Section 179 Made Simple: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Means for Your Trucking Business in 2026

Why Section 179 Matters for Trucking Businesses

Thinking about adding a truck to your fleet? 2026 could be a good year to do it.

Thanks to Section 179 and bonus depreciation, both strengthened by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed in July 2025, your business may be able to deduct the full cost of a qualifying truck in the same year you start using it, instead of spreading it out over several years. That can lower your taxable income and free up cash to put back into your fleet.

What's New for 2026

• Section 179 limit: $2,560,000, up from $2,500,000 in 2025.
• Phase-out threshold: The deduction starts to phase out once your business places more than $4,090,000 of qualifying equipment in service during the year.
• Bonus depreciation: 100%, and now permanent for qualifying property acquired after January 19, 2025. It is no longer scheduled to phase down year by year, and it applies to both new and used trucks.

Sources: 2026 Section 179 limits from IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32. Bonus depreciation rules from IRS Notice 2026-11 (January 2026).

Who Qualifies

Most businesses that buy or finance new or used trucks in 2026 may qualify for Section 179. Some lease structures may qualify too, so check with your tax advisor. To qualify, the truck must be used for business more than 50% of the time, and it must be placed in service between January 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026 (for calendar-year taxpayers).

Semi trucks generally qualify because they are essential business equipment, weigh over 6,000 lbs GVWR, and are used mainly for work. That means when you buy a Freightliner, Western Star or RIZON from Velocity Truck Centers in 2026, you may be able to deduct the full cost in the same year, taking full advantage of Section 179 and bonus depreciation.

How Section 179 Works with Bonus Depreciation

Section 179 lets you deduct the cost of both new and used trucks, up to the annual limit. It is usually applied first, and bonus depreciation can cover the remaining cost.

One difference to know: your Section 179 deduction cannot be more than your business income for the year, though unused amounts can carry forward. Bonus depreciation does not have that income limit, so even if your business has a loss, it can still help you take a deduction and carry it forward to future years.

A couple of details worth raising with your tax advisor: the 100% bonus rate is tied to when a truck was acquired, which can depend on when a binding order was signed, not just when the truck arrives. Some states also follow different depreciation rules than the federal government, so your state return may look different.

Is There a Deadline?

Yes. To take advantage of Section 179 for Tax Year 2026, eligible customers must purchase or finance AND place qualifying equipment in service by December 31, 2026. Trucks can take time to spec, build and deliver, so it pays to start the conversation early.

Ready to Shop?

Upgrading your fleet now gets you new trucks on the road and may also help your business at tax time. Talk with your tax advisor to make sure your purchase qualifies, and let Velocity Truck Centers help you choose the right truck for your fleet.

Disclaimer: This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for tax, legal or accounting advice. Please refer to IRS.gov and consult with your own professional advisors for more information, including eligibility requirements.