Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

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 ...