Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has taken a big step forward in improving transparency and accountability within the trucking industry.   On September 24, 2025, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the release of the first phase of a revamped National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB), a tool that truck drivers and consumers alike can use to report violations, fraud, and safety issues. This upgrade was first outlined earlier this year as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Pro-Trucker Package”—a set of initiatives aimed at reducing fraud, improving working conditions for drivers, and enhancing safety across the industry. What’s New in the NCCDB? The modernized database introduces several major improvements designed to make reporting faster, easier, and more effective: Complaints against property brokers – For the first time, users can file complaints against property brokers, a long-requested addition by trucke...

The trucking industry has long been considered a bellwether for the U.S. economy, and the 2025 Trucking Perspectives survey offers an inside look at how carriers and shippers view the road ahead.   This year’s responses paint a picture of cautious optimism, ongoing workforce struggles, and evolving service offerings—all against the backdrop of shifting policy and economic uncertainty. Economic Outlook: Guarded Optimism While 22% of carriers now see the economy trending upward—a 6% rise from last year—the overwhelming majority (70%) remain in the middle ground, acknowledging both growth potential and risk.   The takeaway?   Truckers are hopeful but far from declaring the economy fully back on track. Truckers’ Biggest Concerns: People First The most pressing challenge is clear: drivers.   Recruitment, retention, and training now top the list for 70% of carriers, marking a sharp 23-point jump from 2024.   This reflects not only the industry’s aging workfor...

 A new piece of legislation aims to reshape how high-dollar trucking accident cases are handled in court.   On September 10, Representatives Tom Barrett (R-MI) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA) introduced the Forum Accountability and Integrity in Roadway (FAIR) Trucking Act, a bill designed to combat what lawmakers describe as “lawsuit abuse” within the trucking industry. The measure, H.R. 5268, would shift certain cases from state courts into federal jurisdiction.   Specifically, federal courts would hear lawsuits if: The case involves commercial trucks engaged in interstate commerce, The damages sought exceed $5 million, and At least one plaintiff and one defendant are from different states. Why the Bill Was Introduced Over the past decade, trucking companies — particularly small operators — have increasingly found themselves on the receiving end of what are often called nuclear verdicts : jury awards that climb into the tens of millions of dollars.  ...

As Congress gears up to reauthorize the next surface transportation bill, the trucking industry finds itself at the center of a heated policy debate.   Nearly 2,800 organizations, drivers, and advocacy groups have weighed in with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), offering drastically different visions for the future of freight.   From the push for bigger trucks to questions about automation, driver training, and safety oversight, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Supply Chain Advocates Push Safety and Workforce Protections One influential supply chain organization has submitted a list of priorities that focus on driver safety and protecting the workforce.   Their recommendations emphasize: Preserving Hours of Service (HOS) protections.   They oppose weakening these federal fatigue-prevention standards or allowing states to opt out. Strong guardrails for autonomous vehicle (AV) deployment.   They want legislation requiring stricter ...

  In the fast-paced world of logistics, delays can ripple through the supply chain, causing costly disruptions. Whether it's a late-afternoon pickup due to upstream hiccups or a customer facing a potential line shutdown from lack of product,   Road Scholar Transport   is the call you make when time is not on your side. The Challenge: Time-Sensitive Freight Meets HOS Regulations Expedited shipments often come with unique challenges: Late-day pickups   that push drivers close to their Hours of Service (HOS) limits. Long-haul routes   that exceed what a single driver can legally complete. Urgent deliveries  are  needed to prevent production halts or missed deadlines. These scenarios demand more than just speed—they require precision, coordination, and a network built for agility. Our Solution: A Strategically Located Terminal Network At Road Scholar Transport, we've built a   relay system   that turns HOS limitations into opportunities for effic...

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...