Author: Marcela De Vivo

Why Trucking Is The Most Dangerous Profession

Posted on September 15, 2017 by - dangerous driving, Dangers of trucking, Distracted driving, Driving Tired, Improve Trucker Safety, Make roads safer, trucker health, Trucker Lives Matter, Trucker Obesity, Trucker Safety

Truck Driving is the most dangerous job

You know what we think is a honk worthy cause? Trucker safety. Not only do we want you to be safe, but we would like for the safety of all drivers on our nation’s roads to be improved. We don’t want drivers to make an early trip to the golden highway in the sky, but unfortunately, truck driving is a dangerous profession.

According to the government’s workplace fatality census, truck driving was the most hazardous job last year, so stay educated on the dangers included with your occupation and take the measures that you can to become a safer driver. Let’s check out the leading causes of dangerous trucking to spread awareness.

The Dangers On Our Roads

Distracted Driving

We understand that cell phones have gotten way better over the years, and they can do a ton of cool stuff, making them be incredibly distracting. When you’re tweeting, posting, and snap chatting behind the wheel your eyes aren’t on the road and that’s extremely dangerous.

Put your phone down unless you’re safely parked. If you need to make a call use one of the many modern hands-free devices that are available. Other causes of distracted driving include reading while driving, eating, fixing your hair, rubber necking, messing with your radio or navigation system, and more.

Driving Tired

Trucking is an exhausting job, make sure that you get the rest that you need. Driving tired causes impaired reaction time, judgment, and vision. It can also cause decreased performance, vigilance, and increased aggression. It’s basically like driving drunk. Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep a night and if you’re tired take a break to get in a power nap.

Sometimes people don’t know that they aren’t well rested because they have sleep apnea, the silent killer. If you wake up feeling exhausted, with headaches, feeling confused, out of breath, or wake up due to coughing consider getting screened for sleep apnea, so you can take the steps towards correcting the issue to greatly improve your safety and quality of life.

Living An Unhealthy Lifestyle

You’ve probably seen some strange things around truck stops, including people with their bare stomachs hanging out of their shirts. That’s because truckers can gain so much weight so quickly that they grow out of their clothes before they notice. A poor diet and lack of exercise can quickly put you up the creek without a paddle.

 

Trucker Safety

Obesity can quickly lead to conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and sleep apnea. It can also increase your risk for strokes, heart attacks, gout, osteoarthritis, and more. Trucking involves a lot of sitting but you don’t have to let it destroy your health.

Pack your own meals or choose from some of the healthier fast food options. Grilled salads with avocado and hard boiled eggs are actually incredibly filling options these days. Just go easy on the dressing, cheese, and croutons. You could also try grilled chicken wraps or fish. Also, get rid of sugary soda for green tea or black coffee.

Do your best to move around a little. By taking the time to briskly walk around truck stops or your rig you will burn a sufficient amount of calories. There is also quite a bit of nifty strength training equipment you can take in your rig. 

Stay Safe Out There

We know that this information is grim, but it’s important to spread awareness in order to make our roads a safer place. On a good note, the rate of trucker fatalities has been decreasing each year. By pulling together to drive safer and to practice healthier habits in the trucking industry we can continue to improve safety.

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

How To Save Big Money On Fuel This Year

Posted on September 14, 2017 by - Fuel Expense, Save on Fuel, truck drivers, truckers, Truckers Cut Fuel Costs, Truckers Save Money, Trucking Business Expense

Wendy Dessler has shared a true gift with the trucking community by providing you with a full list of ways to save on fuel. Fuel is your number one expense and it’s always great to cut down on costs, so it’s definitely worth it to check out Wendy’s guest blog! 

How To Save Big Money On Fuel This Year

The price of gasoline is rising, and we do not expect it to go back down anytime soon. But don’t panic. There are ways to save money on gasoline, and some may surprise you! We are going to list our favorites for you on how to fill your tank, but if you have any that we missed, be sure and let us know

Okay, let us get the common ones out of the way first:

– Share a ride. If you have coworkers, neighbors, or students that near by you and are willing to share rides with you, each of you would save 50% of the fuel you use going to work or school.

– Keep your tank full 

– Check your tire pressure
   –When your tires are under-inflated you lose 0.3% of gas for every 1 PSI

– Check your gas cap
   — If your gas cap is damaged or missing, you can lose up to 3 gallons of gas from evaporation every month

– Watch where you shop
    — Some grocery stores put points on a card for every dollar you spend with them. You use those points at their gas pumps and you get money off of every gallon of gas. In some cases you can get up to $1.00 per gallon off.

– Don’t turn running errands into a road trip
  — Schedule what you need to do in a way where you can make a route to each appointment. This saves time and money. If your daughter has dance class at 3 on Saturday and the dog needs to go to the groomer and you need a haircut, make the dog appointment at 2:30, drop the child at practice that lasts till 4 and schedule your hair appointment at 3:15. When you are finished, pick up the kid, then the dog and back home.

– Limit Idle time
   –We have all been told to let our car warm up before we drive, but that means for a moment or two. Then drive it at a slower pace for the first few miles. If it is in the dead of winter, warm it for 5 minutes, clear the glass with a ice scraper and go. After that you are just burning fuel for no reason.

– Get rid of extra weight
   — You lower your gas milage 1% for every 100 pounds you carry. So, if you never use those luggage racks or bike racks, take them off. If your trunk if filled with junk, clean it out. Throw out everything in the car that you have no use for, but that does not include you mother-in-law.

– Coast
   — You know there is a turn coming up so simply let off the gas and coast into position. Hitting the breakfast and then taking off fast uses a lot of fuel.

– Replace your air filter – it has to be clean to work

– Use less air conditioning
   — You use 5% – 25% more fuel than normal by leaving the air on max. Instead turn it down. When you are almost to your destination you can turn it off and should stay cool the last mile or two.

– Never buy your gas right off the highway.
  –They build those stations for folks who do not pay attention and end up running very low on fuel. They have no choice but to pay the higher price. Save money by driving a few blocks away. 

Author Bio

Wendy Dessler

Wendy is a super-connector with Outreachmama who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

Thanks for Sharing, Wendy!

Now that y’all have more knowledge on how to be more fuel efficient it’s time to keep on trucking and put these tips to the test! If you have more fuel saving tips please share them in the comment section below and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs. 

Prep Your Rig For Storm Season With These Emergency Items

Posted on September 13, 2017 by - truck driver, Trucker Emergency kit, Trucker emergency tools, Trucker Safety, trucking, Trucking through floods, Trucking Through Storms, trucking throwing snow

Truck Driver Emergency Kit Needs

Hurricane Harvey, Irma, Jose, and more, oh my! It’s been quite the crazy hurricane season and we’re still smack dab in the middle of it. If you haven’t been affected by one of these monstrous storms, consider yourself lucky.

However, has a road veteran with hours of experience behind the wheel then you may know that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike, some without warning. When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict Mother Nature’s actions, but you can be prepared when she strikes.

How To Safely Truck Through Storms

No matter if you’re OTR or a local driver you should carry emergency items in your cab just in case you’re caught in an urgent situation where the tools could save your life. Also, if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days these items could make a major difference for your comfort level. So, what emergency items should you have?

It’s important to have some bottles of water and nonperishable food. Canned items and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Be sure to bring an extra change of clothes in case you’re stuck somewhere for a few days, and make sure the clothes fit the season. Pack an extra jacket and warmer clothes in the cooler months and clothes that you won’t overheat in during the summer. Always have a reflective vest to be visible to other drivers if you have to get out of your truck.

Since winter is coming up remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Waterproof gear is extremely important because you will be much happier if you can stay warm and dry. Plus, you don’t want to come into contact with flood water. Flood waters are contaminated with feces and chemicals, so if you have to get out of your truck you’ll want to be wearing stuff to keep that water off of you.

How to truck through rain and snow

Other emergency items that are great to have include utility knives, flash lights, batteries, an extra phone battery or portable charger, a hand crank radio, matches or a lighter, a first aid kit, an auxiliary power unit to heat your cab without the engine running, a portable heater, and extra fuel.

To avoid being caught off guard in inclement weather pay attention to the weather forecasts. Know what to expect during your route and if bad weather is a factor reroute to avoid it or delay your trip until the storm passes.

If you find yourself in a pop-up storm with a tornado warning then slow down, turn your flashers on and find shelter. Pulling off to the side of the road is pretty dangerous when visibility is low, pull off as far as you can. Also, you should never stop under a bridge or overpass as they turn into wind tunnels and lots of debris pass through them. If you can’t find shelter park safely and lay in a ditch or low area.

When it’s snowing or raining heavily and you decide to keep driving at your own risk use tail light in front of you as a guide to follow to make sure you stay on the road. Also drive slowly, you don’t want to hit the person in front of you.

If you find yourself caught in a flash flood find high ground and if the road is flooded to risk driving through water. The current could over power your rig or you could get stranded. Turn around, don’t drown!

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it come hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cab in the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi truck safely during inclement weather please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com.

Taking a Moment To Remember 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2017 by - 16th 9/11 anniversary, 9/11, Never Forget 9/11, Patriot's Day, September 11, September 11th, Truckers remember, Veteran Driver, veteran truckers

16th Anniversary of 9/11
No matter where you are and what you’re hauling today be sure to take a moment and reflect on 9/11, as today is the 16th anniversary of the deadliest terror attack on U.S. soil.


We know your hearts will swell with pride today as you see people on bridges and overpasses proudly waving our American flag. Many people can remember where they were and what they were doing the moment they heard about planes striking the World Trade Center. Those memories will most likely never be forgotten.


To honor the 3,000 victims of the 2001 terrorist attack and their families Trump lead a moment of silence to mark the moment that the first plane struck the World Trade Center. You too can spend a moment of silence to remember those events.


Two beams of light will be shooting into the sky tonight where the towers originally stood as a display to show Americans that we will never forget what happened as time passes and we progress as a stronger nation.


We’re proud to be American at ExpressTruckTax and honor all those affected by 9/11. We will never forget what happened that day. The flag can be spotted around our office as everyone takes the time they need to reflect.

Thank you for continuing to work hard out there on our Nation’s’ highways even on historic days like today when we know you would much rather be home with your family. 

Veteran Truckers

ExpressTruckTax Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week

Posted on September 8, 2017 by - Celebrate Truckers, Driver Appreciation, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, Thank a Trucker, Thank You Truck Drivers, Trucker Appreciation

Hey truckers, you know the nation appreciates you right? Well, we do! Thank you for all of your hard work and the time you put in to keep our economy rolling forward. People don’t realize the how hard over 3.5 million professional drivers in the US work to safely deliver goods on time.

That’s why it’s the general public’s turn to give back with National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, which will take place September 10th – 16th. During this week people will take the time to honor drivers and show them appreciation. Although for the daily activities and stress drivers deal with, they should really be appreciated every single day!

Take a moment to see what drivers can expect during this week and learn what you can do to support the drivers around you. They don’t have to be drivers you know, they can be anyone who works in the transportation industry.

Show Truck Drivers Appreciation 

Love’s Truck Stop has actually extended driver appreciation week to a month long affair. In September thousands of drivers will win $100 in My Love Rewards points and one extra lucky driver will win 10K in points. Also, one driver will win 1 million My Love Reward points which is the equivalent to $10,000 in retail value. 

In September drivers will earn a free shower and a free drink refill if they buy 50 gallons of fuel or more. They will also receive a free hat if they buy 3 pairs of gloves for $9.99. Plus, Love’s offers drivers tire care, light mechanical and oil change services, and more!

Clearwater Plaza in Minnesota will be throwing an appreciation event Tuesday, September 12th from 3 to 6 PM! They will have free food, health screenings, games, prizes, and more.

During the week drivers can also expect free food and BBQs or cookouts hosted by their fleets and maybe a few contests and prizes, but that’s not where driver appreciation should start or end. Drivers should be appreciated all year!

Thank a truck driver

One way fleets can give drivers more appreciation is by listening to them. By actually taking the time to talk to drivers and learn about what frustrations they are facing you can give them real advice to fix the issue. Plus, if drivers are taken seriously they will feel respected.

Also, you could take the time to learn about your drivers. They aren’t objects, they are actual hard working people. Take the time to learn their names, about their interests, and hobbies. You can also ask them about their families and invite them to be included in special company events like training days and cookouts. This will give families an inside look at what the trucking life is like so they can better understand what their beloved drivers go through.

You could also provide drivers with something they really need like access to items that will help them lead healthier lives. Don’t just tell a driver how to be more fit, offer them a gym membership or provide in cab strength training equipment.

You could also provide them with free health screenings for the conditions that commonly affect drivers like high blood pressure or sleep apnea.

You could also provide helpful tools for the road like emergency kits, rain gear, or winter wear. These items can be free or offered at discounted prices, but when caught in an emergency water protective clothing, a flashlight with batteries, utility knife, and more will really make an incredible difference.

We Appreciate You, Drivers!

We also appreciate everyone involved in the trucking industry, so much so that we say thanks to driver’s all year long. One week isn’t enough time to appreciate what you do.

Please share your thoughts on trucker appreciation in the comment section and visit ExpressTruckTax.com for more trucking blogs.

Did You Know This About the FMCSA Sleep Apnea Screening Rule?

Posted on September 6, 2017 by - CPAP, dangerous driving, Driving Tired, obstructed breathing, Sleep Apnea, Sleep Apnea in truckers, sleep apnea screening, sleep deprivation, Tired Trucker, truckers

Aeroflow Industrial recently brought to our attention that a silent killer is lurking on our roads, creeping up on the unsuspecting while they sleep, or at least while they try to. It’s sleep apnea, a condition affecting over 18 million adults across the country.

Sleep apnea often goes unnoticed because it affects you when you sleep. It prevents you from getting the rest you need, so you wake up feeling exhausted. This is especially dangerous for truck drivers because driving tired is the equivalent of driving drunk.

However, truckers may be happy to know that they will face fewer regulations because FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) officially withdrew their proposed sleep apnea screening rule.

The Proposed Sleep Apnea Rule

Currently, medical examiners have the discretion to decide which drivers need to be referred for sleep apnea testing because no rules or regulations are put in place. FMCSA would have given examiners clarity and guidelines to follow.

For example, if you had a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 40 or higher you would be referred for sleep apnea testing. You would also be referred for testing if you had a BMI or 33 or higher and met other qualifications like having a collar size greater than 17 inches or having high blood pressure. The total list of qualifications can be viewed here.

Sleep apnea is a serious repository condition that can affect a driver’s abilities to safely operate their vehicle, that’s why sleep apnea screening will most likely become more prevalent in the transportation industry.

Recently in April, former driver Robert J. Parker filed a lawsuit against Crete Carrier Corp, one of the largest based privately-owned trucking companies, claiming that their sleep apnea requirement was unlawful.

The supreme court ruled in Crete’s favor, saying they did not act improperly when they required all drivers with a BMI of 35 or higher to be screened for sleep apnea and to undergo treatment. When Robert refused to be screened he was not given more work. 

A Little About Sleep Apnea

Aeroflow believes that treating sleep apnea is an important safety measure that will save lives and money. Truckers who undergo treatment often have an improved quality of life. Plus, for every $1 spent on sleep apnea testing $3.49 is saved on collision damage costs. One simple test could improve trucker health, safety, and save the U.S. economy about $150 billion. 

Sleep Apnea Testing For Truckers
 Sleep apnea is actually a disorder that causes a person’s breathing to become shallow or to stop completely while they sleep. As a result, their brain and body don’t get enough oxygen. If left untreated conditions like diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and more could occur.

You don’t have to be overweight to have sleep apnea. You could have an obstruction in your airways, your neck could be too thin for proper air passage, your tonsils could be large enough to block air flow, and more.

Usually, you don’t know if you have sleep apnea unless you record yourself sleeping or your significant other notices that you snore loudly, gasp, or choke in your sleep. That’s why screening for it is so important. Other symptoms include depression, headaches when you wake up, insomnia, and more.

The test is easy, you go to sleep while being hooked up to equipment that monitors your heart, lung, and brain activity. You can also refer to a sleep apnea questionnaire to assess your risk. Aeroflow will actually review your completed questionnaire and assess your sleep apnea risk. Complete the questionnaire here.

If you have sleep apnea then may be prescribed a CPAP machine or oral breathing device to help you get the oxygen you need. In some cases, you may be asked to lose weight, require surgery, or be put on certain medications. 

Get The Rest You Need

If you get tired be sure to stop to get the rest that you need. Don’t go past your limits. If you regularly wake up feeling fatigued, confused, or with headaches then you may want to consider getting screened for sleep apnea. Also, please share your thoughts about carriers requiring sleep apnea screenings in the comment section below.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com.

Your HVUT Form 2290 Is Due Today

Posted on August 31, 2017 by - E-file IRS Form 2290, Form 2290, Form 2290 Filing App, HVUT form 2290, HVUT form 2290 Deadline, HVUT Form 2290 Online, HVUt Form 2290 Penalties

Did you notice that alarm going off in the back of your mind? That’s totally normal, don’t worry about it. It simply means that the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 deadline is here. Wait for what?! Actually, you may need to get moving a little, because today, August 31, is your last day to file without facing major 2290 penalties.

So, take a deep breath, relax, and head to ExpressTruckTax to knock out your Form 2290 in a matter of minutes. The process is quick and easy, so you don’t need to panic or feel the need to rush. Go ahead and file right now so you can get back to focusing on the road.

The HVUT Form 2290 Deadline Is Here

You need to file your Form 2290 online today or you could be subject to major penalties. For example, the penalty for failing to file by the deadline is 4.5% of the total tax due, assessed on a monthly basis for up to five months. If you file late and fail to make an HVUT payment by the deadline you’ll also face a monthly fee of .5% of the total tax you owe. Plus, an additional interest charge of .54% will also accrue.

If you think that amount doesn’t seem like much, think again! If you originally owed the IRS $550 then that amount would climb to $700 by the end of the five-month delinquency period. Plus, some states suspend vehicle registrations until proof of your HVUT payment can be provided.

That’s why it’s super important to file by the deadline. By filing with ExpressTruckTax you will get a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email within 15 minutes of filing. You can also choose to have it faxed or mailed to you.

Your stamped Schedule 1 serves as your proof of HVUT payment, so you really need it. Plus, it’s required by the DMV to register new heavy vehicles and to renew your tags. Without it, you won’t be legally operating your truck!

Enough chit chat, you know you have to file, so here’s how you do it. Head to ExpressTruckTax.com and follow their step-by-step guide in order to instantly complete your form. The instructions will tell you what information needs to go where.

If you’re out on the road, you don’t need to find a computer or an IRS office to file. Simply download the ExpressTruckTax mobile app on your smartphone or tablet. This way you can file from any location from the comfort of your own cab.

Don’t forget about the easiest way to file with ExpressTruckTax Plus. All you have to do is call them at 803.386.0320 and one of their US-based representatives will file for you, over the phone. With 1 fast call, you’ll complete your Form 2290 and then receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

We’re Here To Help

If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to call the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions. Call us at 704.234.6005 Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST, connect with us via live chat, or take advantage of our 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. Extended hours of support will be offered during the deadline.

HVUT Form 2290 Is Due Tomorrow, File NOW!

Posted on August 30, 2017 by - 2290, E-file form 2290, E-File HVUT Form 2290, HUVT Form 2290 Deadline, Hvut 2290, HVUT Form 2290 App, IRS HVUT Form 2290, Phone File Form 2290

HVUT Form 2290 Deadline

Whoa, it’s time to get moving! Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax Form 2290 is due tomorrow, by August 31 at midnight. The deadline is here! That means you’re literally running out of time to file without facing major penalties.

We know this puts you in quite a state of urgency, but stay calm. You can file Form 2290 in a matter of minutes with ExpressTruckTax. Plus, to help you file even faster we have put together a list of frequently asked questions and provided the answers.

HVUT Form 2290 FAQs

1. What is my first use month?

Your first use month is literally the first month that you use your heavy vehicle during the tax period. The current HVUT period runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 and form 2290 is due based off of your first use month.

To be specific, it’s due by the last day of the month following your first use month. Because most truckers use their trucks in July, it’s their first use month and that makes August 31st their deadline day. However, if you don’t use your truck until October then your Form 2290 wouldn’t be due until the last day of November.

2. Can I pay the amount of HVUT I owe with a credit card?

Unfortunately, no. You can not pay the amount of HVUT you owe with a credit card because the IRS doesn’t accept credit cards.

One option is to pay with direct debit or electronic fund withdrawal, by authorizing the IRS to debit the amount you owe from your bank account. In order to do this, you will need to provide your bank account and routing number which can be found on one of your checks.

Or you can also pay with the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, where you will create a free account with www.ettps.gov. The amount you owe will be debited from your bank account, but it could take up to 10 days to create your account.

You will need to schedule your payment within your account. You need to schedule at least by 8 PM the day before the deadline to give the IRS enough time to debit the funds from your account.

If you want to, you can mail the amount you owe directly to the IRS with a check or money order. Just print your completed 2290-V (your payment voucher) from page 11 of your completed 2290 form and mail it with your payment.

You only have 2 days left to file!

3. What is an EIN?

Your EIN is your Employer Identification Number, and it’s used to identify a business entity. To complete Form 2290 you need an EIN and can apply for one online with the IRS. If you already have an EIN it can be found on a previous stamped Schedule 1.

You can not use your Social Security Number in place of your EIN on HVUT Form 2290. If you use your SSN instead of your EIN your form will be rejected. If you need an EIN you better hop to it because it takes about 14 days for your EIN to become active in the IRS’s system and your form could get rejected during that time.

4. How Do I file?

It’s easy! Head to ExpressTruckTax.com and follow the step-by-step e-filing guide to complete your form in 5 minutes or less. As a result, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 within 15 minutes via email.

Are you out on a trip without access to a computer? Then download the ExpressTruckTax mobile app to your smartphone or tablet to file at any time, from any location. ExpresstruckTax is just as mobile as you are!

Or you could call ExpressTruckTax Plus at 803.386.0320 to have a local, US-based representative file for you over the phone. It’s the quickest and most convenient way to file, all you have to do is answer a few questions to complete your Form 2290. After you finish filing a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 will be sent to your email.

We’re Here To Help

If you need any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated, US-based ExpressTruckTax support team. Give us a call Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST at 704.234.6005. We’re also available via live chat and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com. Extend hours of phone support will be offered around the deadline.

Are You Helping With Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief?

Posted on August 29, 2017 by - Disaster Relief, Flood, Gas Prices, Helping Texas, Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Relief Effort, Recuse Effort, Trucker Hero, Trucker Rescue, truckers, Truckers In Houston

Hurricane Flooding In Texas

Hurricane Harvey came in pretty strong as a category 4 storm to leave a major impact on Texas as the biggest storm in history to ever hit the state. Over 11 trillion gallons of water have fallen on the state, and it’s not over. More rain will be expected to hit the area and the neighboring state of Louisiana.

Some areas have already received 30 inches of rain, but Harvey may re-strengthen so residents can expect to face 15 to 25 more inches of rain through Friday, causing the flooding situation to become much worse. If you are helping with the rescue and relief effort, thank you for your hard work and time. Don’t drive towards affected areas unprepared, know what to expect.

Helping With Hurricane Harvey Relief Efforts

First of all, Texas and Louisiana have both declared states of emergency, and as a result, a few driver regulations have been suspended, including hours of service. You can put in the time you need to help those in need. However, be safe, Don’t drive tired, remember to take breaks.

Drivers exempted from hours of service and other regulations include anyone traveling into or out of the state to transport supplies, people, or equipment, and those providing any emergency assistance to those affected by Harvey.

Routing to the affected areas may be tricky. Tons of roads are closed due to flooding, including 350 areas in Houston alone, so you may need to bust out a map to figure out where you’re going. Your GPS may not provide reliable information about which roads are closed or unusable.

Even though relief loads may offer more pay, there are a few things to consider before heading out. You and other trucks might be waiting around at relief sites for a very long time because people may not know what to tell you to do or where you need to go.

Hurricane Flood Water In Texas

Driving to these areas could be dangerous. You will need to be prepared with bottled water and packaged food for yourself. You will also need your own bathroom supplies, because there may not be a good place to stop and go for a long time. Be sure to keep your fuel topped off, because you may not have access to fuel later.

Speaking of fuel, expect prices to rise all across the nation. Texas’s crude refinery that can produce 1 million barrels a day has been shut down. Gas has already shot up by 10 cents, but that number could triple.

Flood zones are wet, and the extra rain will make it worse, so take supplies to keep yourself warm and dry. Bring a raincoat, rubber boots or bibs, with a poncho, and insulate underneath. Also, be sure to have a flashlight, batteries, matches, and other emergency items with you as well.

Don’t test the limits of your truck, avoid driving through flood water. Just turn around, don’t drown. Luckily there have been rescuers nearby to help pull stranded truckers out of their cabs to get them to safety so far.

Our Hearts Go Out To Texas And Louisiana

We are praying for those in Texas. If you’re helping with the relief effort thank you for your time and determination. Stay safe out there. If you need to take refuge head to the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, where GATS (The Great American Trucking Show) was held. All those fleeing flood zones and disaster areas can seek shelter there.

Please share any information about the  Hurricane Harvey relief efforts in the comment section below and for more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com.

You Can File HVUT Form 2290 at GATS

Posted on August 25, 2017 by - E-File HVUT Form 2290, form 2290 due date, Form 2290 Online, GATS, GATS 2017, HUVT Form 2290, HVUT, HVUT deadline, HVUT penalty, Online HUVT

HVUT Form 2290 Deadline

We hope you’re enjoying GATS, the Great American Trucking Show. There’s no party like the trucking one in Dallas, Texas! Just keep in mind that your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax HVUT Form 2290 is due next Thursday on August 31st.

Now that doesn’t have to ruin your good time because you can actually file your Form 2290 with the ExpressTruckTax app while you’re at GATS and the entire process only takes a few minutes to complete. You can file while you wait in line for food, while judges vote on show truck winners, or simply while you sit down to take a break.

How To File Form 2290 With The ExpressTruckTax App?

First, you will download the app to your smartphone or tablet and create a free ExpressTruckTax account with your email address. Then you can start the e-filing process which only takes about five minutes to complete.

You will begin the filing process by entering your business information such as the name, address, and your EIN (Employer Identification Number). If you’re a sole proprietor you can use your personal information, but you still need an EIN. Your Social Security Number will not work in place of your EIN.

Then you will select your tax year and first use month. The current HVUT tax period began on July 1, 2017 and will end on June 31, 2018. Form 2990 is due based off of your first use month, and the deadline is due the last day of the month following the first use month. Most truckers use their trucks in July, making it their first use month, so their Form 2290 is due on August 31st.

Next, you will enter your vehicle information, including the taxable gross weight and VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). Be sure to select if your vehicles were used for any special purposes such as agricultural use or logging because those vehicles are subject to lower tax rate. Also, remember that you’re required to include your suspended vehicles on your Form 2290.

E-File HVUT Form 2290 app

After that, ExpressTruckTax will automatically calculate the amount of HVUT for you, so don’t worry about having to handle any complicated calculations yourself. You can pay the amount you owe to the IRS through direct debit or electronic funds withdrawal, EFTPS, or check or money order.

Then you will be presented with a summary of your information so you can make sure you entered everything correctly. Make sure your VIN, business information, and EIN were entered correctly. ExpresstruckTax will also perform an internal audit on your form to catch any basic errors.

Finally, your filing process is complete and you can sign your form with a 5-digit code of your choice at the bottom of the page to transmit it directly to the IRS. Then within about 15 minutes, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

For an even easier and faster way to file call ExpressTruckTax Plus at 803.386.0320 to have a HVUT expert file for you over the phone. All you have to do is spend a few minutes on the phone and answer a few questions to instantly file your Form 2290 online. Then you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Got Any Questions?

Well, we have the answers! If you need any assistance please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated ExpressTruckTax support team. We are available over the phone Monday – Friday from 8 AM to 7 PM EST, via live chat, and offer 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.