Maryland lawmakers seek to raise gas taxes

State lawmakers in Maryland recently debated a proposed 10 cent increase to the its 23.5 cent per gallon gas tax. The plan would also increase registration fees for truckers by 50 percent, NBC Washington reports.

However, many trucking companies are protesting these proposals and arguing that the increase in the gas tax would hurt Maryland because many drivers would choose to fuel up in another state. They added that the rise in titling tax could put many trucking companies out of business.

"Diesel fuel right now is knocking on $4 a gallon," Mel Fair, fleet vice president for Beltway Trucking Company, told the news source. "These trucks hold 300 gallons. A fill up for that truck is $1,200."

Officials noted that the state's gas tax has not been raised in 20 years. However, it is currently higher than Virginia, Washington D.C. and Delaware.

Safety directors can enroll their employees in online truck driver training courses to help them learn the best routes to conserve fuel. Moreover, these classes can keep operators up-to-date on current events that affect their industry.

By Mark Priest

Maryland lawmakers seek to raise gas taxes

Thursday, March 3rd, 2011