ATLANTA, GA — Governor Brian Kemp has officially suspended the state excise tax on diesel and gasoline, a move designed to provide immediate relief to motorists and the trucking industry grappling with relentless inflation. This executive order, effective through October 12, removes 35 cents per gallon from the cost of diesel and 31.2 cents from gasoline at the pump. The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the economic strain currently impacting the supply chain and household budgets across the state.
Rising operational costs have become a primary concern for every OTR truck driver navigating the current economic climate. Data from Moody’s Analytics highlights that the average American household is spending significantly more on essentials than in previous years, while the benchmark oil price continues to hover at decade-high levels. With diesel prices in Georgia recently averaging over $4.30 per gallon, this tax suspension serves as a tactical response to help carriers manage the surge in fuel-related overhead that has plagued the industry for months.
The Georgia Department of Revenue has clarified that distributors are not to remit excise taxes on qualifying fuels sold during this window. This exemption covers clear diesel, gasoline, aviation gasoline, and various forms of liquid and compressed natural gas. While off-highway fuels like dyed diesel remain exempt as per standard regulations, the current order ensures that the price reduction hits the retail pump directly. Governor Kemp’s office cited a previous suspension period in 2022 that saved residents and businesses approximately $1.7 billion, demonstrating the potential impact of these temporary fiscal measures.
What This Means for Drivers
For the average CDL-A driver and independent owner-operator, this policy change creates a clear opportunity to lower daily fuel expenses while operating within Georgia. Motor carriers licensed under the International Fuel Tax Association (IFTA) are permitted to purchase qualifying fuel tax-free and report zero-tax miles for the duration of the suspension. It is critical that drivers continue to file their IFTA returns accurately for the affected quarters, documenting both tax-free and tax-paid purchases to maintain compliance with FMCSA regulations. Maintaining precise fuel logs during this window remains the best way to leverage these savings without triggering audit complications later.
Industry Reaction
State leadership, including Speaker of the House Jon Burns, has championed the suspension as a vital component of Georgia’s broader strategy to remain the premier state for business. While the political establishment frames the move as a necessary reaction to economic headwinds, the trucking community views it as a rare bit of breathing room. As trucking companies are hiring to meet demand, stability in fuel pricing remains a top priority for recruiters seeking to fill open truck driver jobs.
Key Points
- The fuel tax suspension remains in effect until October 12.
- Commercial drivers save 35 cents per gallon on diesel fuel purchases.
- IFTA-licensed carriers must still file quarterly returns for the tax-free period.
- The suspension applies to clear diesel, gasoline, and various natural gas formulations.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operators with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Jimmy Chan on Pexels