Trucking industry survey reveals mixed reactions to Trump's second term, focus on tariffs and emissions regulations

It’s no secret that the trucking industry predominantly leans conservative. According to OpenSecrets, a provider of political data, trucking political contributions tend to support more conservative candidates.

Of the top political funding contributors in the trucking industry for 2023-24, a majority leaned conservative, while only one leaned liberal.

While trucking generally supported President Trump’s campaign to return to the White House, a recent FleetOwner survey found that most industry respondents viewed his first weeks back in office as very negative or somewhat negative.

How does the trucking industry feel about Trump?

Almost 300 individuals completed FleetOwner’s unscientific survey, which asked readers how they felt about Trump’s early second-term performance. Respondents were also asked to state their role in the industry and share any comments. The survey ran from March 6 to 17.

Here is what the Trump trucking survey found:

39% felt very negative about Trump’s actions so far in relation to trucking
16% felt somewhat negative
25% felt very positive about Trump’s second term
9% felt somewhat positive
10% reported feeling neutral

The survey also allowed participants to elaborate on their thoughts in short answer form. Many issues came up about how Trump is affecting the trucking industry, but the main topics were tariffs, emission regulations, and fuel costs.

How does the trucking industry feel about Trump’s tariffs?

By far, the subject that came up most often in this survey was tariffs. This is no surprise given the back-and-forth nature surrounding the implementation of these tariffs so far and the possible ramifications that these tariffs could have on the trucking industry, especially cross-border logistics, freight recovery, and more.

One anonymous survey respondent said this on tariffs: “He is wasting my time and the country's with his constant vacillating on tariffs. Either do it or don't do it. I am tired of writing analyses for my clients that are made obsolete by an about-face on the subject. And I voted for the ^%^$^%.”

Another respondent, an owner-operator, said this: “Since his term started, there is no rhyme or reason for the tariffs or other decisions that are currently driving down demand for our services. Imports to and from Canada and Mexico are dwindling down, so there's basically 75% of my business down the tubes.”

Many survey responses echo these frustrations over Trump's implementation of tariffs. However, not all responses on this subject have been overwhelmingly negative.

Another anonymous survey respondent who works at a truck dealership said on tariffs: “He [Trump] has the long-term best interest of the country in mind. The tariffs are going to make things shaky for a bit, but we will come out better.”

A trucking manufacturer said: “I like his America-first agenda, his stance on energy independence, and the position to maximize commerce and shrink government. The tariffs imposed/threatened do present a concern over short-term cost increases. My personal belief is that these tariffs are tools to shake up the 'business-as-usual' mentality and negotiate for a better USA.”

Significantly few respondents were neutral on the topic of tariffs. Those neutral few echoed the uncertainty many felt regarding the tariff situation.

How does trucking feel about Trump’s effect on emission regulations?

Emission regulations also frequently appeared in the survey responses. The Biden administration established stricter emission regulations and standards on heavy-duty trucking; many in the industry have argued these standards are too strict and unattainable on the proposed timelines. Many in trucking seem to hope for an overhaul of these regulations under Trump.

Generally, the trucking industry, as represented in this survey, seems more positive and hopeful toward Trump’s second-term emission regulation changes than tariffs.

One survey respondent, a fleet manager, said: “Cleaning up the California CARB rules is needed and seems to be getting done.”

Another respondent, a private fleet executive, said: “Hopefully, he can get the electric part under control. Need to improve emissions in a more realistic timeline.”

Like many, a truck dealer respondent is happy with Trump’s emissions changes but has problems with his other actions: “A big plus to removing emissions mandates, especially at the state level, and letting technology and infrastructure catch up to operational requirements and performance. But a huge negative to foreign policy and tariffs that will trickle down to retailers and ultimately consumers, thereby delaying purchasing altogether, which leads to stagnated innovation and efficiency to the point where the industry will be held back from competing globally.”

However, others in the industry aren’t happy with Trump’s changes in emissions. An industry supplier said, “Abrupt and across-the-board changes to vehicle emission regulations and funding have been very disruptive to those who have been planning, preparing, and rolling out new technology.”

How does trucking feel about fuel prices under Trump?

In the midst of this brewing trade war with Canada and others over tariffs, fuel prices are another topic fresh on the industry’s minds. The survey showed that the industry has many concerns about fuel prices in relation to Trump and his presidential actions.

The owner of a bulk potable water delivery service had this to say about fuel prices in the survey: “He’s driving prices of everything from fuel to parts up. The three refineries here in the Billings, Montana, area process primarily Canadian crude oil. His tariffs have already affected the price at the pump.”

Another respondent, a safety and risk manager, may like other policies Trump is working on but has concerns with tariffs and fuel prices: “Overall, President Trump is making significant improvements in government and the immigration problems. The tariffs and rising fuel prices cannot be good for trucking in the short term.”