Road Scholar | Transport Blog's

The price of diesel fuel is once again climbing — and truckers across the country are feeling the impact.   According to the latest report from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the national average for diesel jumped more than eight cents in just one week, from $3.753 to $3.837 per gallon.   That’s also roughly three cents higher than this time last year. All regions saw increases, with some experiencing sharp spikes.   The Rocky Mountain region rose more than 12 cents to $3.803 per gallon, while the Midwest jumped over 11 cents to nearly $3.89.   Even in regions typically more stable, like the Lower Atlantic, prices increased by more than eight cents. For the trucking industry — the backbone of the U.S. supply chain — this trend poses serious challenges.   Diesel accounts for one of the largest operational expenses in trucking, and even small increases can have ripple effects across fleets, freight rates, and the broader economy. The Impac...

As the winters deepen—with freezing temperatures, snowbanks, black ice, and shorter daylight   — transporting hazardous materials becomes not just tricky, but especially risky.   When you ’ re moving regulated loads — flammables, corrosives, batteries, compressed gases or other hazmat freight — winter adds layers of complication.   Understanding those risks and trusting an experienced carrier is critical.   Here ’ s a breakdown of (1) the extra dangers winter brings to hazmat shipments, (2) the value of working with a carrier like Road   Scholar   Transport that knows what it ’ s doing, and (3) what can go wrong when you don ’ t. 1. Winter-specific risks when shipping hazmat Carrying hazardous materials in normal conditions is already heavily regulated and requires vigilance.   In winter, the environment cracks open new vulnerabilities. ❄️ Cold-weather, temperature-sensitive freight Some hazardous materials are temperature-sensitive.   Very cold am...

As the holiday season ramps up, so do the risks for shippers and carriers.   According to Texas-based supply chain risk management firm Overhaul, the final quarter of the year—particularly October and November—marks the most active period for cargo theft across the United States and Mexico.   While shipping volumes surge to meet holiday demand, organized theft rings also become increasingly opportunistic, targeting vulnerable loads and high-value commodities. The Season of Increased Risk Data from Overhaul shows that cargo theft incidents spike sharply during the last quarter, typically peaking before mid-December.   Electronics, including laptops, gaming consoles, and mobile devices, are among the most targeted goods due to their small size, high resale value, and market demand.   But thieves are not just striking loaded trailers—distribution centers, warehouses, and even last-mile delivery vehicles have become prime targets. During the holiday rush, warehouse...

Every November, Road Scholar Transport proudly rolls out its fleet of awareness trucks—each one dedicated to a cause that deserves recognition, research, and hope.   This month, the focus is on Lung Cancer, Epilepsy, and Pancreatic Cancer—three conditions that impact millions of lives every year.   These 53-foot moving billboards serve as powerful reminders that awareness saves lives. Lung Cancer: Spreading Hope Mile by Mile Lung cancer remains the second most common cancer among both men and women in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS, 2025). New cases (2025): Approximately 226,650 (110,680 men and 115,970 women) Deaths (2025): Around 124,730 (64,190 men and 60,540 women) Lifetime risk: About 1 in 16 men and 1 in 17 women will develop lung cancer. While the numbers are significant, early detection and reduced smoking rates are helping drive a decline in both incidence and mortality over the past decade. The inspiration...

In the fast-moving world of freight transportation, trucking companies face more than just logistical challenges — they also must navigate a complex landscape of insurance coverage, safety mandates, and federal regulations.   Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your business, your drivers, and the freight you haul. Let’s break down what carriers need to know to stay on the right side of insurance and legal requirements in today’s trucking industry. 1. Understanding the Core Legal Framework The foundation of trucking compliance begins with federal oversight by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).   Every carrier operating in interstate commerce must hold a valid USDOT number, which serves as a unique identifier for safety audits, inspections, and crash investigations. In addition, depending on your operations, you may also need operating authority — often referred to as an MC number — though recent changes are sim...

The trucking industry may be moving in the same direction, but when it comes to what keeps people up at night, drivers and executives are traveling on different roads.   The latest report from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) shows that while company and independent drivers are most worried about how much they earn, carriers and logistics leaders are far more concerned about the economy. The 21st annual Top Industry Issues Survey — unveiled during the American Trucking Associations’ Management Conference and Exhibition in San Diego — gathered feedback from more than 4,600 respondents, including drivers, fleet owners, and other freight professionals.   The findings paint a vivid picture of an industry juggling financial strain, evolving technology, and shifting workforce priorities. Drivers Speak: Pay Takes the Wheel For those behind the wheel, compensation is the defining issue of 2025.   After years of navigating tight margins, volatile rates,...

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...