TANY members gather at Drive Our Voice: To Albany (DOVA) 2026.
Government Affairs
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Trucking Association of New York’s (TANY) strategic plan, with Vice President of Government Affairs This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. leading the association’s efforts to advance the priorities of New York’s trucking industry. Working closely with TANY President Kendra Hems, who also serves as a registered lobbyist for the association, Zach helps drive TANY’s government affairs initiatives and strengthen its engagement with policymakers across the state. TANY also partners with Catalyst Government Relations and CMW Strategies to maintain a consistent presence at the New York State Capitol and New York City Hall, ensuring the trucking industry’s voice is represented on the issues that matter most to its members.
TANY’s current legislative priorities include:
The Trucking Association of New York’s position on Congestion Pricing has always been clear: we support the concept of the program but oppose the multi-day tolling of commercial vehicles.
TANY strongly opposes New York’s Highway Use Tax (HUT) and supports efforts to eliminate it. The tax is an outdated, redundant burden that places New York trucking companies at a competitive disadvantage, increases the cost of doing business, and adds unnecessary administrative hurdles. Eliminating HUT would help keep New York’s economy competitive, reduce costs for businesses and consumers, and ensure a fairer system for all carriers operating in the state. TANY would support the phase out of HUT over 5 years along with a phased in increase of registration fees if necessary to bridge the revenue gap.
The Indirect Source Rule (ISR) is a regulatory proposal that would fine owners or operators of warehouses and logistics centers based on how many trucks come to the facility daily. Warehouses will receive credits for each electric vehicle (EV) that utilizes the warehouse and fine for those vehicles which are not EV. Many in the industry compare this regulation to a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate – as the goal of ISR is a reduction in emissions in areas where warehouses are located. However, there are still significant questions left unanswered in terms of how this regulation will be implemented. Without clear direction, the trucking industry is in jeopardy of negative impacts on prices, routes and services.
TANY strongly supports Governor Hochul’s comprehensive auto insurance reform package and views its passage as a top legislative priority for 2026. These reforms are essential to combating fraud, reducing litigation abuse, stabilizing the insurance marketplace, and delivering meaningful cost relief to trucking companies, businesses, and consumers across New York. TANY is actively advocating for full inclusion of the proposal in the state budget and mobilizing members to engage lawmakers through DOVA Lobby Day and ongoing grassroots outreach.
Small businesses are the backbone of New York’s trucking industry and economy, but rising costs, workforce challenges, complex regulations, and limited access to support service—like affordable childcare, insurance, and retention programs—threaten their viability. Recruiting and retaining employees often depends on dependable childcare and manageable schedules. Policies that reduce costs, expand family support service, streamline regulations, and strengthen small business resources are critical to sustaining local carriers, preserving supply chains, and supporting economic growth. TANY advocates for practical, small-business-focused solutions that keep independent carriers and local transportation companies competitive.
TANY supports adoption of a Clean Fuel Standard for New York that utilizes the GREET lifecycle accounting model and delivers immediate, cost-effective emissions reductions for the heavy-duty freight sector. A well-designed CFS will stabilize fuel costs, accelerate renewable fuel deployment, complement existing climate policies, and generate meaningful public-health and environmental-justice benefits. TANY urges policymakers to act without delay to ensure New York’s climate strategy protects both economic competitiveness and the essential trucking industry that keeps the state’s supply chain moving. TANY also supports the Truck Voucher Incentive Program (TVIP) and Dollars for Diesel Funding.
TANY strongly supports of legislation requiring human trafficking recognition, prevention, and reporting training as part of CDL licensure in New York.
Ensuring that every newly licensed commercial driver receives TAT-aligned awareness training:
- Enhances public safety
- Supports law enforcement efforts
- Leads to victim recovery and prosecution of traffickers
- Reinforces the trucking industry’s leadership in protecting vulnerable individuals
- Imposes no additional cost burden on training providers
TANY is advocating for funding to open any rest areas that are currently closed across the state, as well as for funding to improve and expand available truck parking options including the use of technology that will assist drivers in finding available parking.
As e-commerce demand continues to rise, last-mile delivery facilities have become essential urban infrastructure supporting New York City’s economy, workforce, tax base, and sustainability goals. On average, 2.5 million packages are delivered, and one-third of adult New Yorkers receive a package daily.
TANY supports a modern, efficient, and sustainable last-mile network that:
- Keeps consumer costs down
- Sustains good-paying jobs
- Encourages small business growth
- Reduces congestion and emissions through proximity
- Protects industrial land for productive use
We do not support the Delivery Protection Act.
TANY strongly supports comprehensive workforce development strategies that expand access to trucking careers, modernize licensing and training pathways, and promote safe, sustainable employment across New York’s transportation sector. This includes support for scholarship, mentorship, and career-entry initiatives led by the Shay Legacy Foundation, which play a vital role in attracting and preparing the next generation of industry professionals. Addressing workforce shortages remain a top priority for TANY, and the Association urges policymakers to advance practical, collaborative solutions that strengthen recruitment, reduce barriers to entry, and secure the future of New York’s supply chain workforce. HOW YOU.
Advocacy Resources
Find links to websites, documents and other resources that help TANY members better understand industry issues, access useful information and navigate topics that may not be directly tied to specific legislation.
TANY’s legislative affairs efforts have resulted in key victories for the trucking industry in New York, including:
Successful in passing legislation to prohibit indemnification clauses from being included in shipping contracts, which would hold the carrier liable for all incidents regardless of fault.
Successful in passing legislation providing for a weight allowance of up to 400 pounds for vehicles fitted with an auxiliary power unit (APU).
Successful in passing legislation – The NYS Commercial Good Transportation Industry Fair Play Act – that protected the independent contractor model in New York State
Defeated proposed regulations to implement a series of truck route restrictions across the state.
TANY successfully fought to repeal the Gross Receipts Tax in New York, reduce the Petroleum Business Tax and provide a sales tax exemption on tractor trailer sales and parts.
Prevented a 45% truck only toll increase from being implemented on the NYS Thruway
Over the years, TANY has successfully advocated for multiple reductions in the Ton-Mile Tax (TMT) rates and was instrumental in eliminating Thruway miles from the TMT calculation. Full repeal of the TMT/HUT remains a top priority of ours.
what's your issue?
TANY’s Government Affairs Committee discusses issues of concern and then determines what the association’s course of action will be to address them. Let us know what issues are impacting your business.