Congress might finally be doing something that makes sense for trucking.
You read that right. Congress is tossing truckers a financial bone—and this time, it’s not tied up in red tape, DOT audits, or surprise compliance curveballs. We’re talking cold, hard tax credits for the men and women behind the wheel.
Earlier this week, Representatives Pat Ryan (D-NY) and Zach Nunn (R-IA) introduced a bipartisan bill that could be a real game-changer: the Strengthening Supply Chains through Truck Driver Incentives Act.
Sure, the name’s a mouthful, but the idea is simple: reward the folks doing the hard work of moving America’s economy—and bring new blood into an industry that’s been running on empty when it comes to qualified drivers.
What the Bill Actually Does
This legislation would create a refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for current truck drivers holding a valid Class A CDL who drive at least 1,900 hours in a year. Translation? If you’re putting in the hours, the IRS might finally give you a high-five in the form of cold, hard cash.
And it gets better. New drivers, or individuals enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship program, would be eligible for a refundable tax credit of up to $10,000. That’s a serious incentive to get more people into the cab and trained up.
If a new driver doesn’t hit the 1,420-hour threshold but averages at least 40 hours a week after starting, they can still snag a prorated portion of the credit. The program would apply for two years: 2025 and 2026.
In a world where fuel prices are high, regulations are endless, and the pressure is real, this bill is a breath of fresh exhaust.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
Driver retention is in crisis mode. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the industry is short roughly 80,000 drivers, and that gap could grow to 160,000 by 2030 if something doesn’t change—fast.
And let’s face it: truckers haven’t exactly been given the red carpet. Long hours, time away from home, increasing regulations, and rising costs have pushed many experienced drivers to hang up the keys. Younger generations? They’re not exactly lining up at CDL schools in droves.
This bill offers a very real solution: put money in the hands of the people who keep freight moving. Instead of lip service during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, it’s an actual benefit with dollar signs attached.
Congressman Ryan said it best:
“Truck drivers keep the American economy moving forward. They work long, hard hours with little support to make sure that people across the country have everything that they need for daily life.” “It’s no wonder that job retention rates in the industry are declining. We have to be encouraging more people to sign up to drive and stay there, which is why providing incentives like this is so important. Keeping more skilled drivers on the road will also help combat supply chain issues, which jack up prices for American consumers. Passing this bill is a no-brainer: better conditions for the workers that drive us forward, more high-paying union jobs, and lower costs for families across the country.”
Passing this bill is more than a nice gesture. It’s a strategic move to stabilize the workforce, reduce supply chain bottlenecks, and protect the backbone of commerce.
Backed by the Big Guns
This isn’t some fringe proposal. It’s getting serious support from key industry players:
- American Trucking Associations (ATA)
- Trucking Association of New York (TANY)
- Teamsters
- New York Farm Bureau
- International Foodservice Distributors Association
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear stated:
“Helping more qualified drivers get behind the wheel is essential to ensuring our industry can continue to deliver the nation’s freight safely and efficiently. The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will grow and retain our essential workforce by making rewarding, good-paying careers in trucking even more attractive while also providing tax relief for new drivers. We commend Reps. Pat Ryan and Zach Nunn for working to reduce barriers to one of the few professions that can provide a middle-class lifestyle without the time and expense of a four-year college degree.”
And he’s right. Not every career requires a four-year degree—but trucking still offers middle-class income potential for people who want to work hard, learn the ropes, and build something solid.
In New York, Zach Miller, VP of Government Affairs for TANY, emphasized the bill’s local impact:
“Ensuring New York’s supply chain remains strong and resilient starts with supporting the hardworking truck drivers who keep our economy moving.”
“The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act will help recruit and retain qualified drivers by making trucking careers more accessible and financially rewarding. This is especially critical for New York, where our businesses, consumers, and infrastructure almost exclusively rely on a steady flow of goods delivered by trucks. By reducing financial barriers and providing tax relief for new drivers, this legislation will help secure good-paying jobs, strengthen our workforce, and keep New York’s economy thriving. We commend Rep. Pat Ryan for his leadership in advancing this vital initiative for our state.”
More Than Just Money: The Economic Ripple Effect
Let’s be clear—this bill isn’t just about helping truckers buy a few extra cheeseburgers. It’s about strengthening supply chains, reducing shipping delays, and ultimately lowering prices for American families.
When there aren’t enough drivers, freight sits idle. When freight sits, shelves go empty and costs rise. It’s a domino effect that starts with the guy or gal behind the wheel.
This tax credit is an incentive to solve that issue at the root.
- For fleets: It could reduce recruiting costs and turnover rates.
- For small carriers: It’s an extra financial cushion to retain good talent.
- For new drivers: It makes trucking an appealing, debt-free career path.
What Happens Next?
As of now, the bill has been introduced in the House and awaits the next steps: committee hearings, debate, votes, and ultimately, the President’s signature.
It’s got momentum. It’s got industry support. But until the ink dries, it’s still a proposal.
That means now is the time for the industry—carriers, drivers, associations, and even shippers—to raise awareness and push for action.
What Should Drivers and Carriers Do Right Now?
Get informed. Plan ahead. And lean on experts.
At Eclipse DOT, we know tax law isn’t everyone’s favorite bedtime reading. That’s why we make it our mission to translate this kind of legislation into real-world, day-to-day strategy.
If this bill passes, it could impact:
- How fleets recruit and retain drivers
- How training and apprenticeship programs are structured
- How drivers file and manage their taxes in 2025 and 2026
Let us help you get ahead of the curve. No guesswork. No gimmicks. Just straight answers.
Final Thoughts: It’s About Dang Time
Truckers have heard it all before: “You’re essential,” “You’re heroes,” “Thanks for what you do.”
Words are nice. But action is better.
This tax credit? That’s action. It’s a tangible reward for the people who sacrifice time, energy, and sometimes their health to keep the country supplied, fed, and moving.
Let’s hope Congress puts the pedal down and gets this one across the finish line.
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Sources:
- Pat Ryan House Press Release
- FreightWaves – Lawmakers propose tax relief for truck drivers
- CDLLife – Bill proposes a $7,500 tax credit for CDL-A truck drivers
- SupplyChain247 – Truck Drivers Could Get Up to $10000 in Tax Breaks Under New Bill
- ExpeditersOnline – Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Cut Drivers’ Costs and Incentivize Truck Purchases
- Yahoo Finance – Lawmakers propose tax relief for truck drivers