Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is once again taking a firm stand on commercial driver safety.   In an October 20 letter to congressional leaders, OOIDA called for stronger training, licensing, and qualification standards for commercial drivers—arguing that too many new entrants are hitting the road without the necessary skills to safely operate large commercial vehicles. “Far too many individuals are entering the trucking industry without the basic skills necessary to safely operate a commercial vehicle,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. He emphasized that inconsistent licensing processes across states have allowed hundreds of thousands of underqualified drivers onto U.S. highways—an issue that has contributed to preventable accidents and fatalities. As lawmakers prepare to reauthorize the Highway Bill with the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act set to expire in September 2026, OOIDA is pushing for meaningful reforms to ensure safer, better-t...

The High Stakes of Hazmat Shipping Transporting hazardous materials—such as chemicals, flammable liquids, batteries, or compressed gases—has always been a high-risk, high-regulation sector of logistics.   A single mistake can lead to environmental damage, costly cleanups, or even loss of life.   That’s why compliance, visibility, and control are critical. But as supply chains grow more complex and safety standards tighten, technology has stepped in to reshape how hazardous materials move across highways.   From advanced telematics to AI-driven monitoring systems, today’s hazmat carriers are leveraging cutting-edge tools to make every shipment safer and more predictable. 1. Real-Time Tracking and Telematics Gone are the days of “black box” hazmat transport, where shippers had little visibility once the truck hit the road.   Modern fleets—like Road Scholar Transport —now use real-time GPS and telematics systems that monitor the vehicle’s exact location, route, ...

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...