Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The grocery industry is facing a seismic shift in 2026 as new food traceability requirements under Section 204 of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) take effect.   Starting January 20, 2026, grocers, wholesalers, and suppliers must comply with stricter standards designed to improve supply chain transparency and enhance food safety. While these regulations aim to protect consumers by quickly identifying and removing contaminated products, they also present significant challenges for grocers, from compliance costs to operational changes.   Here's what the industry needs to know and how it can adapt to this transformative legislation. Understanding FSMA 204: What’s Changing? The FSMA 204 rule focuses on foods listed in the FDA's Food Traceability List (FTL)—which includes high-risk items like soft cheeses, sprouts, tomatoes, crustaceans, and mollusks.   Under the new law, companies that manufacture, process, pack, or hold these products must maintain detailed r...

Attention truck drivers: the grace period is almost over.   Beginning February 2025, the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission will implement strict measures to address unpaid tolls, including late fees, collections, and even vehicle registration holds.   If you’ve driven on the Ohio Turnpike without paying your tolls, now is the time to settle your account. Here’s what you need to know about the new policies and how they may impact commercial trucking operations. Open Road Tolling: The Grace Period Is Over In April 2024, the Ohio Turnpike introduced a new open road tolling system to streamline toll collection.   This system allows vehicles to pass through toll lanes without stopping, with tolls automatically deducted for E-ZPass users or invoiced by mail for non-E-ZPass drivers. However, the transition wasn’t without challenges.   Many drivers, including commercial truck operators, either misunderstood or ignored the new system, resulting in nearly 347...

President Donald Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on China-based imports, set to take effect as early as February 1, is poised to send ripples through global supply chains.   This move, tied to concerns over fentanyl importation from China into Mexico and Canada, is part of a broader push by the administration to reevaluate U.S. trade policies.   While the specifics of these tariffs remain under review, their potential implications are already being felt across industries. In this blog, we’ll explore the likely effects of these proposed tariffs on businesses, supply chain strategies, and the broader economy, highlighting the challenges and opportunities they present. The Immediate Impact of the Tariffs The 10% tariff on Chinese imports, along with discussions of 60-100% tariffs, adds another layer of uncertainty for global businesses.   According to a recent survey of more than 3,500 supply chain executives conducted by DP World and Economist Impact: 40% o...

The trucking industry is on the brink of a transformative decade, as highlighted by the latest findings in the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) “Freight Transportation Forecast 2024 to 2035” report, published in collaboration with S&P Global Market Intelligence.   Despite challenges over the past few years, trucking remains the cornerstone of freight transportation in the United States, poised for significant growth in both tonnage and revenue by 2035. Key Highlights from the ATA Forecast Unmatched Dominance in Freight Movement By 2035, trucking is projected to move an astounding 13.99 billion tons of freight, up from 11.27 billion tons in 2024.   This represents an impressive 76.8% share of the freight market, reaffirming the industry’s essential role in the nation’s supply chain. Revenue Growth on the Horizon The forecast indicates that trucking revenues are set to climb from $906 billion in 2024 to $1.46 trillion by 2...

The Los Angeles wildfires, like other natural disasters, have the potential to significantly disrupt supply chains in various ways.   Here's an analysis of the potential impacts: Disruptions at Ports The Los Angeles wildfires pose a significant risk to operations at critical ports such as the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach, which are among the busiest ports in the world and serve as key gateways for international trade. Air Quality Concerns : Wildfires generate thick smoke and hazardous air quality, which can force port workers to scale back operations or stop altogether to prioritize health and safety.   Poor visibility can also make crane operations and cargo handling dangerous. Evacuations and Closures : If wildfires encroach on port-adjacent areas, mandatory evacuations or restricted access zones could shut down port operations temporarily. Infrastructure Damage : Wildfires spreading close to port ...

Truck drivers play a vital role in the supply chain, ensuring goods are transported efficiently and safely across the country.   However, a recent incident in Arizona underscores why it’s crucial to choose a reputable carrier with a strong commitment to safety, ethics, and food product integrity. The Incident: A Public Safety Concern In a seemingly routine traffic stop in Navajo County, Arizona, law enforcement uncovered a staggering 554 pounds of cocaine concealed within a load of produce.   The truck driver, a 31-year-old man, initially complied with the stop but exhibited behavior that aroused the officer’s suspicion.   Upon further investigation, the officer discovered the narcotics, intermingled with food products destined for consumer shelves. The driver was promptly arrested and charged with possession and transportation of narcotics for sale.   The drugs, reportedly originating from California, posed not only a legal issue but also a public health r...