Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The trucking industry is facing yet another major regulatory shake-up as the current administration’s English proficiency enforcement policy removes an estimated 6,000 drivers from the road this year.   The measure, which intensifies oversight of a long-standing but loosely applied federal rule, has ignited controversy across the transportation sector, civil rights groups, and several state governments. A Rule Revived—and Reinforced At the center of the debate is 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(2), a federal regulation that has existed for decades, requiring commercial drivers to “speak and read the English language sufficiently” to understand traffic signs, communicate with the public, and interact with law enforcement.   While the rule itself isn’t new, its strict enforcement—effective June 25, 2025—marks a significant change in federal oversight. Under the policy, roadside inspections must begin in English, and if inspectors suspect a driver lacks proficiency, a two-step evalua...

Truck Tariff Turmoil: What the Proposed 25% Duties Could Mean for North American Trucking The trucking and manufacturing sectors are on edge following an announcement from the current administration of plans to impose a 25% tariff on medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles (MHCVs).   While the announcement was made weeks ago, the tariff details remain unclear — and without a published executive order, the measure has yet to take effect. The proposed tariffs, introduced under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, could have far-reaching implications for North America’s highly integrated commercial vehicle market.   With the U.S., Mexico, and Canada deeply intertwined under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), industry stakeholders are now left grappling with uncertainty. A Waiting Game: Tariff Details Still Unclear Although the current administration indicated the tariffs would begin on October 1 — later pushing the date to November 1 — there has still...

Cargo theft has reached staggering new heights in the U.S. freight industry—costing carriers and logistics firms an estimated $18 million every single day, according to a new report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI).   The research highlights just how vulnerable the modern supply chain has become, especially as digital systems create new opportunities for criminals to infiltrate and exploit operations. The Alarming Cost of Cargo Crime ATRI’s comprehensive 70-page report, “The Fight Against Cargo Theft: Insights from the Trucking Industry,” pegs annual cargo theft losses at $6.6 billion.   Even more troubling, 74% of stolen goods are never recovered, leaving businesses to absorb the financial hit while consumers ultimately face higher prices. Motor carriers lose an average of $520,000 each year, while logistics service providers (LSPs) see nearly $1.84 million in annual losses due to theft.   These staggering numbers reveal a harsh truth: ca...

As of October 1, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has officially discontinued the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers.   Moving forward, the USDOT number will serve as the sole identifier for motor carriers operating in interstate commerce — marking a major shift in how the agency tracks and regulates carriers across the nation. Why the Change? The FMCSA’s decision is part of a larger effort to streamline data systems and simplify compliance for carriers. Historically, carriers were issued both an MC number and a USDOT number — two identifiers that often caused confusion for new entrants and created redundancies in federal databases. By eliminating MC numbers, the FMCSA aims to: Reduce administrative burden on carriers and brokers, Consolidate records under a single, unified identifier, and Enhance accuracy within the FMCSA’s safety and registration systems. What Carriers Need to Know If you’re an existing carrier or broker with...

A major policy shift from federal and state transportation officials is sending shockwaves through the trucking world.   On September 29, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new emergency rule aimed at tightening standards for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs).   The move will immediately impact nearly 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide, halting their ability to operate commercial trucks unless stricter identification requirements are met. The rule arrives on the heels of several high-profile crashes that officials linked to failures in state licensing processes.   In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) took swift action, suspending the issuance of CDLs and commercial learner’s permits to refugees, asylees, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients.   According to DPS, asylum seekers without approved lawful presence have never been eligible for licensing, but the latest directive widens the scope of sus...

This October, Road Scholar Transport is once again using its distinctive fleet of awareness trucks to shine a light on five vital causes.   Through bold visuals and carefully chosen partners, the campaign aims to elevate public understanding, spark conversation, and drive support.   Below is an updated look at each cause, including current statistics and why awareness still matters. Down Syndrome Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition diagnosed in the U.S., typically caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21).   Two less-common types — translocation and mosaicism — account for a smaller proportion of cases. Trisomy 21: ~ 95% of cases Translocation: ~ 3% Mosaicism: ~ 2% Statistics: Each year, about 5,700 babies born in the U.S. are diagnosed with Down syndrome. CDC Some sources report closer to 6,000 births per year, corresponding to about 1 in 700 live births. Total Care ABA+2GlobeNewswire+2 Current estimates suggest ...

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 ...