Organizations want federal excise tax repealed

© Shutterstock

A coalition of nine trucking organizations and affiliates recently sent a letter to U.S. Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee leaders in support for the bipartisan Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act, which would repeal the federal excise tax (FET) on heavy-duty trucks and trailers.

“Eliminating this tax will remove a barrier to retiring older trucks that lack modern emissions control and safety technologies, allowing owners to replace them with modern, clean models that are safer and more environmentally friendly,” the letter said.

“Stakeholders across the trucking supply chain stand ready to work with those champions and other leaders in Congress to advance this important proposal. As the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee consider tax policies to continue growing our economy, we are grateful for your consideration of repealing the outdated FET.”

Currently, nearly 50 percent of the trucks in fleets nationwide were manufactured prior to 2010. Replacing them with new clean-diesel trucks would reduce emissions by 83 percent.

The letter was signed by the American Trucking Associations, American Truck Dealers, Clean Freight Coalition, Diesel Technology Forum, National Tank Truck Carriers, NATSO, SIGMA, Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association, and Truckload Carriers Association.