Welcome to The Hauler's Edge Newsletter! As Trump returns to office, many hauling business owners are wondering about Trump's impact on the hauling industry in 2025 and how they can adjust to make the most of new opportunities. Here’s what we’re looking at and how you can set up your business for the best chance of success.
Lower Taxes Mean More Fuel for Growth
Trump’s likely to push for deeper tax cuts, with talk of dropping the corporate tax rate down to 15%. While the 15% corporate tax cut may not apply directly to LLCs, S-corps, and sole proprietors, there’s still good news on the horizon. Trump’s administration may bring down individual tax rates or expand deductions, which could benefit pass-through businesses like most of us. If individual tax rates drop or if deductions like the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction are expanded, this means less tax owed on your business profits—leaving you with more cash in hand.
Deregulation Could Make Operations Smoother
Trump’s known for rolling back regulations, and we’re likely to see the same this time around. Less red tape could mean simpler rules around waste disposal and fewer hoops to jump through for compliance. This could save time and cut costs.
Could deregulation mean lower dumping fees at landfills and transfer stations? Maybe—but don’t bank on it just yet. Transfer station fees are set by the operators, often with local government influence, and they’re typically based on the costs these facilities incur to process and manage waste. So, while relaxed regulations might lower some compliance costs for these facilities, it doesn’t automatically mean they’ll pass the savings on to us.
In reality, these fees usually stay steady or even creep up, thanks to rising operational costs, demand, and maintenance. It’s worth watching, though. If a station near you manages to cut costs and decides to adjust their rates, that’s a win. But for now, consider any savings from deregulation as more likely to come in the form of streamlined operations, not necessarily lower dumping fees.
Fuel and Heating Oil Costs
If Trump’s back with his energy policies, we might see some relief on fuel and heating oil prices. Here’s the breakdown 👇
Trump’s push for U.S. energy independence means more domestic oil production and fewer regulations. That could stabilize or even lower prices on regular gas, diesel, and heating oil. For us, that means more room in the budget, with less cash burned at the pump.
And it’s not just about truck/equipment fuel. Home heating oil—made from crude—could also drop if domestic supply ramps up, which could help out our clients, especially in colder areas. If they’re not pouring cash into heating bills, they might have a little more to spend on hauling services, seasonal clean-outs, or add-ons we offer in winter.
Now, global factors like OPEC still play a role, so it’s not a guaranteed win. But if Trump’s policies bring more supply, it’s likely we’ll see some savings across the board.
Less money spent on fuel and more to put back into the business or Hip National Bank (your pocket 😉).
Economic Growth = More Demand for Professional Haulers
Trump’s economic policies aim to drive domestic growth, which usually means more disposable income in people’s pockets. When people have more to spend, they’re more likely to hire hauling service providers instead of tackling it themselves—whether it’s for a clean-out, moving, or handling renovations at home.
Get ready to handle more demand. Streamline your customer intake process, from scheduling to payments. Make sure your online presence is dialed in so people can easily find and contact you. Remove any hoops customers have to jump through to work with you. There’s still plenty of competition out there, and customers can easily call someone else. Don’t give them a reason to.
Labor Market Challenges: Hiring Might Get Even Tougher
Trump’s immigration policies lean toward restrictions, which could tighten up the labor market, especially in general labor fields. If finding reliable staff gets tougher, wages will continue to climb, and competition for good workers will likely rise.
Offer the most competitive wages your business can manage, and consider any benefits you can include. Paying a bit extra for a standout, committed team member brings far greater ROI than underpaying and constantly churning through new hires, with all the added training costs. It’s a silent cash killer behind the scenes, but it has a real impact.
Example: say you pay $5 an hour more than the industry average for a kick-ass team member. That person’s going to do everything they can to keep the job and perform because they feel like they’re actually being compensated well. You’ve got to give to get, right? But if you’re paying minimum wage, or barely hitting the industry standard, those hires will likely just punch the clock and do the bare minimum. I used to burn through these types until I wised up and paid more. Constantly training new guys is expensive—and it drags down team morale in a big way.
Also, don’t be afraid to add stipulations to your hiring process. For example, my business doesn’t offer healthcare, dental, or vision. The cost and administrative work just don’t make sense for my operation. However, we do include matching 401k and two weeks of paid time off that employees can use however they’d like. If they don’t use their time by the end of the year, we cut them a check. The only stipulation is that this benefit is available only to full-time employees and only earned after six months of full-time work with the company.
You can also emphasize career growth and provide solid training to help employees feel like they’re valued and part of something bigger than just hauling junk around town. Word gets around, and this will help you attract and retain top talent.
Lastly, consider ways to improve efficiency so you can make the most of a smaller crew if it comes to that. Less labor, more revenue—that’s a winning combo.
Trade Policies and the Cost of Equipment
With Trump’s “America First” approach, we might see tariffs on imports, which could drive up prices for foreign-made equipment. For hauling businesses, this could mean increased costs for trucks, parts, or tools if you’re relying on imports.
If you're in the market for new trucks, dumpsters, etc. it may be wise to shop around and consider sourcing American-made equipment when possible. It could be more cost-effective, and it’s a good look for your brand in this political climate. Also, keep an eye out for any government incentives for buying domestic products—these could help you get new equipment without completely breaking the bank.
Consumer Behavior in a Shifting Climate
New administrations always bring a period of adjustment, and customers might stay cautious with their spending as they adapt to the new policies. We saw this leading up to the election. I run a digital marketing company for haulers, and after talking with guys across the country, we all saw the same thing—it slowed down. 2024 has been a strange year, and the month before the election was no different. Already, though, I’m seeing an uptick in jobs now that the election is behind us, and that’s a great sign.
Also, keep in mind people want to feel like they’re getting real value, so transparency and trust are more important than ever. In times of change, clients gravitate to companies they know they can count on. Make that clear in your messaging, and you’ll stand out when people are deciding where to spend.
Final Thoughts
Trump’s return to office is going to shake things up across the board, and home service businesses won’t be sitting this one out. With possible tax cuts, lighter regulations, and a boost to the economy, there’s serious opportunity if you’re ready to grab it.
But don’t get comfortable—there’s still a steep hill to climb, and the changes won’t be immediate.
Keep your eyes on where the market’s headed, double down on smart investments, deliver unbeatable customer experience and provide more value than clients thought possible. If you stay ahead of the game and lean into these changes, you’ll have a real edge in 2025.
Start now✌️
Justin Hubbard
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