While taxes are unavoidable, they don’t always have to mean bad news. In many cases, truck drivers are eligible to earn some money back through tax deductions and business expenses that come with getting the job done. This article  outlines some common things you can claim for a deduction on your tax return to help earn back some of your money. 

The Tax Deduction Opportunity for Truck Drivers

Tax deductions and claiming expenses presents an opportunity for truck drivers to make back some of the costs they incur through the process of completing their job. These deductions can help you reduce your tax bill—and for long-distance drivers, there are slightly different deductions than there are for local drivers. Overall, these deductions can be used to offset business expenses, not personal expenses or commuting costs.¹

Who Is Eligible to Claim Tax Deductions? 

Tax deductions are an option in 2025 for any truck driver who is an independent contractor or owner-operator and is not a W-2 employee. These deductions can be claimed on a Schedule C form when you file your taxes, and you should be keeping track all year so you have the information ready for tax season.¹

What Can Trucker Drivers Claim as Business Expenses? 

Here is a list of common business expenses that truck drivers can claim as deductions when filing taxes. Please note that not all of these items are found on Schedule C, and some may require you to provide different info or itemization in other parts of your tax return:

• Insurance fees: Premiums you pay for cargo insurance, commercial auto liability insurance, property insurance, or even private health insurance. Note that health insurance is claimed separately, not on the Schedule C form.²
• Medical expenses: For many truck drivers, medical exams are a routine part of their job and can be a source of numerous costs. These exams can be considered  business expenses and qualify for deductions, as can some other expenses associated with doctor’s visits. ²
• Membership dues: If you belong to any professional organizations or a union, your fees and dues are tax-deductible as long as they are directly business-related.³
• Phone/electronics: If you have a designated phone for work, you can claim that line and device, as well as any other electronic devices you use solely for work, like a laptop or tablet. If there is a device you use for both, you can deduct the portion of it you use for work.³
• Educational expenses: You can claim the cost of training or schooling you completed to get your CDL or certifications—but make sure you save the receipts.¹
• Meals: This one only applies to long-distance drivers, since local drivers can go home during their shift to eat. But long-distance drivers can claim meals if they are away from their business headquarters and have to eat while on the road.⁴ 
• Work- supplies, like clothing: If you have special gear or a uniform that you need to wear for your job (including a logo shirt, steel toed boots, or safety goggles) they can all be tax-deductible. This does not include regular parts of your wardrobe that you wear while driving. ³
• Dispatch and licensing fees or load expenses: You can claim any dispatch fees you pay for your loads, as long as you track them. You can also deduct any business licensing fees (plus the cost of your CDL). ³
• Tools and equipment: You can expense any tools purchased for repairs or safety purposes.³
• Fuel and vehicle expenses: Your fuel expenses are tax-deductible, as are vehicle repairs and maintenance, registration, payments, and depreciation. ²
• Travel costs: Beyond meals and fuel, other travel costs are also deductible, like hotels, parking, and tolls. ³
• Office supplies: This includes anything you need to conduct business, including paper goods, notebooks, copying, faxing, or software, like accounting or load board software. 
• Sleeper berth fees: You can also claim any expenses associated with setting up your sleeper berth, such as bedding, food storage, a mini fridge, and coffee maker. ³

Additional Tax Credits to Consider 

There are some additional tax credits apart from trucking expenses that you may qualify for and should consider. Some of the most common ones include: 

• Child and dependent care for anyone who pays childcare expenses for someone under age 13, or if you’re responsible for someone who is unable to care for themselves at any age.
• The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which offsets the cost of Social Security taxes. 
• Educational credits that may be applicable depending on what you pursue.³ 

Partner With ACV Transportation for Trucking Jobs 

If you are looking to grow your business, work with ACV Transportation. We work with Car Dealers nationwide transporting new and used inventory from dealerships. With ACV Transportation, you get access to a free load board with thousands of loads to pick from daily, along with a dedicated carrier account manager to help you grow your business. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help grow your business!

This site is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. ACV is not liable for reliance on the information provided herein. We do not endorse, nor are we responsible for, the privacy practices or the content of the sites linked in this blog.

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Sources

1. Freshbooks. 2024. “13 Truck Driver Tax Deductions You Need to Know.” Freshbooks. Retrieved November 19, 2024. https://www.freshbooks.com/hub/taxes/truck-driver-tax-deductions 
2.  Intuit Turbotax. 2024. “What you need to know about truck driver tax deductions.” Intuit Turbotax. Retrieved November 19, 2024. https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/self-employment-taxes/what-you-need-to-know-about-truck-driver-tax-deductions/L68YC61fS 
3. Truckstop. 2024. “18 truck driver tax deductions you need to know.” Truckstop. Retrieved November 19, 2024. https://truckstop.com/blog/truck-driver-tax-deductions/ 
4. Akimenko, Tanya. “An exhaustive list of truck driver tax deductions you can claim.” Golden Apple Agency. Retrieved November 19, 2024. https://www.goldenappleagencyinc.com/blog/truck-driver-tax-deductions