Could per diem deductions be back?

Tax reform could be back on the table, and truck drivers might see a major win with the return of per diem deductions. With high costs for travel and essentials, this bill could put more money back in drivers' pockets — just as the industry faces rising expenses. Plus, reefers are in short supply out west. If you run one, jobs are a-plenty.

Today's Lineup

🔷 Fleet comes back after Thanksgiving to find truck parts stolen
🔷 Guide for your drivers to effectively document a crash scene
🔷 Walmart driver: "This job doesn't even feel like a job."
🔷 In annual tradition, trucks haul wreaths to Arlington Cemetery
🔷 The latest sign of trucking capacity balancing out

Interested in advertising in the Inside Lane? Click here to send us an email. 

⬇️$3.45

AVG. COST OF DIESEL PER GALLON IN U.S. AS OF 12/09, DOWN 0.082¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

DRIVERS

Lawmakers rally to bring back per diem for truck drivers 

Could per diem tax deductions make a return next year? 

A House bill to allow workers to deduct per diem expenses (think travel or uniform costs) from their taxes now has 204 co-sponsors. The Senate's version has 40 co-sponsors.

Before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, truck drivers employed by a company could deduct their per diem expenses. The law changed that, with the intent of ensuring workers took home more of their paychecks. But given the high per diem costs in the trucking sector, many drivers ended up losing out on tax deductions. 

Why this matters: A Republican administration is expected to prioritize tax reform, meaning this bill has a chance of becoming law and affecting drivers' tax deductions. 

Get more details at Land Line.

• TRUCK THEFT: Parts stolen on 11 trucks in Arizona
• HOW TO: Guide to documenting and reporting an accident scene
• MOBILE BILLBOARDS: Estes wraps trailers to support nonprofits
• FIRE ROASTED: Truck hauling 44K pounds of chickpeas catches fire

When truck drivers find their sweet spot

"This job doesn't even feel like a job."

-TruckMoneyBG

A truck driver on YouTube, who goes by the handle TruckMoneyBG, shares his thoughts 90 days into working as a driver for Walmart. After four years as an over-the-road driver, he's now enjoying the perks of working with a retailer, like having an actual sleep schedule. Watch his video here.

HOLIDAYS

Trucks journey down the East Coast hauling wreaths

A fleet of trucks transporting wreaths is making its way from Maine to Washington, D.C. This Saturday, they'll reach their final destination, Arlington National Cemetery, where wreaths will be placed to remember the fallen.

Why this matters: The annual event provides a way for fleets to honor veterans and give to the community. (Overdrive)

Above: A Wreaths Across America truck. (Courtesy of WAA)

LEGAL

Trucking company ordered to pay $25,000 in fines

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has won a settlement against a moving company. Per the court judgment, USA Logistics transported household goods but was not authorized to do so, and it must pay $25,000.  

Why this matters: The settlement shows that the agency governing trucking is serious about holding carriers and brokers accountable for violations and deceptive practices. (Truckers News)

MARKET

Refrigerated trucks in short supply in the Western U.S.

Parts of Idaho and Washington are facing shortages of refrigerated trucks, known as reefers, on the spot market. These states produce crops that require cold transport. 

Why this matters: The trucking narrative for many years has been overcapacity, so a shortage of trucks is a sign that capacity is balancing out. In fact, the industry has lost about 7,000 carrier authorities each month this year. (Trucking Dive) 

• Dec. 12: Supply Chain Insights and Outlook for 2025: Live meet-up in Los Angeles featuring industry leaders discussing 2024 reflections, 2025 outlook and networking opportunities.
• Truckers Final Mile: Dedicated to reuniting truck drivers with their families during crises, such as life-threatening illness, injury or family emergencies.
•  FMCSA Grants: Funds for safety initiatives in commercial trucking, including MCSAP and discretionary programs.

Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at editor@theinsidelane.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

Interested in advertising? Email us at newslettersales@mvfglobal.com

Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to get this newsletter twice a week. Be safe out there!

The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.