Category: Expresstrucktax.com

The Countdown is On: How to E-file for Farmers

Posted on August 10, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, agricultural vehicle, Expresstrucktax.com, farmers, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

It’s harvest time, Trucking Nation! And for more than just for crops. Your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes are due on your agricultural vehicle by the end of the month.

So get ready to renew your tags, farmers! Because keeping your tags up-to-date and filing your HVUT on time is a great way to stay in the good graces of the IRS. And you need to file your 2290’s so you’ll able to renew your vehicle registration on time, or you could face serious consequences and penalties.

Filing for suspended, logging, or agricultural vehicles is a little bit different than filing for a taxable vehicle. Because Agricultural Vehicles get a larger allotment of mileage before they are considered taxable and not suspended vehicles. For example, regular taxable vehicles have a 5,000 mile limit before they are no longer considered suspended, while agricultural vehicles have a 7,500 mile limit.

While the difference in how you file isn’t anything extreme, we’ve got a handy dandy guide to show you how to file specifically for agricultural vehicles.
How to File for Agricultural Vehicles

When e-filing for agricultural vehicles, simply follow the same three easy steps as usual, but with a slight twist when entering your vehicle information.

Step 1: Account Setup  

  • If you already have an account with us, all you have to do is login.
  • However, if you’ve never created an account with us before, then go ahead and select “Create Account,” and then enter your email address and a password of your choosing to get started.
    • Pro-tip #1: To save time, you can also choose to login with your Google Account, or Facebook Account.
  • Next, enter your business details. Including your EIN, business name, and signing authority.
  • Select “File for Current Tax Year,” and then finally, click “Next” to move on to vehicle details.

Step 2: Vehicle Details

  • This is where you all all of your vehicle information. If you’re a returning user, chances are you have some vehicles saved in Truck Zone. 
  • But if you’re a new user, you have some choices on how to upload your new vehicle information. You can enter the vehicles one-by-one manually, or you can use an excel file.
  • Remember to choose the right section for your vehicle. Since you are using agricultural and farming equipment, your vehicle may be classified under suspended if you’re under 7,500 miles for the tax year. 

  • If this is the case, skip the taxable vehicle section and choose to add your vehicle under suspended instead.
  • If your vehicle has gone over the mileage limit, simply add your truck under “Taxable Vehicles” and move on to the next step.

Step 3: Transmit

    • Next, review your details and make certain everything is correct. Our system will also review your information for you, just in case.
    • And finally, you can securely transmit your return to the IRS, and get your Stamped Schedule 1 back via email in minutes.

    That’s it! It really is that simple. Three tiny steps that are imperative for staying compliant and renewing your vehicle registration come tax season.

    If you need any help along the way, just ask our dedicated support legends! You can give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM to 8PM EST, or you can shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

    #WellnessWednesday: 4 Stretches to Eliminate Back Pain

    Posted on August 5, 2015 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, truckers, wellness

    Bad backs and poor circulation are one of the most common health concerns facing truckers. It’s understandable, you sit in a cab for several hours with limited movement, watching the road like a hawk.

    But since it’s #WellnessWednesday, today isn’t about what you can’t do, it’s about what you can do to fight the pain and restore circulation!

    Driving trucks isn’t easy, but these 4 simple back stretches definitely are. And they could save a life, and your back! So here’s how to do some quick back stretches to help you avoid back, leg, and neck pain.

    Back Bends

    Back bends will really help you with decompressing your spine and fluid buildup that can happen in your back after sitting for long periods of time. It might sound a little scary, but this simple stretch will help you avoid any sort of complications.

    All you have to do is put your hands on your hips behind your back, leaning backwards, and holding for 5-10 seconds. Then you should repeat that 5 more times, and that’s it! You’ve successfully helped your body eliminate future back pain.

    Front Bends

    Front bends are important because they help you loosen your hamstrings and increase circulation to your legs. Good leg circulation is crucial for good driving, good posture, as well as good health. And all it takes is this simple stretch to maintain some great circulation!

    All you have to do is put your hands on your hips, just like the back bend, and lean forward. If you’re feeling up to it, you can also combine it with the back bends for a full range of motion. Remember to hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds, and do it 5 times, while breathing in and out like normal. You don’t want to hold your breath while doing stretches. Your body needs the oxygen to repair itself.

    Then voila, you’re successfully helping to avoid both back pain and poor circulation!

    Knee Up’s

    Knee up’s may seem a little difficult at first, but in the long run they’re worth it. Much like the front bends, they help restore circulation to your legs. They also really help you loosen up and stretch your lower abdomen, which can be difficult to stretch otherwise.

    All you have to do is use the side of your truck, and place your hands shoulder width apart, taking turns to bring each knee up. Then you should turn your knee to the side, stretching it across your body.

    These knee stretches will make you feel much better very quickly. You’ll also feel a lot looser, and much more flexible. So do as many as you can and try to hold the stretch for 10-20 seconds.

    At first it might seem a little difficult, but in the end it’ll be rewarding, I promise! Don’t worry if you can only do a few at first. Wellness is a journey, not a destination.

    Neck Stretch

    The next stretch will give you some much-needed relief from the tension that builds around your shoulders and neck.

    All you have to do is start with one hand down by your side, with your other hand out at a 90 degree angle. Then just lean your head to the opposite side of your outstretched arm. Try to reach out as far as you can with said arm.

    Make sure you don’t let your arm drop, keep it outstretched as far as you can for 5-10 seconds. Then do 5 reps and you’ll really begin to feel loosened up, and so much less tension!

    Then all you have to do is keep up with these stretches. Even doing them once or twice a week can greatly improve your mobility. And it can combat the pain of being sedentary for long periods of time! All in under 5 minutes.

    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!

    The Countdown is On: Form 2290 Bootcamp

    Posted on August 4, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

    We interrupt your regularly scheduled #TruckTechTuesday, to bring you 2290 bootcamp!

    We know you must have questions, and we’ve got the answers. Here’s everything you’ve ever wondered about HVUT, broken down into one easy read. Because that’s what ExpressTruckTax is all about, making things easier for the trucking industry!

    What is Form 2290?

    IRS Form 2290 with Schedule 1 is a tax form that must be filed each year for all taxable highway vehicles that are registered, or required to be registered in your name under state, District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law.

    That means if you own a heavy vehicle, a vehicle that has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more, or have one registered in your name in the US, District of Columbia, Canada, or Mexico, you need to file Form 2290 and pay the excise tax every year!

    When to File

    You need to file your 2290 every year beginning in July. The regular HVUT tax year begins on July 1 and ends the following June. But tax for the year is due during the renewal period, which is typically from July 1st to August 31st of each year, giving you two whole months to e-file.

    However, if you purchase a new vehicle during the tax year, then your HVUT is due the month after you purchase a new vehicle. Meaning if you purchased your vehicle in August, your HVUT would be due September 31.

    When Is the Deadline?

    The 2290 deadline to file for renewals is on August 31, every year. This means you now have less than a month to e-file! However, if you purchased your vehicle later during the tax year, your first-used month and your tax due date will be different.

    You have a month to file after you purchase your new vehicle, for example, if you purchase your vehicle in October, your taxes are due at the end of November or you will face penalties.

    However, it is better to e-file right away. That way you can have your taxes filed and out of the way until the next tax year, and you don’t have to worry about missing any deadlines and getting penalized for it.

    When Do I Need to Renew?

    You need to renew your HVUT every year during the renewal period. If you wait to file, you risk facing some pretty hefty penalties for not filing. That and you can’t renew your vehicle registration with the DMV.

    Is This a State Tax?

    No, unlike IFTA, HVUT it is a federally-mandated tax. As stated previously, if you have a heavy vehicle registered, or required to be registered in your name in North America, and Mexico, you are required to file yearly Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes.

    If you have any more questions about the 2290 and how to file, our dedicated support legends are here for you! So give us 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.

    The Countdown is On: E-file Before the HVUT Deadline

    Posted on August 3, 2015 by - 2290 deadline, EFTPS, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, Truck Tax

    If you haven’t filed your Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes for this year, then you’re running out of time! You have less than a month left to e-file by the due date on August 31.

    But before you e-file there are some things you need to know to get started. From your EIN, VIN, and Gross Vehicle Weight to the actual e-filing process, we’ve got you covered!

    What You Need Before you E-file

    • Your EIN
    • Access to Internet
    • Computer, Tablet, or Smartphone
    • Your VIN
    • Your Gross Vehicle Weight

    Once you have all that, it’s time to e-file. All you have to do is follow the simple guide below, then you’re all done!

    How to E-file

    With ExpressTruckTax you can rest assured the e-filing process is incredibly easy. In fact, just follow three simple steps, and you’ll be done in no time!

    Step 1: Account Setup

    • If you’ve created an account with us, simply login to your account.
    • If you’ve never created an account with us before, then go ahead and hit “Create Account”, then enter your email address and a password of your choosing to get started.
      • Pro-tip #1: To save time, you can also choose to login with your Google account or your Facebook Account. 
    • Now you need to enter all your business details, including your EIN, business name, and any signing authority you may have. 
    • Then you can move on and e-file your 2290 for the current tax year.

    Step 2: Vehicle Details

    • Now you need to add all of your vehicle information. If you’re a returning user, you can select the trucks you filed for previously using Truck Zone. 
    • If you are a new user, you can input your vehicle information one of two ways: 
    • You can choose to do it manually, entering one truck at a time
    • Or you can upload all of your trucks in one fell swoop from a, Excel file.
    • And remember, there are three different types of vehicles you can file for. So know the differences!

    Step 3: Pay & Securely Transmit

    • Now all you need to do is select your payment method and transmit your return!
      • Pro-tip #2: The IRS only accepts three payment methods: Direct Debit, EFTPS, and check or money order. They do not accept debit or credit cards.
    • After you’ve decided how to pay, review your details on last time and make sure everything is correct. Our system will also review your information for you, just in case. 
    • Then you can securely transmit your return to the IRS, and get your Stamped Schedule 1 back via email in minutes.

    Links to Help You E-file

    If you have any questions about other parts of the e-filing process, or how to make sure you’re prepared, we’ve got tons of guides for you to follow!  Hopefully we’ve answered every question you could think of to ask, but if you still need help we have an amazing US-Based support team ready and waiting to help you.

    Forgot Your Password?

    • If you forgot your password, don’t worry! Here is a step-by-step blog on how to recover your password and continuing using your ExpressTruckTax account.

    How to Create an Account

    • If you’re a new user, this is the guide for you! We go over how to create an account with ExpressTruckTax step-by-step so you can begin e-filing and get back to your life.

    FastTransfer Feature

    • The FastTransfer feature helps you save time by allowing you to copy your previous return for your current tax year. This guide explains how to utilize the feature in order to e-file.

    Truck Zone

    • Truck Zone is your very own virtual garage. Store all of your trucks securely on our servers, and never forget a vehicle. This guide explains how this feature benefits you and how to use it.

    7 Common E-filing Mistakes to Avoid

    • Everybody makes mistakes, but with this guide we’re hoping to minimize several common occurrences. Learn what to avoid and how to successfully e-file for the HVUT tax season.

    6 Tips For Success this Renewal Season

    • Have a successful renewal season with these 6 easy tips on how to e-file!

    The Do’s and Don’ts of E-filing Your 2290

    • Tips on how to make e-filing even easier by being prepared throughout the tax year.

    If you need any help along the way, just ask our dedicated support legends! You can give them a call at 704.234.6005 during our new extended business hours from 8AM to 8PM EST, or you can shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

    E-file today, avoid late penalties, and get back to your life!

    7 Ways to Avoid an IFTA Audit

    Posted on July 30, 2015 by - Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA, Truck Tax

    Audits for anything are scary, especially IFTA audits. The idea that you have to go through mounds of paperwork, and eventually panic if you can’t find exactly what you need, is terrifying. But relax, here at ExpressTruckTax, we’re all about making this process loads easier.

    That’s why we’ve got 7 tips on what to do to in order to avoid an IFTA audit.

    How to Avoid an IFTA Audit

    Trip Sheets

    The first step in avoiding an IFTA audit is to keep detailed trip sheets. You need to make certain your trip sheets have continuity from the very beginning of your trip to the end. Every single jurisdiction should be included on your trip sheet, so you don’t lose track of any important information.

    Avoid submitting trip sheets with non-continuous jurisdictions. Trust us, IFTA auditors know that your truck cannot simply materialize in Florida when you started in Colorado.

    Mileage

    Mileage is another big one when it comes to avoiding IFTA audits. You should be recording all mileage on your trip sheets as well as personal and non-taxable mileage.

    Avoid forgetting to record your end-of-day miles to any restaurants or lodging. If you don’t record these miles, then you risk creating a gap in mileage, that’s when your end of day location doesn’t match your beginning of day location.

    Be Exact

    Everything you record needs to be exact. You need to record exact fuel use and exact mileage (even non-taxable mileage). Because eventually, you will use those numbers to calculate your MPG each quarter. And one small slip up could resist in a massive oops.

    And you definitely want to avoid calculating your fuel use by dividing your mileage by the set MPG. Since your MPG is based on road conditions, you need to keep an eye on it. Because it will fluctuate. So make sure you’re recording that number correctly, or you risk paying too much for your IFTA.

    Watch your MPG

    As we previously stated, your MPG is based on a variety of road conditions. That means this number can fluctuate from quarter to quarter. So make sure you’re faithfully recording that number, because in the end, you’ll have better records for it. And better records means you’re on the right path to avoiding an audit!

    Your MPG should be above 5 and below 10. If you find that your MPG is outside of this range, then it’s likely you’ve made an error in recordkeeping somewhere along the way. In most States, your IFTA will not be accepted unless your MPG falls within 5-10 MPG.

    Document Everything

    If you learn one thing from us, it’s that you need to document everything. That means, if you keep precise trip sheets you can avoid any errors in recordkeeping, as well as an audit. So make sure you don’t get lazy with your documentation!

    File on-time!

    Make sure you file your IFTA on-time, year-after-year. This shows that you’re being responsible, and know what needs to be done. If you need some help with this process, ExpressIFTA can definitely make calculating your mileage and what you owe in fuel taxes a lot easier than doing it on paper.

    That way, you don’t have to wait until the last minute to file, dreading the idea of all that tax math. Not to mention, waiting to file instead of doing it earlier can lead to you making mistakes. And this will, of course, lead to an audit. So make sure you give yourself plenty of time to sit down and do your IFTA right!

    Cooperate

    Audits may seem scary, but they’re not the end of the world. If you’re selected for an audit, just remain calm and cooperate. Original documentation for the past 12 quarters should be kept in your base jurisdiction for the auditor to access.

    Make sure you don’t avoid the auditor’s phone calls, shred your documents, or do anything drastic. Especially considering that IFTA auditors can keep coming after you with no statute of limitations. And the less you cooperate, the worse the penalties will be. You could even lose your IFTA license.

    If you have any questions or need any help preparing your quarterly IFTA, our dedicated support legends are here for you. Just give them a call during our new extended business hours from 8AM to 8PM at 704.234.6005 or shoot them an email at support@expresstrucktax.com for 24/hour support in English and Spanish.

    Don’t wait and risk making a mistake, file your IFTA today.

    #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!

    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!