KILL THE 12% TRUCK TAX? ABOUT TIME

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

🚛 Introduction:

You know what’s worse than paying $150,000 for a truck?
Paying an extra 12% just because Uncle Sam says so.

That’s right—the federal excise tax (FET) slapped on new heavy-duty trucks has been around since World War I. And no, that’s not a joke—it was literally created to help fund WWI back in 1917.

Now, more than 100 years later, someone in Congress finally said:
“Maybe this is dumb.”

A new bill aims to eliminate the 12% FET once and for all. But will it actually pass? And what would that mean for truckers, fleets, and the cost of staying in business?

Let’s break it down.

🔧 Key Points:
1. What Is the FET—and Why Do We Still Have It?
The Federal Excise Tax is a 12% surcharge added to new heavy-duty trucks and trailers.

So if your rig costs $150K (which is low these days), you’re paying an extra $18,000 just in tax.

Why? Because 1917 Congress thought it was a good way to raise war money.
Fast forward 100+ years:

No war bonds

Trucks cost 5x more

And the tax is still kicking like a flat tire on payday

2. What’s This New Bill Proposing?
The new legislation—backed by bipartisan lawmakers—aims to abolish the FET entirely.

Supporters say it would:

Help truckers afford newer, safer, more fuel-efficient trucks

Accelerate the transition to low-emission vehicles

Spur economic growth in manufacturing and trucking sectors

Translation: less tax, newer trucks, cleaner air, and a little more breathing room for drivers and fleet owners.

3. What’s the Catch?
Of course, nothing in Washington is simple. While the bill sounds great, it has some hurdles:

The tax brings in billions per year—and Congress ain’t thrilled about losing that revenue.

Some environmental groups argue the FET discourages excess consumption and should be kept until stricter clean truck rules are in place.

Lawmakers love to campaign on tax cuts, but passing them? That’s a whole different trailer load.

🤔 Multiple Perspectives:
✅ Truckers Say:
“Ditch the tax. We’re already drowning in diesel, insurance, tolls, and repairs. Give us a break.”

❌ Critics Say:
“It’s a revenue source that funds roads and bridges. If we kill it, what’s replacing it?”

🧠 Realists Say:
“If you want greener trucks on the road, make them affordable. This tax is keeping older, dirtier trucks out there longer than they should be.”

Because let’s be honest—most independent drivers can’t afford a $220K electric truck and a 12% surcharge.

🛠 Industry Response:
Organizations like the American Truck Dealers (ATD) and OOIDA have been calling for the FET’s death for years.

They argue it punishes those trying to invest in better equipment. If lawmakers are serious about clean energy, fleet safety, and supply chain strength—dropping this tax is a no-brainer.

Even manufacturers want it gone. Why? Because drivers are holding onto trucks longer to avoid the tax, which slows sales and tech upgrades.

📜 What This Means for You
If the FET gets axed, it could mean:

Lower upfront costs for new trucks

More access to clean tech without breaking the bank

A faster turnover in the national truck fleet (aka fewer 2001 FLDs out there running DEF-free)

More importantly, it puts real power back into the hands of small fleets and owner-operators—not just the mega carriers who can write off a $300K truck like it’s a coffee run.

🔚 Bottom Line:
This tax was born in the days of horses and telegrams.
It’s outdated, overpriced, and out of touch with the modern trucking world.

Getting rid of it won’t fix everything—but it’s a solid step toward making newer, safer, and greener trucks more accessible to the people who actually drive them.

So if lawmakers are serious about helping truckers and reducing emissions?
Kill the tax. Let us breathe. And let us buy trucks that won’t bankrupt us.

📢 Call to Action:
Trucking will always cost money—but smart drivers invest in their future while they’re still rolling.

Don’t just wait for Congress to do something.
Start building an online income now, so you're not stuck depending on an industry that never pays you what you're worth.

➡ Visit retirefromtrucking.com for free training on using AI and side hustles to transition from the cab to control.

And if you liked this breakdown, share it, tag your crew, and let Congress know:
We’re watching. We’re tired of the tax. And we’re ready for change.