FET on New Kenworth Trucks

Buying a new Kenworth truck or upgrading your existing fleet can be a complicated and expensive process. To simplify things, it’s important to understand all of the costs associated with your purchase. FET is a federal tax applied to the sale of new heavy-duty trucks, often adding thousands to the final price.

At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we believe in transparency, which is why our pricing includes FET upfront. Learn how we help buyers avoid surprises and make informed financial decisions with confidence.

What is FET?

The Federal Excise Tax (FET) is a 12% tax on the sale of new trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) above 33,000 pounds, trailers above 26,000 pounds, and tractors above 19,500 pounds. Gross combined weight typically refers to the total weight of a tractor and its attached trailer(s).

Here is a further breakdown of FET on new commercial vehicles provided by the IRS.

Truck, Trailer, and Semitrailer Chassis and Bodies, and Tractors (IRS No. 33)

The tax is 12% of the sales price on the first retail sale of each unit. The tax applies to:

• Truck chassis and bodies, except truck chassis and bodies suitable for use with a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 33,000 pounds or less;
• Trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies, except trailer and semitrailer chassis and bodies suitable for use with a vehicle with a GVW of 26,000 pounds or less; and
• Tractors of the kind chiefly used for highway transportation in combination with a trailer or semitrailer, except tractors that have a GVW of 19,500 pounds or less and a gross combined weight of 33,000 pounds or less.

Kenworth Trucks with FET Included

However, at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we include the FET in our listed prices to be as straightforward as possible. We want to help our customers better understand their total costs upfront. Since FET is a substantial percentage of the truck’s retail price, it can add tens of thousands of dollars to your new purchase. Rather than seeing an unexpected tax at the end of a transaction, our pricing approach helps buyers make more informed decisions without hidden surprises.

Some dealerships may exclude FET from their listed prices, making a truck appear less expensive than it actually is. Our approach ensures buyers get the full, accurate price upfront. Because FET is part of the total truck cost, financing plans should account for it. Our financing experts can help structure loans that include FET, making it easier for buyers to manage payments.

Understanding FET is important when purchasing a new Kenworth truck. With our transparent pricing, our customers can make informed decisions that fit their budget and business goals.

New Trucks at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth proudly operates two inventory locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, offering a vast selection of hundreds of new and used trucks. Whether you’re looking for a powerful workhorse for construction, a reliable sleeper for long hauls, or a versatile vocational truck, we have the right truck for every job. Plus, with some of the most competitive pricing on the East Coast, a knowledgeable sales team, and unmatched customer service, we make it easier than ever to get behind the wheel of your next truck.

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