Author: Marcela De Vivo

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

By now you’ve probably realized that the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline was yesterday, July 31st.

Crap.

Let’s be honest, who even knew there were 31 days in July anyway?

Don’t sweat it – missing the IFTA due date happens every IFTA filing quarter to tons of people.

Here’s what to do if you missed the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline.

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

Understand The Penalties

The penalty for missing the IFTA filing deadline is $50 or 10% of your total tax, whichever is higher.

On top of that, you’ll be charged .4167% interest on your total tax monthly until the fuel tax is paid.

In addition, and here’s the real kicker, your base jurisdiction reserves the right to revoke your IFTA license.

Sounds terrible right? Well here’s the good news.

Avoid Those Penalties

You don’t need to go through all of that.

The penalties worsen the longer you wait to file your IFTA tax. Since the IFTA due date was yesterday, if you file your IFTA fuel tax today, the only fee you’ll pay is $50 or 10% of your tax.

Plus, in some cases, if you file immediately after the deadline, you can get your IFTA filing in before anyone even realizes it’s late and potentially avoid the basic fee.

Also, first-time IFTA due date offenders will probably not have their license revoked, especially if they can rectify the situation quickly.

Here’s a summary of what I’m saying – You need to file now!

You’ve realized your mistake and you have taxes on your mind, so what are you waiting for?

Knock out your IFTA fuel tax now before this gets out of hand.

File Your IFTA Fuel Tax Fast

You need a quick IFTA reporting solution, but don’t worry, we have a suggestion!

ExpressTruckTax has everything you could possibly need to file your IFTA fuel tax.

We’ll generate your IFTA report and take care of all the calculations for you, including total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and IFTA tax amount.

We have all the tools you need to simplify the process, including bulk upload and a free IFTA tax calculator!

IFTA reporting doesn’t get any simpler.

Missing the IFTA due date happens, but excessive penalties don’t have to.

50 Years of Dave Nemo: The Best In Trucking Radio

Dave Nemo, trucking radio show host, and trucking industry legend is celebrating 50 years in trucking radio.

We decided to recognize this huge feat by sitting down with the man himself to talk about becoming an industry leader and to pass along the invaluable knowledge he has to offer.

Watch the full interview here:

50 Years of Dave Nemo: The Best In Trucking Radio

The Beginnings of Trucking Radio

Like everyone in the trucking industry, Dave Nemo has a story.

His starts at just 2 years old, listening to “The National Barn Radio Show” with his family every Saturday night.

Glued to the soundtrack, the show drew him to music, and radio soon followed. In the ’70s, Dave says, “Radio was a vehicle for music to be heard”.

In college, he was the campus radio station’s music director. Then, trucking worked its way into the equation unexpectedly.

After serving in the Vietnam War, he returned to the radio station where he worked after college, and discovered a need.

Truck drivers were multiplying, and yet, nothing was catered to them. The trucking industry was so unknown that insight for truckers on the road was non-existent. Instead, trucking radio was simply an attempt to keep truckers awake and alive.

Dave Nemo decided to expand on that.

Understanding the Trucking Industry

Beginning in a virtually untapped industry was a learning experience for Dave Nemo.

Gradually, he began to understand the population he was serving.

He recalls having an unexpected connection with drivers because so many were just getting back from war or on their way out.

Dave says, “It’s been an incredible experience getting to meet a population of the country that not a lot of people know about, and yet truck drivers and their families are everywhere. I think 1 out of 6 people in the country is involved in transportation.”

Those who work in the trucking industry form a community. There are no stereotypical truck drivers, but there is a trucking lifestyle. Those who drive are part of a unique family, moving our country forward with great pride and a sense of commitment.

As Dave says, “Trucking is an uncelebrated section of our population – I always compare teachers and truckers… the vital nature of what they do and the little recognition they get for it.”

Advice To Those in The Trucking Industry

50 years in trucking radio is a long time, and Dave Nemo has invaluable wisdom from it.

His advice for people moving forward in the industry or just starting out is to talk to as many people as possible. There are more options in the trucking industry today than ever before. Take time to find your niche.

For more trucking tips, listen to Dave Nemo’s show every morning, 7-11 AM EST on Sirius XM and Road Dog Trucking Radio.

Remember, in both radio and taxes, you have allies in the trucking industry.

Don’t forget, the IRS 2290 deadline is only a month away! Turn to ExpressTruckTax to file Form 2290 fast.

Use ExpressTruckTax filing to meet the August 31st deadline to avoid IRS penalties. Plus, when you file online, you’ll receive your Schedule 1 in minutes.

As the leading provider in the trucking industry, we understand that you have more important things to do than taxes.

That’s why we’re committed to making life easier for you.

Sign up for free today!

Trucker Tips: How I Find The Best-Paying Loads

Guest blog post by DAT Contributor Sammy Lloyd. 

Being an owner-operator is tough. You need all the tools possible to stay profitable. Back when I was leased-on with a carrier, the only way for me to make more money was to become an expert on cutting costs. Now that I operate under my own MC number, I focus on more than just my expenses.

Here are three strategies I use to squeeze more profit out of every load I haul: 

1. Know the current lane rates

After I got my own operating authority, I started out with the Enhanced version of the DAT TruckerEdge load board. It included 90-day lane rate averages. I soon realized I was leaving money on the table by not knowing the 15-day average, so I upgraded to the Pro version. It has helped me get above-average rates.

The first time I told a broker I was looking at the 15-day average on DAT, his whole demeanor changed. He could tell I knew more about lane rates than someone who isn’t serious about their business.

Sign up for 30 days free on DAT TruckersEdge

2. Research which freight markets are hot

I’ve learned over the years that freight is like a living organism — forever changing, moving, and growing. A market that is hot this week may not be next week, and vice versa. You have to keep up with the changes weekly, even daily, and stick to strong markets with plenty of freight.

Before I’ll ever call a broker, I’ll go into TruckersEdge and do some lane searches to see what lanes are paying the best. Then I’ll check the load counts in the market I’m in and get a load-to-truck ratio. If there are way more loads than trucks, I know my trailer is a hot commodity and it will take more money for me to jump on a load.

On the other hand, I’ll take less than the average rate if I know it’s going to take me into a strong market. That’s why it’s crucial to stay up to date on both the market you’re in and the market you’re headed to.

3. Always look ahead to your next load

After I get on a load and know where I’m going, I’ll look into the market I’m headed into and get an idea of where I need to go next. I try my best to stay a load and a day ahead at all times.

I’ll try to secure another load at my destination before I get there. If I’m delivering a load at 8 a.m. tomorrow, and I can get another load with an open pickup window at or above the average rate, I’m all for it. Very seldom

do I pull a load for less than average, but sometimes the cards just aren’t in my favor.

But I keep in mind that time equals money: Rolling at $1.50 per mile today is more profitable than $2.00 per mile tomorrow. Pre-booking my next load helps me cut down on wasted time, and time management is very important in this business. 
With good planning during my week, I find that I can make room for an additional load by week’s end.
On my YouTube channel, MakeCents Trucker, I tell people all the time: I’m not the smartest in the industry. I’m learning as I go, and this is what I do. In an industry where most fail as an owner-operator or independent carrier, I’ve been able to keep the lights on.

DAT Solutions provides truckers and carriers access to North America’s largest marketplace of loads and trucks with over 900,000 loads posted daily. Click here to learn more about DAT and how you can get 30 days free on DAT TruckersEdge.

Click here to view the original DAT blog post by contributor Sammy Lloyd.

This Awesome Free IFTA Calculator is a Lifesaver

Okay, don’t freak out. I’m just going to say it:

Your 2nd Quarter IFTA tax return is due in a week: July 31st

The good news is that you still have time to file!

That is… you have time if you take advantage of online services and tools for IFTA filing.

One of the most important time-saving online tools is the free IFTA calculator offered by ExpressTruckTax.

All you need to do is download the free IFTA calculator to your smartphone or tablet and your IFTA tax amount will be calculated for you!


This Awesome Free IFTA Calculator is a Lifesaver

How To Use Our Free Fuel Tax Calculator

Using the free IFTA calculator is incredibly simple. Just follow these 3 steps:

Once you’ve entered this information, the free fuel tax calculator will do the rest.

Our free IFTA calculator will display your total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and, most importantly, the amount of IFTA tax you owe.

From there, you can email this IFTA tax report generated by your free online IFTA calculator to yourself or any other recipient simply by entering email addresses and selecting “send”.

IFTA Filing Made Simple

Filing your IFTA tax return takes more than a great IFTA calculator, though. That’s why ExpressTruckTax offers a full-service solution.

With innovative features, easy-to-use software, and interview-style questions, you’ll be done with your IFTA filing in no time.

Start a free account and find out for yourself! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our US-based support team via phone, chat, or email.


The Most Important Remix of Old Town Road Has Arrived

How many times do you think Lil Nas X can remix “Old Town Road?” We hope it’s a lot.

Rather than waiting for an unlikely HVUT 2290 remix, we took matters into our own hands.

Ladies and gents, boys and girls, grab your cowboy hats and saddle up because we’re about to take a trip to Old Town Rock Hill.

The Most Important Remix of Old Town Road Has Arrived

Why “Old Town Road?” & Other Fun Facts

It’s no secret – the Form 2290 for 2019 deadline is approaching.

You must file Form 2290 for 2019 to stay compliant with heavy highway tax 2290 and receive your Schedule 1.

We have the perfect HVUT 2290 solution, but how can we spread the word?

One day, the sales team upstairs was helping 2290 Form 2019 filers complete their HVUT 2290 heavy highway tax 2290 when they noticed they were hearing the same song over and over.

It was May, and “Old Town Road” was blowing up the radio, quickly becoming one of the biggest hits in the nation.

We were constantly reminded of the tune, both hearing it in the office and seeing the unique flags lining the streets outside, welcoming us every day to Old Town Rock Hill.

It was Amber, the Director of Transportation Products, who connected the dots with a plan.

“We see those flags every day when we come into the office to help people file taxes. I realized we’d been given a unique opportunity to relate to our customers.”

Transforming 2290 Form 2019 from a headache to a simple process is our overarching mission.

Creating a remix of “Old Town Road” would help us convey that taxes don’t have to be boring.

“I picked up the idea and ran,” says Caitlyn, our Digital Marketing Content Creator.

Thus began a team effort to create a remix of “Old Town Road” dedicated to reminding you to hammer down and file your taxes.

Behind the Scenes of Our Old Town Road Remix

From the start, we knew this HVUT 2290 Form 2019 remix of “Old Town Road” would rely on collaboration.

Our Marketing Team created lyrics for the remix and Taylor, our Content Marketing Specialist, contacted her cousin, the owner of Rich Game Stables in Matthews, NC.

It was all hands on deck. Cardboard trucks were built and painted. Paint was spilled and shoes were destroyed. That’s how it goes in showbiz. 🤷

We definitely faced our challenges. Mixing the music to produce the remix of “Old Town Road” was beyond our technical skills, but we persevered for the sake of 2290 Form 2019 filing.

Even our handmade trucks survived South Carolina heat just long enough for footage before its glue melted and they collapsed.

The Product That Inspired It All

ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized heavy highway tax 2290 Form 2019 e-filing provider created to make filing your taxes easy.

Life on the go can be chaotic. With ExpressTruckTax, you can file Form 2290 for 2019 fast.

We even offer an app, so file your taxes whenever and wherever.

Here in Old Town Rock Hill, South Carolina, we’re here for you. Check out our remix of “Old Town Road”, and then hammer down and file your taxes TODAY! 

 
 
 

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

It’s been a busy summer with many miles under your belt, and many more to go, but if you find yourself passing through Iowa then the time is NOW to take a load off at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree!

To ensure that we “Keep America Trucking” it is important to stay energized while on the road and take a well-deserved break when needed.

Come celebrate with dozens of customized rigs and hundreds of fellow American truckers at the “World’s Largest Truckstop.”

Here’s what you need to know about the 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree if you’re attending this year or plan to attend in the future.

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

The 40th Annual Walcott Trucker Jamboree is currently underway and ends on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Held at the Iowa 80 TruckStop, Interstate 80 Exit 284, in Walcott, Iowa, you can conveniently stop by and enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and of course everything trucking.

This three-day event will also include a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an Iowa pork chop cookout, an antique truck display, more than 175 exhibits, two fireworks shows, and a Trucker Olympics.

This event goes all the way back to 1979 and is still going strong as a great place to celebrate the American trucker and learn about the trucking industry. While this event is a good time and an educational experience, at the end of the day, it is a way to thank you (the truckers of America) for all that you do to keep America trucking.

If you find yourself elsewhere in the country and can’t make it, you should still put the Iowa 80 Truckstop on your list of places to visit! 

It is not only the largest truck stop in the world, it practically has everything a trucker on the road could ask for. They even have a 24-hour Dogomat where you can get your travel buddy groomed and ready to hit the road.

You can also get a haircut, go to the dentist, watch a movie, and so much more all from this one truck stop.

I-80 Trucker Jamboree Parking and Admission

Great news! Parking and admission is FREE at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree! There will be tons of exhibitions for you to visit and learn about what they do for the trucking industry. You can even relax and enjoy an evening of free country music concerts.

However, when you hop back in the saddle on Sunday don’t forget your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is hurtling at us at full speed. Complete your Form 2290 filing with the US-based industry leader, ExpressTruckTax.

All you have to do is spend less than 10 minutes following our simple step-by-step filing guide to transmit your forms directly to the IRS and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

Need some help? Our US-based bilingual support team is available to answer all of your questions via live chat, phone, and email.

Start My Form 2290 Filing

How To Get Prepared For Upcoming Truck Inspections

One thing we like to say around here is “stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”

We are halfway through 2019 and there are still a couple truck inspections and important dates you have to make it through, like the 2019 Form 2290 filing deadline

The CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2019 and the CVSA’s Brake Safety Week are both coming up fast.

If you’re still operating your rig, it is safe to say you survived the CVSA Roadcheck 2019.

If you have been in the industry you know that the truck inspections don’t stop there. Here are a few upcoming truck inspection dates you need to be aware of.

Upcoming Truck Inspection Dates

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2019: (July 14-20, 2019)

The first truck inspection date you should remember is the CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week 2019. This inspection will last from July 14th to July 20th.

Each year this inspection puts focus on some form of dangerous driver behavior and this year there is an emphasis on speeding. 

During this week, North American jurisdictions will be promoting and endorsing the message: “Late won’t kill you, speeding will”

Speeding is the one thing we have all been found guilty of from time to time, so this comes as a forewarning to every trucker with a led foot, who may get stopped.

The CVSA will partner with law enforcement personnel to issue warnings and/or citations to drivers operating a commercial vehicle or passenger vehicle, driving at unlawful speeds.


Previous Operation Safe Driver Week Results

During the CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week last year, there was nearly 17,000 passenger vehicle pulled over alone for speeding and almost 2,000 commercial vehicles. In addition, 17 commercial vehicles were given a citation for driving too fast for the weather conditions.

CVSA’s Brake Safety Week 2019: (September 15-21, 2019)

The CVSA’s Brake Safety Week will be taking place from September 15th through 21st. Roadside safety truck inspections will be conducted on commercial vehicles throughout North American jurisdictions. 

Any vehicle found with critical brake violations, or other critical violations, will not be able to travel until they are up to protocol.  
Any commercial vehicle that passes the truck inspection during the CVSA Brake Safety Week 2019 will receive a CVSA decal to identify them as such. 
Alongside the truck inspection, law enforcement will also be doing outreach and bringing awareness to the importance of proper brake safety.

Important Dates To Prepare For 

ExpressTruckTax’s strives to be proactive. That is why our goal is to get you prepared early for the upcoming CVSA truck inspections, the 2019 Form 2290 deadline, and HVUT payment.

When you file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax your stamped Schedule 1 will be sent to you within minutes. After using the ExpressTruckTax step-by-step method you are good to go until July of 2020!

File your 2019 Form 2290 today and don’t let procrastination get the best of you!




Easy Step-By-Step Form 2290 Instructions

It’s finally here. Today marks the start of the IRS accepting your 2019 Heavy Use Vehicle Tax (HVUT) 2290 returns.

ExpressTruckTax offers a quick and easy 2019 Form 2290 process that out beats our competition. Get your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes with these 7 simple steps. Meet your 2019 HVUT deadline by choosing the leading Form 2290 online filing solution, ExpressTruckTax.

2019-20 Form 2290 Instructions:

1. Sign in/Sign up

If you don’t have an account you can register for a FREE ExpressTruckTax account

2. Click ‘Start New Return’

Click the orange ‘Start New Return’ button and fill out the basic information  What you’ll need: Business Name, Address, Employee Identification Number (EIN)

3. Enter Vehicle Information

Enter both your vehicle’s first used month and tax year.

ExpressTruckTax 2019 Form 2290 filing is based on your vehicles first used month and is due the last day of the month following when it was first used.

4. Add Vehicle Details

Be sure to enter your correct Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and taxable gross weight.

When you enter your VIN and the taxable gross weight knowing your vehicle’s category is important. In this section, you will need to select if the vehicle was used specifically for logging or agricultural purposes. 

There are some vehicles that are exempt or eligible for a break. If this is the case you will still need to file in order to receive your stamped Schedule 1.


5. Calculate Tax

ExpressTruckTax will calculate the tax amount you owe when you file your 2019 Form 2290. We also accept 2019 HVUT payments via credit card, debit card, direct debit, electronic funds withdrawal (EFW), Electronic Federal Tax Payment System – EFTPS online, or by check/money order

6. Instant Error Check

ExpressTruckTax will allow you to review your information and make corrections. Our system performs an instant internal audit to ensure error-free filing.

7. Transmit Your Form

After you have checked for any errors you will need to enter a 5-digit code of your choice at the bottom of your form to electronically sign and transmit. 

Get Your Stamped Schedule 1 in Minutes!

Click the button below to get started today

Frequently Asked Questions

“When will I receive my Stamped Schedule 1?”

After these 7 steps, the next thing you’ll have to do is just wait for your Stamped Schedule 1. When you file your 2019 Form 2290 with expressTruckTax you can expect to receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes.

“What if I get stuck?” 

If you need additional help filing your 2019 Form 2290 our dedicated EXpert support team is available via phone, live chat, and email. Our US-based support staff will take the time to answer your questions thoroughly, so you will know exactly what to do.

“Can someone file my 2019 Form 2290 for me?”

Our sister product, ExpressTruckTax Plus (ETT+) is a full-service 2019 Form 2290 solution. They off bilingual support and will file your 2019 Form 2290 on your behalf, right over the phone.


Call ExpressTruckTax Plus Today!

803.386.0320

It is a straightforward process that will get you your Stamped Schedule 1 via email in record time. This process takes less than 5 minutes and will have you back on the road, doing what you love in no time.

4th of July Activities Near Me: How To Celebrate Independence Day

Holidays away from your family can be dreadful, but we’ve researched some go-to places and events to answer your quest to find “4th of July activities near me.”

With the Fourth of July falling on the weekday there isn’t much room for travel.  No matter where your haul is taking you this holiday, ExpressTruckTax is happy to give you a list of 4th of July activities to consider while you are keeping America moving forward.

The list of things to do on Fourth of July is long, however when you are confined to your rig that list can get pretty short.

It is only right that those who carry America’s load are able to celebrate America’s independence the right way, with some of the top trending 4th of July activities. After all, what is a perfect summer without a few memorable 4th of July activities?!

Hey, Siri ExpressTruckTax! What are some 4th of July activities near me?

 

Pepsi Firework Show – Johnson City, TN

The Pepsi Firework Show will be taking place in Johnson City, Tennessee at the Freedom Hall Civic Center for the 34th year. This event will be one of Tennessee’s largest 4th of July activities going on.

It has even been mentioned as one of the best fireworks shows in the region. If you are a trucker in the area we recommend you check out what the hype is all about this 4th of July.

Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

What better way to celebrate America’s birthday than in America’s birthplace?!
The 4th of July Wawa Welcome America Party will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in the city where it all started. As ironic as this event is we are sure it will be even more iconic. Anyone who chooses to add this to their list of things to do on the Fourth of July will be pleased.
This free event will feature performances from Meghan Trainor and Jennifer Hudson. The concert will begin at 7 p.m and the fireworks will start right after, at 9:30 p.m.

Red, White & BOOM! – Columbus, OH

If you are in Ohio and ask Siri “4th of July activities near me” the first thing that will pop up will be Red, White & BOOM!, also known as BOOM!. This event is known as one of the largest 4th of July activities. It also takes the award for being the largest Independence Day fireworks display in the Midwest and ranks pretty high on the list of things to do on the Fourth of July, for a lot of Americans.
This event spans over a three-day period and is something the entire family can enjoy. It is a packed event that features a parade, food, street festival, and live music.

Go 4th on the River – New Orleans, Louisiana

If your haul has you traveling down to the bayou then New Orleans is where you want to be to experience a one of a kind fireworks display. Go 4th on the River is one of the most unique 4th of July activities.
The fireworks show features dueling barges on the Mississippi River and is synchronized to patriotic anthems. If you’re in the area this is one of the 4th of July activities you don’t want to miss out on.

Happy 4th of July
 
If you’re still debating on where or how you are going to spend America’s birthday we hope that you find a bit of peace and a lot of fun with these 4, 4th of July activities.
No matter where you are celebrating on the Fourth, ExpressTruckTax wants to wish you a Happy and Safe Fourth of July.

*Have you filed your Form 2290, yet? There’s still time to file and win $100+ worth of trucker swag. Click here to file now. 
 
 
 
 

Get To Know ExpressTruckTax, The Leading 2290 Filing Solution

Why is ExpressTruckTax the leading Form 2290 filing solution?

Simple, it’s because of fleets and drivers like you! 

At ExpressTruckTax, we know and understand how hard it is to leave your friends and family at the start of a long haul. So when you are off the clock or back home the last thing you want to deal with is taxes.

The Trucking Industry Moves America Forward One Load at a Time.

Who is ExpressTruckTax?

ExpressTruckTax is committed to making the HVUT (Heavy Vehicle Use Tax) filing process easy. We stand behind drivers and their families to keep them tax compliant year-round.

After a long haul spent away from your friends and family you deserve a simple and easy Form 2290 filing process. When you file with ExpressTruckTax we guarantee you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes so you can get back to moving America forward. 

How do we stick to our why?

We show our commitment to those in the trucking industry by going the extra mile, each day.

Our bilingual support staff is trained to answer any questions you have about your Form 2290 for 2019.

Your time is valuable, so we continue to strive for excellence by saving you time and money. Don’t get stopped this season because of an expired Schedule 1. 

What does ExpressTruckTax do?

ExpressTruckTax is the leading HVUT solution providing over half a million truck drivers with the easiest Form 2290 online process.
ExpressTruckTax knows the significance of giving our clients options. That’s why we give you the option to pay with a credit card, copy your previous returns, file using our free Form 2290 mobile, and so much more.
Have questions about our filing process or IRS Form 2290? Contact our US-based support staff via phone, email, or chat today! We’re here to help you every step of the way.
ExpressTruckTax is the #1 Choice Among Fleets & Drivers