New bipartisan legislation introduced in the House earlier this week would mean more money for truckers and also help attract new drivers.
Congressmen Pat Ryan (D-New York) and Zachary Nunn (R-Iowa) introduced the “Strengthening Supply Chains through Truck Driver Incentives Act", which they said would address "the growing driver retention crisis." A statement from the two members onf congress said, "The bill aims to remedy supply chain issues and bring down costs by providing incentives for truck drivers through a refundable tax credit for current drivers and an enhanced credit for new truck drivers and people in trucking apprenticeship programs."
If approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the president, the bill would:
- Create a new refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for truck drivers holding a valid Class A CDL who drive at least 1,900 hours in the year. This tax credit would last for two years (2025 and 2026).
- Create a new refundable tax credit of up to $10,000 for new truck drivers or individuals enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship. This tax credit would also last for two years.
- Allow new truck drivers to be eligible for the credit if they did not drive a commercial truck in the previous year or drive for at least 1,420 hours in the current year. They may receive a proportion of the credit if they drive less than 1,420 hours in the year, but drove at least an average of 40 hours a week upon starting to drive.
The legislation is endorsed by the American Trucking Association, the Trucking Association of New York, New York Farm Bureau Federation, International Foodservice Distributors Association, and the Teamsters.
“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,” said Ryan. “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.”
The American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear praised the bill as well as Ryan and Nunn.
Spear said, "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.”
The Trucking Association of New York also supported the legislation.
“Ensuring New York’s supply chain remains strong and resilient starts with supporting the hardworking truck drivers who keep our economy moving,” said Zach Miller, Vice President of Government Affairs for TANY.. “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.”
