Washington, D.C. — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced on September 10, 2026 that it will fiercely oppose the Biden administration’s proposal to suspend the federal fuel tax, labeling the move a short‑term gimmick that jeopardizes the funding stream for the nation’s highways and bridges.

The fuel tax suspension is being floated as a quick fix to lower diesel prices for carriers amid lingering inflation. For truckers, the tax represents the primary source of money that keeps interstate corridors in repair. ATA President and CEO Chris Spear warned that the proposal undermines the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion law that allocated billions to road and bridge projects critical to OTR truck driver routes and regional freight moves.

In a formal statement, Spear pointed out that the administration’s “well‑funded Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act” was celebrated months ago, yet the same officials now seek to hollow out its financing by pausing the fuel tax that has funded over $400 billion in highway work since 1956. He outlined three concrete actions instead of a tax holiday: achieve full energy independence from Saudi Arabia, renegotiate trade agreements with the European Union and Asia‑Pacific partners, and balance the federal budget to restore confidence in infrastructure spending.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, a fuel tax suspension would provide a temporary dip in per‑gallon costs, but the savings could be erased by deteriorating road conditions that increase wear on tires, brakes, and suspensions. Fleet managers worry that delayed bridge repairs will force longer detours, adding mileage and hours to OTR routes, which directly cuts into driver earnings and compliance with FMCSA regulations on hours of service. Owner‑operators who rely on predictable expense forecasts may see their profit margins swing wildly as fuel price volatility returns once the holiday ends. Moreover, a weakened highway fund could stall upcoming projects that promise smoother corridors for long‑haul hauls, forcing drivers to navigate more potholes and construction zones.

Industry Reaction

The ATA’s stance echoes a broader chorus of carrier groups that have long warned against piecemeal tax cuts. The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) issued a statement this week emphasizing that sustainable lower fuel costs must come from domestic refining capacity, not temporary tax relief. Several major trucking companies, including J.B. Hunt and Schneider, have signaled support for the ATA’s three‑point plan, noting that a stable infrastructure budget is essential for maintaining on‑time deliveries and meeting FMCSA safety standards. Across the industry, executives argue that a strategic focus on energy independence and trade renewal will produce lasting price stability far beyond the fleeting benefit of a tax holiday.

Key Points

• ATA President Chris Spear condemns the proposed federal fuel tax suspension as a “gimmick” that threatens highway funding.
• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, passed earlier this year, allocated over $400 billion for road and bridge projects.
• Spear’s three alternatives: achieve energy independence from Saudi Arabia, renew EU and Asia‑Pacific trade deals, and balance the federal budget.
• Truck driver jobs, especially for CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, could face higher long‑term costs if road conditions worsen.

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