Trucking news and briefs for Friday, March 28, 2025:
Bill to repeal excise tax on trucks reintroduced
Efforts are under way once again in Congress to repeal the Federal Excise Tax (FET) that levies a 12% tax on purchases of new trucks and trailers.
The Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2025 was introduced in the U.S. House by a bipartisan coalition of Congressmen led by Reps. Doug LaMalfa (R-California), Chris Pappas (D-New Hampshire), Darin LaHood (R-Illinois), Salud Carbajal (D-California), and Max Miller (R-Ohio).
Earlier this week, during testimony to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, trucking leaders pointed to the FET as a pain point for the industry, noting that the tax adds an average of $22,000 to the cost of each vehicle. Measures to repeal the tax have been introduced in the last several Congressional sessions but have not passed.
"The high cost of the FET slows fleet modernization, directly impacting safety and environmental goals," said John Elliott, executive chairman of Michigan-based expeditor Load One and past chairman of the Truckload Carriers Association, adding that 60% of fleets report they would be somewhat or very likely to purchase more trucks if the FET were eliminated.
The FET began in 1917 to help finance World War I. According to the American Trucking Associations, the tax amounts to a $6 billion annual burden on the trucking industry.
“First implemented over a century ago to help finance America’s effort in World War I, the FET has become the largest excise tax on any product, adding $24,000 to the cost of each new clean-diesel tractor-trailer,” said ATA President & CEO Chris Spear. “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship, particularly for the small fleets, family businesses, and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks with modern, safer and cleaner equipment, which will in turn provide a boost to manufacturing jobs.”
[Related: Industry details challenges to House subcommittee]
Wyndham Hotels teams with Hotels4Truckers.com, launches new rewards program for savings
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has launched a new program aimed at helping truck drivers.
Through the company’s new Recharge program, truckers can earn double Wyndham Rewards points on every qualified stay -- enough for up to two free nights annually -- along with Wyndham Rewards Gold level membership, which unlocks perks like a preferred room, late checkout and more.
Hotel brands under the Wyndham name include Days Inn by Wyndham, Super 8 by Wyndham, La Quinta by Wyndham and more.
“Truckers are an essential part of the workforce, and we know their time is valuable, both on the road and off,” said Angie Gadwood, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “With the launch of Recharge with Wyndham, we’re helping drivers put their safety and rest first while making it easier than ever to build up points toward their next free stay -- whether that’s a weekend away with the family or an overnight pitstop as they ready for the journey ahead.”
Complementing the launch of its newest initiative, Wyndham has also teamed up with Hotels4Truckers to help drivers save on their next stay. For a limited time, drivers who book through the Hotels4Truckers website or mobile app can save 15% off the best available rate on their next qualified stay.
In addition to savings, Hotels4Truckers makes it easy to search and book over 2,000 Hotels by Wyndham that are confirmed to have trucker-friendly parking, accommodating tractor-trailers up to 75 feet long. Drivers can also take advantage of their Recharge by Wyndham benefits when making bookings through the platform. “After a long day on the road, it’s time to refuel more than just the truck,” said Dan Fuller, President and Founder, Hotels4Truckers. “With Wyndham, Hotels4Truckers members can recharge with a comfortable place to stay that doesn’t break the bank. Even better? With points, status, parking, easy bookings and more, their stays go further, making life on the road easier and my time off more rewarding.”
To take advantage of Recharge with Wyndham, drivers or their companies must first have a negotiated rate with Wyndham. Those without an account can apply for one online. Once complete, drivers can then register for Recharge with Wyndham.
[Related: Get in where you fit in: Truck parking-friendly Hotels4Truckers]
Biz-travel platform Engine, Wex partner on payments
The Engine business and group travel platform announced a collaboration with Wex to enable the fuel payments provider's Over The Road Fuel Cards as a payment option for eligible Engine customers. Engine said this makes it the first business travel company to accept the proprietary Fleet One and EFS fuel cards, helping drive savings and provide greater control and insight into spending for Engine and Wex OTR customers.
"Truck drivers today face major challenges traveling on the road, from finding safe parking to managing fuel costs,” said Elia Wallen, Engine founder and CEO. “By accepting Wex Fleet One and EFS fuel cards, we're making business travel easier for trucking fleets -- offering greater payment flexibility, streamlined expense tracking, and time-saving solutions that keep drivers moving."
Wex offers commercial fuel cards and payment solutions, including for fleet, trucking, and logistics companies. Through this new integration, Wex OTR customers can enable their drivers to leverage Engine’s platform to book truck-friendly lodging with their Wex Fleet One and EFS fuel cards. Wex customers can even filter their search for lodging that offers parking or free continental breakfast.
With more than 750,000 properties in the Engine network, drivers can book lodging in real-time, guaranteeing room availability with a wide range of hotel and motel options. Engine also covers incidentals up-front to reduce check-in issues, consolidate lodging invoices, and simplify expense management, saving companies time and money.
According to Engine, 93% of business travelers expect their travel plans to change within a week of scheduling their trip -- for truckers, that's no doubt often the case. Eligible Wex customers, the company said, will be granted flexibility with their Engine booking, with the option to book last-minute stays and the ability to modify, change, or cancel their trip with no contracts, no minimum spend, and no agent-assist fees.
