Impact of the Federal Budget on the Trucking Industry

1. Fleet Modernization Incentives

• Enhanced Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) for zero-emission and fuel-efficient trucks.
• Investment in clean transportation corridors, charging stations, and hydrogen infrastructure.
• Pilot funding to support adoption of low emission equipment.
• Impact: Supports long-term savings for fleets upgrading their vehicles.

2. Compliance & Reporting Requirements (New Emphasis)

• Stronger federal oversight on emissions reporting and digital record-keeping.
• Renewed federal focus on driver classification practices, with penalties reinstated for misreported or improperly structured arrangements.
• Expanded coordination between federal agencies to monitor payroll, tax filing, and employment compliance.
• Impact: Carriers using outdated contract models may face higher scrutiny and should review their frameworks proactively.

3. Labour & Workforce Considerations

• Adjustments to EI and CPP affecting payroll budgets.
• Continued investment in training programs and driver-shortage mitigation.
• Support for improving workplace safety and driver retention.
• Impact: Higher payroll costs balanced by stronger talent-building supports.

4. Fuel & Operating Costs

• No major reductions to federal fuel charges.
• Incentives favour fleets transitioning to cleaner technologies.
• Support for logistics and routing optimization.
• Impact: Diesel-dependent fleets continue to face cost pressures.

5. Growth Opportunities

• Improved access to government-backed financing for equipment and technology.
• Support for digital supply-chain transformation.
• Opportunities for mid-sized carriers investing in automation and efficiency tools.
• Impact: Modernized carriers are positioned for competitive advantage.