Marina Ivanov discusses her active involvement in advocating for the trucking industry at both the state and national levels. She highlights her passion for creating change that supports both the growth of trucking companies and the overall health of the industry. One of the key issues Marina is currently focused on is the federal excise tax, which imposes a 12% tax on new trucks. This tax, established during World War I, was originally intended to fund the war effort. However, Marina argues that it has become outdated and burdensome for trucking companies, especially those that are trying to modernize their fleets with newer, more efficient vehicles. She points out that the excise tax puts an unnecessary financial strain on companies, making it harder for them to replace old trucks with cleaner, more environmentally friendly alternatives. Marina is working to repeal this tax, seeing it as a key step toward fostering a more sustainable and economically viable trucking industry. She notes that newer trucks are more energy-efficient, have better emissions systems, and are generally easier to operate, all of which could benefit the environment and the industry. Marina is optimistic that the repeal of the excise tax will also contribute to the industry’s long-term sustainability, allowing companies to invest in modern technology and cleaner vehicles. She is particularly encouraged by the growing bipartisan support for this issue, which she believes will be crucial in making the repeal a reality. Marina’s advocacy work reflects her dedication to the future of the trucking industry and her desire to create positive change for all stakeholders.