Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente
Enviar mensaje a un agente
A new bipartisan bill aims to tackle the ongoing truck driver shortage with refundable tax credits of up to $10,000 for new drivers and $7,500 for experienced ones — but it still needs congressional approval, and it’s not the first time lawmakers have tried this approach.
The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act is a new bipartisan proposal that aims to address the persistent shortage of truck drivers in the United States by offering refundable tax credits of up to $10,000 for new drivers and $7,500 for experienced ones. While the bill has the potential to significantly impact the freight transportation sector, it still requires congressional approval — and it’s not the first time lawmakers have pursued this strategy, as a similar version introduced in 2023 expired at the end of 2024 without becoming law.
Two Versions: One Expired, One Awaiting a Vote
It’s important to note that this initiative has already appeared in a previous form. The first version, introduced in 2023 as H.R. 2450, proposed a similar refundable tax credit program but expired on December 31, 2024, without renewal.
The current version, introduced in the House of Representatives on March 26, 2025, as H.R. 2391, reintroduces the concept with updated amounts and timelines. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process — referred to the House Ways and Means Committee — and must be debated and passed by both chambers before becoming law.
How the Tax Credit Would Work
The proposal offers two main incentives:
Up to $10,000 for new drivers.
Up to $7,500 for experienced drivers.
To qualify, drivers must work at least 1,900 hours per year — roughly 38 hours per week on a standard work schedule.
The bill also stipulates that the credits would be refundable, meaning drivers could receive the full benefit even if their tax liability is less than the credit amount. This design is intended to benefit lower-income drivers and those just starting in the industry.
The tiered structure aims to address two challenges simultaneously:
Attracting new talent: $10,000 could cover the cost of commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, plus provide a financial cushion during a career transition.
Retaining current drivers: $7,500 would reward experience and encourage drivers to remain in the industry.
A Problem Impacting the Entire Supply Chain
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates that the U.S. trucking industry is short more than 80,000 drivers, a figure that could double by 2030 without intervention. Key factors include:
Aging workforce: The average truck driver is over 46 years old.
High turnover rates: Some segments see annual turnover exceeding 90%.
Demanding working conditions: Long hours, extended time away from home, and delivery pressure.
This shortage puts ongoing strain on the national supply chain, affecting prices, product availability, and business competitiveness.
Potential Benefits if Approved
If passed, the bill could:
Reduce the driver shortage within one to three years.
Improve workforce stability and lower training costs for carriers.
Strengthen supply chain reliability in critical sectors like food, medicine, and consumer goods.
Support local economies, particularly in rural and suburban areas reliant on road freight.
Industry groups see the plan as a helpful — though partial — solution. They note that while tax incentives may make trucking more attractive, they won’t fully address structural challenges like inadequate rest areas, infrastructure bottlenecks, or long-haul lifestyle demands.
Criticism and Concerns
Opponents and skeptics highlight:
High fiscal cost amid a federal budget deficit.
Temporary nature of the incentive, which may not ensure long-term retention.
Unresolved structural issues that could drive new recruits out within a few years.
Connection to Other Initiatives
The bill aligns with broader federal and state measures to strengthen the supply chain. Some states already subsidize CDL training, and private carriers are offering tuition coverage in exchange for work commitments. Federal infrastructure programs also target corridor modernization and expanded truck parking, which could enhance the impact of the tax credits.
The Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act — in its 2025 version still under congressional review — could become a significant tool for stabilizing the U.S. trucking industry. The existence of a nearly identical, now-expired 2023 version shows that lawmakers have been pursuing this strategy for years, but the final impact will depend on whether Congress passes and funds the program this time.
World Smile Day: benefits of sharing a smile
World Smile Day is celebrated on the first Friday of October, so let’s do an act of kindness and help one person smile. World Smile
Massive fire at Chevron refinery sparks safety concerns and fuel price fears
A massive fire broke out at Chevron’s refinery in El Segundo, the largest oil production facility on the West Coast. On the night of October
MEET operation: 82 commercial vehicles inspected at the Wyoming-Colorado border
The MEET operation, a traffic enforcement operation targeting CMVs, was carried at the Wyoming and Colorado border. A traffic enforcement operation targeting commercial motor carriers,
Road safety reforms: coalition demands for results
The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) calls for road safety reforms following deadly truck crash report. The Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) is calling for safety reforms
DOT suspends federal funding in New York amid civil rights review
U.S. DOT announces interim final rule banning race- and sex-based contracting requirements in federal grants. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a statement
U.S. government shutdown begins: how will the transportation industry be affected?
A U.S. government shutdown began a shutdown on October 1, 2025, but the Department of Transportation released its operational plan. The U.S. government shutdown began
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time