Tax Subsidies Could Help Reduce Trucker Shortage

A Democrat and Republican in the House have teamed up to propose legislation that would provide new tax credits as an incentive to attract and retain additional truck drivers.

The two-year refundable tax credit proposed by Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger and Wisconsin Republican Mike Gallagher would be worth $7,500 for drivers holding a valid Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) who drive at least 1,900 hours a year.

A second credit worth up to $10,000 would be available to people enrolled in a registered trucking apprenticeship program.

Editor’s Take:

Let’s give it a try! Why not provide some incentives to help reduce the shortage of qualified truck drivers? Truck transportation is one of the major methods used to ship products from farms to grocery stores, restaurants and other food organizations and businesses. Trucks also help deliver the supplies farmers and ranchers need to succeed with their operations. Perhaps congress can expedite this legislation instead of waiting until the crisis has passed and then approving it.