The "Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2025" establishes a tax credit for eligible commercial truck drivers, offering \$7,500 or \$10,000 for new drivers, to incentivize and support the trucking workforce.
Patrick Ryan
Representative
NY-18
The "Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2025" introduces a tax credit to incentivize individuals to become and remain commercial truck drivers. Eligible drivers may receive a \$7,500 tax credit, with new drivers potentially qualifying for a \$10,000 credit. The credit is subject to income limitations, driving hour requirements, and will expire after 2026. Certain apprenticeship programs may allow individuals to qualify for the credit while training.
Truck Drivers Could Get Up to $10K Tax Credit Under New Bill Aimed at Supply Chains
This proposed legislation, the "Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act of 2025," introduces a temporary tax credit aimed squarely at getting more commercial truck drivers on the road. For the tax years ending December 31, 2025, and December 31, 2026, eligible drivers could see a significant tax break – up to $7,500, or even $10,000 for those new to the profession. The goal is to directly address supply chain bottlenecks by incentivizing people to enter and stay in the trucking industry.
Who's Behind the Wheel for This Credit?
Getting this credit isn't automatic; there are specific requirements laid out in Section 2. Drivers need a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) and must operate the big rigs – specifically, tractor-trailer combinations classified as Group A vehicles. There's also an income check: your adjusted gross income (AGI) can't be more than $90,000 for single filers, $112,500 for heads of household, or $135,000 for those filing jointly. On top of that, drivers generally need to log at least 1,900 hours behind the wheel during the tax year. That breaks down to roughly 37 hours per week, year-round.
Newbies and Apprentices Get a Lane Change
The bill offers a bigger carrot for newcomers: a potential $10,000 credit. The hourly requirement is also framed differently for them – averaging 40 hours per week qualifies. If a new driver works less than 1,420 hours in the year, they can still get a partial credit, scaled down based on the hours they did drive. There's also a specific carve-out for apprentices: individuals in registered apprenticeship programs can count their training hours towards the driving requirement, and they don't need the CDL while actively in the program. This could make it easier for people to transition into the field.
The Fine Print: Timing and Adjustments
It's crucial to understand this isn't a permanent change. Section 2 clearly states the credit applies only to tax years ending on or after December 31, 2025, and before January 1, 2027. After that, it's gone. While the income thresholds and credit amounts are set to adjust for inflation starting in 2026, this adjustment will only impact the second and final year of the credit. Essentially, this is designed as a short-term boost, potentially helping ease immediate driver shortages but its limited two-year window raises questions about long-term impact on the industry's workforce needs.