U.S. Senators Todd Young and Angela Alsobrooks introduced the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act on June 2 to repeal the 12 percent federal excise tax on heavy trucks. The proposed legislation aims to eliminate what is currently the highest excise tax levied on any product in the country, which can add between $15,000 and $30,000 to the cost of a new heavy truck or trailer.
The senators said that by repealing this tax, trucking companies and independent operators would be able to modernize their fleets more affordably. The current structure incentivizes keeping older vehicles in operation because it only applies to new purchases. Senator Young said, “Repealing this tax is a simple step that can help the American trucking industry and consumers. This tax hurts the small businesses and independent truckers that are the core of American trucking, and it promotes the usage of older, less efficient trucks. Cutting the federal excise tax on heavy-duty trucks and trailers will lead to newer, safer, and cleaner trucks on America’s roads.”
Senator Alsobrooks added, “I am proud to partner with Senator Young in introducing the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2026 to repeal the excise tax on heavy trucks and trailers. This outdated tax incentivizes using older, less efficient trucks. Our bill supports a modern trucking industry allowing for the adoption of newer trucks that are safer and more fuel-efficient. In doing so, the bill supports small businesses, independent truckers, and our environmental goals – it just makes sense.”
Industry leaders also commented in support of repealing what they described as an antiquated policy first implemented over a century ago during World War I funding efforts. Chris Spear of American Trucking Associations said, “Keeping this antiquated tax on the books imposes an enormous hardship—particularly for family businesses and independent truckers who make up the overwhelming majority of trucking. Removing this burden will allow motor carriers to replace their trucks and trailers with modern, safer, and cleaner equipment… Our industry is grateful to Senators Young and Alsobrooks for their leadership on this issue.” Kevin Holmes from ATD stated, “The 12 percent Federal Excise Tax is outdated… Eliminating these barriers to fleet turnover will promote economic growth and lead to cleaner, safer trucks on America’s streets.”
Young has served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Marine Corps; he graduated with honors from multiple institutions including United States Naval Academy; he operates offices across Indiana; he supports his constituents through community ties; promotes conservative solutions for economic growth; lives with his wife Jenny in Johnson County—all according to the official website.
