It was a pleasure to recently sit down with my dear friend Todd Amen, president and CEO of ATBS, for our newest episode of The CDL Files podcast. Todd is a true pillar in the trucking industry when it comes to taxes and profitability for independent contractors. (You can catch the full, deep-dive conversation on Spotify — just search for “The CDL Files” to find our latest episode.)
With tax season upon us, I wanted to share some of the “magic” and insights from our conversation to help you keep more of your hard-earned cash.
A possible light at the end of the tunnel
After a grueling three-and-a-half-year market that has been incredibly rough on trucking, there are signs that the outlook for 2026 may finally be looking up.
In this episode, Todd shared his perspective: Partner carriers are calling because they need more trucks to move freight, and fleets are finally starting to see some rate increases.
While market opinions always vary, we’ve hopefully hit the bottom … and maybe we are finally on the way up. As Todd’s father and grandfather used to say: “Tough times never last. Tough people do.”
If you’ve survived until now, it might be the right time to prepare to take advantage of an improving market.
Three keys to tax success
When I asked Todd for the best advice to ensure drivers keep more money in their pockets, he highlighted three critical areas:
No. 1: Stay organized.
This is a big chore, but essential. Todd noted that when you lose a receipt, you essentially “tip the tax man” potentially hundreds of dollars in lost deductions.
No. 2: Pay your estimated taxes.
To avoid IRS penalties and interest, make sure you are working with an accountant to stay on top of your estimated payments based on your prior income.
No. 3: Use a trucking accounting specialist.
Trucking has very specific laws for independent contractors. A specialist can often find additional deductions — like those for sunglasses, work boots, GPS systems, or off-road fuel credits for APUs and reefers — that a general accountant might miss.
The “Big Beautiful Bill Act” and per diem
We also discussed how recent legislation has codified several benefits for the industry.
- QBI Deduction: The 20% Qualified Business Income deduction is now codified into law. For someone netting $100,000, this can mean a $20,000 deduction, saving roughly $5,000 in taxes.
- Depreciation: Under Section 179, you can still depreciate the entire cost of a new or used truck or trailer in a single year.
- The Senior Deduction: For our aging workforce, drivers over 65 can now take an additional $6,000 deduction.
- Demystifying Per Diem: This is one of the largest deductions available, allowing CDL drivers to take $80 a day for every day they are away from home. This can add up to a $25,000 to $30,000 deduction annually. Note that while owner-operators can still claim this on their Schedule C, it remains unavailable for company drivers to itemize.
Final thoughts
Don’t leave money on the table by trying to handle complex tax issues alone. Whether you’re organized or sending in a Walmart bag full of receipts, it’s never too late to get on the right track. Until next time, work hard, be smart, and stay safe down the road
The contents of this article are intended to convey general information only and not to provide legal advice or opinions. The contents of this article should not be construed as and should not be relied upon for legal advice in any particular circumstance or fact situation. The information presented may not reflect the most current legal developments. No action should be taken in reliance on the information contained in this article, and we disclaim all liability in respect to actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the content to the fullest extent permitted by law. An attorney should be contacted for advice on specific legal issues. To contact Drivers Legal Plan, visit driverslegalplan.com.
Brad Klepper is a regular contributor to The Trucker, providing valuable insights for drivers and motor carriers. He serves as president of Drivers Legal Plan, a national law firm offering discounted CDL ticket defense to members, and Interstate Trucker, a law firm providing CDL defense with no monthly fees.
