The US trucking industry is currently engaged in significant lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, advocating for two key legislative changes before the congressional session concludes. A primary objective is the repeal of the federal excise tax (FET) on heavy-duty trucks. This tax, currently levied on new truck purchases, significantly increases the cost of fleet renewal and expansion for trucking companies.
Additionally, the industry is pushing for enhanced federal oversight and measures to combat cargo theft. Cargo theft remains a persistent challenge, leading to substantial financial losses for carriers, shippers, and insurers, and disrupting supply chains. Improved legislative tools and enforcement are sought to mitigate these risks.
For freight forwarders and logistics operations managers, the repeal of the FET could translate into lower equipment costs for trucking partners, potentially leading to more competitive road freight rates or improved capacity as carriers invest in newer, more efficient vehicles. Enhanced fraud oversight could reduce transit risks and insurance premiums, contributing to greater supply chain reliability and security for goods moved by road.
