Legislation puts congress on record against raising federal truck tax

In response to legislation introduced this week in Congress by Reps. Reid Ribble, R-Wis., and Tim Walz, D-Minn., regarding the federal excise tax on heavy duty trucks, Dick Witcher, chairman of the American Truck Dealers (ATD) and a Massachusetts International and Ford truck dealer issued the following statement:

"The existing 12 percent levy on heavy duty trucks is already the highest excise tax imposed by Congress on a percentage basis. The FET adds thousands of dollars to a commercial truck that already costs well over $100,000. With a highway bill and comprehensive tax reform on the agenda in Washington, H. Con. Res. 52 sends a clear message to Congress that hiking the FET on commercial trucks should not be on the table. Since all the heavy duty trucks sold in the U.S. in 2012 were manufactured in North America, increasing the FET would hurt the 3.65 million Americans employed in the selling, servicing, manufacturing and operating of these vehicles. ATD applauds the leadership of Representatives Ribble and Walz to fight against increasing this tax."

Rep. Ribble added:

"The federal excise tax deters business owners and other employers from purchasing some of the safest, cleanest and most fuel-efficient trucks available today. I hope my colleagues will agree that this tax should not be increased."

Rep. Walz also commented:

"The trucking industry creates good-paying American jobs for countless folks across this country. Increasing this tax would further discourage hardworking business owners from purchasing new trucks that are safer, more efficient and better for our environment. At a time when our economy is still continuing to recover, we should be doing all we can to ensure businesses have the tools they need to be successful, instead of creating roadblocks to their growth."

Additional supporters of H. Con. Res. 52 include the following companies and associations: American Highway Users Alliance, Mack Trucks, Inc., Meritor, Meritor WABCO, Motor and Equipment Manufacturers Association, National Trailer Dealers Association, National Truck Equipment Association, Navistar, Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association, Truck Renting and Leasing Association and Volvo Trucks North America.