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Increased rates for truckers, proposed closure of the Bridge of the Americas for cargo, and restrictions on connected vehicle technology.
Increase in the rate for owner-operators and independent truckers
The special per diem rate for transportation workers will increase starting October 1. According to the Internal Revenue Service, rates for independent truckers and owner-operators will rise to $80 per day in the continental U.S. and $86 outside it, representing a 16% increase from the previous $69 per day.
This payment refers to daily allowances that cover expenses such as meals when truckers are away from home. According to information shared by Barry Fowler from Taxation Solutions in LandLine, only independent truckers who travel overnight and comply with hours-of-service regulations can claim this credit.
In contrast, employed drivers have been unable to deduct travel expenses since the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. However, efforts are underway to restore this deduction through the Tax Equity for Workers Act, which has broad support in Congress. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association backs this initiative, highlighting the negative fiscal impact of eliminating per diem allowances for salaried drivers.
Elimination of freight transportation at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas
The elimination of commercial vehicle traffic is one of the proposals to remodel the border crossing between Mexico and the U.S. The U.S. General Services Administration published a draft of its Environmental Impact Statement for the modernization project of the Bridge of the Americas Land Port of Entry in El Paso, Texas.
The document evaluates three alternatives:
- Alternative 1A: Multilevel modernization that would include pedestrian traffic, non-commercial vehicles, and freight, allowing for the future elimination of freight traffic.
- Alternative 4: Similar to the previous option but would eliminate commercial freight traffic in both directions. This is considered the “preferred alternative” by the agency.
- No Action: No modernization would occur.
Congresswoman Verónica Escobar emphasized that the publication of the draft is just the start of the process, with a 45-day period for the public to submit comments. The project is expected to start in late 2026, with a three-year construction period during which commercial traffic will cease on the bridge. Escobar suggested that this interruption could serve to evaluate the feasibility of a permanent ban on commercial traffic, which would not negatively impact the area, according to recent Texas Department of Transportation data. Traffic would be redirected to nearby bridges, such as Ysleta-Zaragoza and Santa Teresa.
Department of Commerce seeks to ban transactions involving foreign-made connected vehicle technology
The Bureau of Industry and Security at the U.S. Department of Commerce proposes a rule to prohibit transactions related to connected vehicle technology manufactured by China and other “foreign adversaries.” Set to be published on September 26, the proposal aims to mitigate national security risks associated with communication technologies. The regulations would include:
- Prohibitions on importers of vehicle connectivity hardware from bringing certain components into the U.S.
- Restrictions on manufacturers regarding the import and sale of connected vehicles that incorporate software developed in China or Russia.
The agency noted that while connected systems enhance convenience and safety, they also increase vulnerabilities to cyberattacks. In August, the Department of Transportation presented its National V2X Deployment Plan, which allows vehicles to communicate in real time but also raises cybersecurity concerns.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo warned about the risks a foreign government could pose by accessing connected vehicles, compromising national security and the privacy of U.S. citizens. The public will have 30 days to submit comments.
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