Author: Marcela De Vivo

3 Proven Ways Lady Truckers Are Improving The Industry

Posted on February 9, 2018 by - Female Truck Drivers, Lady Truckers, REAL women in trucking, Women in Trucking, Women Trucking

3 Proven Ways Lady Truckers Are Improving The Industry

Are you proud of a lady trucker in your life? Do you know a strong, dedicated woman who is in it for the long haul? ExpressTruckTax actually supports all lady truckers and we consider ourselves extremely lucky to see how they’re changing the industry.

More and more women are coming to the industry every day because the secret is out. Lady truckers are excellent drivers! They deserve the respect of road veterans because they’re putting in just as many miles.

Women Trucking Are Making A Major Impact

First of all, women in trucking are so great that they’re getting a second annual cruise. You can join the 2018 “Queen of the Road on the High Seas” cruise for 7 days. It will depart from the Port of New Orleans on May 20, 2018 and returns May 27.

You can actually nominate the lady trucker in your life for the 2018 Queen of the Road Award, which is a dignified recognition award for hardworking female truck drivers. The winners will be voted on online and announced during the cruise! Submit your nominee here!

Now if you’re wondering how lady truckers are changing the industry they’re actually making a ton of things happen!

1. Recruiting Methods Are Changing To Attract More Female Truckers
There is a huge driver shortage out there, with a huge turnover rate. As older truckers retire companies are having a hard time hiring new, reliable drivers. However, they’ve found that they can reach out to women, an untapped resource to fill more driver seats.

Trucking companies need ladies so they’re using more female-friendly techniques to attract them. Instead of using intimidating tactics for the previously dominated male industry they’re switching to warm and inviting techniques. A lot of companies are even offering women equal wages to men.

2. Time And Money Is Being Saved
Women are actually proving to be safer drivers than men. They have about a 25% lower accident cost in the industry than men. This means that they are saving more money for trucking companies.

Also, lady truckers provide are picking up training much faster than men. Something about driving big rigs just comes naturally, and trucking companies benefit by being able to put more qualified drivers on the road faster.

3 Proven Ways Lady Truckers Are Improving The Industry

3. Quality Is Rising
Ladies in the trucking industry are extremely detailed. Their paperwork is on point with fewer mistakes and easier to read handwriting. Lady truckers seem a little more dependable when it comes to meeting deadlines on time, without work that seems messy or rushed.

Trucking women are also skilled in customer service. They are great at conversing and dissolving heated situations. They communicate in an effective, professional manner and tend to react with less anger than men do.

We Salute To Lady Truckers

The number of women trucking might be increasing, but in reality, women have been driving rigs for decades. Now there are many groups like Real Women in Trucking to give trucking ladies a real voice.

We’re proud of ladies brave enough to tackle the road in this challenging industry. Be sure to nominate the hard working lady truck for the Queen Of The Road!

Let us know your thoughts about women in trucking or personal experiences in the comment section below and don’t forget to visit ExpressTruckTax for more trucking blogs.

How To Master Backing That Trailer Up

Posted on February 2, 2018 by - Backing Up Trailers, Rookie Driving Mistakes, Semi Truck Backing Up, Semi Truck Parking, Truck Driver Tips

How To Master Backing That Trailer Up

When it comes to trucking one of the most difficult things to master is backing up. It takes time and a lot of practice. Backing up incorrectly will also make you look like a rookie, or worse like you REALLY don’t know what you’re doing.

In CDL school there’s not much pressure when it comes to backing up because you’re in a training vehicle with objects like rubber trash cans, so it’s not a big deal if you hit something. However, once you’re out in the real trucking world with the trailer you’re responsible for and other rigs and infrastructure that you could seriously damage, things get a little more intense. Take a deep breath and check out our tips on how to become a trucking master at backing up.

How To Master Backing That Trailer Up

What Not To Do

Don’t nose in at truck stops. It looks lazy or like you don’t know how to backup and sometimes leaves your trailer sticking out in the way. Plus, While the back of your trailer is out, it makes it easier for thieves to come up and steal your cargo. Then it makes it more difficult to back out later because you can’t see what’s coming and don’t have much room for the front of your rig.

Also, don’t treat any parking situation the same. Each spot is different with new obstacles to avoid. You won’t become an expert after only backing up a few times, but it will eventually get easier. Always take it slow and be aware of your surroundings.

Never take advice from someone who isn’t a trucker. People are quick to try to and help you park with hand gestures, but if that person doesn’t have their CDL you shouldn’t trust them. They don’t have the qualified experience to help.

What To Do:

Look Around
Preview the area. Circle the truck stop to look for obstacles like trash cans and trees to avoid. This may also help you find the easiest spot to get into and avoid debris like glass or nails. When in doubt, G.O.A.L (Get Out And Look) to get a better idea of what’s around you.

If you feel like it might be embarrassing to get out and look, it’s not. It shows that you’re a responsible driver taking the time to not hit other trucks. Also, remember to hit your blinkers before you back up to make sure others are aware of your actions.

How To Master Backing That Trailer Up

Focus
In your rig, become one with your truck. Clear your mind and get rid of any distractions, this includes silencing your phone and CB. All of your focus should be on backing up. Then take things nice and slow, you never want to pick up too much speed. Also, keep your foot on the brake so you’ll be prepared to stop if you need to.

 Remember to use all of your mirrors, keep your eyes moving and don’t stick to one spot. Referring to painted lines to give you an idea of your angels also helps.

Think about your steering wheel. The top is the trailer, and the bottom is the truck, your trailer goes the opposite way of your steering wheel.

Research
Take the time to get good at parking by finding an empty lot and practicing. See how your movements affect your truck. You can also watch other drivers at the truck stop or go online. Truckers love vlogging these days and have a lot of how-to videos on YouTube.

You could also just ask for a few tips. There’s no harm in wanting to learn and experienced truckers like to talk and they like to help. It’s worth taking the time to see what a road veteran has to say.

You’ll Be A Master In No Time!

Patience young trucking grasshopper. No one perfectly backs in on their first or even tenth try. Just keep calm, become one with your truck, and be aware of your surroundings. You’ll be able to back that thing up anywhere before you know it.

Please add your parking tips in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

It’s Officially The 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline Day

Posted on January 31, 2018 by - 4th Quarter IFTA Return, Easy IFTA Reporting, ifta deadline, Online IFTA Report, Quarterly IFTA Report

ExpressTruckTax users use ExpressIFTA for online IFTA reporting

Wait, what?! It’s IFTA time again already? How in the world is the January 31 4th quarter IFTA deadline here already? That means you need to complete your IFTA return by midnight or you will have some major penalties to face. If this deadline suck up on you and you’re wondering how you’ll ever make the deadline, don’t worry! We have your IFTA solution.

Check our awesome sister, ExpressIFTA to easily handle all of your IFTA reporting needs online. You can quickly generate your IFTA report and use it to complete your return. Plus, we’re here to go over all the IFTA basics so you’ll be up to speed.

It’s Officially The 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline Day 

We will start with a little IFTA history. IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement that was put in place by the lower 48 United States and 10 Canadian provinces to simplify fuel reporting by those who use qualified motor vehicles between two or more jurisdictions.

Before IFTA was put into place fuel reporting was a complicated mess. Each state had their own rules and regulations to comply with, now they all adhere to the quarterly IFTA return. IFTA is used to report and determine the net tax refund that’s due and to redistribute taxes from collecting states to due states.

Your vehicle qualifies for IFTA if it travels between two or more jurisdictions and:

  • Has two axles and a gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more 
  • Has two axles and a registered gross vehicle weight of 26,000 pounds or more 
  • Has three or more axles regardless of weight and/or 
  • Is used in combination when the combination exceeds 26,000 pounds or more in gross vehicle weight or registered gross vehicle weight. 

You actually have to apply for your IFTA license at first, then keep it in your cab at all times. Also, to comply with IFTA you will receive two IFTA decals that need to be placed on your driver door and file your IFTA returns four times a year.

In order to complete your IFTA return you need to provide the following information:

  • The total miles traveled per jurisdiction
  • The total gallons of fuel consumed per jurisdiction 
  • The total tax paid gallons of fuel purchased per jurisdiction, and
  • The current tax rate per jurisdiction 

Preparing For IFTA With ExpressIFTA

ExprssIFTA makes it easy to import all of your IFTA information online in one convenient location. Everything you need will be easy to access in your free account. Plus, ExpressIFTA will use your IFTA records to automatically calculate all of your IFTA totals with 100% accuracy.

ExpressTruckTax knows ExpressIFTA is the best IFTA reporting software

Your IFTA totals will be generated in an easy-to-read quarterly IFTA report that contains everything you need to instantly complete your return. It can be downloaded, printed, and emailed to go wherever it needs to!

When it comes to importing your IFTA information you can go at your own pace. For example, you can keep detailed information per trip with the trip sheet entries or add all your information for the month with the quick sheet entries feature.

Or you can speed things up with the bulk upload feature, which allows you to upload all of your information at once. You can also import your mileage records directly from your GPS and ExpressIFTA even accepts ELD data.

There’s no easier way to prepare for IFTA. Don’t waste time working on complicated calculations when ExpressIFTA will instantly handle them all on your behalf. Time is running out, get started now to easily file IFTA before the deadline.

If you need any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the live US-based ExpressTruckTax support team.

How to handle Missing or Incorrect W-2 Information?

Posted on January 26, 2018 by - Uncategorized

ExpressTruckTax knows filing W-2c with TaxBandits is best

Alright trucking nation, the Form W-2 deadline is only a few days away on January 31. This means that not only do you need to file by the deadline, but you need to correctly file. In order to correctly file it’s important to include correct information as well as all of the information needed to complete your form.

If you find out that something is incorrect or missing from your W 2 Form then it’s up to you to correct it by the deadline! Luckily ExpressTruckTax’s sister product, TaxBandits, makes it easy to file Form W-2 and make W-2 corrections in a matter of minutes!

How to handle Missing or Incorrect W-2 Information?

First of all Form, W-2 is the annual statement you are required to file with the Social Security Administration (SSA) to report all of the compensation and wages offered to your trucking business employees that had social security, Medicare, and income taxes withheld.

You are also required to issue a copy of Form W-2 to each of your employees, as they need this information to complete their personal income tax returns. You must file for each employee who you offered wages of $600 or more to during the tax period.

TaxBandits makes it easy to file W-2 Online in a matter of minutes. Once you create your free account follow the interview style e-filing process that will help you complete your form and instantly transmit it to the SSA.

With TaxBandits innovative, time-saving e-filing features the entire process is extremely convenient. You can use the bulk upload feature to upload all of your data at once, and you can use the postal mailing feature to have them print and mail copies of your Form W-2 to each of your employees.

ExpresstruckTax man quickly fixed his W-2 with correction Form W-2c on TaxBandits

Form W-2c

If you see a mistake or that something is missing from your W-2 Form then you can easily correct it. The correction process is just as easy as e-filing your W-2 form. All you have to do is log in to your account and select correction Form W-2c.

In order to complete Form W-2c you will need to provide the following information:

  • Your employer details, including the name, EIN, address, employer coder, and employee type. 
  • Your employee details, such as their name, SSN, address, and contact information.
  • And the corrected wage and tax amounts. 

You will also need to issue copies of your corrected form to each of your trucking employees, but this task can be easily completed with our postal mailing feature. 

The IFTA Deadline Is Almost Here

Don’t forget about your 4th quarter IFTA return, which is due on January 31! Luckily, ExpressTruckTax’s other sister, ExpressIFTA will easily help you track all of the IFTA totals needed to complete your return. It’s incredibly fast and easy to import all of your IFTA information, because ExpressIFTA even accepts ELD data.

ExpressIFTA takes the time and hassle out of IFTA reporting by calculating all of your IFTA totals with 100% accuracy based on the information you enter. All of the totals will be listed in an easy to read IFTA report that can be downloaded, printed, emailed, and used to correctly complete your return.

File These Employment Tax Returns For Your Drivers

Posted on January 18, 2018 by - Uncategorized

File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax

It can seem like your taxes never end. From your HVUT Form 2290 to filing  IFTA four times a year, your IRP return, and more. There’s always a deadline to prepare for, and missing it could result in major penalties.

Then on top of your truck taxes, you have to file for your trucking business employees by the January 31 deadline! You need to file Form W-2 or Form 1099-MISC and issue copies to each of your recipients by this deadline. Luckily, this can all be quickly accomplished with the help of our sister product, TaxBandits

File Wage Returns For Your Drivers

Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments or miscellaneous income made by trucking businesses for services performed by people such as independent contractors or contract workers, who are not treated as employees.

You must file Form 1099-MISC for your independent contractors if you paid them $600 or more in wages during the tax year. It reports the amount they were paid and how much of their income had taxes withheld, so they need this form to complete their personal income tax returns.

Form W-2

File Form W-2 electronically with the Social Security Administration and issue copies to each of your employees on an annual basis for all of your workers who you paid $600 or more to in wages during the tax year.

ExpresstruckTax suggests filing employment returns with TaxBandits

This form is basically a report that lists all of the compensations and income that you offered your employees during the year with income, Medicare, and social security taxes withheld. Your employees need this information to complete their personal income tax returns.

E-Filing With TaxBandits

TaxBandits is the market leading e-filing solution for business owners and accountants. By streamlining the e-filing process online they make it incredibly quick and easy to complete your returns in a matter of minutes.

Simply create your account to get started and follow the step-by-step e-filing guide that explains exactly where to enter the information that’s required to complete your form and transmit it directly to the IRS. This fast, cost-effective process will save you tons of time and money.

Plus, TaxBandits even offers multiple, innovative e-filing features that make the entire process incredibly convenient. For example, use the bulk upload feature to save time by uploading all of your employee information at once.

Also, forget the hassle of having to go to the post office. Just use our postal mailing feature to have us print hard copies of your returns and mail them to your recipients for you.

IFTA Is Coming

Your 4th Quarter IFTA return is also due on January 31, and you don’t want to miss that deadline! Be sure to check out ExpressTruckTax’s other sister, ExpressIFTA to quickly import all of your IFTA data to record it in one location online. ExpressIFTA even accepts ELD data to make the reporting process even easier.

All of your IFTA calculations will automatically be calculated in an easy to read IFTA report that contains all of the totals needed to complete your return. Your IFTA report can be downloaded, printed, and emailed to go wherever it needs to.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month: How Truckers Can Help

Posted on January 11, 2018 by - Human Trafficking Hotline, National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Report Human Trafficking, Stop Human trafficking, Truckers Against Trafficking, Truckers are heroes

ExpressTruckTax partners with Truckers Against Trafficking

Today, January 11th, marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and it’s probably the most important day of January, which is actually Human Trafficking Awareness month. The purpose of this month is to help provide education about the signs of human trafficking and to encourage people to take the simple steps to put an end to this terrible, growing problem.

Estimations suggest that there are over 40 million slaves today, with hundreds of thousands cases reported across the nation. Each state has a rising number of victims, so please take a moment to see how you can help.

Human Trafficking Awareness Month: How Truckers Can Help

A lot of human slaves are ushered along America’s highways and are found at truck stops, motels, and more. Sometimes they are dubbed as lot lizards and shrugged off, even though they are there against their own will.

This is why we need truckers to become heroes by recognizing the signs of human trafficking and doing their part to put an end to it. All you have to do is make a simple phone call to save the lives of innocent women and children who are forced into labor.

The call should be made to the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Anti-Trafficking Hotline advocates will be available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. You can also text, email, or submit a report online.

ExpressTruckTax has partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking to help educate the country about the signs of human trafficking. So, as the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways what signs should you look out for?

Human Trafficking Signs

1. If a traveler isn’t dressed appropriately

If a woman or child is dressed in suggestive clothing with little to no personal items, if the clothes are the wrong size, or for the wrong season should be a concerning.

2. If they’re branded

Human slaves will often have tattoos on their necks of a barcode of their pimp’s name, which serves as their brand.

3. They’re confused about their location

Many human slaves aren’t told where they are. They won’t be able to tell you about the area and may claim they’re just visiting.

4. Their stories are inconsistent

Human slaves may seem like they are reciting a script they were told to say with missing or inconsistent information. They will also seem nervous and anxious, as they are often being watched. They will never want to discuss themselves and may seem as if they’re hiding something.

5. They won’t be allowed to move on their own

Human slaves are watched extremely closely and will be escorted to the bathroom and any other place they need to go. They aren’t trusted to freely roam.

ExpressTruckTax thanks truckers Against Trafficking for their hard work to save lives

Reporting Cases

When you report a possible human trafficking event be sure to provide as many details as possible. Take note of the locations, date, and time. Then try to describe the trafficker’s vehicles with details such as the color, make, model, and license plate number.

Often times a human trafficker’s vehicle like an RV will have tinted or boarded up windows, so you won’t be able to see the truth about what’s happening inside.

If possible you will also want to include descriptions of all the people you see. Include their hair color, height, weight, what they’re wearing, and eye color if possible. Taking photos always helps.

Thank You For Helping

ExpressTruckTax already thanks truckers for being the nation’s heroes by sacrificing their time to keep our economy moving forward. Now you can save the day in an even bigger way, by spreading awareness about human trafficking and by doing your part to help put an end to it.

If you have any thoughts about this matter please share them in the comment section below.

File Form 1099-MISC For Your Trucking Independent Contractors

Posted on January 10, 2018 by - 4th Quarter IFTA Deadline, E-File Form 1099-MISC, Fleet Owners, IFTA, Independent Contractors In Trucking, truckers, Trucking Employment Taxes

Well isn’t it just our luck that tax season has arrived smack in the middle of one of the worst trucking winters in history?! Now on top of tracking the forecast to maneuver around winter storms, you have to file employment taxes by the January 31 deadline!

During this busy time be sure not to forget about filing Form 1099-MISC for your independent contractors. Also, you don’t need to hire an expensive accountant or spend hours struggling with the form to file. Simply use the easy online tax e-filing solution, TaxBandits!

Form 1099-MISC

Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments for services performed for a trucking business by people not treated as its employees, like subcontractors or independent contractors. The purpose of this form is to report miscellaneous income.

Employers must file Form 1099-MISC for non-employees compensated $600 or more during the tax period. Your independent contractors will use this information to complete their personal income tax returns. Also, you are required to issue copies of Form 1099-MISC to your independent contractors by January 31.

Information Required To Complete Form 1099-MISC

Luckily it’s easy to complete IRS Form 1099-MISC as long as you have your business records on hand. As a business, you’re considered the payee and you will need to provide your business name, EIN (Employer Identification Code), and address.

Your independent contractor is your recipient, and you will nee their name EIN or social security number, and address.

Then you will need federal details such as the number of miscellaneous incomes you provided to the recipient with the amount of federal tax withheld. You will also provide state details such as the state income, payer state number, and state tax withheld.

Filing Form 1099-MISC With TaxBandits

File Form 1099-MISC For Your Trucking Independent Contractors You can complete 1099-MISC Form  in a matter of minutes with TaxBandits. All you have to do is create your free account and follow the interview style e-filing guide. Helpful information along the way explains what information is required to complete your form and where it needs to be entered.

Plus, they offer exclusive e-filing features to make the entire process super convenient. For example, you can save time by using the bulk upload feature to import all of your independent contractor information at once.

Also, forget about heading to the post office! Simply use the postal mailing feature to have TaxBandits print and mail hard copies of Form 1099-MISC to each of your recipients.

If you need any assistance while e-filing 1099-MISC, the US-based TaxBandits support team is standing by to help.

Don’t Forget About IFTA

Your 4th Quarter IFTA Return is also due on January 31, so head to ExpressIFTA to easily record all of the calculations you need to complete your return online. ExpressIFTA will even import your ELD data to make IFTA reporting even easier.

At the end of the quarter, all of your information will be totaled up in a quarterly IFTA report that you can download, print, email, and use to instantly complete your IFTA return! Get started with ExpressIFTA to take the hassle out of fuel tax reporting now!

Visit ExpressTruckTax for more trucking blogs.

Winter Tire Care Tips To Keep You Rollin’

Posted on January 5, 2018 by - semi truck winter tire care, truckers, Trucking in winter, trucking through ice, trucking through snow, trucking tire tips for winter, Winter driving, Winter tire care

ExpressTruckTax shares tire inspection advice for truckers

Winter is here. Not just any winter, but a historically cold one that’s breaking records all over! New York hasn’t been above freezing for days and even Charleston, SC has received 8 inches of snow!

Wherever you are, you’re probably bundled up and want to stay warm. It would literally be the worst time to have a tire issue because you would have to go out and fix it in freezing temperatures! Don’t let a break down happen, prep your tires for the worst with these winter tire care tips!

Winter Tire Care Tips To Keep You Rollin’ 

During the winter it’s best to be more alert. Generally, the driving conditions can darker, icer, and much snowier than other seasons. It can be difficult to see structures like curbs and sidewalls.

You will really want to look out for these objects because hitting them makes your tires more susceptible to impact breaks. If you have a puncture from hitting one of these objects you may not know until your tire fails later.

You will also want to take the time to really check on your tires to look for punctures or damage. Signs of a slow leaking punctures include irregular wear, lower tire pressure, cuts and snags.

Driving with lower tire pressure extends the footprint of your tire which gives you more traction. This can be helpful to give you more control while maneuvering through snow and ice, but dangerous in other situations.

Underinflated tires will heat up faster, especially at higher speeds and can result in premature failure, blowouts, and fires, which all do not sound very fun. Underinflated tires can also lead to weakened sidewalls and can put more pressure on the carcass. You can always call your maintenance department to check on the minimum tire pressure for your load if you’re unsure.

Check the tire tread, because when your tire tread is low the chances of your tires blowing when they hit debris is increased. Keep in mind that the recommended tire tread depth is 4/32 of an inch for a steer tire.

Another sign of low tire pressure is uneven wear around the shoulders. However, neglecting your regular tire maintenance will also cause them to wear unevenly. Be sure to rotate and align your tires often.

Rotating and aligning your tires will provide a smoother ride and will prevent suspension damage. It will also help your truck from pulling to the side and causing your tires to wear faster.

Also, if your tires are overinflated the side walls become harder than normal. This can reduce traction, reduce performance cause uneven wear, and increase the chances for blowouts. Overinflated tires are bouncier too, so your ride can be less comfortable.

We know that you don’t want your truck to look dirty after hauling through snowy areas, so you will wash off all the salt and grime. When washing your truck be sure to include the tires! Cleaning off all the debris and chemicals will help prevent premature wear.

ExpressTruckTax shares semi truck tire care tips

Stay Safe And Warm!

Thank you for all of your hard work during one of the most grueling winters in history so far. It’s not easy trucking through winter weather and we hope you don’t break down or have to stop due to a tire issue.

Please share your winter care tips in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

How Truckers Go Green

Posted on January 3, 2018 by - Green Trucking, Increasing Fuel Efficiency, Saving Fuel, Truckers Go Green, Truckers Going Green, Trucking Environment, Trucking Landscape

ExpressTruckTax explains how truckers go green

In 2018 the trucking industry is expected to boom with increased pay for drivers. As the industry grows over the next 30 years an increase of 45% of goods will need to be transported, so more trucks will have to be put on the road to meet that demand.

However, you may wonder how this could impact the environment. Part of enjoying the open road means getting to see the natural sites mother nature has crafted for us, from mountains, lakes, and more. Learn how to go green to do your part to protect our natural wonders. Plus, must of these tips involve saving tons of fuel.

How Truckers Go Green

Look At How You Drive

Burning through your fuel is a costly mistake that can increase harmful emissions, so how can you save? The first step is as easy as slowing down a little. Every time you go 5 mph over 60 it’s costing you about $0.20 extra per gallon of fuel, so just by slowing your pace a little you will start to see immediate savings.

Also, it can be easy to get caught up in expensive, aggressive driving habits. Quickly accelerating and slamming on your breaks destroys your fuel! Ease up a little while starting and stopping to improve your efficiency.

Know Where You’re Going

Part of reducing emissions requires cutting down on the number of times you make wrong turns and have to turn around. You also don’t want to get confused at your pick-up and drop-off locations, because you could end up circling the facility five or more times while trying to figure out where you’re supposed to go.

Use a GPS system or truck routing software like ProMiles to figure out exactly where you’re going in advance then pay attention to the directions. You can also use Google Maps to reference satellite images of your route. This way you can be sure that it avoids small, congested areas of downtown.

Another great thing to do is avoid congested routes, especially during rush hour traffic. Plus, it’s always beneficial to avoid areas undergoing construction.

 

ExpressTruckTax supports the trucking industry in 2018

Consider If You Really Need To Idle

Idling your truck is costly to the environment and really burns through your fuel. Some trucks use more than half a gallon every hour, so before you idle think about if the cost is worth it or not.

However, we understand that it gets rather hot and cold outside and you need to stay warm or cool. That’s why you should consider getting an auxiliary generator or using the power supply at your favorite truck stops.

Take Care Of Your Truck

You love your truck. It takes you to some amazing places, so it’s important to take care of it. Reduce the chances of it breaking down and save more fuel by giving it regular vehicle maintenance and tune-ups.

Change your oil, change your air filter, check your A/C tubes, are more! All of the time spent maintaining your truck will reduce emissions and help to improve your fuel efficiency. Plus, it will help your beloved truck live longer, so why not spend a little extra time under the hood?

Enjoy The Greener Life

Living as a green trucker not only will help protect the environment but can also help fill your wallet with more green stuff too. Becoming green is a great way to do your part to protect your favorite scenery on the open road as well as save you tons of fuel!

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and share your tips for going green in the comment section below.

Improve Your Trucking Business In 2018

Posted on December 27, 2017 by - ”trucking company”, 2290 filing, 2290 form online

New year new you right? That’s usually how New Year’s resolutions go. You can pick the usual things, like deciding to finally get in shape and maybe eat right. Or you can take 2018 to the next level by improving your trucking business.

It’s a great time to sit down and review the books to see how you can take steps to create a more profitable year in 2018. By taking a step back to put new plans and procedures in place you could really make a difference for yourself and all of your employees.

Improve Your Trucking Business In 2018

Improve Driver Health

As we mentioned above, it’s extremely common for people to vow to get in shape for the new year. You can help your drivers do this by providing them with workout equipment in their rigs. Things like push up handles and resistant straps go a long way, without taking up a lot of space.

You can also get them basic fitness trackers to show them how much they move. This could motivate your drivers to become more active. Don’t forget to cover nutrition, by providing them with the facts on how unhealthy fast food options are and by letting them know what protein packed foods they should be looking for.

Cut Costs 

Go over the books to see where your business is losing money so you can figure out where to save. The number one trucking expense is fuel, so train your drivers on how to be more fuel efficient. They can do this by avoiding stop and go traffic, slowly accelerating, by coming to smooth stops, and more.

You can also save by cutting lodging expenses by sleeping in your rig. All you have to do is make it a little more comfortable for a great night of sleep. Also, by your snacks in bulk to save money by not having to buy your favorite items with marked up prices every time you get hungry.

Retain Drivers

The high turnover rate among drivers can devastate your business. How can you accept loads if you’re constantly searching for new people to drive your trucks? Keep your seats filled by offering better benefits.

Work with your drivers to offer the healthcare coverage that they need. Also, be sure to offer good rewards and incentives for doing a good job and sticking with your company. Maybe offer them prizes for continuously being safe drivers. Plus, you could provide upward mobility and educate them about the industry so they grow as drivers.

Prepare For Tax Season

Tax season is right around the corner. If you miss an important deadline you will find yourself with expensive penalties and fines. Be sure to use ExpressTruckTax to file your 2290 online by your deadline.

Also, you have a lot of employer tax deadlines coming up. You need to file Form W-2, Form 1099-MISC, Form 940 and Form 941 by January 31! Check out how our sister company TaxBandits can help you quickly and easily file by the deadline.

If you need any assistance with Form 2290 give the dedicated, US-based ExpressTruckTax team a call at 704.234.6005. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@ExpressTruckTax.com.