05/17/2026
As fuel costs continue to impact businesses across Georgia, I want to sincerely thank Governor Brian Kemp and the State of Georgia for the temporary suspension of motor fuel taxes, providing approximately $0.37 per gallon in diesel relief. For small business owners operating large fleets such as myself, that relief matters.
What many outside my industry may not understand is that repossession agencies operate under a very unique business model …one unlike almost any other service-based industry in the country.
The repossession industry, is expected to absorb extraordinary increases in fuel, insurance, labor, compliance, and equipment costs while still operating under rates established years ago…as in 5,10 15 and 20 years ago.
That raises an important question:
What other industry in America is expected to continue to provide services for the same contractual obligations yet are prohibited to offset the very costs required to perform the work during unusual circumstances?
The reality is simple: when operational costs rise dramatically, businesses must adapt in order to survive.
Many transportation and fleet-based industries operate under structured fuel surcharge programs or indexed fuel escalation models designed specifically for volatile fuel markets.
These programs establish predetermined thresholds and guidelines so that when fuel prices rise beyond normal operating ranges, a temporary surcharge automatically activates to help offset extraordinary costs. When fuel prices stabilize or fall below those thresholds, the surcharge is reduced or removed.
This is not unusual business practice, it is responsible operational planning.
The trucking, freight, and logistics industries have utilized these models for years because fuel volatility cannot be absorbed indefinitely without threatening long-term sustainability.
The repossession industry should be no different.
Emily Hemmings
President
On March 20, 2026, Governor Kemp signed House Bill (HB) 1199 into law, suspending the collection of motor fuel excise tax from 11:00 AM on March 20, 2026 through 11:59 PM on May 19, 2026 (the “Suspension Period”). The suspension applies to Georgia motor fuel excise tax imposed under O.C.G.A. § ...
