Congressman Ryan Introduces Legislation to Reduce Tire Waste

Congressman Tim Ryan (OH-13) introduced the Commercial Vehicle Fleet Retreaded Tire Utilization Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2022, legislation that would support good paying jobs in Ohio, bolster our domestic supply chain, and promote economic growth by providing a tax deduction to consumers who purchase retreaded tires. Retreading is a remanufacturing process that replaces the tread on worn tires to help extend the life of the tire.

According to a recent report, the number of tires retreaded annually has fallen from 20 million to 15 million due to an influx of cheap imported tires from countries like China that cannot be retreaded due to their inferior construction. Ryan’s legislation would increase the demand for retreaded tires, thus supporting good-paying jobs, limiting tire waste, encouraging sustainability of raw materials, and reducing the importation of cheap tires that cannot be retreaded, known as “disposable tires.”

“As we work to transform Ohio’s economy and compete with the rest of the world, it’s vital we reinvest in the industries that treat our workers well and keep our economy going,” said Congressman Ryan. “Retreading directly supports more than 51,000 American jobs. By providing a tax incentive for consumers who purchase retreaded tires, this legislation will support good-paying jobs, level the playing field for American workers and businesses, and position our manufacturers to once again lead this industry with American products built by American workers.”

The Commercial Vehicle Fleet Retreaded Tire Utilization Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2022 is supported by a wide range of auto industry leaders and manufacturers.

“Bridgestone enthusiastically supports the legislation introduced by Congressman Ryan, as it addresses sustainability, job growth, and the creation of a more robust domestic supply chain. Increased use of U.S.-manufactured retreaded tires will create local jobs, reduce costs for tire customers, save energy, reduce material consumption and waste, and reduce dependence on tires imported from overseas.  We thank Congressman Ryan for his leadership and look forward to working with him on this issue,” said Paolo Ferrari, CEO of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. and Global Co-COO of Bridgestone Corporation.

“Retreading extends the life of commercial tires, providing a more sustainable option for fleets while also helping them lower their operating costs. We welcome this legislation introduced by Congressman Ryan because it helps deliver these benefits by incentivizing fleet customers to buy commercial retreads and choose new tires that can be retreaded,” said Dave Beasley, Vice President, Goodyear North America Commercial Tires.

“Retreading of commercial tires in the U.S. market has steadily decreased over the last 25 years, due primarily to the decreasing cost of foreign alternatives for new tires, which are 65 percent less likely to be retreaded because of their design and construction,” said Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO of USTMA. “By providing tax credits to fleet purchasers who buy U.S. retreaded commercial tires, the federal government would be helping to level the global playing field for U.S. tire companies and shift the business model back in favor of retreading, which provides a highly effective way to recycle tires with many notable economic and environmental benefits. Encouraging U.S. fleet managers to purchase retreaded commercial tires is a win-win given the sustainability, jobs, and long-term economic benefits of retreading.”

“Penske Truck Leasing operates and maintains a fleet of more than 381,000 vehicles in North America. Safe, reliable tires are essential to keeping the trucking supply chain moving forward,” said Paul Rosa, Senior Vice President of Procurement & Fleet Planning at Penske Truck Leasing.

“Retreading is a critical part of BD Transportation’s maintenance program.  When our fleet purchases new equipment, our plan is to “run out” all of the new tires and replace them with retreaded tires on both our drive and trailer wheel positions.  By retreading, our cost on replacement tires are a third of what a new tire would cost if we would purchase new tires as replacements.  Retreading provides us a cost-effective option to reuse our tire casing asset and preventing it from ending up in a landfill somewhere,” said Christina Douglas, Maintenance Coordinator, BD Transportation.

“Freight Service Inc. has been using retreads for over 50 years. Obviously, the biggest reason we continue to use retreads is the cost savings, retreads are about 35% the cost of new tires and the miles per 32nd are almost as good as new tires. The other factor is if you buy quality tires, you can recap the tire multiple times. We recap tires up to 10 years of age and still have a tire that will last until the tread is worn out. We have seen that the retreading process has improved over the last 50 years, so much that we rarely have a problem with the retread coming off. Also, if we happen to damage a recap tire, we do not lose as much money because we have less invested in the tire. Everyone I have talked to over the last 41 years since I have been in this position, I explain the benefits of retreading,” said Dennis Ankrum, Director of Maintenance, Freight Service Inc./Truck One Inc.

“The use of retreaded tires is an integral component of WM’s Fleet maintenance and repair strategy. A properly implemented retread program enables the casings of vehicles to be reused which lowers our operating costs and reduces the amount of waste generated from the operation of our assets,” said Torrey Andrews, Director of Innovation and Business Optimization, Supply Chain.