Truckers Request Regulatory Relief from Congressman
EASTON, Pa. — During a visit to a South Side depot on Friday afternoon, members of the Lehigh Valley trucking community appealed to U.S. Representative Ryan Mackenzie for relief from federal regulations and taxes impacting their industry.
Mackenzie, a Republican from the Lehigh Valley, engaged with approximately a dozen individuals over the course of an hour at Ward Transport & Logistics Corp. The Altona-based firm employs 1,700 people, with around 110 based at its Hilton Street site. After addressing concerns raised by trucking representatives, Mackenzie took an 18-wheeler for a drive in the company’s parking lot.
The discussion covered a range of topics, including emission laws and restrictions that prevent younger drivers from crossing state lines. According to Rebecca Oyler, president of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, such regulations discourage young talent from entering the field as they often limit their driving routes and potential earnings, yielding minimal safety benefits.
“You could drive from here to Erie, but you can’t drive from here to Jersey,”
Bill Ward Jr., the company president, urged Mackenzie to advocate for Congress to reconsider the 12% excise tax on heavy-duty trucks. This tax, originally established in 1917 to help fund World War I, remains unchanged. Ward indicated that his company replaces about 40 tractors annually, with each unit costing around $155,000.
Ward further emphasized the importance of trucking, stating that nearly every product in the U.S. is transported by truck at some point, meaning these costs are ultimately passed down to consumers throughout the economy.
Concerns Over Emission Standards
Ron Scholler Jr., a salesman from TransEdge Truck Centers in South Whitehall Township, addressed Mackenzie regarding the urgent need to reform Pennsylvania’s emission laws. In 2002, Pennsylvania’s emissions regulations were aligned with California’s, which has since introduced strict zero-emission rules aimed at promoting electric vehicles. Scholler expressed concern that if Pennsylvania follows suit, it could severely impact truck sales and subsequently, the state’s economy.
“Shelves are going to be empty. People are going to lose jobs,”
Mackenzie mostly listened to the concerns without making any commitments. When pressed by Scholler on the emissions standards issue, he likened it to challenges posed by the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, which has faced criticism for implementing broad cuts without considering the potential consequences.
“The concept is great, but then the execution and practical application is another factor,” Mackenzie remarked, stressing the need for Congress to act responsibly in addressing these matters.
