Author: Marcela De Vivo

#WellnessWednesday: 4 Ways to Eat Healthy on the Road

Posted on July 29, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, healthy eating, Healthy Tips

Truck stops have a reputation for being filled with greasy, fatty, fried foods that aren’t good for you. But you’d be surprised how easy it is to create a simple and healthy meal from the variety of foods you can find there.

From fresh fruit, to whole grain bread, truck stops are packed with variety. They even have protein shakes with low calories and carbohydrates to accommodate people of all diets and lifestyles.

Here’s a few healthy choices you can make instead of choosing something fried.

4. Yogurt & Fruit

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but a lot of people seem to skip it. Especially when they’re on the road, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Having a small breakfast of just yogurt or a piece of fruit can greatly improve your day and even boost your metabolism.

In fact, if you’re like most people, eating several small meals every day will help your digestive system and give you more energy.

And, as an added bonus, you can find yogurt and fruit at any truck stop. It’s not all grease and pizza! You can even grab a cheese stick, or a fruit and nut bar. Anything to get that metabolism going early in the morning.

3. Whole Grain Sandwiches

Whole grain sandwiches are cropping up at truck stops all across the US. In fact, truckers being able to have healthier options is becoming a large movement.

We have to take care of the dedicated men and women who haul goods from state to state. And adding healthier options is just one of the many ways the trucking industry is changing to make the lives of truckers better.

So the next time you stop off to get some gas and some food, consider eating whole grain. It’s better for your digestive system, and it has the added effect of being healthy for you. Plus, most of those sandwiches are loaded with protein and a lot of vitamins to keep you healthy on the road.

You should also consider eating a cheese stick or pepperoni stick on the side, instead of chips. But, if you prefer to have chips, consider chex mix, sun chips, or baked chips as an alternative to regular fried potato chips.

2. Salads

At first salads may not seem very filling, but the ones you can get at your truck stop have a lot more substance to them than just “rabbit food.” These salads are monsters! Filled with chunks of meat, and tons of eggs and cheese.

And that’s not all! You can get all sorts of different salads filled with everything you need to fill you up and make your whole day better.

1. Wraps

Wraps are a good standby that can be found at most truck stops and fast food places as a healthy option. And while tortillas aren’t much healthier than whole grain bread, wraps are usually packed with vegetables, meats, and cheese to help you get a well-rounded diet.

Plus, some truck stops are introducing corn wraps, which are much healthier than the flour tortillas. Corn tortillas have less sodium, less calories, and they offer a better taste and texture to your food. Not to mention, it’s something different. And a well-rounded diet with a lot of variety can really help!

Keeping a well-balanced diet while on the road can be tough, but manageable! Especially with all the options you can find at truck stops. Don’t let their “unsavory” reputations fool you. They have so much more to offer than fried chicken and taquitos.

Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

It’s #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation!

Posted on July 28, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, express truck tax

That means even more trucking awesome concept trucks, truck accessories, and truck-tastic apps for our road warriors.  


As the world of technology becomes bigger and bigger, the trucking industry can bring you better and safer truck accessories, concept trucks, and apps to make the industry even better.  


Because trucking is so much more than just hauling goods, it’s a livelihood and it’s the backbone of this great American Nation.

Trucking Awesome (Truck Concepts)

This week in Trucking Awesome, ECS brings a monocoque truck frame to the table.  The company aims to use this frame to reduce the weight of heavy vehicles and improve overall road performance.  



The stiffness and stability of the frame will accomplish this nicely.  Plus, with reducing the weight of the vehicle (by a whopping 30%), ECS aims to reduce the resources used in all processes of production.  

This means there will be less metal used, less fuel consumed, and a less-involved vehicle manufacturing process, all by making the frame more stable.  Plus, ECS will reduce the carbon footprints of future vehicles.  Something our environment desperately needs.  

Truck Accessories

When you’re on the road for most of the week, your truck tends to become your home.  And like a home, you need to be able to make it as comfortable as possible.  Especially since, as a trucker, you have to keep track of several different things in order to continue operating your vehicle.  

That’s where truck accessories like a laptop mount come in handy.  Instead of having your laptop in your lap and hunching over it, this system allows you to mount it in your sleeper.  That way you don’t have to hunch and struggle to remain comfortable at the expense of your back.


Since the mount is adjustable, it can work with virtually any size truck and virtually any sized laptop.  It’s a small price to pay for the added comfort of being able to sit up straight to file your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax.

Apps for Road Warriors

Thanks to ExpressTruckTax, members of OOIDA now have their very own portal to e-file their Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes and their State-Specific IFTA.


That means members of OOIDA can e-file with ExpressTruckTax, leaders in the truck tax industry, and reap the numerous returning user benefits they offer, including their unparalleled USA-based support legends.  

The whole process takes less than 15 minutes, and most returns are accepted instantly.  And that’s it, you’ll get your Stamped Schedule 1 and get back to your life.  No paper, no calculations, and no wasting time.  Just streamlined filing for OOIDA members.

So download the app today for either Android or iOS.

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

If you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process, we’re here for you. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

Get Ready for July 31st With ExpressIFTA

Posted on July 27, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, IFTA, Taxable gross vehicle weight, Truck Tax

If you haven’t already filed for your IFTA this quarter, the deadline is only two days away! That means, if you own or operate a heavy vehicle, you should already have your returns postmarked by today, but if you don’t, ExpressTruckTax has your back.

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we’re about so much more than e-filing your 2290. We also offer a service that helps you when it comes to filing for IFTA.

ExpressIFTA is the fastest and most convenient way to prepare your International Fuel Tax Agreement quarterly return. It’s so simple you don’t even have to break out your calculator, because ExpressIFTA can calculate what you owe!

All you have to do is follow three simple steps. So get your trip sheets ready, and prepare to be amazed.

Step 1: Account Creation

  • Login or create your free account
    • Pro-tip #1: If you’ve already signed up for ExpressTrcukTax, you can use that same account to login to ExpressIFTA.
  • Enter your business details and base jurisdiction

Step 2: Vehicle Information

  • Enter your vehicle information
  • Including your VIN and Gross Vehicle Weight
  • Then you can click “Save,” or if you have more than one vehicle you need to file for, you can click “Save and Add Another.”

Step 3: Fuel Records

  • Use your trip sheets to enter your distance and fuel records
    • Pro-tip#2: If you have a GPS, you can upload those records and save even more time.

Now all that’s left to do is print out your State-Specific IFTA and mail it in. You don’t even have to do any of those pesky calculations because ExpressIFTA does all that for you.

If you need any help with preparing your IFTA, just give our dedicated support legends a call! You can reach them by phone during our new extended business hours Monday-Friday from 8AM – 8PM EST at 704.234.6005. You can also reach them by e-mail at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support.

Happy filing, Trucking Nation!

How to Create a New Account with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on July 23, 2015 by - Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Truck Tax

There’s only just about a month left to e-file your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax before the deadline. If you haven’t already e-filed, it’s time to begin your e-filing journey with ExpressTruckTax!

Before beginning your e-filing journey, there are some things to consider. Especially if you’ve never e-filed or created an account with us before. So here’s what you should know before you e-file.

Before You File

Creating an account with us is easy, but before you’re ready to begin the e-filing process, there are some things you need:

  • A computer, tablet, or smartphone
  • An internet connection
  • Your business name and address
  • Your EIN
  • Pro-tip #1: If you haven’t gotten an EIN yet, it takes the IRS 10 business days to make it active in their system. So you need to get one right away to have time to e-file before the deadline. If forgotten your EIN, then give the IRS EIN hotline a call at 1.800.829.4933 to find out your EIN safely and securely.
  • Your VIN
  • Your Gross Vehicle Weight

But once you have all that squared away, you’re ready to get started! All you have to do is go to the New User section and create your FREE account.

Step 1: Creating Your Account

  • Enter your name, phone number, email address, and a password of your choosing. Then select whether you would like to see the site in English or Spanish.
    • Pro-tip #2: To create your account even faster, you can choose to login with your Facebook or Google+ account. To do this, just click on the corresponding Facebook or Google+ icon at the top of the login page and allow ExpressTruckTax access to your account.

Step 2: Entering Your Business Details

  • Then once you’ve setup your initial account, it’s time to enter your business details. This is where the information you needed to know before e-filing comes in. 
    • To get started, choose your business type from the drop-down menu. Select from LLC, corporation, sole proprietorship, etc.
  • Then enter your legal business name exactly as the IRS has it stored on record. If the business name doesn’t match, your return could be rejected by the IRS. 
  • Next enter your DBA or “Doing Business As” name. This only needs to be entered in if the name you’re doing business as is different than the name connected to your EIN.
  • Now here the big one! Enter your EIN. And remember, it has to be at least 10 business days old or it won’t work!
  • Then enter your business address and the signing authority if you have a person that is e-filing for your business. This could be your CEO, bookkeeper, spouse, or a CPA.

And that’s it! You’ve created your account. Now you can start e-filing with ease.

If you need any help setting up your account, or e-filing with us, we’ve got a whole team of dedicated support legends to assist you from right here in Rock Hill, SC. So give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM to 8PM EST. Or you can send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

#WellnessWednesday: Smoothies on the Road

Posted on July 22, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, smoothies

At ExpressTruckTax, we’ve been celebrating summer with our Summer Series of Giveaways. Every few weeks, we raffle off a prize to one lucky e-filer, and from now until the end of July, you can win a travel blender! Perfect for making delicious and nutritious smoothies right in the cab of your truck.

All you need to do is e-file with us and “Like” us on Facebook, and you’re entered to win an awesome Hamilton Beach Single Serve Travel Blender!

In honor of our current giveaway, this week’s #WellnessWednesday will feature some great smoothie recipes for truckers!

Carrying around food items that need to be refrigerated in a truck can be a bit of a headache. But almost anything can be made into a smoothie, including, non-perishable food items and non-temperature sensitive fruit.

So grab yourself a bag of ice and a cooler, and enjoy being healthy on-the-go!

These recipes are simple. In fact, most of them only require a few ingredients, a handful of ice, and a single-serve travel blender.

Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

3 tbsp of Peanut Butter
A single medium-sized banana, sliced
A handful of Ice
1 cup of Milk, ½ a cup of Kefir, or ½ cup of Yogurt
Honey to add sweetness

For a thicker smoothie, choose the kefir or yogurt option. If you prefer smoothies with a thinner consistency, go with milk. The peanut butter acts as a thickener for this particular smoothie anyway.

The best milk to use in situations where you’re travelling are single-serving boxed milk cartons. You can find them in the juice or cereal aisle of most supermarkets. They don’t need to be refrigerated until after you open them, so you can make a smoothie and get a full serving of calcium all in one fell swoop.

Making the actual smoothie is easy. All you have to do is make sure you add the banana first (you don’t actually have to slice it, you can break it up with your hands), then add the peanut butter, before pouring in the milk and put a handful of ice on top. You can add any amount of honey you’re comfortable with. It all depends on your taste for sweetness. Then just blend it and enjoy!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Extravaganza

Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie

  • A pinch Cocoa powder or a handful chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp of Peanut Butter
  • A medium-sized banana, sliced
  • A handful of ice
  • 1 cup Milk, ½ cup of Kefir, or ½ of Yogurt
  • Honey to add sweetness

Like the last smoothie, this one also contains peanut butter so it will already be thick. You don’t have to use yogurt or kefir unless you want to.

To make the smoothie, if you use chocolate chips, place those at the bottom of the blender, but if you use cocoa powder, you will once again place the banana at the bottom. Then add the powder on top, the peanut butter, the milk, and a handful of ice. Blend and enjoy!

Banana and Green Smoothie

Banana and Green Smoothie

A handful of baby kale
A medium-sized banana
A handful of ice
1 cup of Milk, ½ cup of Kefir, or ½ cup of Yogurt
Honey to add sweetness

This smoothie could use a little yogurt to beef it up and make it a little smoother. But if you don’t have yogurt on hand, kefir, and milk work just as well.

Simply add the banana, a handful of baby kale, and some yogurt, milk, or kefir. Then you add a handful of ice and some honey for sweetness. This one could use a little extra sweetness, but it’s so, so healthy for you.

Protein & Banana Smoothie




Protein Smoothies

  • 1 pkt or 2 scoops of any protein powder
  • A medium-sized banana
  • A handful of ice
  • 1 cup of milk, ½ cup of Kefir, or ½ cup of Yogurt
  • Honey to add sweetness

Any protein powder will do, but the strawberry, chocolate, and peanut butter flavored ones usually taste best with bananas.

To make the smoothie just add the banana at the bottom, your protein powder of choice on top of it, and a handful of ice. For this one you don’t really need honey since you’ll be using a powder, but if you want a little extra sweetness, then do it. Those powders can taste a little better with a spoonful of honey. Now just blend, and enjoy!

The best thing about smoothies is that they’re filling, they help you save some money, and you can eat healthy on the road! All you have to do is push a button.

Got some tips for how to stay healthy on the road? Or maybe you just want to share some highlights from your own wellness journey. Drop us a line on Facebook or Twitter! We love hearing from you, Trucking Nation!

#TruckTechTuesday: Fuel Technology

Posted on July 21, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA

Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation!

As the world continues to become computerized and tech-centric. Everything seems to be getting a tech makeover. Especially big rigs!

And because of that, the trucking industry is becoming a lot safer, and more environmentally friendly. Not to mention, trucks are becoming more user-friendly, and truckers are having a much easier time staying connected with each other and their dispatch offices.

Over the past few years, there have been leaps and bounds made in order to make trucking lives easier, and the road much safer. Here’s some technology that is revolutionizing the trucking nation.

Trucking Awesome (Truck Concepts)

Continuing our series of truck-tastic concept trucks, the Freightliner Cascadia Evolution is a technological revolution for the trucking industry. 

 

It features a Detroit DD15 engine, which is one of the most advanced, aerodynamic, and fuel efficient engine enhancements to ever happen to trucks. The DD15 delivers a 7% improvement in fuel economy, which is greater than any other engine on the market to date.

Not to mention, it is also equipped with a first-generation aerodynamic package, which decreases the Cascadia’s wind resistance by 5%. Meaning the Cascadia is equipped with the very best aerodynamic upgrades in the industry.

With this new truck, Freightliner aims to push the trucking industry toward making trucks more environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, and safer for their drivers. Their goal is to constantly evolve above the competition and bring some excellent trucks to the table. Trucks that are not only fun to look at, but trucks that actually change the way the industry hauls goods.

Truck Accessories

Often times when you’re hauling goods, you find yourself travelling to higher altitudes. And as everyone who drives a truck knows, higher altitudes means colder weather.

When this happens, side mirrors often take a hit, freezing or frosting over from the cold in high altitudes. And if you are driving truck, this can be dangerous. But West Coast found a way to combat that with heated mirrors.

These are fantastic for anyone travelling into cold climates or high altitudes. When your mirrors frost over, instead of having to pull off the road to handle them, simply turn on your heated mirror and let them defrost themselves while you continue to drive.

No more wasting time or pushing the boundaries of road safety. Now you can rest easy!

Apps for Road Warriors

Since third quarter IFTA began on July 1st, if you haven’t already filed, you will need to file soon. That’s where this week’s app for road warriors comes in. File your quarterly fuel tax with ease, by using the ExpressIFTA tax calculator. 

 

With this app, you’ll always know what you have to pay without breaking out that dusty old calculator. Let ExpressIFTA calculate it for you based on where you’ve gone and how long your trip was.

And even if you’ve already filed this quarter, the next quarter begins in October. So trust us when we say, the ExpressIFTA calculator is an app that will get you through every quarter with ease.

So download the app today for either Android or iOS, and file your IFTA and get back to your life!

If you have any questions, comments, or more #TruckTech you want to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter. We love hearing trucking stories and learning about new truck tech!

We’re here for you If you find yourself with any questions about the e-filing process. Just give our support legends a call at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/7 support in English and Spanish.

And don’t forget, if you file with us and “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll be entered to win a portable blender that you can take on the road with you!

Trucking News Update: New E-filing Rules

Posted on July 20, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax, trucking news

We always try to keep the trucking nation up-to-date with industry news. And telling you about the latest in IRS regulations is an important part of that. After all, we are ExpressTruckTax!

According to the updated 2015-16 IRS regulations, when filing HVUT for a vehicle you recently purchased from a private owner (i.e. not from a dealership or auction), the previous owner is responsible for paying tax on the partial month in which you purchase the vehicle.

For example, if you purchase a vehicle from a private seller today, your tax would be calculated starting August 1st.

Luckily, the ExpressTruckTax program has been updated to make this process super simple, so all you have to do is follow the same three simple steps which will create a new split return for the tax year, giving you prorated tax.

Step 1: Login or Create Account

  • If you’ve previously filed with us or if you have an account already, login to your account and resume or start your return.
  • If this is your first time filing, choose to create an account.
    • Pro-tip #1: To save time, you can choose to login with your Google+ or Facebook account.
  • Then you will either enter your business details or use the FastTransfer Feature to copy them from your previous return.

Step 2: Vehicle Details

  • In order to enter details for a vehicle you purchased from a private seller, simply choose to add a vehicle and enter all the information including gross vehicle weight and VIN.
  • Then check “This is a previously privately-owned vehicle” at the bottom of the “Add Truck” popup window.
  • Then click next and add any other trucks you may need to file for before moving on. 
    • Pro-tip #2: There are several different types of vehicles to file for. Know the difference between Taxable Vehicles, Suspended Vehicles, Logging Vehicles, and Agricultural Vehicles.
  • Now you’ve created a split return in our system, meaning you pay a prorated heavy vehicle use tax amount on the new vehicle, instead of having to pay for the entire tax year. 

Step 3: Pay and Transmit!

  • Now all you have to do is enter your payment information and securely transmit your return to the IRS.
    • Pro-tip #3: The IRS only accepts three payment methods, Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. No credit or debit cards.
  • Select your payment method, review your vehicles, and then transmit your return. It’s just that easy!

If you need any help with any step of the filing process, our dedicated support legends are here for you. Don’t hesitate to call them at 704.234.2005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM-8PM EST or send them at email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support.

E-file today! In just ten minutes, you can be finished, and get back to your life.

We’ve got another giveaway for you, Trucking Nation.  If you e-file with us and “Like” us on Facebook, you’ll be entered to win a portable blender to take on the road with you!

How to E-file For Your Client With ExpressTruckTax

Posted on July 17, 2015 by - EFTPS, Employer Identification Number, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedue 1, Tax Professional, Truck Tax

Accountants who use ExpressTruckTax can get some pretty great perks, including being able to e-file for their clients quickly through our easy e-filing software. You won’t find another product where you can e-file for your client in under 10 minutes.

If you’re tired of paper-filing or playing the waiting game for your clients to sign and fax back Form 8453-EX, we have solutions for all of these problems. Setting up your account as a tax preparer with ExpressTruckTax is easy, and as always, we’ve added shortcuts to streamline the process and help simplify your business.

All you need to do is follow three simple steps!

CPA Account Setup

  • If this is your first time using ExpressTruckTax, then go ahead and create an account and make sure you specify that you are a CPA. 
  • If you’ve created an account, simply log in and go to your dashboard.
  • Now all you need to do is enter your accounting firm details and your EIN number.

E-file For Your Client

The next step is to e-file a Form 2290 for your client. With ExpressTruckTax, the whole process from start to finish is very easy.

Step 1: Enter Client’s Account Details

  • Enter their name, business details and, EIN number.
  • Choose to file for the current year

Step 2: Enter Client’s Vehicle Details

  • You can do this in a number of different ways. You can import their vehicles from a CSV file, you can enter them in manually, or you can import them from their virtual garage in TruckZone.
  • Don’t forget any low mileage credits.

Step 3: Client’s Payment Details

  • The final step in the e-filing process is to pay and securely transmit their return to the IRS.
  • Simply select their payment method from the three types the IRS accepts: Direct debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. Then review their information and move on to the next step. This is where you will encounter Form 8453-EX.

E-File in High Gear: Use the Bulk Upload Options

Alternatively, you can bulk upload business details for all of your clients in one fell swoop! It works in the same way that bulk uploading your client’s trucks from an excel file does. And yet again, you can do this in three simple steps!

Step 1: The Excel File

  • Login to your account and under new to business list, select manage businesses

  • Then, on the manage businesses screen, select “Bulk Upload Businesses”
  • A screen prompting you to download our excel template will appear, select to download the template and move on to step two!

Step 2: Enter Businesses

  • Now in the excel file you need to enter your client’s businesses and a few details, including their EIN, phone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses. 

Step 3: Upload File

  • Now all you need to do is upload the file to your ExpressTruckTax account. The rest of the work is done for you!
  • If there are any errors, our system will catch them and let you know on a case-by-case basis what type of error it is and what you need to do to fix it.
  • Then voila! You have all of your clients uploaded.

And that’s all there is to it! when you encounter the Form 8453-EX, all you have to do is send it to your client via your tax portal to be e-signed, by email, or by fax, and then you can securely transmit your client’s return. Then you’re done!

If you need any help during the e-filing process, or you encounter any problems, we’re here for you! Our dedicated support legends can answer all of your heavy vehicle use tax and ExpressTruckTax-related questions with ease.

So give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM – 8PM EST or send them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

Throw Out Your Fax Machine: New E-Sign Feature For Form 8453-EX

Posted on July 16, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, Tax professionals

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we are all about accountants. That’s why we have a new e-sign feature available for Form 8453-EX. And that’s just one of the perks accountants get from ExpressTruckTax!

What We Do for Accountants

There are so many perks for CPA’s when they use ExpressTruckTax. The product alone is easy-to-use, but we go beyond that. Payment options, payment perks, and even more!

Now we’re taking it a step farther with a new feature to save time and all the headaches that come with the HVUT tax season.

The 8453-EX E-Sign Feature

This feature will benefit both truckers and accountants alike. Because with e-signing available for Form 8453-EX, CPA’s can get permission to e-file for their client as a third party instantly!

Whenever you are e-filing for a client and you encounter the Form 8453-EX all you have to do is send a link from your personal email account. This link directs your client to our e-sign site and allows them to sign the 8453-EX on any device. They can even e-sign it with their fingertip if they are using a tablet or a mobile device with a touchscreen.

How to File as a CPA

We’ve gone over what the new e-sign feature for the 8453-EX can do for you, but how do you do it? If this is your first time signing into ExpressTruckTax as a CPA, then we’ve got you covered! Here’s a quick how-to on utilizing our system to help yourself and your client.

E-sign Form 8453-EX

Once you’ve completed the e-filing process for your client, our system will prompt you to follow a three step process in order to ensure that you and your client have both signed Form 8453-EX.

Step 1: Review the Completed Form 8453-EX

  • Click the blue button to download the completed Form 8453-EX. We auto-fill the form for you to save you time!
  • Review yours and your client’s information and make sure it is correct.

Step 2: Send the Form to Your Client by One of the Following Means:

  • Send directly from ExpressTruckTax for the client to sign digitally
  • Send form as an email from your personal email or business email for your client to sign.
  • Fax the form to your client for them to sign.

Step 3: Upload the Signed Form 8453-EX

  • If you’ve used the e-sign feature, instead of having to upload the file, you will receive it back in your e-sign portal in real time.
  • If the client declines to sign for any reason, you will receive an email notification stating the reason for the rejection.
  • You can edit and resend the form with just a few clicks!
  • If you used a different feature, all you have to do is upload the signed form 
  • Then you can securely transmit your client’s Form 2290 to the IRS
  • A signed copy of this form is required by the IRS if you are third party designee

And that’s all there is to it. This new feature will not only save you time, it could also help you recruit more clients. Not to mention you don’t have to wait on snail mail or fax machines. You can get it all done fast through ExpressTruckTax!

And if you have any questions, we’ve got some dedicated support legends just for you! Give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM-8PM EST or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

#Wellness Wednesday: Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

Posted on July 15, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, exercise, Expresstrucktax.com, traffic, wellness

Cross-state travel can be tough, especially when you hit traffic or inclement weather. But worry not, Trucking Nation, because the next time you hit traffic or weather so bad you have to pull off to the side of the road, or stop at a truck stop, we’ve got you covered.

Exercising while driving a truck is difficult. Most of the time you’re in a sitting position, driving a giant vehicle where one wrong move can mean a loss of control. But while driving across state lines and all over North America, you may find yourself spending a lot of time parked to avoid road dangers, construction, or to get some much-needed rest from the road.

That’s where we come in. It only takes a few minutes to get some much needed exercise. A little bit of healthy movement, breathing, and stretching will go a long way.

4 Simple Exercises to Get You Through the Traffic

These exercises are so easy you don’t even have to get out of your truck! Because nobody wants to stand in the rain or be ogled by passing drivers in a truck stop parking lot.

Wheel Push-ins

  • This exercise is basically the same as a push-up, and with the large cabin in your truck they should be a breeze! Put your hands on the wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and squeeze. Both of your hands should be pressing towards each other. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold each one for an entire second. 
  • Then you can stretch by sitting tall, lacing your fingers behind your hips, and pushing your chest forward and shoulders back. 

Wheel Pulls

  • Much like the Wheel Push-ins, but going the opposite direction. Place your hands on the wheel at 5 and 7 o’clock with your palms facing you. Pull against the wheel, working the muscles in your forearms and upper arms. Do 3 sets of 10 and hold every pull for 1 second.
  • To avoid muscle aches, stretch by lengthening your arms with your palms up and clasping your hands together, pulling one arm to the side, holding for 3 seconds and then pulling the other.

Upper Back Presses

  • This exercise is great for your posture and lower back. Sitting in a truck for long period of time can definitely wreak havoc on your back muscles! All you need to do is place your hands gently on your steering wheel at 3 and 9 o’clock and push your shoulders and upper back into the seat behind you. Again, you should be holding this exercise for a full second, and you should do 3 sets with 10 reps.
  • Stretch your back by interlacing your fingers in front of you and pushing your palms upwards towards your windshield.

Calf Raises

  • This is one of my favorite exercises because you can literally do it anywhere! All you have to do is lift and lower the heels of your feet while putting weight on the balls of your feet and toes. You can even take it a step further, lifting yourself up in the seat and working your glutes. Make sure you’re still holding for a full second before moving on to the next rep. Do 3 sets of 20 reps and then stretch!
  • Stretch by straightening your legs off the floor and flexing your feet by pointing your toes for 10 seconds. 

It’s just that easy! It may not seem like much right now, but little things you do every day will build up and help you on your wellness journey. So keep up the good work, Trucking Nation!

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