Tag: expresstrucktax

What You Need To Know About EIN On Form 2290

Posted on May 18, 2023 by - EIN

Hey, it’s Amber from ExpressTruckTax, and today we are going to talk about EIN, which is the Employer Identification Number.

So, we’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about how long does it take a new EIN to become active in the IRS system, and that is a super, super good question because sometimes it can take two weeks, sometimes it can take four weeks.

It really just depends on how quickly the IRS is batching those applications and entering them into their system. So, when you apply for a new EIN, you enter in the information on the IRS website, and you automatically get the EIN, right? You get a PDF, and it shows you your new EIN. Your SS4 is the actual documentation, and for several things, you can use that number right away.

So, for example, if you’re going to go open a bank account for your business, you can use that new EIN right away. However, in order to e-file, you have to wait until the IRS puts that number into their system because when you e-file a tax form, the form that you fill out on ExpressTruckTax gets sent to the IRS, and they have to have something to match that up to you, and they use the EIN for that.

So, if they haven’t put it into their system yet, your return basically gets rejected because there’s nothing to match it in the IRS system. When you’re filing your 2290 on ExpressTruckTax.com, you can go ahead and file the return. It’s going to be rejected, and the reason it’s rejected is it says your business name and the EIN don’t match. That is the IRS code to say the EIN is not in the system yet.

So, what we encourage you to do is to re-transmit that return. You don’t have to pay again for it. You just come back into your account and re-transmit it to the IRS once a day. And if it’s rejected one time, it’s going to be rejected all day that day because the IRS doesn’t update their system but one time a day.

So, when you re-transmit your return, it’ll be rejected until the number is in their system. However, once the number is in their system, your return will be either accepted or rejected again. If there’s something else wrong with it, it might be rejected again. You might have to fix something else on it, but if everything matches, your return will be accepted, and you’ll receive your stamped schedule one in the future. Once your EIN is active, your 2290s will go through the system and will be accepted within minutes.

So, this waiting period is only once, only for new EINs, or if you go and you change the information on your EIN again. You’ve got to kind of go through that waiting period again, but once it’s in the IRS system, and you transmit your 2290, you get your answer back within minutes, which is again why we suggest for you to use ExpressTruckTax because we have been in the industry for over 13 years, and we work directly with the IRS.

We’re US-based, and so your information is secure with ExpressTruckTax, and we get your stamp schedule one accepted quickly. And then again, if you are leased to a company, I know a lot of times we hear questions about, “Oh, I’m going to orientation, and they want me to bring my 2290,” yet you don’t even have an EIN yet.

So, that kind of throws a wrench into your schedule when you have to get an EIN, and then you have to wait 10-15 business days (two weeks-four weeks, just depends) to get your 2290 to take with you to orientation.

So, if you are new to trucking and you’re watching this video, first of all, welcome to a wonderful industry. I love the trucking industry. Number two, go get your EIN now. I don’t care if you’re leasing onto a company, I don’t care if you’re going to be a company driver. It’s free to get. And then if you ever change your mind and you want to go lease onto a company or you want to go out on your own, you already have it. You don’t have to wait for it to be put into the IRS system when you’re wasting valuable time.

So, if you’re new to the industry, go get your EIN. We have videos about that. You can also look on the IRS website of how to set up an EIN, but you want to make sure you’re setting it up correctly because you don’t want to have to go back and change it later. But go get an EIN now so that if you do change how you want to do business, you don’t have to wait on this piece of paperwork.

Basically, again, go file your Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax. We are the number one IRS-authorized e-file provider for the trucking industry for over 13 years, and if you do have any further questions, we have a full support team Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com or give us a call at 704-234-6005.

3 Reasons To E-File Form 2290 Early With ExpressTruckTax.com

Posted on May 11, 2023 by - 2290 prefiling

Hey, it’s Amber from ExpressTruckTax, and I’m going to give you three reasons why you should file your 2023-24 Form 2290 today.

#1 Win A Bluetooth Headset

Reason number one is that when you file your 23-24 Form 2290 in May, you are automatically entered to win a Blue Parrot Bluetooth headset. And you don’t want to miss out on that, so get yourself a new headset, file your 2290. It’s a win-win, just do it!

#2 Avoid The Rush

Number two is that you don’t have to worry about the 2290 deadline. You know, as you’re driving, wonderful summertime breeze flowing through your locks of hair, you don’t have to worry about, ‘Oh, the 2290 deadline is coming up.’ You’ve already done it in the first week of July.

It’s going to be processed, and you’re going to get your stamped Schedule 1. If you’re leased with the company, your company can automatically get a stamped Schedule 1 as well. So you don’t have to worry about sending it to them. It’s done, it’s over with.

#3 Fix Any Mistakes

And number three, if you do have any mistakes, you have longer to correct those mistakes. And so again, when your return is processed in the first week of July, if it’s rejected due to a number of different reasons, you have almost two months to correct that. So those are the top three reasons why you should file your 2290 today in May of 2023 for the 23-24 Form 2290.

More Reasons to Choose ExpressTruckTax

Again, ExpressTruckTax is the number one IRS-authorized E-File provider. What that means in non-tax language is that we are number one among truckers. We are the most trusted e-file provider. We will keep your information safe, and we are US-based.

So those are the top reasons why truckers choose ExpressTruckTax. And we have customer support. We actually answer our phones. Again, another reason why truckers choose ExpressTruckTax.

ExpressTruckTax Support

So if you do have questions about your Form 2290, please give us a call at 704-234-6005, or you can email us at support@ExpressTruckTax.com. We also have a live chat option available. And so if you’re on ExpressTruckTax, there’s a little chat bubble. Click that, and you’ll get directly to our support team as well.

So go ahead, file your 2023-24 Form 2290 today to automatically be entered to win the Bluetooth headset. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to help you this year.

Filing for the 2023-24 Form 2290 Season Starts Now, Truckers!

Posted on May 2, 2023 by - 2023-24 Form 2290

File ahead of the rush with ExpressTruckTax

The 2290 filing season is right around the corner, and our team is excited to help you get ahead of the game this year! That’s right, the 2023-24 Form 2290 is available from ExpressTruckTax today. What better way to ensure you file accurately and on time this year than to start filing now? 

A Quick Recap of Form 2290

We get it, our team talks about Form 2290 all day, every day, but for you, it happens once a year!  

IRS Form 2290 is used by owners of commercial motor vehicles weighing 55,000 pounds or more to calculate and pay annual heavy vehicle use taxes (HVUT). The HVUT tax year runs annually from July 1 – June 30. 

What are the Benefits of Filing Early? 

The best benefit of completing your annual filing ahead of the 2290 deadline on August 31st is that you can check this off your “to-do” list and get back on the road!

When millions of other drivers are rushing to meet the filing deadline in August, you will already have your Stamped Schedule 1! As soon as the IRS begins accepting 2290 Forms, yours will be submitted and processed. 

http://blog.expresstrucktax.com/how-to-file-form-2290-with-expresstrucktax-com

Why Should I File 2290 with ExpressTruckTax?

Here is a better question – why would you file your 2023-24 Form 2290 with any provider other than ExpressTruckTax? 

ExpressTruckTax is the industry leader for a reason, we offer the easiest and most affordable option for filing your 2290, and we’ve been doing that for over a decade!

Only ExpressTruckTax offers outstanding customer support that is live, local, and bilingual. Our team of experts is available to assist you Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM EST until 5:30 PM EST by phone, email, and live chat. 

Are you ready to start filing now? Click the button below to get started with ExpressTruckTax today!

Enter For Your Chance To Win A BlueParrott Bluetooth Headset! (Closed)

Posted on May 1, 2023 by - ExpressTruckTax giveaway

Rev up your summer with the official ExpressTruckTax pre-filing giveaway! Simply file your 2023-24 Form 2290 by May 31, 2023, and you’ll automatically be entered to win a BlueParrott B450-XT Noise Canceling Bluetooth Headset! 

As the market-leading Form 2290 e-file provider, ExpressTruckTax has been the go-to solution for trucking companies for the past decade. And now, on top of all the benefits you’ll get from choosing us, you’ll also have the chance to score some great freebies!

On June 1st, 2023, we’ll announce the lucky winner live on Facebook. So don’t wait – take advantage of this amazing opportunity to rev up your summer with a brand-new Bluetooth headset!

Load up and hit the road with ExpressTruckTax today!

RULES & REGULATIONS

You must transmit a 2023-24 Form 2290 by midnight on May 31st, 2023 to enter to win.

By entering an ExpressTruckTax Giveaway (each, a “Sweepstakes”), you will be bound by these Terms & Conditions and you acknowledge that you satisfy all eligibility requirements. “ExpressTruckTax” means Span Enterprises LLC or any of its affiliates.

Eligibility 

Open to individual legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia who have an ExpressTruckTax account and are 18 years of age or the legal age of majority in their state of residence prior to the date of entry. Employees of ExpressTruckTax, its affiliates, and their immediate family members are not eligible to participate.

Prize(s) and Winner Selection Method

ExpressTruckTax will award a prize to one or more individuals who file their 2023-24 Form 2290 on ExpressTruckTax.com between 5/1/2023-5/31/2023. Potential winner(s) will be selected at random from among all eligible entries received. The odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. If you are a winner, an e-mail notification will be sent to you.

You must have an ExpressTruckTax account and have filed a 2023-24 Form 2290 before May 31, 2023, in order to enter or receive a prize. Limit one entry per person and household using only one ExpressTruckTax.com account per Sweepstakes. Prize(s) will be fulfilled by the Sponsor. Prize(s) will be delivered by ExpressTruckTax.com.

Each prize will be awarded “as is” and without warranty of any kind, express or implied (including, without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose). If you win a prize, you may not transfer, assign, or redeem the prize for cash. ExpressTruckTax may substitute a prize with a prize of equal or greater value.

How to Enter. You will automatically be entered to win a prize when you transmit a 2023-24 Form 2290 before May 31, 2023.  If you do not wish to automatically be entered into the sweepstakes, you must notify us by email at support@expresstrucktax.com. If you choose to promote your entry (including that you filed your Form 2290) via social media or other channels, you should disclose your connection to the Sweepstakes. For example, it may be sufficient to include a statement such as #ExpressTruckTaxGiveaway.

This giveaway is not associated with Facebook.com or Twitter.com.

Other Sweepstakes. Additional Terms. Sponsor, together with ExpressTruckTax, reserves the right to modify or cancel a Sweepstakes at any time. Sponsor and ExpressTruckTax and its affiliates are not responsible for: (a) lost, misdirected, late, or incomplete entries or for inaccurate entry information; (b) any operation or transmission error, theft, unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries; or (c) damage to any computer or device resulting from downloading Sweepstakes materials. Sponsor, together with ExpressTruckTax, may disqualify any individual found to be: (x) tampering with a Sweepstakes; (y) violating these Terms & Conditions; or (z) acting in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner or with intent to threaten or harass any person. Incomplete and robotic, automatic, programmed or similar entries will be disqualified. The authorized subscriber of the account used to enter a Sweepstakes at the actual time of entry will be deemed to be the participant and must comply with these Terms & Conditions in the event of a dispute as to entries submitted by multiple users having the same e-mail account.

If any errors occur in the selection of a potential winner, or if more prizes are claimed than specified, Sponsor or ExpressTruckTax may award the prize(s) by random drawing from among all eligible claimants. All prizes made available for a Sweepstakes may not be awarded in the event Sponsor or ExpressTruckTax does not receive a sufficient number of qualified and eligible entries for an applicable Sweepstakes.

Miscellaneous. Each Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the United States. By entering a Sweepstakes, you agree (for yourself and your heirs) that Sponsor, ExpressTruckTax, and each of their respective affiliates and agents, and any entity involved in any aspect of the Sweepstakes (all aforementioned parties are collective, the “Released Parties”) will have no liability, and will be held harmless from and against liability, loss, injury or damage to property or person, including death, and reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs, due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by reason of the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a prize or participation in the Sweepstakes, even if caused or contributed to by the negligence of any of the Released Parties.

How To Avoid Form 2290 Penalties!

Posted on April 27, 2023 by - Form 2290 Penalties

The deadline to file and pay your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) is quickly approaching if you put a new truck on the road in March. It is important to understand the consequences of failing to file and/or pay your tax on time. In addition to needing the Stamped Schedule 1 to obtain your plates, if you miss the deadline to file or pay your HVUT, you can be hit with significant IRS penalties and interest charges.

Form 2290 Penalties

For example, if you fail to file your HVUT return by the due date, you could be penalized 4.5% of the total HVUT 2290 amount. This penalty can accrue for up to five months. If you fail to pay the full amount of tax due, you can also be subjected to a penalty of 0.5% of the unpaid tax per month, up to a maximum penalty of 25%.

These penalties can quickly add up and result in a significant financial burden for taxpayers who do not file or pay their HVUT liability on time. What’s more, failing to pay your tax debt can also result in the IRS placing a lien on your assets, including your trucks, and seizing those assets to satisfy the tax debt.

Avoid HVUT Penalties With ExpressTruckTax

To avoid these consequences, it is important that all truckers file their Form 2290 HVUT return and pay their tax due by the last day of the month following the first use. The good news is that you can file your HVUT, Form 2290 quickly and easily with ExpressTruckTax.

Creating an ExpressTruckTax account is simple, and filing your Form 2290 can be completed in just six easy steps. By using ExpressTruckTax, you can rest assured that your HVUT will be filed correctly and on time, avoiding costly penalties and interest charges.

Don’t let the deadline sneak up on you – create your ExpressTruckTax account today and file your HVUT return before it’s too late!

Who Needs To File Form 2290?

Posted on April 13, 2023 by - Form 2290 requirements

This is just a quick video. Don’t scroll, don’t go away. Stick with me for like five seconds. A 2290 is an IRS Federal Form that you have to file once a year. It’s an annual tax form. If your truck is over 55,000 pounds, you have to file. The maximum weight it goes up to is over 75,000, which means if you drive an 80,000-85,000, you’re still required to file 2290. 

The easiest way to file your 2290 is to go to ExpressTruckTax.com. We are the market-leading e-file provider for the Form 2290. Create an account. It’s free to create an account. You enter in your business details, your truck details. 

You can file for one truck, you can file for a billion trucks in the same account. You can add one business, you can add multiple businesses, it just depends on you and your setup. If you are a service provider, you can add multiple businesses. If you’re a CPA or if you work at a trucking company and you have company-owned trucks, all of the above can be filed through ExpressTruckTax. 

Then you’re going to choose how you want to pay the IRS. This goes directly from the taxpayer to the IRS. It does not swing through us, nothing like that. So you pick how you want to pay the IRS. You send it to the IRS, you file your 2290. So once you get done entering in the information, you transmit the return to the IRS. 

Within about five to ten minutes, you’re going to get notification that your 2290 has been accepted. Sometimes it’s been rejected and we’ll make another video about that, but you get notifications. You can choose to get a text notification. We know that you guys are busy, so once you get done, you can choose text notification and you’ll receive a text, your 2290 is ready. So, so simple. 

So you file your 2290, you get your – it’s called a stamped Schedule One – and that’s basically like your receipt. Like if you go to Publix and you check out and you get your receipt, your stamped Schedule One is your receipt. That is what you need to renew your plates. That’s what your company needs if you’re leased on with the company. That is the form that they want. They want to see that stamped Schedule One so that they can renew the plates when it comes time. So that’s the gold nugget right there, is that stamped Schedule One. 

You’ll get that in your email within about five to ten minutes. If you get a text notification, you’ll be notified. We also offer postal mailing. This is cool because we use a SOC-2 certified company. They mail out that stamped Schedule One to you. It’s calibrated so that everything is perfect on there. You won’t have any problems when you go to the DMV to renew your plates, and that’s why we offer that postal mail. So if you choose that, that will be mailed to your address. You’ll get that, you’ll be able to take that to renew your plates. Also, it’s good to keep one in the cab of your truck as well. If you get pulled over, dot any of those things, it’s good to be able to show them that you have a current stamped Schedule One right there in your truck. 

The tax year begins July 1st, and you must file by August 31st. So there’s a two-month little window there that, regardless of when your plates expire, we get this all the time, “Well, my plates don’t expire until February.” That’s great, but your 2290 is still due in July. 

Again, ExpressTruckTax, go sign up for a free account and go ahead and enter your information so that come July when it’s time to file, you get those notifications. You come, you file, you’re done until next year. Alright, if you have any questions, please reach out. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:30 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern.

And um, again, that is one of the things that sets ExpressTruckTax apart, is our full customer support in English and in Spanish. And so if you do have questions about 2290, IRP, IFTA permits, I don’t care what it is, we’re here and we’re ready to help you. So um, 704-234-6005 or Support@ExpressTruckTax.com.

Clientele Spotlight: Black History Month 2023

Posted on February 3, 2023 by - Black History Month, trucking industry, trucking industry facts

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we are dedicated to helping guarantee truckers and trucking companies a simple and easy Form 2290 filing experience. We also acknowledge the amazing efforts drivers put in to keep our nation running. It is officially February, which means it is Black History Month. 

Black History Month was first suggested by Black United Students at Kent State University in 1969 and was soon adopted as a celebration around the country. In 1976 it was recognized by President Gerald Ford during the United States bicentennial, urging Americans to honor Black Americans and their accomplishments throughout history. In recent years, the trucking industry has seen steady growth in the amount of African American drivers in the industry. This means the industry is becoming more diverse and inclusive as a whole. 

As far as contributions to the transportation industry go, there have been many significant and impactful contributions made by African Americans throughout the years. One of these important figures is Garret Morgan who became known as the “Father of Transportation Technology” because of his invention of the traffic signal in 1923. 

Another important contribution to the transportation industry was made by Frederick McKinley Jones, who invented the mechanical transport refrigeration unit which is seen in today’s reefer freight haulers. He won the National Medal of Technology in 1991 for his invention. This has made it possible for trucks and train cars to transport fresh and frozen foods long distances. 

Meredith Gourdine also made an important contribution to the transportation industry with his development of an exhaust purification system in 1967. This invention is known as the catalytic converter, which helps minimize harmful emissions released into the air. 

In the mid-1970s through the 1980s, Dr. Gladys West, a famous African American mathematician programmed a 7030 Stretch computer. It was designed to map the shape of the earth and aided in the development of the Global Positioning System (GPS). 

Here at ExpressTruckTax we value and celebrate our African American clients and want to make sure they all have the best filing experience possible. We also want to take the time to highlight some of our fantastic African American clientele and business owners that have generated their 2290 or 8849 Forms with us. We want to hear about your filing experiences!

If you would like your business featured, or want to shout out an African-American-owned trucking company you love, reach out to support@expresstrucktax.com.

We will feature these businesses through a Facebook post upon your approval. 

What information do you need to claim credit vehicles on Form 2290?

Posted on January 13, 2023 by - credit vehicle, Credit vehicles, form 2290 credit vehicle

Have you filed Form 2290 and paid the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax for a vehicle and sold the vehicle before the end of the tax year? If so, you can claim a refund for the HVUT that was paid for that vehicle. You can also claim a refund credit on vehicles that were stolen or destroyed. You can choose to file a Form 8849 return and receive a refund or you can claim credits on these vehicles alongside filing Form 2290. In order to claim these credits there is some information you are required to provide in order to do so. 

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

In order to know which vehicle you are claiming a credit for, you must provide the vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). This is a unique set of numbers and letters that typically consists of 17 characters used to identify the vehicle.

Taxable Gross Weight

The vehicle’s Taxable Gross Weight is the total weight of the truck, the trailer, and the maximum load it can carry. The Taxable Gross Weight can affect the tax amount that is paid so it is important that you put in the correct weight so that you receive the correct credit amount for this vehicle.

First Used Month and Tax Year

A vehicle’s First Used Month refers to the month that it was first put on the road. This is important to note because this is also a factor that determines how the tax was originally paid for this vehicle. If a vehicle’s First Used Month is July, the tax paid will be for the full tax year. If the First Used Month is any other month of the year, a prorated amount will be paid for this vehicle for the remaining months of the tax year. 

Is it logging?

A logging vehicle is a vehicle that only hauls trees or logs from forested sites. If this describes the vehicle you are claiming the credit for, indicate that the vehicle is a logging vehicle. 

Was it sold?

If the vehicle was sold, you will need to provide the details of the sale including the date of sale and the name and address of the buyer. You will also need to provide an explanation as to why the vehicle was sold. 

Why ExpressTruckTax?

Claiming credits on Form 2290 is fast and simple with ExpressTruckTax. You are able to do all of this alongside filing your form. You also have the option to file Form 8849 in order to receive the refund for these vehicles but it takes a lot longer to process. Why wait several months to a year to get your refund? Claim your credit vehicles alongside filing your Form 2290 for your current vehicle and have it processed along with your current Form 2290. It’s as easy as that! What are you waiting for? File Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax and claim your refund for your credit vehicles today!

Mismo Camión, Mismo Impuesto, Año Nuevo

Posted on January 6, 2023 by - e-fiile form 2290, Happy New Year from ExpressTruckTax, IRS E-file shutdown, New Year

Es oficialmente 2023, y aunque el sistema de declaración electrónica del IRS está actualmente cerrado por mantenimiento hasta el 12 de Enero, aún puede hacer el Formulario 2290 con ExpressTruckTax. Si ya hizo el Formulario 2290 en Julio, no necesita presentar el Formulario 2290 hasta el próximo Julio.

El año fiscal del Formulario 2290 va del 1ro. de Julio al 30 de Junio del siguiente año, lo que hace que la fecha límite oficial para presentar el Formulario 2290 sea el 31 de Agosto. Esto se aplica a los vehículos que pesan más de 55,000 libras que han estado en la carretera durante un año o más o que se pondrán en la carretera por primera vez en Julio. El Formulario 2290 debe presentarse anualmente para estos vehículos calificados para el Impuesto sobre el Uso de Vehículos Pesados (HVUT).

Si ha tenido su camión en la carretera durante más de un año o ha estado conduciendo desde Julio de 2022 y aún no ha hecho el Formulario 2290, su formulario está atrasado y debe declararlo lo antes posible. ¿Qué mejor propósito de Año Nuevo que presentar su Formulario 2290 y evitar ser multado? Al hacer el Formulario 2290, recibirá su Anexo 1 estampado que le permite obtener el registro y las placas para su vehículo.

Si puso su camión en la carretera por primera vez en Diciembre, tiene hasta el 31 de Enero para hacer el Formulario 2290. Si puso su camión en la carretera durante un mes que no sea Julio, la fecha límite para presentar su Formulario 2290 será el último día del mes siguiente.

Para asegurarse de que su Resolución de Año Nuevo haga su Formulario 2290 a tiempo, ExpressTruckTax hace que la declaración del Formulario 2290 sea rápida y fácil. Si hace su solicitud antes del 12 de Enero, su Formulario 2290 estará en espera hasta que el sistema de presentación electrónica del IRS vuelva a abrir. Tan pronto como se acepte su formulario, recibirá su Anexo 1 sellado y tendrá una cosa menos de qué preocuparse para el nuevo año. ¿Qué está esperando? ¡Haga su Formulario 2290 con ExpressTruckTax hoy!

Winter Weather Trucking Tips with ExpressTruckTax

Posted on December 21, 2022 by - driving in winter conditions, Trucking in winter, trucking tire tips for winter, winter, Winter driving

Today December 21st is the first official day of winter and you know what that means? Colder weather. With colder weather comes hazardous driving conditions. Some parts of the country have already had their fair share of winter weather this year and for others, it’s just the beginning. Some parts of the country are also more used to snow and ice than others. Whether you have been trucking during the winter or if this is your first time, below you will find some helpful trucking tips for winter weather travel.

Check Your Truck

Before you depart on your trip you need to check your truck whether or not you are expecting to encounter winter weather. It is always best to be prepared. Make sure your tire pressure is good. Check that your headlights and tail lights are clean and in working condition. Make sure that your truck heater and defroster are operational. It is important that your wipers, lights, and brakes are working properly too. Fueling up beforehand is also essential. It might take a while to get assistance if an accident occurs or if you break down so it is better to be safe than sorry. 

Proper Supplies

Driving in winter weather conditions means that you will need to pack the proper supplies needed for your trips. Make sure that you pack extra clothing layers and winter weather gear, gloves, flashlights, a bag of sand or salt for tire traction, snow scrapers and brushes, blankets, tire chains, and jumper cables.

Travel at Safe Speeds and Distances

When you travel slower it gives you a long time to react if there are vehicles braking up ahead or animals crossing the road and you need to hit the brakes to avoid hydroplaning and causing accidents. Another way to prevent this is to keep a safe distance from the vehicles in front of you and constantly be aware of your surroundings. If you are on a bridge especially, keep in mind that there might be ice on the road so keep your speed down and make sure to keep extra distance from vehicles.

Stay Parked 

If winter conditions are especially severe, it is okay to stay parked and let your dispatcher know. The delivery can be rescheduled. It is better to be safe than sorry. If a driver is nervous it puts them on edge and which can be very dangerous in hazardous conditions.

Warm Up Windshields

If you are about to depart and your windshield is frozen, make sure to defrost it before setting off. It is important to have visibility in already low visibility conditions. Keep ice off your windshield by warming it up so that you can keep your eyes on the road when driving in wintry conditions. 

Stay Safe

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we want to make sure that you are driving safely during these winter months. Follow the above tips so that you can stay safe on the road during the winter months. Have a Happy Holiday and safe travels from the ExpressTruckTax team!