The topic of discussion for 2025 has been tariffs. With percentages rising for numerous countries, we want to know what this means for us and our jobs. What are tariffs, how are they affecting the trucking industry, and how are they affecting our everyday lives?

What Are Tariffs and Where Did They Come From?

We know tariffs have to do with taxes, but how many of us are secretly googling the definition, trying to understand what’s going on? The word tariff is defined as a tax or duty imposed by a government on imported and some exported goods. The word, like many things in the U.S., is an import, originating from the Arabic word ta’rif, which referred to a list of fees merchants would have to pay at ports.

Criticism from economists over the tariffs claims that they restrict free trade and target lower-income consumers, making it difficult for them to afford specific necessities. Ideally, the goal is to make money from the taxes foreign traders must pay to sell their products in the U.S. However, an increase in taxes on these goods means an increase in the cost for the people buying them. The goal of these tariffs was said to be “boosting American manufacturing and protecting jobs”. With an increase in U.S.-made goods, we may be able to reduce costs for consumers when shopping for essential items without relying as heavily on imports. This reality may take some time to achieve as companies rush to find a way through the tariff haze.

How Are Tariffs Affecting the Trucking Industry?

The trucking industry may be affected by the increase in tariffs in multiple ways. An increase in tariffs for Canada meant that Canada issued its own tariffs, the result of which may have lowered some trucking traffic crossing our northern border. Deliveries from Canada may be affected until an agreement is reached on the final tariff percentages. Companies may halt deliveries until the effect of specific tariffs is calculated.

The previous de minimis exemption exempted packages under $800 from the tariff increases. This exemption is being removed, and some delivery services, such as DHL, are halting deliveries to the U.S. from specific locations until analyses of the effects can be performed, which can temporarily lower freight delivery numbers. An increase in tariffs on imported vehicles and steel may make it more difficult and expensive for owner-operators looking for new trucks. The prices for replacement parts for trucks will also likely increase, posing a taxing job for maintenance. Consider used trucks instead, or work for a company and avoid the expense of owning. Tariff percentages are on a rollercoaster ride, making it increasingly necessary to stay informed about the news and keep up with changes to avoid being caught off guard.

How Will Tariffs Affect Us Outside of Work?

Many imports will become more expensive for us to buy. The prices for new vehicles, trucks included, will increase as steel is a significant item on the tariff list. The difficulty lies in realizing how much of what we buy is imported. Coffee in the U.S., for example, is mostly all imported, with about 80% of it, if not more, coming from Latin America. This nation runs on that cup of joe in the morning, so that may hit hard. Electronics are also at risk of being affected by the tariffs, which range from iPhones to televisions.

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