Category: expresstrucktax

So, What’s the Deal with the IRS 2290 Deadline?

Posted on August 22, 2019 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 due date, 2290 filing deadline, 2290 highway use tax, 2290 Schedule 1, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, form 2290 due date, irs 2290, IRS 2290 payment, IRS form 2290, stamped Schedule 1

If you’re reading this article, you probably know that you need to file your IRS 2290 soon.

But did you know that the 2290 filing deadline is September 3rd, 2019, not the usual August 31st?

Maybe you’re wondering why the 2290 deadline is different.

Or perhaps you have some confusion surrounding filing IRS Form 2290 and paying your actual IRS 2290 payment.

Better yet, you might be thinking about how much of a hassle this is, and wondering why it’s necessary in the first place.

Well, you’re about to find out! I’m here to answer all of your IRS 2290 questions.

Form 2290 Due Date

Why September 3rd?

Normally, the Form 2290 deadline is August 31st.

This year, that date falls on a Saturday. The next business day would be Monday, September 2nd, but that’s Labor Day.

Therefore, this year, the Form 2290 due date is September 3rd, 2019.

You might be thinking about how lucky you are to get a couple extra days this year but think again.

As tempting as it may be to wait until the last minute, how likely are you to think about filing IRS 2290 and paying your 2290 highway use tax after a weekend and holiday…?

Trust me. File today or, at the very latest, file August 30th. That way you’ll ensure that the 2290 deadline is met.

Plus, if there are any issues or your IRS Form 2290 is rejected and you need to make corrections, you’ll have time to do so before the Form 2290 due date.

I’m not asking much. If you file with an IRS-authorized e-file provider like ExpressTruckTax the whole process takes as little as 10 minutes.

Seriously, just get it over with.

What About the IRS 2290 Payment?

So, you might’ve heard that if you can’t afford to pay your IRS 2290 payment right now, you should go ahead and file IRS Form 2290 anyway.

This is true.

Failing to file IRS Form 2290 by the 2290 filing deadline will result in a penalty of 4.5% of the 2290 highway use tax due. This will increase monthly for up to 5 months.

However, the penalty for failing to pay your IRS 2290 payment is only 0.5% of your total tax amount, plus additional interest of 0.54% per month.

Even if you can’t afford to pay your IRS 2290 payment right now, you should still file.

If you file but do not pay your full 2290 highway use tax amount, you’ll face a much lower penalty (0.5% compared to 4.5% of the total tax due).

Maybe you can pay by September 3rd, but not by tomorrow.

File today anyway.

You don’t want to get stuck with a rejected return or worse, without a 2290 Schedule 1.
You may face unexpected penalties.
You never know what could happen. Take a moment to file now.

When Will I Get My 2290 Schedule 1?

Your 2290 Schedule 1 is a huge part of why it’s so critical for you to file on time.

An updated 2290 Schedule 1 is necessary for operation, including anything from renewing your tags to traveling internationally or renewing your IFTA license.

If you file IRS 2290 online with ExpressTruckTax, you’ll get a copy of your 2290 Schedule 1 just minutes after IRS Form 2290 filing. It doesn’t get much easier than that.

Everything You Need to Best Prepare for CVSA Inspections

Posted on August 20, 2019 by - brake safety week, cvsa, CVSA inspections, CVSA schedule, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, truck driver regulations, truck driver safety, trucking regulations

Almost 4 million commercial motor vehicle inspections occur across North America each year.

As a truck driver, it’s important to stay prepared for CVSA inspections in order to remain in operation and maintain safety.

The CVSA, or Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, creates inspection procedures and criteria to ensure truck driver safety on the road.

There are various levels of CVSA inspections, but one of the biggest on the CVSA schedule is brake safety week.

This year, CVSA brake safety week will occur September 15-21, 2019.

Brake maintenance ensures truck driver safety and the safety of others on the road. Let’s go over some trucking regulations for brake safety week and other CVSA inspections.

CVSA

Brake Safety Week

Brake Safety Week focuses on truck driver safety regulations regarding brake maintenance. This year, inspectors will pay special attention to brake hoses/tubing.

Here is a CVSA inspection you can do yourself in preparation for brake safety week:

1. Gather Tools

You’ll need blocks, chalk, a small ruler, brake linings, and a brake application device.

2. Prepare Truck

Park on level road and place blocks behind your wheels. Check that air pressure is 90-100 psi and release parking brakes. Listen for air leaks.

3. Inspect For…

Rubbing/worn air hoses, air drum brake pad above ¼”, air disk brake above ⅛”, cracked pads/linings, excessive camshaft movement, and external brake drum cracks.

4. Measure Push-Rod Travel Stroke

Make chalk mark on each push-rod at rear of brake chamber and apply full brake application. Measure from chalk mark to rear of brake chamber and check results with the standards below:

Brake Chamber Type & Size
Location
Max Travel Limit Allowed
Short stroke 20 or 24 (round air port)
Steer axles
1.75 inches
Short stroke 30
Truck drives & Trailer axles
2 inches
Long stroke 20 or 24
Steer axles
2 inches
Long stroke 30 (square air port)
Truck drives & Trailer axles
2.5 inches

CVSA Schedule

It is important to note that CVSA inspections are not always announced. For instance, an unannounced brake safety inspection swept the country earlier this year on May 15, 2019.

Be sure to constantly inspect your truck and get routine maintenance done.

Regardless of whether or not there’s an upcoming inspection planned, truck driver safety and the safety of those around you on the road is critical.

You can find CVSA scheduled inspections on their website, but be prepared for unexpected inspections as well.

A CVSA inspection called Safe Driver Week happens in the summer and focuses on unsafe driver behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and improper lane change.

Remember, truck driver regulations can change, so check CVSA to stay updated.

Stay Compliant

Staying compliant with CVSA trucking regulations is necessary for truck driver safety and truck operation. Trucks not in compliance with CVSA trucking regulations will be taken off the road until fixed.

Don’t waste time or risk your own personal safety. Prepare for brake safety week and stay up to date with the CVSA schedule.

Also, be aware of another huge upcoming deadline…

September 3rd is the last day to file IRS Form 2290 without penalty!

You must file Form 2290 to avoid fees and receive your stamped Schedule 1, which is required for operation. Take as little as 10 minutes and file today with ExpressTruckTax.

Things You Need To Know: HVUT, Highway Tax 2290, and IFTA Tax

Posted on August 15, 2019 by - 2290 highway use tax, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, Heavy highway use tax, highway tax 2290, HVUT, Hvut 2290, IFTA, ifta fuel tax, IFTA reporting, IFTA tax, irs 2290, IRS form 2290

With every deadline comes more confusion.

You might think, “What are all these forms and payments, and why am I constantly dealing with them?”

Understanding HVUT, highway tax 2290, and IFTA tax will prepare you to file quickly each year and keep you from making filing mistakes.

Knowing the differences will also give you an idea of if you need to file, and when to file.

HVUT

HVUT, or Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, is a tax on heavy vehicles used to fund highway maintenance.

You must pay Heavy Highway Use Tax if your truck has a gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and is driven on public highways over 5,000 miles per year. Gross weight is weight when fully equipped for service.
Heavy Highway Use Tax is an annual tax. The HVUT deadline is the same as the 2290 highway use tax form deadline. HVUT is also known as HVUT 2290 because of its connection with Form 2290, which we’ll talk about next.

Highway Tax 2290

Highway Tax 2290, or simply Form 2290, is the form used to pay your HVUT amount.

Form 2290 is also used to calculate the Heavy Highway Use Tax amount you owe, determine your truck’s category, claim an exemption or credit, and more.

Highway Tax 2290 proves why the HVUT 2290 amount you’re paying is what you’re paying.
You need an EIN to file 2290 Highway Use Tax Form. The deadline is the same as the HVUT 2290 deadline. File Highway Tax 2290 Form and pay HVUT 2290 by the end of the month after your first use month.

IFTA Tax

The IFTA tax is not related to HVUT 2290 and Highway Tax 2290 Form. IFTA, or International Fuel Tax Agreement, ensures that each state/province is paid the correct IFTA fuel tax.

IFTA fuel tax becomes important when vehicles travel frequently across state borders. If trucks fill up in one state and immediately cross to the next, the state they’re driving in is losing out.

With IFTA reporting, truckers track miles in each state.

You need to pay IFTA fuel tax quarterly if your vehicle has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or registered gross weight > 26,000 pounds, has a combined weight of 26,000 pounds or has 3 or more axles regardless of weight.

Here are the deadlines:
 
Quarter Periods
IFTA Quarterly Tax Return Period
Due Dates
1st Quarter
January – March
April 30 
2nd Quarter
April – June
July 31
3rd Quarter
July – September
October 31
4th Quarter
October – December
January 31

How To Keep Up With Truck Taxes

The best way to pay these taxes is online. Cutting out paperwork saves time, and filing online allows you to keep a record of your previous filings.

Using a service that offers all of these forms in the same place is ideal.

With ExpressTruckTax, you can do it all. IFTA reporting, highway tax 2290, and HVUT are all in one place for your convenience.

Save time with bulk upload, free VIN corrections, multi-user access, and more features.
Plus, our mobile app allows you to file whenever and wherever. Filing taxes has never been easier.
Don’t forget! Your HVUT 2290 deadline is approaching!
Your IRS Form 2290 and HVUT payment are due September 3rd, 2019.File Form 2290 today to avoid IRS penalties.

Our American Truckers: A Look at the Life of a Dedicated Driver

Posted on August 14, 2019 by - American truckers, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, truck driver, truck driver stories, trucker life, Trucker Lifestyle, trucking, trucking industry

It’s no understatement to say that truck drivers keep America running smoothly.

American Trucking Associations reports that nearly 71% of all freight tonnage in the US is moved by trucks.

Without the trucking industry, consumers wouldn’t receive the goods they need each day.

We rely on truckers for almost every aspect of our lives.

At ExpressTruckTax, we understand the hard work that is required to be a member of the trucking industry.

We also understand that this hard work is often underappreciated.

To rectify that, we’ve decided to share truck driver stories with the world.

An Inside Look at the Trucking Industry

Our American Truckers: A Series

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we know that America’s truckers have one of the country’s hardest and most important jobs.

That’s why we work every day to make life simpler for you.

We take the truck tax paperwork off your plate so that you can focus on what you do best: moving America forward.

We’ve also started a YouTube series to introduce the general public to the trucker lifestyle and help them understand the hard work of American truckers.

Behind the Scenes

The first episode of our American Truckers series features Billy Cagle, a Wadesboro, NC truck driver for the entertainment industry.

Cagle gave us a tour of his home and office, where he organizes the trucking paperwork that he gives to his accountant. He opened up about his life and gave us a glimpse into the career he’s known for so long.

Demetri, our Digital Marketing Specialist, says, “He was so welcoming… offered us water first thing upon arrival. We got to meet his 2 dogs, 2 parrots, 2 horses, and of course, 2 trucks.”

Cagle’s truck driver story started when he was young. “My father taught me how,” he remembers.

Before he could drive or operate trucks on the road, his father had him complete other work on trucks and trailers, teaching him basic skills. After he learned the industry, he began driving.

“Being on the road the whole time has been my life for 43 years,” Cagle says.

As a truck driver for the entertainment segment of the trucking industry, he could be on the road anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 months, depending on what he’s doing.

Most of his work involves hauling equipment for music tours. This often allows him to meet cool people and get involved in awesome events.

Cagle is married to his wife Anne. He spoke a bit about how being married fits into the trucking industry’s demands.

“My wife and I… we’ve been married, in November, it’ll be 36 years,” he says. “She comes from a trucking family too, which is probably the only reason it works… or me being gone is the only reason it works I don’t know,” he laughs. “Direct deposit honey!”

The Diverse Trucking Industry

Our American truckers form a huge community of diverse truck drivers with a wide range of unique truck driver stories.

Want to share yours?

Call us at 704.234.6005 and let us know that you’re interested in filming for our American Truckers series.

While you’re here, have you filed IRS Form 2290 yet?

The 2290 deadline is September 3rd, 2019, so don’t wait! File Form 2290 now with ExpressTruckTax to save time and money.

Take advantage of our instant error check, free mobile app, bulk upload feature, and more!

Plus, you’ll receive your stamped 2290 Schedule 1 just minutes after filing.

The Best Tips For Filing 2290 Form 2019 Quickly

Posted on August 13, 2019 by - 2290 deadline, 2290 filing, 2290 Form 2019, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Heavy highway Vehicle use tax, highway tax 2290, HVUT, Hvut 2290, irs 2290, IRS form 2290

The IRS Form 2290 deadline is almost here!

This year, the IRS 2290 filing deadline is September 3rd since the usual August 31st date falls on a weekend.

We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know to file IRS 2290 Form 2019 as fast as possible to avoid IRS penalties.

Let’s get started.

How To File 2290 Form 2019 Fast

Getting Started

Before you begin your 2290 filing, here’s some information you’ll want to collect to speed up the 2290 filing process.

– Your EIN (Employer Identification Number)

You must have an EIN to file. If you need an EIN, apply online with the IRS, or call ExpressTruckTax Plus at (803) 386-0320.

– Your business name and business address
Enter business information at the beginning of the 2290 filing process.

– Your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
This number should be 17 characters, including both numbers and letters.

– Authorized signatory details

Sign your IRS Form 2290 online with a unique 5-digit signature PIN.

– Your vehicle’s gross taxable weight

The weight of your vehicle when fully equipped for service, minus the weight of you and the load. Find this number on your cab card or a sticker inside the door of your cab. (The number on the door may be outdated, so use the cab card number if you have it.)

– Payment information

ExpressTruckTax offers multiple HVUT 2290 payment options, including credit card, direct debit, EFW (Electronic Funds Withdrawal), and EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System).

You can also mail the IRS your highway tax 2290 payment via check or money order.

Form 2290 Filing Tips

Filing 2290 Form 2019 doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, with ExpressTruckTax, you can file IRS 2290 in under 20 minutes.

However, if an IRS 2290 mistake is made, the IRS will reject your form, forcing you to re-file.

To avoid this, ExpressTruckTax will run an instant error check on your highway tax 2290 before filing.

Also, if you’ve filed with us before, your information will be saved, further reducing the chance of error.

If you do end up making a mistake, ExpressTruckTax offers free VIN corrections and IRS 2290 amendments.

Can’t pay your HVUT (heavy highway vehicle use tax) amount right now? Don’t worry. The penalty for failing to pay your highway tax 2290 is lower than the penalty for failing file. File now, pay HVUT 2290 later.

IRS 2290 Filing Steps

IRS Form 2290 online filing has changed the game for highway tax 2290, making the process faster and easier.

ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized, e-file provider, dedicated to simplifying the online IRS 2290 filing process. Our secure, cloud-based software ensures safe HVUT 2290 payment and 2290 Form 2019 filing.

Simply follow these steps to file 2290 Form 2019:

1. Sign up for your FREE ExpressTruckTax account
2. Select “start new return”
3. Enter vehicle information and details
4. Calculate tax (ExpressTruckTax will do this for you with our IRS 2290 Tax Calculator)
5. Undergo an instant error check

6. Transmit your form and pay HVUT 2290
Once these steps are completed, you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

This is Why IRS 2290 Online Filing is the Ultimate Tax Experience

Posted on August 8, 2019 by - 2290 online, 2290 online filing, american trucker, expresstrucktax, form 2290 due date, Form 2290 for 2019, highway tax 2290, Hvut 2290, irs 2290, IRS form 2290, Trucker Lifestyle, trucker stories

Today, IRS Form 2290 filing isn’t half bad. Filers can log in to a website, enter some information, and file with the click of a button.

Before 2290 online filing was an option, all forms were filled out by hand and mailed or brought in to the IRS office.

This method led to long IRS lines, frustrated filers, and severe wait time between submitting IRS 2290 and finding out if it was accepted or rejected.

Not to mention the delay in receiving a copy of your 2290 Schedule 1.

Times have changed for the better. Here’s everything you need to know about filing Form 2290 online. 

The World of IRS 2290 Online Filing

Highway Tax 2290

As you might know, IRS Form 2290 is used to pay HVUT 2290, an annual tax collected from those who operate heavy vehicles on public highways in order to maintain those highways.

It’s important to file Form 2290 for 2019 before the September 3rd Form 2290 due date to avoid IRS penalties.

Filing your highway tax 2290 online with the right provider takes just minutes, and you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 shortly after filing.

Making Life Easier for American Truckers

Why has everything moved online?

2290 online filing introduces a world of convenience to highway tax 2290. It’s quicker to file, and easier to meet the Form 2290 due date.

At ExpressTruckTax, our goal is to make life easier for you, the American trucker.

We understand the immense time and effort that goes into trucking, and we know how much our country relies on you. That’s why we’re dedicated to consistently reducing your workload in other aspects of your life, especially taxes.

We’re motivated to achieve this goal by truckers like you, who remind us every day of the work you do tirelessly.

One example is Billie Cagle. He’s been Keeping America Trucking for 43 years in 48 states and Canada. He is accustomed to the trucker lifestyle and shares his trucker stories with us and the world, publicizing his role in the American trucker family.

When asked how he got started as a truck driver, he says, “My father was one, he taught me how.” Cagle grew up into the trucker lifestyle and it became everything he knows and loves.

Of course, he doesn’t love everything about it.

“That’s the part I hate,” he says, “…the paperwork.”
That’s where 2290 online filing and ExpressTruckTax come in. We make it quick and easy to file so you can get back to what you do best: moving America forward.

For more trucker stories from American truckers, subscribe to our YouTube channel. We’re committed to shining light on the true story of the American trucker so that those who rely on them know who to thank for completing our economy’s most demanding and critical job.

How to File Form 2290 Online

Filing online is easy. Use ExpressTruckTax, the leading IRS-authorized e-filing solution, to submit your form 2290 for 2019.
Simply sign up for a free account, click ‘Start New Return’, enter your vehicle and business information, let ExpressTruckTax calculate the highway tax 2290 amount you owe, pay HVUT 2290, and transmit your IRS Form 2290.

We accept HVUT 2290 payments via credit card, debit card, direct debit, electronic funds withdrawal (EFW), Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EETPS), or check/money order.

In addition, before you transmit your Form 2290 for 2019, ExpressTruckTax will run an instant error check to scan for common IRS 2290 errors before filing.

If the trucker lifestyle requires extended time on the go, shouldn’t you be able to file your taxes on the go too?

With ExpressTruckTax not only can you file 2290 online, but you can file IRS Form 2290 from anywhere with our mobile app.

Don’t wait for the Form 2290 due date. File today.

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

Posted on August 1, 2019 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, free IFTA calculator, Fuel Tax, IFTA, IFTA due date, IFTA filing, IFTA filing deadline, ifta fuel tax, IFTA reporting, IFTA tax, IFTA Tax Calculator

By now you’ve probably realized that the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline was yesterday, July 31st.

Crap.

Let’s be honest, who even knew there were 31 days in July anyway?

Don’t sweat it – missing the IFTA due date happens every IFTA filing quarter to tons of people.

Here’s what to do if you missed the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline.

Yikes, I Missed The IFTA Filing Deadline. Now What?

Understand The Penalties

The penalty for missing the IFTA filing deadline is $50 or 10% of your total tax, whichever is higher.

On top of that, you’ll be charged .4167% interest on your total tax monthly until the fuel tax is paid.

In addition, and here’s the real kicker, your base jurisdiction reserves the right to revoke your IFTA license.

Sounds terrible right? Well here’s the good news.

Avoid Those Penalties

You don’t need to go through all of that.

The penalties worsen the longer you wait to file your IFTA tax. Since the IFTA due date was yesterday, if you file your IFTA fuel tax today, the only fee you’ll pay is $50 or 10% of your tax.

Plus, in some cases, if you file immediately after the deadline, you can get your IFTA filing in before anyone even realizes it’s late and potentially avoid the basic fee.

Also, first-time IFTA due date offenders will probably not have their license revoked, especially if they can rectify the situation quickly.

Here’s a summary of what I’m saying – You need to file now!

You’ve realized your mistake and you have taxes on your mind, so what are you waiting for?

Knock out your IFTA fuel tax now before this gets out of hand.

File Your IFTA Fuel Tax Fast

You need a quick IFTA reporting solution, but don’t worry, we have a suggestion!

ExpressTruckTax has everything you could possibly need to file your IFTA fuel tax.

We’ll generate your IFTA report and take care of all the calculations for you, including total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and IFTA tax amount.

We have all the tools you need to simplify the process, including bulk upload and a free IFTA tax calculator!

IFTA reporting doesn’t get any simpler.

Missing the IFTA due date happens, but excessive penalties don’t have to.

50 Years of Dave Nemo: The Best In Trucking Radio

Posted on July 31, 2019 by - dave nemo, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290, the dave nemo show, truck driver, Trucker, trucker radio, trucking, trucking industry, trucking radio

Dave Nemo, trucking radio show host, and trucking industry legend is celebrating 50 years in trucking radio.

We decided to recognize this huge feat by sitting down with the man himself to talk about becoming an industry leader and to pass along the invaluable knowledge he has to offer.

Watch the full interview here:

50 Years of Dave Nemo: The Best In Trucking Radio

The Beginnings of Trucking Radio

Like everyone in the trucking industry, Dave Nemo has a story.

His starts at just 2 years old, listening to “The National Barn Radio Show” with his family every Saturday night.

Glued to the soundtrack, the show drew him to music, and radio soon followed. In the ’70s, Dave says, “Radio was a vehicle for music to be heard”.

In college, he was the campus radio station’s music director. Then, trucking worked its way into the equation unexpectedly.

After serving in the Vietnam War, he returned to the radio station where he worked after college, and discovered a need.

Truck drivers were multiplying, and yet, nothing was catered to them. The trucking industry was so unknown that insight for truckers on the road was non-existent. Instead, trucking radio was simply an attempt to keep truckers awake and alive.

Dave Nemo decided to expand on that.

Understanding the Trucking Industry

Beginning in a virtually untapped industry was a learning experience for Dave Nemo.

Gradually, he began to understand the population he was serving.

He recalls having an unexpected connection with drivers because so many were just getting back from war or on their way out.

Dave says, “It’s been an incredible experience getting to meet a population of the country that not a lot of people know about, and yet truck drivers and their families are everywhere. I think 1 out of 6 people in the country is involved in transportation.”

Those who work in the trucking industry form a community. There are no stereotypical truck drivers, but there is a trucking lifestyle. Those who drive are part of a unique family, moving our country forward with great pride and a sense of commitment.

As Dave says, “Trucking is an uncelebrated section of our population – I always compare teachers and truckers… the vital nature of what they do and the little recognition they get for it.”

Advice To Those in The Trucking Industry

50 years in trucking radio is a long time, and Dave Nemo has invaluable wisdom from it.

His advice for people moving forward in the industry or just starting out is to talk to as many people as possible. There are more options in the trucking industry today than ever before. Take time to find your niche.

For more trucking tips, listen to Dave Nemo’s show every morning, 7-11 AM EST on Sirius XM and Road Dog Trucking Radio.

Remember, in both radio and taxes, you have allies in the trucking industry.

Don’t forget, the IRS 2290 deadline is only a month away! Turn to ExpressTruckTax to file Form 2290 fast.

Use ExpressTruckTax filing to meet the August 31st deadline to avoid IRS penalties. Plus, when you file online, you’ll receive your Schedule 1 in minutes.

As the leading provider in the trucking industry, we understand that you have more important things to do than taxes.

That’s why we’re committed to making life easier for you.

Sign up for free today!

Trucker Tips: How I Find The Best-Paying Loads

Posted on July 26, 2019 by - carrier, DAT, express truck tax, expresstrucktax, find truck loads, loading, owner operator, Owner Operators, truckersedge

Guest blog post by DAT Contributor Sammy Lloyd. 

Being an owner-operator is tough. You need all the tools possible to stay profitable. Back when I was leased-on with a carrier, the only way for me to make more money was to become an expert on cutting costs. Now that I operate under my own MC number, I focus on more than just my expenses.

Here are three strategies I use to squeeze more profit out of every load I haul: 

1. Know the current lane rates

After I got my own operating authority, I started out with the Enhanced version of the DAT TruckerEdge load board. It included 90-day lane rate averages. I soon realized I was leaving money on the table by not knowing the 15-day average, so I upgraded to the Pro version. It has helped me get above-average rates.

The first time I told a broker I was looking at the 15-day average on DAT, his whole demeanor changed. He could tell I knew more about lane rates than someone who isn’t serious about their business.

Sign up for 30 days free on DAT TruckersEdge

2. Research which freight markets are hot

I’ve learned over the years that freight is like a living organism — forever changing, moving, and growing. A market that is hot this week may not be next week, and vice versa. You have to keep up with the changes weekly, even daily, and stick to strong markets with plenty of freight.

Before I’ll ever call a broker, I’ll go into TruckersEdge and do some lane searches to see what lanes are paying the best. Then I’ll check the load counts in the market I’m in and get a load-to-truck ratio. If there are way more loads than trucks, I know my trailer is a hot commodity and it will take more money for me to jump on a load.

On the other hand, I’ll take less than the average rate if I know it’s going to take me into a strong market. That’s why it’s crucial to stay up to date on both the market you’re in and the market you’re headed to.

3. Always look ahead to your next load

After I get on a load and know where I’m going, I’ll look into the market I’m headed into and get an idea of where I need to go next. I try my best to stay a load and a day ahead at all times.

I’ll try to secure another load at my destination before I get there. If I’m delivering a load at 8 a.m. tomorrow, and I can get another load with an open pickup window at or above the average rate, I’m all for it. Very seldom

do I pull a load for less than average, but sometimes the cards just aren’t in my favor.

But I keep in mind that time equals money: Rolling at $1.50 per mile today is more profitable than $2.00 per mile tomorrow. Pre-booking my next load helps me cut down on wasted time, and time management is very important in this business. 
With good planning during my week, I find that I can make room for an additional load by week’s end.
On my YouTube channel, MakeCents Trucker, I tell people all the time: I’m not the smartest in the industry. I’m learning as I go, and this is what I do. In an industry where most fail as an owner-operator or independent carrier, I’ve been able to keep the lights on.

DAT Solutions provides truckers and carriers access to North America’s largest marketplace of loads and trucks with over 900,000 loads posted daily. Click here to learn more about DAT and how you can get 30 days free on DAT TruckersEdge.

Click here to view the original DAT blog post by contributor Sammy Lloyd.

This Awesome Free IFTA Calculator is a Lifesaver

Posted on July 23, 2019 by - expresstrucktax, free fuel tax calculator, free IFTA calculator, free online ifta calculator, IFTA, IFTA calculator, IFTA filing, IFTA tax, IFTA Tax Return

Okay, don’t freak out. I’m just going to say it:

Your 2nd Quarter IFTA tax return is due in a week: July 31st

The good news is that you still have time to file!

That is… you have time if you take advantage of online services and tools for IFTA filing.

One of the most important time-saving online tools is the free IFTA calculator offered by ExpressTruckTax.

All you need to do is download the free IFTA calculator to your smartphone or tablet and your IFTA tax amount will be calculated for you!


This Awesome Free IFTA Calculator is a Lifesaver

How To Use Our Free Fuel Tax Calculator

Using the free IFTA calculator is incredibly simple. Just follow these 3 steps:

Once you’ve entered this information, the free fuel tax calculator will do the rest.

Our free IFTA calculator will display your total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and, most importantly, the amount of IFTA tax you owe.

From there, you can email this IFTA tax report generated by your free online IFTA calculator to yourself or any other recipient simply by entering email addresses and selecting “send”.

IFTA Filing Made Simple

Filing your IFTA tax return takes more than a great IFTA calculator, though. That’s why ExpressTruckTax offers a full-service solution.

With innovative features, easy-to-use software, and interview-style questions, you’ll be done with your IFTA filing in no time.

Start a free account and find out for yourself! If you have questions or need assistance, please contact our US-based support team via phone, chat, or email.