Trump's tax plan strips a key exemption for dining & living expenses for truckers while on the road

[soryang]

3. Most of the "owner operators" I met were not doing well financially

They weren't paid enough per mile to recoup their expenses. Any adverse tax treatment would put them under, they were so marginal anyway. Especially, those who bought into the "lease to own" racket.

I haven't driven in three years so I could be out of date. The owner operators I knew who did do well, were older experienced drivers, in a niche business, with an older rig, already paid off, and moving some specialized cargo for a company or companies with specialized transportation needs. These drivers made money.

Losing per diem deductions would have hurt me a lot tax wise as a company (employee) driver, so I'm glad I no longer drive.