June 28, 2019
On Wednesday, June 19, the American Truck Dealers (ATD), with support from other members of the Modernize the Truck Fleet (MTF) coalition, held an educational event/press conference on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. The event featured a vintage truck and new truck to embody the urgent need for modernizing the 102 year-old federal excise tax (FET) on the purchase of new heavy-duty trucks and trailers. The FET is the highest excise tax at 12%.
The Coalition used this event to urge Congress to create policies that encourage, not discourage the purchase of new, cleaner, safer commercial motor vehicles while preserving the Federal Highway Trust Fund. The Coalition supports H.R. 2381 and S. 1839 – the Modern, Clean, and Safe Trucks Act of 2019. Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-CA) and others spoke at the event in support of this effort.
Other members of the Modernize the Truck Fleet coalition include the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA); Truck Renting and Leasing Association (TRALA); NTEA – The Association for the Work Truck Industry; the National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA); and the National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC).
Total Spectrum’s Mike Joyce and Traci Peters were instrumental in designing and executing this event for our clients.