Approximately 80% of truckers supported President Trump in the recent election, according to industry surveys. However, the newly imposed 145% tariffs on Chinese goods are creating significant challenges for the trucking industry, and many truckers are now facing the economic consequences of supporting policies that have led to these trade disruptions.
“The longer these tariffs persist, the more severe the impact on truckers, their families, and the businesses they serve,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of the American Trucking Associations, in a statement last month. “Tariffs will not only reduce cross-border freight volumes but also drive up operational costs. For instance, the cost of a new truck could increase by as much as $35,000, imposing an estimated $2 billion annual burden on the industry. This price hike could make new equipment unaffordable for small carriers, threatening their viability.”
Source: CNN Business, May 1, 2025
