Trucking news and briefs for Thursday, April 6, 2023:
Truck driver tax credit legislation reintroduced in U.S. House
Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wisconsin) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Virginia) this week reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to establish a refundable income tax credit for qualified commercial drivers.
The bipartisan Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act would provide a short-term incentive to attract and retain new drivers, the legislators believed.
Specifically, the bill would do the following:
- 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 (2023 and 2024).
- 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.
“We need to encourage more young men and women to join this career path," Gallagher said, invoking the notion of a workforce shortage in trucking, "and this bipartisan bill is a commonsense way to recruit and retain more drivers to keep our shelves stocked and our economy moving.”
Gallagher and Spanberger first introduced the bill in April 2022. The legislation is endorsed by the American Trucking Associations, American Loggers Council, National Grocers Association, International Foodservice Distributors Association, American Building Materials Alliance, Forest Resources Association, Hardwood Federation, Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America, Third Way, and National Pork Producers Council.
Earlier this year, Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-South Dakota) and Jim Costa (D-California) introduced the Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking (SHIP IT) Act, a bill that, among other things, also called for a temporary $7,500 tax credit for eligible drivers. That bill puts a cap on eligibility linked to adjusted gross income for the taxable year not exceeding $135,000 for couples filing jointly; $112,500 as head of household; or $90,000 individually. New drivers under the SHIP IT Act would be eligible for a $10,000 tax credit.
[Related: Three glaring problems with driver shortage narratives]
Another new parts shop opens in Indiana
All-In Truck Parts of Indiana has opened its doors on Indianapolis’ northwest side. Located at 7225 Georgetown Road, the store is a new option for purchasing parts for heavy- and medium-duty trucks, trailers, RVs, and buses.
All-In Truck Parts said it is a one-stop shop for purchasing new and remanufactured parts from trusted suppliers like Alliance, Detroit, Cummins, and Delco. Plans call for the business to maintain a comprehensive inventory of parts and accessories that are readily available, affordable, and quality assured.
“We are pleased to be the only conveniently located, all-makes, heavy-duty truck parts store on Indianapolis’ northwest side,” said David Shane, All-In Truck Parts vice president of operations. “We have dedicated 24,000 sq.-ft., of warehouse space so we can strive to be the customer’s first choice for their parts needs." The company hopes to be a "one-stop shop," whether truck owners are in the market for a common, all-makes part or accessory or buying in bulk.
The new store is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday and can be reached at 317-821-0888.
Earlier this week, Palmer Truck Sales announced it will be opening on April 14 an all-makes TRP parts store and service shop in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
[Related: Nontraditional truck parts-sourcing strategies on the rise]
