In June, the Department of Transportation rolled out a new “Pro-Trucker Package” with over $275 million to help build more truck parking across the country.
For years, drivers have been forced to sleep in unsafe or illegal spots just because there weren’t enough places to park. Now, thanks to Trump’s executive order, that’s finally changing.
And that’s not all. The package also cuts red tape and scraps one-size-fits-all rules that didn’t make sense for smaller companies or independent drivers.
A Tax Break That Actually Helps
On July 4th, Trump signed what he called the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” It’s a sweeping tax and budget law with a lot in it, but for truckers, the biggest news is more money in their pockets.
The bill gets rid of taxes on tips, overtime, and even Social Security income. That means more take-home pay, especially for those who work long hours or are nearing retirement.
It also brings back the full 100% bonus depreciation for buying new equipment. So if a driver wants to upgrade to a newer, safer rig, it’s now a lot more affordable.
Owner-operators and small trucking companies also win big with the permanent extension of the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction. That tax break helps those set up as sole proprietors or small businesses lower their overall tax bill.
Safer Roads, Clear Rules
In April, Trump signed another executive order: “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.”
One part of that order says commercial drivers must be proficient in English to help ensure safety on the roads.
The order also tells federal and state agencies to review commercial driver’s licenses and improve working conditions for drivers.
Critics argue this might tighten the labor pool, but supporters say it’s about putting safety and quality first.
Rolling Back Red Tape
The Trump administration is also scaling back environmental rules that raised costs for truckers.
New emissions standards were making it hard (especially for smaller companies) to keep up. Some were even being pushed toward buying electric trucks they couldn’t afford or didn’t want.
By easing up on those rules, Trump’s team is cutting costs and giving truckers more choices when it comes to what they drive and how they run their business.
More Roads Ahead
The administration is also backing new infrastructure plans that focus on highways, bridges, and key freight corridors. That means smoother roads and faster delivery times, something that both truckers and consumers can get behind.
Better Trade, Stronger Borders
Trump hasn’t forgotten about the big picture either.
His continued work on trade deals, like keeping the USMCA up to date, is helping smooth out cross-border trucking.
By putting America first at the negotiating table, he’s giving truckers more certainty in a tough global market.
Not every issue is solved, and some in the industry still have concerns, especially around immigration and labor. But overall, Trump’s second term has brought a wave of support for truckers.
From cutting taxes and regulations to investing in roads and parking, he’s focused on giving drivers the tools they need to succeed. This administration is finally treating truckers like the essential workers they are.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
