road Scholar’s involvement with craniofacial awareness began in the most unexpected of places: a quiet pizza restaurant. Jim Barrett, founder and former president of Road Scholar Transport, was meeting with a man who had a simple but powerful request—a trailer to raise awareness for the Children's Craniofacial Association.   As busy as Barrett was at the time, he suggested they reconvene in a month or two when things had settled.  But fate—or perhaps something more divine—had other plans. As ...