Category: #TruckTechTuesday

Driving Through the Decades: 6 Weird Concept Trucks

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


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

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

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

1964 GM Bison Concept Truck

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

(photo courtesy of Hemmings Daily)

Chevrolet Turbo Titan III Concept Truck

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

(photo courtesy of Truck Trend Network)

Steinwinter Supercargo 2040 Cab Under Concept

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

(photo courtesy of franestan613 via Imgur)

Mercedes Benz EXT 92 Concept Truck

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

(photo courtesy of TrucksPlanet)

Colani Spitzer Silo Concept Truck

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

(photo courtesy of Dark Roasted Blend) 

Walmart’s WAVE Concept

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

(photo courtesy of Wired)

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

#TruckTechTuesday: What’s Available in Trucker Apps

Posted on January 12, 2016 by - #TruckTechTuesday, expresstrucktax, smartphone apps, trucker apps

Smartphone apps are everywhere, and on truckers’ phones the story is no different. The wide array of
apps available for truck drivers certainly makes your lives easier, and like so many other tools, free you up to do things you really want to do. Let’s have a look at some of the more popular trucker apps out there and what they can do for you.

Allstays Truck Stops and Travel Plazas

This very popular app has been around since 2003, and shows not only what truck stops and travel plazas are near you (or in a certain location), but gives all kinds of details about those truck stops and allows you to filter a search by a specific detail. And it gives you information about road conditions, weigh stations, rest areas, and more.

AroundMe

This app shows you all kinds of businesses and amenities that are near your present location. You can search by category and also pull up information about each item shown. It shows your position on a map and the location of each business relative to you.

Waze

You can see accidents, police traps, and other hazards that have been shared by other drivers with this community-based navigation and traffic app. You can also share information with the app’s community about what you see or encounter on the road.

Beat the Traffic

Gives you real-time information about traffic, incidents, and the best route for you based on where you are and where you’d like to go.

MyDAT Trucker

Originally started as Dial-A-Truck (hence the name DAT), this app also details truck stops, hotels, diesel prices, etc. In addition, it shows information on loads that are near you using the DAT Load Monitor Network.

Trucker Path

This app is very popular and similar to MyDat Trucker, but really has two apps, one for on the road information, such as truck stops, parking, rest areas, and weigh stations, and another app that’s still in testing for accessing carriers and loads available.

RigMinders

RigMinders is a free customizable app that allows you to set up reminders for the trucking industry’s many tax filing, permit, and registration deadlines, as well as any other reminders you’d like to set up for yourself or your trucking business.

This is just a small representation of the many apps available for truckers today. As you can see, there’s a wealth of information, as well as tools, available to you whenever you need it. With the world at your fingertips, you can keep a step ahead of the competition.

Contact us here at ExpressTruckTax by phone at 704.234.6005, and by email at support@expresstrucktax.com. We’re available over the phone Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, and any time via email.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page, and tweet with us on Twitter. A healthy give and take with you allows us to continue to provide you with the best service available anywhere.

#TruckTechTuesday: Cell Phone Tips for Truckers

Posted on January 5, 2016 by - #TruckTechTuesday, cell phones, tips & tricks

Cell phones are everywhere. We’ve come to rely upon them, and expect ours to be available whenever we need it. For truckers, however, the cell phone picture can be quite contradictory. While you need your phones to communicate with dispatchers and get directions, among other things, your cell phone use is often tightly restricted.

Most importantly, there are specific regulations regarding cell phone use while operating a commercial motor vehicle. Essentially, truckers must only use a hands-free phone that is in close proximity while driving, and texting at any time behind the wheel is not allowed.

This being said, you still need to be able to use your phone, whether at a truck or rest stop, or just while parked. And cell phone costs can make up a significant part of any trucker’s budget. The savvy trucker can keep these costs to a minimum with a little research.

Avoid High Roaming Fees

Roaming fees can add up quickly. If your runs take you across the country, it’s worth it to pay a little extra for a plan with a company that has a wide reach so that you avoid roaming fees. Also, be sure that your cell phone company doesn’t charge connection fees when using other companies’ towers; some companies will do this under the name of “free roaming.”

Coverage Can Make or Break You

Coverage is another important consideration when choosing a wireless plan if you drive in a wide area. The important thing about coverage is keeping spots without coverage on your plan to a minimum. The last thing you need is to be stranded in an area without cell phone signal when you have important business to take care of. Many truckers agree that Verizon and AT&T have the best coverage available in the U.S.

Keep the Data Flowing

Also, how much data your plan provides may come into play for you, especially if you stream any type of video in your down time. GPS use on your phone can also eat up data. It may be worth the added expense to have a large amount or unlimited data on your plan, since data overages can add up quickly.

These are just some ways that you can get the most out of your cell phone dollar. By knowing the ins and outs of OTR cell phone use, your cell phone can be more about what you’re getting rather than what you’re giving.

Our ExpressTruckTax support team is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have over the phone at 704.234.6005, and any time by email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

And don’t forget to join the conversation on our Facebook page, and on Twitter. You can post about your experience with cell phones on the road, or Tweet about any tips or tricks you might have that would help The Trucking Nation with their cell phone needs.

#TruckTechTuesday: RigMinders

Posted on December 29, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, expresstrucktax, rigminders

Happy Holidays, Trucking Nation! We here at ExpressTruckTax love to share with you new innovative ideas on #TruckTechTuesday, and today is no exception. RigMinders, a sister app of ExpressTruckTax, is a free app that you can easily download to your Apple or Android electronic device. RigMinders gives you the ability to remind yourself about all things trucking in one convenient location.

RigMinders Keeps Your Life in Sync

RigMinders is THE deadline reminder app for transportation professionals. With this app, you won’t need to write down, set an alarm, or tie a string around your finger to remember important trucking deadlines. RigMinders does it all for you!

You can either set up pre-programmed deadline reminders, or customize your own reminders.

Free Trucking Reminders, Anytime
Pre-programmed reminders include HVUT, IFTA, as well as UCR and IRP permit renewals, and others, including state use taxes. You can customize reminders according to time (same day, day before, week before) or by type (push notifications, email, or both).

The app can notify you of truck deadlines coming up in the next 90 days, and it can also notify you about those deadlines coming up after 90 days as well.

Not only that, you can set up personal reminders such as bills, maintenance appointments, expiration dates, and other reminders you might want to create. It’s like having your own secretary right on your electronic device!

RigMinders is a great time saver, and lifesaver! It’s as easy as a swipe of your finger!

Rigminders Support
The support team at RigMinders are available at 704.234.6946 over the phone, and by email at support@rigminders.com.

Contact Us
And our expert support team at ExpressTruckTax is ready to answer any questions or concerns you might have about ExpressTruckTax at 704.234.6005 and support@expresstrucktax.com.

Join the conversation on our Facebook page, or tweet at us on Twitter. We always want to read your stories and ideas, whether it be about RigMinders, ExpressTruckTax, or any other trucking related topic that might be on your mind. This give and take between you and us allows us to have the necessary feedback and insight into what you want and need from us to provide you with absolutely the best service available anywhere. Thanks, Trucking Nation!

#TruckTechTuesday: Onboard Truck Computers

Posted on December 15, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, electronic driving logs, expresstrucktax, onboard computers

Today’s trucks are sophisticated and state-of-the-art, much different from the simpler, older trucks they’ve grown out of. Not only do they contain the traditional engine and instrument panels, they employ modern computers that monitor and control many aspects of the truck’s performance.

The onboard computers used in most trucks today are multi-function machines much like their desktop cousins. Not only can they be used to monitor truck conditions and driver behavior, as older computers in trucks mainly did, today’s truck computers can be used to communicate between driver and back office, and even used by drivers to run applications and access the internet.

Electronic Driving Logs

Electronic driving logs are perhaps the most obvious application for these computers. These logs will become mandatory in all trucks by December 2017, according to a ruling by the U.S. Department of Transportation released December 10th. And significantly, a provision of this ruling states that these logs can not be used to harass drivers. This means that electronic logs can potentially be of benefit to both trucking companies and drivers, in that the companies will be able to track driver data, but drivers will be protected by the law from companies abusing the use of these logs.

Monitoring Engines

Onboard truck computers are also used to monitor truck engines and communicate data from the engine with either the driver, the back office, or both. The data can range from diagnostic trouble codes, to routine maintenance needed, to extreme conditions in the engine not caught by the codes. This can often mean the difference between a routine service stop and a blown engine.

Communications

Communications between the truck, driver, and the back office regarding other important information take place with the use of these computers as well. Some of these messages are in place of conversations that might normally occur over a cell phone. Since the screens for these onboard computers are often placed on the truck’s dashboard right in the driver’s view, using the computer for these communications can be much safer than cell phone exchanges.

Driver Use

A more recent feature of onboard truck computers is the ability to be used by drivers for 3rd party applications that might monitor other aspects of the truck. These computers are much like the desktop computer most people use, all the way down to internet access. This gives off-duty drivers a convenient way to surf the web, so that they won’t need to use up costly data on their cell phones.

ExpressTruckTax keeps you up to date on the latest in the trucking world, just like we make your life easier by simplifying your HVUT filing process. Contact us by phone at 704.234.6005 or by email any time at support@expresstrucktax.com.

We’re anxious to hear about your experiences with onboard computers. Tweet at us on Twitter or post on our Facebook page anything you think would be helpful for The Trucking Nation to know about onboard computers. Your input helps us to make sure we’re serving you the best we can.

Friendly Reminder:

Don’t forget the IRS’s e-filing system will be down for yearly maintenance from Dec 26th until some time during the 1st week in January (The IRS hasn’t specified the exact date the system will be back up yet). So if you’re using ExpressTruckTax to e-file and your Form 2290 needs to be in by December 31st, to be safe, you should e-file by December 23rd.

#TruckTechTuesday: Self-driving Trucks

Posted on December 8, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, autonomous trucks, expresstrucktax, self-driving trucks, semi-autonomous trucks

Imagine a truck that drives itself. Sounds like the stuff of science fiction, right? It may be closer than you think. Several truck manufacturers are currently working to develop exactly this, a self-driving truck. A few already have working prototypes. Let’s take a look at these trucks.

How Semi-Autonomous Trucks Work

It’s helpful to be clear about what these things are and how they work. The industry name for self-driving trucks is autonomous trucks. In turn, those that require a driver for safe operation are called semi-autonomous trucks. These semi-autonomous trucks are the type that are furthest along in development.

Semi-autonomous trucks are controlled by a computer. The truck’s computer constantly monitors the truck’s behavior, communicating the data it finds with the driver and the back office. In some cases, the computer will adjust settings within the truck to compensate; other times the driver will need to make adjustments.

Note that these trucks need an experienced, qualified driver in order to safely operate. The greatest need for manual driving is in densely-populated cities, to maneuver around the quickly changing landscape of city streets. At other times, such as highway driving, these trucks are able to control themselves.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Semi-Autonomous Trucks

The most obvious advantage of semi-autonomous trucks is the operation cost savings. They predict accident rates will fall dramatically with these trucks, since there’s more precise control over the truck. Catastrophic breakdowns can be avoided since the computer will closely monitor the truck’s performance and maintenance needs. Self-driving trucks will also free up their drivers to do other things such as examining computer data, doing business-related tasks (like filing your HVUT!), and simply relaxing.

The main disadvantage to these trucks is cost. At present, and for the foreseeable future, semi-autonomous trucks will require a huge startup investment. Companies will need to closely examine cost savings and see how they compare with these startup costs.

Some drivers may fear that their jobs are being threatened by the new trucks. It is important to note only the autonomous trucks have no need for a driver, and the development and implementation of such trucks is a long, long way down the road. It’s also unclear at this time whether autonomous trucks are viable at all, as there is still a huge concern about the safety of a truck without a driver. So don’t worry, Trucking Nation, your jobs aren’t going anywhere!

Let us know your feelings about autonomous and semi-autonomous trucks by tweeting at us on Twitter, and posting on our Facebook page. Your comments really help us post topics that are most helpful and interesting to you. And your input also helps us to provide you with the absolute best service available.

You can reach us at 704.234.6005 or at support@expresstrucktax.com if you have any concerns or questions about ExpressTruckTax.

#TruckTechTuesday: Cell Phone Signal Boosters

Posted on December 1, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, cell phone signal boosters, ExpressTruckTax app, Expresstrucktax.com

We all know how much you depend on your cell phones these days, Trucking Nation. From communicating with dispatchers, to getting GPS information, including up-to-the-minute traffic reports, these little technological wonders are in many ways your lifelines.

So when you have trouble getting signal or your signal’s weak, it can seem like the end of the world. Leave it to the wizards of technology to come up with a solution for this problem: cell phone signal boosters.

Stay Connected with Cell Phone Signal Boosters

Another marvel of technology, cell phone signal boosters replicate the signal from surrounding cell phone towers, and amplify, or strengthen, that signal over a relatively small area, such as the cab of your truck. Your cell phone is then able to receive that replicated signal as if it were coming from a cell tower.

An important factor to consider when choosing a signal booster is the strength of the amplifier, because this will determine how well the booster replicates the cell phone signal. This is especially important in mobile situations such as a truck. Since the cell signal will vary wildly depending on location, the stronger the amplifier the better for truckers.

Cell phone signal boosters provide a simple solution to what can be a major inconvenience.

We Make Things Easier Too

Like signal boosters, ExpressTruckTax is another secret weapon you can’t leave home without. Luckily, we’re also as mobile as you are, as you can always e-file from your smartphone or tablet. Whether it’s the ExpressTruckTax mobile app or the Form 2290 Tax Calculator app, you can count on us to make filing HVUT, and life, go a little smoother.

And speaking of helping you out, you can contact us whenever you have questions or concerns about ExpressTruckTax. Call us at 704.234.6005 or email us anytime at support@expresstrucktax.com. Our world-class support team is available to assist you in English or Spanish.

You can always tweet us on Twitter or post on our Facebook page. Let us know how ExpressTruckTax has made your life easier. Thank you, Trucking Nation, for making us the leading Truck Tax solution. You’re the reason we do what we do.

#TruckTechTuesday: Healthy Lifestyle Apps for Truckers

Posted on November 3, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, Siphiwe Baleka, trucker fitness, trucking fitness apps

Happy #TruckTechTuesday, Trucking Nation! We all know how hard it is to stay in shape when you’re constantly on the road. According to trucker fitness guru Siphiwe Baleka, the life expectancy of truckers can be 10 to 15 years shorter than the U.S. average. We here at ExpressTruckTax want you to live long, prosperous lives, so let’s have a look at some apps that will help you on your fitness journey.

New App: Active Trucker

Anything that makes it easier for truckers to keep active is a big help. Baleka has released an app that does just that.The app is called Active Trucker, and provides 10 different exercises that take only 15 minutes or less. These are workouts that you can do by the side of your truck at either a rest area or a truck stop. Each exercise builds on the previous ones, and they gradually increase in complexity and intensity.

You don’t even need to change clothes for these workouts. The app is designed to make trucker fitness as easy as possible. You can also add friends and family to the app, so that they can see when you’ve worked out, and offer you support and encouragement.

My Fitness Pal

My Fitness Pal is an automatic calorie counter and diet planner. It contains the nutrition information for over 2 million foods, and includes a feature that allows you to scan the barcode on any food label and get its nutrition facts that way.This app allows you to keep a food journal, and track nutrient and vitamin information as well.

Rolling Strong

This app is designed especially for truckers. In the free section there are location services for clinics and self-check health locations, as well as access to an extensive digital library that contains recorded wellness seminars. The members section gives you access to clinics for monthly health screenings, an on-the-go nutritional guide, and access to member only discounts.

These are only a few of the apps available today that can help you stay healthy on the road. There are many others designed with trucker wellness in mind. So don’t be afraid to explore them and let us know what works best for you.

We’d Like to Help

We here at ExpressTruckTax hope these apps will help you find ways to maintain healthy living. As always, we’re here Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to answer your questions over the phone at 704.234.6005 or by web-based chat. You can also reach us at any time via email at support@expresstrucktax.com.

#TruckTechTuesday: Keep It Updated

Posted on October 6, 2015 by - #TruckTech, #TruckTechTuesday, browser updated, expresstrucktax, latest technology, updated browser

Happy #TruckTechTuesday! Here at ExpressTruckTax, we’re all about keeping up with the latest technology, which means making sure our browsers and apps are always up-to-date. Why, you ask? Well, regular updates provide significant benefits, such as better speed, security, and support than older versions. If you don’t take the chance to update your browser, you can be left in the dark and miss new features that can improve your overall experience on the web—no, thank you!

Let’s take a look at some benefits of an updated browser:

Speed

You probably don’t need me to tell you that updating your browser can help websites and apps load and run faster. It’s true that every new update makes your browser faster than the last.

Security

When it comes to your personal information, such as identity and credit card numbers, you’re the safest when you have your browser updated to the latest version. That’s because it includes new and improved security protection.

Safety

Keeping your browser updated can also reduce the risk of getting a virus on your computer. To minimize the risk of infection and attack, it’s important to check for updates every month or so.

Sight

If you maintain an older browser that does not support the latest versions of HTML or CSS, you won’t be able to see the full view of the sites you visit.

As you can notice, keeping your browser updated is important for several reasons, especially to ensure that your web pages load properly. ExpressTruckTax also recommends that you update any extensions, plug-ins, or add-ons.

If there is anything #TruckTech related that you wish to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter! And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have any questions. ExpressTruckTax offers year-round support so you can get the help you deserve. You can email us at support@expresstrucktax.com or call us at 704.234.6005.

#TruckTechTuesday: The ExpressTruckTax App

Posted on September 29, 2015 by - #TruckTechTuesday, E-File Your 2290, ExpressTruckTax app, Schedule 1, secure app, stamped Schedule 1, trucking nation

Hello, Trucking Nation, it’s #TruckTechTuesday! Today’s talk is all about our ever so reliable app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. Not having room for a computer and desk in the cabin of your truck has inspired us to create an ExpressTruckTax app for when you’re on-the-go.

What Can You Do?

With our free, safe, and secure app, you can e-file your 2290 from the palm of your hand, anywhere at any time. After the 2290 is completed, you will get your Stamped Schedule 1 within the usual 15-20 minutes. You’ll also be able to correct and resubmit rejected returns, add multiple businesses to your account, bundle your returns to get the best value, use prepaid EIN’s to e-file for multiple businesses, and take advantage of bulk pricing and unlimited filing options to save the most money. Yes, we like deals here!

Click your device of choice to download the ExpressTruckTax App:

iPhone

iPad

Android

No matter where the road takes you, ExpressTruckTax is here to offer easy e-filing on-the-go while ensuring that you still get your Schedule 1 in minutes.

If there is anything #TruckTech related that you wish to see featured here, drop us a line on our Facebook or Twitter! And as always, don’t hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have any questions. Our support team is here to help! You can email us at support@expresstrucktax.com or call us at 704.234.6005.