Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

In a landmark ruling last week, U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman dismissed all legal challenges to New York City’s controversial congestion pricing plan, effectively greenlighting the first-in-the-nation tolling program aimed at reducing traffic in Manhattan’s central business district.   Among the lawsuits tossed out was a high-profile challenge by the Trucking Association of New York (TANY), which argued the program unfairly targets trucking companies and threatens to drive up costs for both carriers and consumers. Despite growing public opposition, pushback from federal officials including U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, and even a warning from the Trump administration to halt the program, New York has held firm. So what does this mean for the trucking industry—and more importantly, for the shippers who rely on it?   Let’s break it down. What Is Congestion Pricing, and Why Does It Matter? Starting January 5, 2025, vehicles entering Manhattan belo...

If you thought last summer was hot, buckle up—2025 is shaping up to be even steamier. According to the Farmers' Almanac, the Northeast—and much of the U.S.—should brace for "broiling" heat, above to much-above average temperatures, and a season packed with record-breaking highs.   From June through Labor Day, the mercury is expected to rise relentlessly, turning loading docks, trailers, and warehouses into hot zones that can wreak havoc on sensitive freight. For shippers, especially those moving temperature-sensitive goods like food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or chemicals, this heat wave forecast isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s a supply chain risk. The Freight Impact of a Hot Summer Unprecedented heat creates a range of issues for shippers and carriers alike: Product spoilage: Items like fresh produce, dairy, frozen goods, and vaccines can be quickly damaged without precise temperature control. Increased claims: Heat-related damage often results in ...

The trucking industry has found itself at the center of several legislative and regulatory shake-ups this month—each poised to impact drivers, companies, and the future of freight transportation in the U.S.   From fighting organized crime to blocking controversial mandates, here’s a breakdown of the key developments shaking up the roadways. Freight Industry Backs Bill to Combat Cargo Theft & Supply Chain Crime In a powerful show of unity, the freight industry is throwing its weight behind the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA)—a bipartisan bill designed to take on the alarming rise in cargo theft and supply chain fraud. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), theft-related crimes are costing the industry up to $35 billion annually, with the average value per theft now topping $200,000.   Strategic theft has skyrocketed 1,500% since early 2021, fueled by cyber schemes, double-brokering, and fraudulent freight pickups. The bill proposes t...

In a major move to protect truckers from a growing and dangerous form of fraud, lawmakers have introduced the Staged Accident Fraud Prevention Act, a new federal bill aimed at making the intentional staging of crashes with commercial vehicles a criminal offense. The Rising Threat of Staged Accidents Staged accident fraud isn’t just an insurance scam—it’s a full-fledged assault on America’s trucking industry.   In recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged where individuals, often backed by organized fraud rings, intentionally crash their passenger vehicles into commercial trucks.   Their goal?   To cash in on massive lawsuit settlements. These staged crashes not only put truck drivers and other road users at risk but also cause lasting financial damage.   “Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads,” said Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.), one of the bill's co-sponsors.   “Staged accidents take a...

While tariffs are often viewed as negative for global trade, the trucking industry can experience a counterintuitive lift from the supply chain disruptions they cause — particularly when shippers rush to beat deadlines, shift sourcing strategies, or pivot inventory movements.   Here’s how those ripple effects could drive higher freight demand and operational opportunities for U.S. trucking carriers: 1. Pre-Tariff Shipping Surge = Short-Term Freight Boom As U.S. exporters rush to move goods to China before the April 10 deadline, there's an increase in: Port drayage and transloading: Increased container movement into ports like Los Angeles/Long Beach, Seattle-Tacoma, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, and Houston will create heightened demand for local drayage operators and regional carriers. Over-the-road (OTR) trucking: Products like agriculture, machinery, and electronics being exported require transportation from production hubs (e.g., Mid...

For the third consecutive legislative session, lawmakers are pushing forward a crucial piece of legislation aimed at securing basic restroom access for truck drivers across the country.   The Trucker Bathroom Access Act has once again been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Reps. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania), continuing their advocacy for truckers’ rights. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has reaffirmed its strong support for the bipartisan bill, emphasizing its significance in not only addressing a longstanding issue but also improving conditions to attract more women into the trucking workforce.   The legislation seeks to mandate that truck drivers have access to restrooms at shippers' and receivers' facilities when picking up or delivering cargo, provided that those facilities already have restrooms available for employees or customers. What the Trucker Bathroom Access Act Proposes According...