Newsletter Archive

Fuel & usage tax maze: We have the map

Insiders: Today, we have a fascinating exclusive on the IFTA fuel matrix. Understanding the complexities of fuel and usage taxes across state lines can be a game-changer for drivers, ensuring they stay compliant and end up with a return instead of an amount due. Thanks to Inside Lane reader Grover N. for suggesting this important topic! - Bianca Prieto, Editor

Inside today's newsletter

🔷 Hurricane slams Texas, flips semi
🔷 Robotics company on fast track to autonomous integration.
🔷 Underride protection efforts remain at a stalemate.
🔷 Idaho launches digital database to access truck driver ecords.
🔷 Companies and drivers warn against delaying container billing rule.

INSIDE LANE EXCLUSIVE

Fuel Frenzy: Truckers face tax tango across states

Truck drivers battle fluctuating fuel costs by buying strategically in cheaper states. But varying fuel taxes and usage taxes by state add complexity.

How do these taxes work? Fuel taxes at the pump fund state infrastructure. Usage taxes apply when a truck drives through a state without buying fuel. The International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) simplifies reporting for interstate trips.

What challenges do these taxes create for truckers? Many truck drivers, especially those new to the industry, aren't familiar with the taxes in every state and could make the costly mistake of purchasing in one state instead of another. Drivers must track mileage and fuel purchases in each state to ensure they comply with both fuel taxes and potential usage taxes. This requires meticulous record-keeping and navigating a complex web of regulations that vary by state.

Brush up on your IFTA knowledge by reading more on The Inside Lane.

FAST LANE

NEWS

Torc Robotics eyes autonomous transport by 2027
Driverless trucks are moving closer to reality and Viriginia-based Torc Robotics is looking to make that transition sooner rather than later. The company plans to construct its first driverless lane along Interstate 35 in Texas in late 2026. After the intial launch, Torc looks to scale quickly with additional lanes across multiple states beginning in 2027. Is this a good idea? (Trucking Dive)

Carriers warn against delaying container fee date

It's a battle of land and sea as truck drivers and freight companies push back against a request by container ship operators to delay a container billing rule. Drayage truckers and shippers argue that the move could cause chaos across the supply chain if the effective date on the container billing rule was pushed back another 90 days. Multiple organizations are working to find a timely resolution that works for all involved. (Freight Waves)

Underride crash protection solution remains in limbo

The Advisory Committee on Underride Protection (ACUP) has issued a 410-page biennial report to Congress stating that important information was ignored, which could have led to quicker trailer safety regulations.

The development is the latest in a continued divide among the parties assigned to address the growing truck fatality crisis and serves to further the delay in implementing measures to prevent future underride-related fatalities. (Freight Waves)