The Best Trucking Management Software For Quick Business Growth

Now that the 2290 deadline has passed, it’s time to switch your focus back to your trucking business.

There’s tons of information to keep track of, and plenty of competition.

How can you make sure your trucking business stays on top?

It’s simple. Invest in a trucking company software program.

Choosing the right cloud-based trucking software will set you up for success.

Here’s everything you need to know about finding the best trucking management software for quick business growth.

Trucking Company Software Programs

Owner-Operator (Independent) Truck Drivers

Independent truck drivers, also known as owner-operator truck drivers, need a digital hub where they can manage dispatches, schedule maintenance, generate & send invoices, take care of truck taxes, and more.

One of the biggest responsibilities you face in the trucking business is managing the proper documentation needed to operate in compliance with the law.

Use a trucking management software to ensure that you’ll never miss a tax deadline and pay resulting penalties.Also, keep up with maintenance via in-app reminders and scheduling so that you aren’t blindsided by CVSA inspections. 

Fleet Owners and Leased Operators

Fleet owners need trucking management software for many of the same reasons that independent truck drivers need it.

Beyond that, however, fleet owners can provide driver login access and utilize multi-user login access, taking some of the work off their plate and distributing responsibilities.

You’ll want to choose a trucking management software program that is catered to both small-fleet managers and larger fleet owners.

This gives you room for growth, while receiving support from a trucking company software program that understands your current needs.

For leased operators, trucking management software offers an easy way to track profits and losses. Some trucking company software programs offer features like auto settlements, profit & loss reports, and maintenance reminders.

TruckLogics

TruckLogics is a cloud-based trucking management software program that offers all of these features and more.

Catered to your unique trucking business, no matter the size, TruckLogics was created to grow with you.

Save time and money by staying on top of your trucking business with TruckLogics.

Get started with a free 15-day trial, and try it out!

Read More »

The Best Way To File After The 2290 Tax Due Date

So, it happened. You got caught up in the Labor Day holiday and you missed the 2290 tax due date.

Don’t sweat it.

The good news is that the 2290 tax due date was September 3rd, 2019, so as of this publication date, you’re only a day late.

Let’s take care of your 2290 tax for good so you can move on and leave IRS heavy use tax penalties in the past.

2290 Highway Use Tax

2290 Tax Late Filing Penalties

If you’re filing after the 2290 tax due date, you’ll need to pay a penalty of 4.5% of your total heavy use tax amount. This penalty will increase for up to 5 months.

If you filed your 2290 tax before the 2290 tax due date, but did not pay your 2290 highway use tax amount, you’ll face a penalty of 0.5% of your heavy use tax amount, plus additional interest of 0.54% per month.

Did you know? You may be able to avoid these heavy highway use tax penalties if you can show reasonable cause for late 2290 tax filing to the IRS.

Your best bet is to file your 2290 highway use tax as quickly as possible to reduce fees.

Schedule 1 Form 2290

Besides reducing penalties, one of the most important reasons for filing heavy use tax ASAP is for your Schedule 1 Form 2290.

You’ll need a current copy of your Schedule 1 Form 2290 for truck operation. It’s also required for tag renewals, international travel, and more.

When you pay your heavy highway tax online, you’ll receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 Form 2290 as a receipt of payment for your heavy highway tax amount.

Keep it with you while on the road.

Filing 2290 Highway Use Tax Online

The fastest way to file federal heavy vehicle use tax after missing the 2290 tax due date is online with ExpressTruckTax, our sister product and the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file provider.

Here’s the information you’ll need to complete your federal heavy vehicle use tax online:

1.  VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

2.  EIN (Employer’s Identification Number)

3.  Business Name and Address

4.  Gross Taxable Weight

5.  Authorized Signatory Details

Once you’ve got that, you’ll simply create a free ExpressTruckTax account, enter your heavy use tax information, undergo a free instant error check, transmit your heavy highway use tax to the IRS, and receive your Schedule 1 Form 2290 within minutes.

Get started now filing and paying your heavy highway tax now. 

Read More »

How To Quickly Complete Your 2290 Schedule 1

Form 2290 for 2019 is due this week!

For those of you who have a Schedule 1 that expired on June 30th, 2018, your IRS 2290 is due August 31st.

Leaving the 2290 deadline in your blind spot you will face expensive penalties from the IRS.

Here's how to quickly complete your 2290 Schedule 1 in just a few steps.

Quarterly IFTA Fuel Tax

Prior to e-filing Form 2290, you need to know how to generate your IFTA quarterly fuel tax report.

ExpressIFTA helps you to complete this report in four steps:

1. Create or login to your free account
2. Enter your business information and base jurisdiction
3. Enter your miles & fuel records
4. Generate your IFTA report

E-File IRS Form 2290

Anyone who is filing a return with 25 or more vehicles is required to file electronically, but we highly encourage everyone to do so.

Through an IRS Authorized E-File Provider, like our sister product ExpressTruckTax.com, you can e-file your Form 2290, pay your HVUT taxes owed to the IRS and receive your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes.

Having the option to E-File makes the annual filing process quick and easy.

Note: The IRS will be closed for maintenance on Saturday, August 31, 2019, to Monday, September 2, 2019. Generate your IFTA quarterly fuel tax report and e-file IRS Form 2290 TODAY!

We have extended hours for tax filing support until the deadline to help you file on time. Give our 100% US-based support team a call today at (704) 234-6005, or email us at support@expressifta.com.

 

Get Started Today

Read More »

The IFTA Filing Deadline is TODAY! How To File Fast Now

And just like that, today, July 31st, is the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline!

It’s important to file your IFTA tax return by midnight tonight to avoid major penalties.

Did Form 2290 filing distract you from the IFTA filing deadline? Don’t stress! We have a solution that will help you meet the deadline.

It’s simple. ExpressIFTA handles all of your IFTA reporting needs online.

With amazing features like our free IFTA tax calculator, you can generate your IFTA tax report quickly and use it to file your IFTA tax return.

Here’s everything you need to know to file in time for today’s IFTA filing deadline.

The IFTA Filing Deadline is TODAY! How To File Fast Now

Are You Required To File IFTA Fuel Tax?

If you operate in two or more jurisdictions, you must have an IFTA sticker and license.

You are also required to file a quarterly IFTA fuel tax report calculating how much fuel tax you owe (or are credited).

IFTA reporting is necessary because, while state fuel tax would typically cover mileage traveled in a certain state, truckers frequently cross state borders. Therefore, where they purchase fuel isn’t always an accurate depiction of where they’re using it.

You’re required to participate in IFTA reporting if your vehicle has 2 axles and a gross vehicle weight or combined weight over 26,000 pounds, has 2 axles and a registered gross weight over 26,000 pounds, or has 3 or more axles regardless of weight.

What Information Do You Need?

To complete your IFTA tax return, you’ll need the following information:

To get started, simply create a free account with your email. Then, enter business information, vehicle information, and your base jurisdiction, which is your home state or the state where your vehicle is registered.

Then, enter mileage information! You can enter directly from your GPS or use our bulk upload feature to save time.

Use our free IFTA tax calculator to get your total miles, gallons, miles per gallon, and IFTA tax amount.

Our system will automatically calculate MPG for your vehicle(s). You can even select the appropriate MPG range for your vehicle(s) and ExpressIFTA will notice if data you enter falls outside that range and make corrections if needed.

Then, ExpressIFTA will calculate penalties, interest, credits, or refunds based on your Base Jurisdiction’s instructions.

After that, you can email your IFTA tax report to yourself or any selected recipient. 

How To Complete Your IFTA Tax Return

ExpressIFTA makes generating your IFTA tax report before the IFTA deadline simple. Plus, with our free IFTA tax calculator, you’ll get all of your IFTA filing totals with 100% accuracy.

We’ll generate an easy-to-read quarterly IFTA tax report containing everything you need in order to complete your return before the IFTA deadline. Print, download, or email your information at any time!

Use this report and our IFTA tax tools to help make your IFTA filing process simpler and quicker. With ExpressIFTA, you still have a chance to meet the IFTA deadline.

Read More »

You Need To Be Aware of 2019 CVSA Operation Safe Driver Week

Hosted by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance annually, this year’s Operation Safe Driver Week event will be during the week of July 14-20, 2019.

Law enforcement personnel will be paying close attention to commercial and passenger vehicle drivers that are engaging in dangerous behavior while driving.

If there’s ever a time to be “extra safe” it will be this week! Law enforcement is standing by ready to issue warnings and citations to those breaking the law.

Slow Down, Speedy!

Each year, the CVSA determines a new focus for its weeklong event. This year’s efforts will be strongly centered around speeding.

So for those that have a “heavy foot”...SLOW DOWN!

Speeding and reckless driving contribute to at least 26% of all traffic fatalities along with the ever-growing count of automobile accidents that resulted from someone driving above the designated speed limit.

The purpose of this year’s efforts is to endorse, promote, and support the theme:

“Late won’t kill you, speeding will!”

Drive With Caution This Week...And Every Week

Here are a few statistics from last year’s safety week that will make you think twice before being a reckless driver:

• 16,909 passenger vehicle drivers issued speeding citations.
• 1,908 commercial motor vehicle drivers issued citations for speeding.
• 17 commercial motor vehicle drivers cited for driving too fast for conditions.
• 714 passenger vehicle drivers cited for reckless driving for conditions.

Check Your Speed & IFTA Report

Your safety and the safety of others is important! Be cautious of your driving habits and surroundings as you “Keep America Trucking.”

While staying safe this week don’t forget about the 2nd quarter IFTA filing deadline on July 31st, 2019.

ExpressIFTA is the #1 online IFTA reporting software that you need to use for easily generating your quarterly fuel tax report with accurate fuel tax calculations.

Best of all, there’s no payment required until you generate or print your IFTA report! Click here to learn more about ExpressIFTA and get started on your 2nd quarter IFTA filing.

Read More »

Countdown To The HVUT Due Date

2019 Form 2290 Kick Off Starts Now!

Often times truckers will wait until the last minute to file causing them more stress and the potential to miss out on important HVUT due dates. Missing a due date can lead to hefty penalties on top of taxes due. 

The HVUT annual fee is calculated by adding:

• The actual unloaded vehicle weight, fully equipped for service. 
• The unloaded weight of the semi-trailer or trailers, fully equipped in combination with the commercial vehicle. 
• The maximum load weight usually carried on the vehicle and any semi-trailer(s) used.

HVUT Due Date

The IRS 2019 Form 2290 for Heavy Vehicle Use Taxes (HVUT) must be filed annually by August 31st. This year, however, the HVUT due date is technically September 3rd.

Although there is a shift in the 2019 HVUT due date, this isn't a call for procrastination.

Why September 3rd?

As mentioned August 31st is normally the HVUT due date, but this year that date falls on a Saturday and the following business day is on Labor Day.

File Your 2019 Form 2290 Now and Pay Later

We are encouraging all of our clients to file their 2019 Form 2290 as early as today and beat the rush. If procrastination is on your mind just think of how many other truckers are thinking the same thing.

The step-by-step instructions make filing as simple as can be. You also have access to trained support staff via phone, email, and live chat.

You could get your 2019 Form 2290 handled today and not worry about paying 2019 HVUT until later.

What Happens If You File Late?

The IRS may impose penalties for several different reasons regarding 2019 HVUT. You may be penalized for failing to file your return or to pay taxes owed by the 2019 Form 2290 due date. HVUT penalties may also be applied for filing false or fraudulent returns. These penalties are in addition to interest accrued on late payments.

The penalty for filing after the HVUT due date is equal to 4.5% of the total tax due assessed on a monthly basis for up to five months. If you also make a late HVUT payment you will also face a monthly penalty of .5% of the total tax due and additional interest charges of .54% will accrue per month as well.

IRS Form 2290 DeadlineCountdown

67t482y598306u306

Read More »

Do You Need To File a Form 8849?

If you’re new to trucking the numbers used for necessary forms may be a bit overwhelming. There’s the 2290s, 8849s, 4868s, 1099s, and 123s, we might be exaggerating with the 123s, but you get the gist, it’s a lot of forms and a lot of numbers to remember. We won’t bore you and got through each form 1 by 1, but we will tell you about the two most relevant ones for this filing period.

What is Form 2290?

The form that you have probably heard the most about, as of late is Form 2290. So what is Form 2290, and how does it relate to you, if at all.

Form 2290 is used to figure and pay the tax due on highway motor vehicles used. Your next question is probably does it even apply to you, and the answer is it might. All vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more than travel by highway are required to file Form 2290.

After paying taxes you will be given a Stamped Schedule 1 that serves as proof of payment from the IRS. This document is important, as it is needed in order to register your commercial vehicle.

Do You Need to File Form 8849?

There are exemptions and claim suspensions that apply to some vehicles meeting certain requirements. The requirements are as follows:

• The vehicle used 5,000 highway miles or less during the period.
• The vehicle is an agricultural vehicle and used 7,500 miles or less during the period.
• The Vehicle was stolen during the period
• The vehicle was destroyed during the period
• The vehicle was sold during the period

The above list leads us to the importance of Form 8849. If any of the above is true about a vehicle you owned then you must first file a Form 2290 and pay the correct amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) and then complete the Form 8849.

Claims and Refunds

In order to claim credits or refunds for vehicles stolen, destroyed, sold, or only used for 5,000 miles or less and 7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles, the Form 8849 is required. The things you’ll need to file a Form 8849 are your name, address, details on the vehicle you are seeking a claim/refund for and your Employee Identification Number (EIN). Be sure to double check that the EIN you are using is consistent with what the IRS has on file.

*If an EIN is needed you are able to apply for one online with the IRS.

File With ExpressTruckTax

The great thing about our sister company, ExpressTruckTax is that it makes all of your Form 2290 filing simpler. It even gives you a chance to auto-generate a Form 8849 if you are in need of one for the current filing period.

Read More »

Last Minute Gifts For A Truckin' Mama

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and if you haven’t gotten a gift for the trucker mom in your life, we have you covered. Waiting to the last minute isn’t always ideal, but here at ExpressIFTA, we take into consideration the hard working individual you are. Here are a few last minute gift ideas proven to make any long-hauling mother feel loved and appreciated.

Insulated Coffee Cup

Every super mom has to get her superpowers from somewhere, and we can bet the heroine in your life uses caffeine as her kryptonite. Insulated coffee cups can also be personalized to say her name or her kid's name. This gift may be last minute, but we’re sure that it’s something she’d use for a lifetime.

Rig Wash

What better way to say ‘thanks to giving birth to some pretty cool babies’, than by washing her pretty cool baby. Bring out the hose and get the suds going for a good ol’ car wash, or should we say rig wash. Try saying that 3 times fast.

Entertainment Subscription 

Whether the trucking mom you’re honoring this year is into music, podcasts, movies, or motivational books you can never go wrong with paying for a subscription for one or more of her favorite entertainment outlets. Depending on your budget you can score her anywhere between 1 month, 12 months or 24 months, of road entertainment, on you.

Digital Photo Frame

Every mama bear hates to leave her cubs. With a digital picture frame for her cab, she can feel like her tribe is right there with her. Take the time to download photos of each family member prior to giving it to her to make this gift even sweeter and thoughtful.

Shower Bag

A swagged out shower bag full of your special trucking ladies’ favorite toiletries will have any trucking mom singing your praises and singing in the shower.

Help Her Pre File Her Form 2290

Working moms have it hard. Working trucker moms have it the hardest. Keeping up with recitals, dentist appointments, and household chores, while on the road isn’t for the weak. Although she may be capable to take on the world with one hand behind her back, it doesn’t mean that she should have to. File as early as TODAY with Truck Services of North America. She won’t have to worry about her Form 2290 until 2020. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving!

R&R

You know it and we know it. That trucking mom in your life needs a bit of rest and rehabilitation. The woman in your life works day in and day out and time for herself is something that never makes it on the to-do list. Take care of her task for a day and make sure she’s able to carve out some time for herself.

A Bed Fit For A Queen

Speaking of rest, your trucker queen needs to be able to experience a good night's sleep before she hits the road. Purchase her a new mattress or a quality mattress topper to make her night’s away from home a little more comfortable.

Polarized Sunglasses

Everyone can attest that their trucking mama is a star, but even the most glamorous of them need protection from the sun. As we edge into Summer the need for shades is essential for drivers on the road for up to 12 hours a day. Polarized sunglasses will keep the sun from blasting in their eyes. Be sure to get your star a pair that fits their personality and maybe grab a personalized case to match.

Snacks

Fill up a basket with some of your favorite driver’s go-to snacks. We all have comfort food we gravitate toward and making sure that she’s stocked up can make all the difference on some of her worst days.

There is no excuse for not knowing what to do or what to get for the special trucking lady in your life. The price range of these gifts start at just under zero dollars and zero cents, so there's bound to be something within your budget. We hope that this Mother’s Day is one to remember with family and friends.

Happy Mother’s Day to your family, from ours.

As always, keep truckin’ mamas!

Read More »