Under current federal tax law, dealerships that sell motor vehicles, recreational trailers, and campers are permitted to fully deduct interest paid on floor plan financing. However, this provision does not extend to semi-trailer dealerships, placing them at a competitive disadvantage despite similar business models and reliance on inventory financing.

The Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act (H.R. 7944) extends the floor plan interest financing deductibility provisions to truck trailers, semi-trailer chassis, and semi-trailer body dealership owners.

The NTDA’s Commercial Advocacy PAC also recognized the efforts of its Dealer and Allied members, whose outreach to lawmakers — through calls, letters, and in-person meetings — played a key role in advancing the bill. The Association now encourages continued engagement to support passage of H.R. 7944. 

Background:
Under IRC Section 163(j), businesses can generally deduct business interest expenses from their federal taxes by up to 30% of their adjusted taxable income. Because floor plan financing has unique needs, Congress enacted exclusions for motor vehicles, recreational trailers, and campers, allowing dealerships to fully deduct interest paid on floor plan financing.
The Semi-Trailer Tax Parity Act includes truck trailers, semi-trailer chassis, and semi-trailer bodies in the definition of “motor vehicle” under the 163(j) section of the tax code. (It is important to note that this classification applies solely within the context of the tax code.)
Lack of inclusion has resulted in reduced capital for inventory, strained cash flows, reduced inventory levels, and the potential to owe federal taxes for semi-trailer dealerships in years when they have incurred a loss or have no taxable income. This common-sense legislation supports and ensures fairness for our locally owned dealerships. Read the full bill here.

About the NTDA’s Commercial Semi-Trailer Advocacy PAC:
The National Trailer Dealers Association (NTDA) launched the Commercial Semi-Trailer Advocacy Political Action Committee (PAC) in November 2024, giving members a unified voice in advancing the industry’s priorities. Through strategic engagement with lawmakers, the PAC supports efforts to reduce regulatory burdens, expand tax incentives, and secure funding for trailer industry programs.

About the NTDA:
The NTDA represents nearly 1,000 companies across North America involved in selling, manufacturing, leasing, and servicing semi-trailers, parts, and accessories, along with affiliated industry service providers. The Association offers Federal Excise Tax support, industry education, and member programs, and hosts an annual convention and exhibition featuring new products, industry-leading education, networking, and a charitable golf tournament. The NTDA also advocates for the industry through its Commercial Semi-Trailer Advocacy PAC and engagement with federal lawmakers. The NTDA is headquartered in Brighton, Michigan.

Adapting to Market Disruptions: How trailer dealers can turn industry challenges into opportunities.

Driving Growth Through Innovation: Practical steps for embracing change and leading in uncertain times.

Building a High-Performance Culture: Strategies for fostering resilience and accountability within organizations.

With his engaging storytelling and real-world business insights, Sheahan’s presentation promises to inspire and equip you as a Convention attendee with the tools they need to elevate your business.

General Session & Keynote

The NTDA Convention is the premier networking and educational event for trailer dealers, manufacturers, and suppliers. Bringing in a speaker of Peter Sheahan’s caliber underscores the Association’s commitment to providing valuable thought leadership to our members. As the industry continues to evolve, Sheahan’s expertise in business transformation will offer timely and relevant guidance to help you stay ahead of the curve.

The Convention General Session & Keynote Presentation will also feature a point-counter-point discussion on regulatory affairs and their impact on the economy as well as an industry economic outlook.

Registration & Housing

Registration and housing for the Convention will open in May 2025. For more information, visit www.ntda.org.

• Christian Perez-Santiago (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member Rockland Flooring)
• Connor Ross (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied member Gincor Werx).

The following two students were selected to receive $9,000 scholarships:

• Riley Ledure (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member HAVCO Wood Products)
• Ava Santillan (parent/guardian is an employee of Peak Trailer Group LLC).

The following two students were selected to receive $6,400 scholarships:

• Sarah Filamonte (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Dealer Member Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel)
• Lauren Wade (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member Aurora Parts).

The following three students were selected to receive $5,300 scholarships:

• Camden King (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Dealer Member Danco Trailers, Inc.)
• Anna Stratton (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Dealer Member North Central Utility — Madison)
• Cheyenne Tunnel (parent/guardian is an employee of Overseas Hardwoods Company).

The following three students were selected to receive $4,500 scholarships:

• Isabella Arguelles Avilla (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member Aurora Parts).
• Paige Gerads (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member Felling Trailers, Inc.)
• Dhanush Kondapalli (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Dealer Member Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel).

The following two students were selected to receive $3,200 scholarships:

• Ella Kang (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Dealer Member Hale Trailer Brake & Wheel)
• Anna Young (parent/guardian is an employee of NTDA Allied Member Vanguard National Trailer).

Non-profit scholarship foundations play a pivotal role in shaping the future of education, providing crucial support for students who might otherwise be unable to pursue their academic endeavors. For both donors and recipients, these organizations serve as essential, creating opportunities that transform lives and communities. For scholarship recipients, financial barriers are often the most significant hurdles to accessing higher education. Tuition fees, textbooks, and living expenses can make attending a college or university unattainable for many talented students. Non-profit scholarship foundations step in to fill this gap, offering financial aid that opens doors to education for students from all walks of life.

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the need for skilled professionals in the trailer industry and beyond is greater than ever. The Foundation helps address these skill gaps by funding education, encouraging students to pursue degrees that align with the needs of the workforce.

In a world where access to education is a powerful tool for change, the importance of scholarship foundations like the NTDF cannot be overstated. Through the Foundation’s work, donors and recipients alike become part of a shared mission to build a brighter future.

“I cannot thank you enough for the privilege to be receiving this award. It is truly an honor, to not only have this aid, but to be recognized by my achievements and experiences. My passions and dreams give color to my life. To receive this scholarship is to help me pursue these desires, and to motivate me to never stop,” said Ava Santillan, scholarship recipient.

Nearly $150,000 in scholarship donations have been received since the Foundation was formed last year. For more information about the Foundation or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://ntda.site-ym.com/page/Foundation.