Author: Marcela De Vivo

New EIN for Your New LLC

Posted on February 16, 2016 by - EIN change, Employer Identification Number, Form 2290, hvut credit, IRS, limited liability company, LLC, Owner Operators, small fleet owner

A few weeks ago the East Coast was blanketed in a thick layer of snow. In the middle of this snowmageddon, the IRS got behind on their e-filing. When you combine bad weather, hardware failure, and the subsequent maintenance, it’s no wonder the IRS clogged up on issuing Employer Identification Numbers!

Now we know this is just frustrating, but who ever thought the government could be behind on something? Not me, no way. Hmm, never heard of that! We know this is an inconvenience – I mean, maybe you had trouble getting your EIN and then had trouble e-filing your 2290s. Or maybe you went out of your way to turn your trucking business into a LLC, only to find out about the EIN delay.

New Business, New EIN

While nobody wants to face a lawsuit, the best thing you can do for your growing transportation business is prepare a plan for facing legal issues. Well, one potential path for owner-operators to take is becoming a Limited Liability Company (LLC). By becoming a LLC, your trucking business has the option to become a separate entity with its own Tax Identification Number and bank account, and it can’t be named in a personal lawsuit against you.

After you transition to a LLC, you may end up with a new EIN! After obtaining a new EIN, you’ll have to file a new 2290 with your new number, and use your old number to claim a HVUT credit.

Why Should You Become an LLC?

Do you have one truck? Two trucks? A red truck and a blue truck? Ah, you get what I mean. You can file to become an LLC regardless of how many trucks you have. Should you separate your business from your self, though? That’s honestly up to you, and you need to weigh the pros and cons. First up, you’ll protect your personal assets in case of a lawsuit. What’s the trade-off? How you file your taxes will change, and how you account for finances will have to change, too! Keep that in mind as you head down this road.

How Do You Know If You Need a New EIN?

Well, not every new LLC needs a new EIN. But a lot do! If you’re wondering how you know you’ll need a new number, the IRS says you will need a new EIN if any of the following statements are true:

  • You are a new LLC with more than one owner (Multi-member LLC) formed under state law.
  • You are a new LLC with one owner (Single Member LLC) formed under state law and choose to be taxed as a corporation or an S corporation.
  • You are a new LLC with one owner (Single Member LLC) formed under state law, and have an excise tax filing requirement for tax periods beginning on or after January 1, 2008, or an employment tax filing requirement for wages paid on or after January 1, 2009.

Like we said before, we can’t tell you to become an LLC. But many owner-operators take this path for the added business protections and benefits. After all, you want to protect your livelihood! Have you turned your trucking business into an LLC? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

After you’ve received the EIN for your new LLC, be sure to file your 2290s with ExpressTruckTax! If you have any questions, give us a call at 704.234.6005, reach us on live chat, or shoot us an email!

The Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

Posted on February 15, 2016 by - 2290, healthy living, otr trucking, safety, sleep, sleep deprivation

Sleep is important. Yeah, you’ve heard it a billion times before. And from a safety standpoint, it’s a matter of life and death. Wait, what? Well, if you’re an OTR trucker, a decrease in sleep can lead to an increase in fatal trucking accidents. Add that to the health issues, and you have the perfect storm to bring a trucker down.

Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep? Do you wake several times during long sleep periods? Do you take frequent naps? Are you always tired? You probably have a sleep disorder. Now, you might think you’re indestructible, but let’s talk about how this affects you and what you can do.

18 Wheels of Safety

There are plenty of reasons why auto accidents happen – but we’re here to focus on sleep deprivation as a factor. Drowsy driving increases accidents and near misses for any driver on the road. The difference between you and a four-wheeler is you’re an 80,000 pound missile on wheels when you lose control. When you’re drowsy, your reaction time is slowed down, and you will rationalize bad decisions that endanger you and other truckers.

Most accidents occur during the hours of midnight to 2 a.m., 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. How does this impact trucking? Well, this factor is huge for commercial drivers – especially long-haul drivers – because at least 15% of all heavy truck crashes involve driver fatigue.

Health on the Highway

We’ve talked about health and fitness many times, but sleep is just as important. When you lose sleep, your body’s defenses are weakened. This increases your risk for infections, high blood pressure, and diabetes. When you’re sleep deprived, your appetite increases, leading to overeating and obesity.

What’s the Best Way to Sleep?

How you approach sleep matters, so take extra precautions for your health. Use curtains, truck shades, or an eye mask to block out light. Cover noise with a fan or a white noise machine. Make sure your cab or bedroom is a comfortable, cool temperature. And make sure you have a comfy mattress, pillow, and bedding. Make sure you’re parked in a quiet, but safe area.

While you might be tempted to hydrate before bed, avoiding liquids will keep you from having to get up in the middle of the night. Keep your distance from stimulants like caffeine and nicotine. Avoid heavy and spicy foods, and stop eating 2-3 hours before bed. Don’t forget, exposure to blue light from electronics will trick your brain into thinking you’re awake.

What Should I Do Now?

Well, if you notice any of the symptoms of sleep apnea or insomnia, contact a doctor. Make sure you’re firm with family, friends, and dispatchers about your sleep issues, when you’ll be sleeping, and that you want to avoid interruptions.

Your health and safety are vital to your job, so don’t let sleep deprivation get the best of you! You have enough to worry about with wintery roads, 2290s, and IFTA deadlines! And If you need any help on your truck tax filings, contact us by phone or email.

How do you prepare for sleep when you’re on the road? Let us know in the comments and on Facebook!

Love on the Long Haul

Posted on February 12, 2016 by - fitness, healthy living, HVUT Tax 2290, relationships, stress, tips & tricks, Valentine's Day

There’s a special bond between a driver and their rig – one which takes constant maintenance and consideration. It’s almost like a long term relationship for some OTR drivers out there! But don’t worry, Trucking Nation, we’re not here to judge.

But let’s examine the other relationship in your life. Whether it’s a spouse or a long time partner, having someone back home can make the road warrior life a lot easier. But it can also complicate things. Constant absence can be hard on a relationship and a family. What’s a trucker to do?

How can you make your relationship work?

Communication is the Key

In order to have a successful relationship, it takes constant work. But it doesn’t have to be exhausting. With the level of technology we have today, communicating with your significant other is pretty easy. You still need to follow the rules of the road, but being able to call and text your spouse lets them know they’re on your mind. And similar to watching your favorite movies on the road, a good WiFi setup can help you feel close by letting you video chat with someone back home.

Set Goals for the Future

Why do you haul? If you’ve stuck around with it for a while, you know you can make a solid living from it. But what are you building towards? A great way to keep your relationship moving is to set goals with your better half for the future. That can be anything from saving up for the house you’ve always wanted, to starting a college fund for your young ones, or even for a once in a lifetime dream vacation. Goals will also make you feel accomplished and appreciate each other.

Hit the Road Together

Now, we know this option isn’t for every couple out there – but team driving does work for some. You’ll hear some drivers praise spouse team driving, and some hate it more than they hate dispatchers. So what are some of the benefits? Well, first off, you drive together and make more money as a team. Also, you won’t be as lonely with your partner with you. And finally, sharing a cab with a romantic partner instead of a business partner erases some issues normal team drivers face.

But you can also find yourself with less time, if one of you sleeps while the other drives. And you have to make sure both of you love driving and spending time together, or else you could end up resenting each other. This option isn’t for every couple, and we understand that, but it is still something to consider!

Take Care of Yourself

When you’re happy and healthy, you’ll find this reflected in your relationships. I mean, there’s nothing better than being on home time and spending quality time with your loved one. So

stay healthy by creating a fitness routine, eating healthy, managing your stress, and taking care of your body!

Fallen in Love with a New Truck?

Okay, so maybe you’re happy being single and just watching out for yourself. That’s fine! And hey, if you just got a new truck and THAT’S the love of your life, you need to take care of your heavy vehicle use tax, then! But you already paid your HVUT? Remember this, when you buy a rig from another owner who already paid their HVUT fees, you’re covered until after the month of sale. From the first day of the following month, it’s up to you, the new owner, to pay the HVUT 2290 from the first day of that month to the end of the tax year.

Basically, the seller gets credited for the taxes they paid before they sold you the vehicle, and then you owe the difference. And if you have questions about filing that 2290, call us at 704.234.6005, email us, or hit us up with a live chat from our website!

Bulk Uploading: HVUT for Fleets

Posted on February 9, 2016 by - Bulk Upload, deadline, E-file HVUT, Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, Fleet Owners, Form 2290, how to, HVUT, Owner Operators

Just a quick update for our fleet managers out there! When you need to file HVUT for a fleet of vehicles, take advantage of our easy-to-use bulk upload feature.

Start by filling out First Used Month & Year, and then select Bulk Upload Using a File when you’re on the Taxable Vehicles tab.

The nice thing is, we provide an Excel template you can use to upload your data to our sites. Select Express Upload to continue.

Just follow these three steps! Download the template by following the “clicking here” link, fill out the saved file, and then upload the completed spreadsheet!

The excel template is easy to navigate, and has clear labels and drop down menus with itemized selections for your filing convenience.

If you make a filing error, our system will let you know! Click “View Upload Errors” to examine the errors. Once your errors are identified, simply fix the flawed entries in your downloaded spreadsheet and then re-upload the file by clicking “Bulk Upload using a File” again.

After that, you can view, file, and pay your HVUT taxes all at once! You have to admit, that’s way easier than doing each vehicle one-by-one.

While we think bulk uploading is easier, you may still run into a question we can answer for you. We’ll always be ready to help you by phone or email. Give us a call at 704.234.6005 if you need assistance!

Watch the Big Game Online

Posted on February 4, 2016 by - carolina panthers, denver broncos, entertainment, football, HVUT, super bowl, trucker technology, trucking nation


Picture this – after setting off from the Carolinas, having passed through Denver before reaching your destination in San Diego, you probably have a lot on your mind. Like if you’re gonna become Super Bowl Champions on Sunday. Wait, what? Okay, if the Carolina Panthers were truckers, that’d be their thoughts this week.

Whatever your route, you’re probably going to want to watch the big game. But what do you do when you’re a road warrior in the middle of a haul?

How Can I Watch Online?

Thanks to the inventors of the internet, you can pretty much watch TV anywhere these days. And even better, CBS Sports will be streaming the Super Bowl free on Sunday. If you have a good wireless data plan, or you can get to a truck stop with free WiFi, then you’ll be able to watch on your tablet, phone, or even your laptop. Now if you’re more old school and don’t keep any of those streaming data devices handy, you can try finding a good sports bar that will play the game.

Of course, if you’re home on some downtime, catch it on CBS Sports, Xbox One, Apple TV, Chromecast, or even Roku.

I’m Driving but Want to Listen, What Can I Do?

Well, we know a lot of truckers have satellite radio. If you do, Westwood One Sports will be broadcasting the game live on Sunday. But there are other options out there, as well. Without satellite radio, you can listen to the game on local radio stations that carry CBS Sports broadcasts.

What If I Don’t Want to Watch?

Then don’t watch it! But honestly, there will always be something else you can check out. I mean, if you’re a dog lover, give the puppy bowl a shot. Or it might be time to catch up on some movies you’ve missed out on. Of course, there are plenty of entertainment options for truckers on the long haul.

We normally advocate for healthy eating around these parts, but come on, we know you’re gonna eat some hearty football food. Pizza? Wings? Might as well! Just try to avoid falling into a food coma if you’re still driving. And stay safe out there, there will be an increase in drunk driving fans in four-wheelers on the road that night.

And if you’re rooting for the Broncos, don’t get mad at us for our Panthers shout out. With our customer support located in Rock Hill, SC, we’re just showing a little Panther Pride.

If you have any questions about filing your HVUT 2290s, shoot us an email or call us at 704.234.6005. Who are you rooting for? How do you watch the game? Let us know in the comments!

Driving Through the Decades: 6 Weird Concept Trucks

Posted on February 2, 2016 by - #TruckTechTuesday, concept trucks, cool trucks, technology, trucking history, trucking nation, weird


Let’s face it, Trucking Nation, we all have something weird in our past! Maybe you went through a disco phase, or you rocked a mullet for a while. Heck, I had an afro myself at one point. But do you ever wonder what kind of weird trends the trucking industry has hidden in its past?

Over the decades, designers have tried to improve the art of trucking with extravagant designs aimed towards bringing trucking into the future. While rigs have gotten more efficient over the years, we’re not in the space age future these designers predicted!

Take a look at these weird-looking concept trucks from transportation’s past (and maybe the future)!

1964 GM Bison Concept Truck

With a turbine-based design, this freight hauler debuted at the 1964 New York World’s Fair (the same event where Ford debuted the Mustang). While this vehicle fell into obscurity, the Bison pioneered automation with an electronic system for loading and unloading standardized cargo containers. While the Bison never took off, another turbine-based engine did work its way into a different concept.

(photo courtesy of Hemmings Daily)

Chevrolet Turbo Titan III Concept Truck

Chevrolet designed the Turbo Titan III with a turbine engine, when gas was cheap and government regulation was light. Styled as the future of the transport industry, this truck had swing-up windows, three lens headlights, and a twin dial steering system. By the time the 70s rolled around, the costs and emissions were too high for this truck to take off.

(photo courtesy of Truck Trend Network)

Steinwinter Supercargo 2040 Cab Under Concept

Designed to reduce aerodynamic drag and wind resistance, this strange looking rig resembles a skate more than a truck. Even though it had Recaro seats and less blind spots, handling issues plagued the vehicle and it proved unpopular with drivers.

(photo courtesy of franestan613 via Imgur)

Mercedes Benz EXT 92 Concept Truck

At the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1992, Mercedes Benz premiered the EXT-92. Utilizing technologies from all transportation sectors, this concept truck had the drag of a car and enough features packed in to create quite a stir – like a fax and telephone system, kitchen with a microwave, and even a built-in coffee maker.

(photo courtesy of TrucksPlanet)

Colani Spitzer Silo Concept Truck

You know when legendary Swiss-German designer Luigi Colani gets involved, the results are going to be eye-popping at least. Conceptualized during the 70s fuel crisis, this rig made a resurgence after the recent global fuel troubles.

(photo courtesy of Dark Roasted Blend) 

Walmart’s WAVE Concept

Designed by Walmart with Peterbilt, Great Dane Trailers, and Capstone Turbine, the WAVE stands for Walmart Advanced Vehicle Experience. This rig uses a turbine-powered hybrid drivetrain, and has a combustion engine that can run on diesel, natural gas, and biodiesel fuel. And while it’s not on the road yet, the WAVE allows designers to test new technologies and approaches.

(photo courtesy of Wired)

While you aren’t hauling freight in the Bison or a Colani truck, your rig still needs to keep up with HVUT fees this year. If you have any questions about filing your 2290s, feel free to contact us by phone at 704.234.6005, by email at support@expresstrucktax.com, or with the live chat support from our website.

Here Comes the IFTA 4th Quarter Deadline

Posted on January 28, 2016 by - 4th Quarter IFTA, ExpressTruckTax Plus, IFTA, International Fuel Tax Agreement, rigminders, taxes, trucking nation


Alright Trucking Nation, while we normally talk about your heavy vehicle use tax, we’re gonna shift gears to fuel reporting! That’s right, it’s time we talk about the 4th Quarter IFTA deadline.

About that deadline… since January 31st falls on a Sunday, that shifts the 4th Quarter IFTA reporting to the next business day – Monday, February 1st.

Can I Report IFTA from ExpressTruckTax?

Yes and no. While we’re geared towards filing 2290s, ExpressIFTA was specifically designed to simplify fuel tax reporting. Programmed by the same team that brought you ExpressTruckTax, you can expect the same ease of use when you use ExpressIFTA. You can even use the same login credentials as you do for ExpressTruckTax!

What will you need for IFTA reporting? You’ll need your IFTA license, basic business details, base jurisdiction, and truck information. From there, you add your total miles traveled and fuel purchased during the 4th Quarter. Instead of dealing with difficult manual calculations and pen and paper, our software streamlines the process. And best of all, you won’t have to pay until you generate your return!

What Kind of Features Can I Expect from ExpressIFTA?

Well, you can calculate your fuel tax reports by trip sheets, or even by uploading GPS data. You can also report by distance traveled or by odometer totals. If you have trip sheets available, you can upload those for even easier calculations!

With ExpressIFTA, you can manage multiple drivers, vehicles, and businesses under one account. And we’ll even check your entries for minor errors on our end before your return is generated. Basically, we’ve made the software so easy, you’ll be done in no time.

After this deadline, your next major IFTA deadline will be May 2nd. Want to keep up with upcoming due dates? Check out RigMinders, the trucking deadline reminder app, or look into a full tax management service like ExpressTruckTax Plus so you can hand off your reporting to a dedicated agent.

And as always, we’ll be here to answer your questions at 704.234.6005, or by email at support@expresstrucktax.com. We even support live chat from our website!

Are you ready for the 4th Quarter IFTA deadline? Let us know in the comments!

Fitness Tips for Truckers

Posted on January 27, 2016 by - cardio, fitness, healthy living, otr trucking, owner operator, trucking nation, weight training


You hear it all the time – trucking is an unhealthy career choice. Sure, staples like all-you-can-eat buffets, truck stop junk food, and long hours planted in a seat give the job a bad reputation. But let’s be real, the trucking life is what you make of it. And honestly, it’s up to us in Trucking Nation to turn the tide on OTR health.

Think about it, you take the time to care for your rig, deliver your loads on time, and file your HVUT and IFTA returns. In the same way, you need to care for your health. We’ve talked about yoga and healthy eating before, but we know some of you want the high intensity release of weight training and cardio to balance out all that sitting time.

Some truckers might go with a national gym chain membership, but that limits your access depending on your route and location. Have some downtime coming up? Look for hotels with fitness centers and you can get in a nice, solid workout before hitting the road again. For Owner-Operators on the long haul with a sleeper cab, you can prepare for a fitness routine by bringing your own equipment and knowing some fitness routines.

Store Small Equipment in Your Truck

We know it’s a tight fit in plenty of cabs, but there are some compact and portable fitness options for your OTR lifestyle.

  • Weights: Keep some smaller weights in your cab. You don’t want to add a ton to your tare weight, but a couple of dumbbells for strength training inside your cab is a great start.
  • Resistance: Resistance bands are a great alternative for hauling weights. With different tension levels, you can knock out a killer workout without taking up much space in the cab.
  • Jump Rope: Hey, if Rocky Balboa could jump rope and look cool, so can you! If you’re already storing resistance bands or bungee cords, toss a jump rope into the mix. Plus, it’s a really effective way to burn the calories of an 8-minute mile without running one.
  • Cycling: We’ve even heard of some truckers storing bikes behind their cabs, which is a great way to stay fit while on the road. Plus, you can get around on a bicycle without having to drive the rig anywhere.

Train Anywhere With Bodyweight and Cardio

While storing equipment works for some, there are several alternatives to hauling a portable gym with you. If you are looking for a high intensity routine geared towards building muscle, consider body weight training. By using your own weight as your resistance, you can get a great workout anywhere for free!

  • Bodyweight Squats: Need an intense bodybuilding without an entire gym? Try bodyweight squats! With your legs and thighs inactive throughout the day, squats are a great way to increase muscles and keep your body active.
  • Push-ups: Everybody knows the push-up. You might even hate the push-up, but you can’t deny the effectiveness. Push-ups work your arms, chest, and shoulders. If you’re looking for a key workout, find space to knock out some push-ups. 
  • Burpees: For an exhausting, yet satisfying burn, try burpees. With a burpee, you get both strength training and aerobics. You’ll feel the burn mostly in your quadriceps, but you’ll also feel it in your chest, calves, and hamstrings. 
  • Cardio: Of course, keeping your heart rate and body active after a long haul is important for the trucking lifestyle. With a solid cardio routine, you’ll improve your heart and overall health. We already mentioned cycling, but there are plenty of body-only cardio workouts that will help you out between hauls. 

Use Your Resources

If you don’t have any equipment on hand, you can still start a fitness routine. Take advantage of your resources until you get the proper gear for your routine. 

  • Repurpose: For weight training, try using milk and water jugs as weights. Just keep the containers empty until you get to a stop, then fill them with water. They’re also a great way to stay hydrated after a workout!
  • Straps: If you’re interested in resistance training, repurpose bungee cords or flatbed tarp straps as resistance bands. 
  • Loading: For some truckers, just loading and unloading can give a great workout. I mean, if you’re lifting boxes day in and day out, it makes sense. Just make sure to follow proper lifting techniques, so you don’t injure your back in the process.

At the end of the day, your health is in your hands. Watching what you eat and implementing an exercise routine will make the difference between a long healthy career or future health complications.

And when you’re keeping up with your rig’s tax forms, ExpressTruckTax will be here to assist you with any HVUT matters. Reach us by phone at 704.234.6005, email at support@expresstrucktax.com, or live chat via our website.

1099s & W-2s for Truckers

Posted on January 26, 2016 by - Uncategorized

Should your drivers receive a 1099 or a W-2 form? That’s the question for a lot of truckers and fleets this time of year. And while we tend to focus on 2290s around here, understanding the personal taxes of a trucker can make a huge difference for both companies and drivers.

Fleets: Do Truckers Need 1099s or W-2s?

Well, let’s get right down to it here – there are a lot of mixed emotions out there over what tax classification drivers belong to. I mean, misclassification continues to be a subject of contention for both companies and drivers.

So how should your fleet approach classification? 

When you bring on a new driver, you should determine if they’re a full-time employee or an independent contractor from the start. Depending on their status, you’ll either need to send your drivers a W-2 or 1099 come tax time. Now we’ve heard stories from some drivers where companies won’t discuss employee status until tax forms are due, but we suggest clear and open communication with your drivers from day one. Sure, some fleets might be tempted to put the burden of taxes on a company driver and send them 1099, but that route can only be traveled with specific conditions geared towards independent contractors.

Basically, treating a full-time employee as an independent contractor will just lead the IRS to your doorstep. And let’s face it, the IRS will come for their money one way or another! Might as well keep your filing legitimate and make things easy on your crew.

Truckers: Independent Contractor or Company Driver?

When you get right down to it, your status as an employee needs to be determined before you’re hired. There are specific guidelines from the IRS on contractors who receive 1099s, and you owe it to yourself to know your status.

It all comes down to how you work – if you’re an independent contractor, you will have to cover your end of government expenses, but you also have more choice in how you haul. Now, if you are an independent contractor (like a co-driver), you are probably used to the 1099 routine. We know it can take a while to get your returns straightened out, so we suggest e-filing a tax extension.

Okay, But How Can I file W-2s and 1099s?

With employee status already established, all you have to do is file for the proper tax form. Now if you’ve used ExpressTruckTax before, you know we like our tax software fast and easy-to-use. That’s why we suggest you check out ExpressIRSForms for filing your 1099s and W2 forms. Designed by the makers of ExpressTruckTax, ExpressIRSForms is perfect for any sized company in need of W2 and 1099 forms. With postal mailing, bulk upload, and multiple users, your fleet’s IRS forms will be filed in no time. Not only that, but if you need to get a trucker’s EIN for 1099, they even offer free e-signing for Form W-9! You can also enjoy the same level of customer support you’ve come to expect from ExpressTruckTax.

Visit https://www.expressirsforms.com/w2-form-online/ to know more about filing W2 Form online.
Visit https://www.expressirsforms.com/e-file-form-1099/ to know more about filing 1099 Form online.

Speaking of tax forms, larger fleets with over 50 full-time employees count as Applicable Large Employers, which means they need to file for Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) compliance. The good thing about ExpressIRSForms is that they also offer e-filing for Forms 1094 & 1095. You could say they’re kind of a one-stop shop for all your IRS tax forms!

If you have questions about 2290s and tax forms, contact our US-based support team by phone at 704.234.6005, email at support@expresstrucktax.com, and live chat at our website.

Winter Driving Tips for Truckers

Posted on January 22, 2016 by - ice, safety, Snow, tips & tricks, truck and trailer safety, trucking lifestyle, trucking nation, weather, winter


We’ve all seen it – you’re headed down a snowy highway and there’s a rig jackknifed into a ditch, clearly underestimating the dangers of an icy road. We talk a lot about filing your 2290s around here at ExpressTruckTax, but sometimes we need to talk safety.

Specifically, winter safety! If you’re new to the Trucking Nation, we suggest you winterize your rig this season. I mean, your route might take you all over the country, even into Canada – so it’s best you prepare for icy roads. While seasoned truckers may have their own routine, it never hurts to have a refresher.

Driving Dangers

While you’re on an icy road, make sure you approach driving with caution! Sure, we could probably write a book on roadside safety for the winter, but we decided to boil it down to a few key points.
  • Go slow! While your freight is important, your life matters most. You might think a road is good to go, but you won’t know if you’ve hit black ice until it is too late. Take it slow, at least until you know the roads are clear.
  • Top off your fuel tanks for extra weight. Not only will the extra weight help slow you down and give you more friction on the icy roads, but you never know when fuel will be hard to come by during a winter storm.
  • Tail lights can be deceiving. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles! If you’re tailing another truck’s lights for guidance, you might follow a vehicle off the road. On the same note, your lights might confuse other drivers during low visibility. Keep your distance!
  • Don’t pull over to the shoulder if visibility is low. Oncoming traffic might mistake your rig for an off ramp, a side road, or they might fail to see you altogether. Make it to a truck stop or a motel, instead.
  • Follow brake standards. Braking a rig always takes expertise, but make sure you approach it with extra care during a winter storm. Also, remember that Jake brakes are designed for dry roads – it’s best not to ride them on the ice.
  • Choose CB over Sirius. During winter storms, it’s best to keep your CB radio on and turn the satellite radio off. Sometimes we get into the habit of listening to music or talk radio, but it’s safer to stay in communication with your fellow drivers during dangerous conditions.

Preparation is Key

Before you head out, take time to prepare your rig for the colder months. Stock up on winter supplies, and inspect your rig! While you’ve hauled plenty of loads by now, take a look at your truck with fresh eyes. Check to see if your lights are in working order, look for accumulated ice, and have a plan for de-icing your truck. And don’t forget to check for low tire pressure. Not only will under-inflated tires decrease your fuel efficiency, but they also reduce road control as well!

After you winterize your truck, stock up on supplies!

  • As the cold sets in, it’s best to have plenty of warm clothing, insulated socks, and top quality boots. It’s better to have extras than to go without! 
  • Consider bringing extra blankets, or even a sleeping bag for the cold nights ahead. 
  • Make sure you have some nonperishable food on hand, since restaurants and stores might close down or become hard to reach. It’s not a bad idea to have mixed nuts, dried fruit, jerky, and an extra water supply stashed away for emergencies. 
  • And don’t forget to keep your phone fully charged, or carry a backup phone charger/spare battery. The last thing you want is to lose contact during an emergency! 

At the end of the day, you know your truck and the roads better than anyone else. Use your best judgement, and if it’s too bad out there, DON’T BE A HERO! Nobody will hold it against you for taking the safe route.

While we can’t thaw the roads ourselves, we’re here if you need help e-filing your 2290s. If you have questions about filing your HVUT, our US-based support team is available to assist you by phone at 704.234.6005, by email at support@expresstrucktax.com, and by live chat at our website.