Trucks wait to refuel in Calgary in 2024. In its annual budget, the federal government has pledged $77-million over four years to curb tax avoidance among trucking companies.

Trucking companies that falsely classify their drivers as self-employed to save on payroll costs will face closer scrutiny from tax authorities, as Ottawa pledges $77-million over four years to curb tax avoidance in the sector.

Tuesday’s federal budget takes aim at a scheme known as “Driver Inc.” in the trucking industry. The business model sees companies lighten their tax burden by treating drivers as independent contractors rather than employees, even when drivers do not own their own trucks and have little control over their working conditions.

In a statement issued ahead of Tuesday’s budget, the Finance Ministr

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