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Planning is an essential part of owning your business. You should always have a strong plan set up for where you are now, and how far you would like to take things down the road. Here are a few tips on how to start a successful business plan: 1. Write down your plans. Even long-established companies have a plan that outlines their market, products and objectives. If you’re not sure where to start – try using a business plan template from a quick online search as an outline. Here is a great place to find a simple one-page business plan, and other resources. Success begins by first determining what it is you want. This business plan is the roadmap to your success. It is a constantly evolving document that projects several years ahead, and outlines the route your company intends to take in order to grow. A well thought out plan also helps you to step back and think objectively about the key elements of your business venture, and informs your decision-making. A business plan is about results, what you want to do and how to achieve your goals. You can use this plan as a foundation to branch off from, and then update it each year you’re in business. 2. Develop business goals, and visit them periodically. Entering into business without clearly stated development goals could cause failure. Since most new businesses go under within the first 18 months of starting, it’s vital to have these goals set up ahead of time. Many businesses have learned this the hard way. There are two simple but important business development goals to set for your firm each year. The first is the number of new clients you are targeting for the year, and the second is the income you would like those clients to bring you. 3. Estimate taxes based on current revenue. Tax planning may not be the most exciting part of owning a business, but down the road it can help you save a lot of money! "Starry-eyed entrepreneurs who skip planning could get caught in the taxman's net," said Daniel D. Morris, a partner at the accounting firm Morris & D'Angelo (Los Angeles Times, 2010). Some new business owners don't realize they may have to file a tax return, even if they haven’t even made anything in revenue yet or started formal operations. Many new business owners also put off taxes because they are daunted by trying to get their products or services to market. About one-third of the start-ups Daniel D. Morris sees in his practice wait to become clients until after the tax year ends, giving them fewer options to cut their tax bills. Putting off your taxes can also mean fewer deductions on business expenses, which can be a great way to save money on your tax return. 4. Don’t try to do everything yourself – delegate! The inability or unwillingness to delegate has led to the downfall of many business professionals and owners, regardless of the company’s size or revenue. It is impossible to do everything yourself at the highest possible quality. No matter how passionate you are about the business that you run, there are many tasks to keep it running including: marketing and advertising (to get clients to see your product), accounting and finance (for taxes and bookkeeping), sales (to actually get clients to use your business or product), etc. But the good news is, you don’t have to do everything yourself as there are many companies out there to help! Delegating work means you’re giving someone else the responsibility and authority to do something that is normally part of your job. Far from relinquishing control of your business, empowering the experts to make decisions can help lead your business more in the direction of your goals. ATBS can be an extension of your core team by handling your taxes, accounting and business services needs. As a business owner, it is necessary to not let yourself get bogged down with the daily management of paperwork. Look to streamline your business by using a firm you can trust…ATBS is here for you! Image source 1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djking/ Image source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/agirregabiria/

Any wheeled vehicle that is coasting will slow down gradually due to rolling resistance. A steel-wheeled vehicle such as a locomotive will roll further than a rubber-tired vehicle of the same mass on pavement. A tire’s rolling resistance rating is relative to the amount of energy lost when the tire flexes (squishes) when it meets the road surface. This energy loss process is known as hysteresis. Hysteresis is a characteristic of a deformable material such that the energy of deformation is greater than the energy of recovery. This energy loss is dissipated as heat. As a truck tire rotates, the weight of the truck causes a deformation and recovery of the tire. This cycle is repeated over and over. The engine of the truck burns fuel to produce the power (energy) to turn the tires, so this hysteresis energy loss directly affects the amount of fuel needed to move the truck a given distance. Multiply this energy loss by 18 wheel positions and you can see how it can have a significant impact on fuel mileage. As much as 30% of the energy that ends up making it to the tire is given up by friction or hysteresis. Remember, tires have the biggest impact on mpg below 50 mph. So if we want to get maximum fuel mileage it sounds like solid steel wheels would give us the lowest rolling resistance. Not a very appealing option for a driver’s back, not to mention hammering the truck to pieces. In years past we had to find a compromise between a comfortable ride and good fuel mileage when it came to buying tires. A tire with a harder rubber compound would have less deflection meaning lower rolling resistance (better mpg) but would have a stiffer ride. A tire that provided a softer ride deflected more, increasing the rolling resistance (worse mpg). Today’s tire manufacturers have developed new rubber compounds that allow for a comfortable ride while providing low rolling resistance. Since fuel cost is an owner-operator’s biggest variable expense it only makes sense to heavily weigh a tire’s rolling resistance rating when choosing which new tires you are going to purchase. Choosing those “blue light specials” over a good low rolling resistance tire might be appealing due to the lower initial cost but the additional fuel expense over time will likely far exceed your initial savings. Today there are many more options for tires that provide a comfortable ride, good fuel economy, and long life. It will definitely be worthwhile to take the time to research which tires will meet your traction requirements, provide good fuel mileage, a comfortable ride, and long life.

Creating a fleet is no small task. With careful pre-planning and inside knowledge, drivers can grow a fleet and build a successful business. In order to do so they need to prepare their personal and business finances, arrange loads, prepare for maintenance costs, find the right talent, plan a business structure, and get the right truck(s). By taking the proper steps, you too can start to build your own small fleet trucking company. Here are some of the first steps to take: Know your credit score It is important that every business owner understands what their credit score is, especially if they are looking to get a loan to grow their business. Some things that can impact credit scores are the amount of debt you owe, and if your payments have been made in a timely (or not timely) manner. Many businesses have an entity with an Employer Identification Number (EIN) that they have taken time to build credit for the business. One can get a business line of credit or opt to get a business credit card, but keep in mind that the owner’s personal credit will impact the business credit as well. Owners can check credit once a year for free using https://www.annualcreditreport.com, which checks Transunion, Experian, and Equifax. If there is an entity set up, check with Dunn & Bradstreet to see the business credit score. If you need some great tips on how to boost your credit rating, check out this article. Know where to get loads Another thing to be prepared for is where to get your loads. Owners either operate under another carrier's authority, or set up their own authority. Loads can be self-brokered from boards online, but be careful of the pay, as it is often times lower on the online boards compared to brokered loads from carriers, etc. Know how to collect the check When creating their own authority owners will want to make sure that they have the ability to operate for up to ninety days without payment. Many self-brokered loads can have the potential of lengthy time between receiving pay. There are several payment services that will allow you to be paid for loads after completion, but be careful as many of these services will take a percentage of the payment. Know what to do when a truck goes down When operating several trucks, it is a good idea to make sure that fixed costs are covered for the fleet in the event that one or more of the trucks are sidelined due to maintenance or staffing issues. If there are loan or insurance payments, they will have to cover all fixed costs until that truck is back on the road. This is part of the reason that many small fleet owners often decide to have between one and five trucks; because if there are five trucks there is a good chance that any expenses for a downed truck is covered. In order to protect themselves, owners should be sure to plan ahead for covering fixed costs in the case of a sidelined truck. Know how to find drivers Owners can't drive more than one truck at a time, so how do they find another driver that they can trust to take the wheel? How do owners make sure that they are taking care of their investment? Often times it’s best to find a driver before finding a truck, and maybe even bring them on as a co-driver first. This gives them a good idea on how they drive, and what working together will be like. It also gives owners the opportunity to teach and correct any issues, before putting someone behind the wheel of one of their trucks. Know how to pay drivers It is recommended to decide ahead of time if drivers will be independent contractors or employees for tax purposes. Referring to guidelines set by the IRS can help. Publication 1779 outlines what the IRS looks at to determine whether or not a driver is an employee. You can find some great guidelines for how to set up payroll for employees by reading this article. Employee Drivers If your drivers are employees, owners are required to withhold taxes from their paycheck and pay part of their Social Security, Medicare, and FUTA (unemployment taxes). ATBS can assist with handling payroll needs. Independent Sub-Contractor Drivers If the driver is an independent contractor, you will need to issue a Form 1099 and 1096 at the end of the year. Independent contractors will be responsible for their own taxes at the end of the year, and need to pay quarterly tax estimates to avoid penalties. You will want to use voided checks or a handwritten receipt to document payments to these drivers to have accurate records at the end of the year. Consider if you will pay drivers by mile, or percentage of the load – as well as if payment will be calculated before or after truck expenses are taken out. Know how to create an entity Many truck stops have signs about forming an entity, but what does that actually mean, and is it really necessary? Every state has different rules as to how an entity is required to run, but owners are typically better off by forming entities where their permanent home and tax address is located. There are several options as to what type of entity can be formed such as a Partnership, S Corporation, C Corporation, or an LLC. ATBS can assist in forming an entity that is right for your business. This article breaks down the different business structures, and goes into more detail about the benefits each type of entity can provide. Know where to look when buying trucks There are many places to find trucks such as http://www.truckpaper.com, which lists trucks for sale across the nation. This website provides a good idea of what is currently available in the market, and what current prices are. When considering purchasing additional trucks, check that your credit is in order to ensure you have enough money for a down payment. Know what to look for when leasing trucks Often time-leased trucks will come at a premium, but if an owner has poor credit this may be a viable option for expanding their fleet. Be sure to check the terms of the lease, and ask questions. Can you add upgrades to the truck, such as an APU? What type of lease is it? In the event that operations stop, can you walk away from the lease? If so, are there penalties? Overall, there are many questions that will need to be answered when growing a one-truck business into a fleet. Take the time to learn best practices, and ensure you will be able to run the most efficient and profitable fleet possible. A successful business is built on good planning and education.

Owner-operators know that preventative maintenance on their truck pays off in the long run. Industry estimates say PM can cut your breakdown costs in half. Maintaining the health of your truck is important, but taking care of yourself is an invaluable part of being a successful owner-operator. Here are the top three tips on how to use personal maintenance to be healthy — by staying out of the doctor’s office and on the road. Perform a pre-trip check of your refrigerator. Just like you perform a pre-trip check on your truck; always inspect your fridge or your cooler before a trip to make sure you have healthy food packed. Foods like turkey wraps or all natural peanut butter and whole grain sandwiches are rich in protein and lean in fat. Have healthy meals packed to prevent you from stopping for unhealthy convenient food. Getting stuck in traffic or bad weather is inevitable, so be prepared with extra meals to keep you driving past the drive-thru. Stay hydrated. Your truck stays hydrated with fuel; you constantly have to replenish fuel to keep it running. Your body is composed of approximately 70% water and needs to be hydrated to keep it running. That doesn’t mean drinking a lot of caffeinated liquids. (High doses of caffeine can cause anxiety and irritability, high blood pressure, and increase cholesterol.) If you are tired and think you need caffeine to stay awake, try drinking water first and wait 10-15 minutes to see if it wakes you up as you could just be dehydrated. If you’re still in desperate need of caffeine, try some of the new flavored green teas like Lipton’s berry flavored diet green tea. It has 1/3 of the caffeine a cup of coffee or soda has and still tastes great. Utilize your truck as a piece of workout equipment. You would never skip an oil change if you want the engine to last. A workout is a routine form of maintenance that your body cannot go without if you want it to run longer. It’s true that working out when you’re traveling is not easy. Getting to a gym is not always convenient, especially when you are working long, odd hours. But a terrific piece of workout equipment is always with you. While waiting for a load or unloading, use your truck as a piece of workout equipment.Drivers can build up their cardio by walking around their truck, adding weights or water jugs to increase the intensity. You can also do “push-offs” off the fender to strengthen your arms and core muscles. The steeper the angle between you and the truck, the more weight you add to a push-off. Staying healthy is an essential part of running your business successfully. Steer away from disaster and the doctor’s office by using preventative maintenance to keep your body (and your business) running smoothly. For more information on how to stay healthy on the road, visit Rolling Strong! Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blair25/

Most of us decide to put things in our bodies that we probably shouldn’t. When you eat a big huge chili dog with extra onions, you may feel some rumblings in your stomach and reach for the antacids. Those problems in your stomach are a byproduct of consuming something that’s difficult for your body to digest. A similar thing happens in your truck, as some of the byproducts from the combustion of diesel fuel are acids. When nitrogen from the air and sulfur from fuel combine with water it forms nitric and sulfuric acids that will attack engine metals, causing damage that can eventually result in engine failure. For the chili dog, the simple solution to indigestion is grabbing an antacid to neutralize the acids in our stomach. In order to combat byproduct acids in a diesel engine however, the manufacturers of diesel engine oil must blend in acid neutralizing detergent additives. The most common ingredients to neutralize acid are magnesium and calcium. Total BaseNumber (TBN) is the measurement of the amount of these acid-neutralizing additives and is commonly referred to as the “reserve of alkalinity”. New diesel engine oils typically have a starting base number of around 10. It is generally recommended that diesel engine oil be changed or “sweetened” when the base number is 25% of the starting base number for the new oil. For example, engine oil with a starting base number of 10 should be changed or sweetened if the base number drops to 2.5 as determined by oil analysis testing. At a value of 2 the oil becomes acidic and damaging to the engine. The act of sweetening the oil involves draining 30% to 50% of the used oil and replenishing it with the appropriate amount of new oil - thereby refreshing some of the acid neutralizing additives. In simple terms, the TBN of engine oil is akin to a “Tums”, used to neutralize acids in our stomach. If you are running extended oil change intervals, engine oil analysis is a must. Your oil’s TBN is a very valuable factor in evaluating the condition of the oil and helpful in determining when to change it. Don’t let your truck get terminal heartburn! Be sure to keep an eye on that Total Base Number.

Dating as a truck driver means leaving for work also means leaving your significant other for a long period of time. This can put strain on even the healthiest relationships. It’s important to find ways to keep your relationships strong while you’re away and to work as a team, so that you can be rest assured you’re returning to happiness and comfort after a long trip. Here are some great ways to keep your relationships healthy while you’re out on the road. Always communicate Whether it’s just a quick phone call, text, or email – stay in contact whenever you can. This doesn’t mean a constant overload (you still have a job to do, after all), but just touching base to tell someone you’re thinking about them, or how you’re feeling at the moment can really go a long way. Carving out time can be difficult at first, but having an open line of communication can really build strength and trust. Work as a team Your significant other knows you have a hard job to do. But it’s important to remember that they are holding down the fort while you’re away too. Talk to each other and figure out solutions to problems together. You may not be there physically, but being on the other end of the line to lend a helping hand or verbal support will show that you’re still there for them. Make routines special It’s important to keep routines, and make the extra effort to make them special. For example, if you have to be away on work this year, don’t just call on your partner’s birthday. Make it special by sending a card and some flowers, or a gift from your travels. Going the extra mile to be thoughtful will make your bonds stronger. Keep a schedule If you have trouble remembering birthdays, anniversaries, or even just to call, set up a schedule. You can easily create a Google Calendar to share with your significant other – they can add dates for you to remember, and you can follow-up accordingly. If you have trouble calling, set up days to keep a routine. For example, designate Tuesdays, and Thursdays as the days of the week you know to touch base and check-in with your family. Keeping a strong relationship with your significant other doesn’t have to take a lot of extra work. If both parties make the effort to keep in contact and follow these steps, having a long-lasting and healthy bond with each other will become second nature. Source: http://www.militaryonesource.mil/moving?content_id=273084

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often thought to be something that is only associated with people who have been involved in war or combat. However, there are many people who have PTSD from various traumas that can happen throughout one’s life, such as car wrecks, domestic violence, a near-fatal illness, being abused, or witnessing a horrific event—even a natural disaster. What is PTSD? It is important to understand that PTSD is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after any extreme emotional trauma that involved the threat of injury or death. What are the symptoms of PTSD? Some symptoms may include: Flashbacks (reliving the trauma) Nightmares about the traumatic event Emotional numbing Avoiding thinking or talking about the traumatic event Avoiding activities you once enjoyed Difficulty maintaining close relationships Irritability or anger Overwhelming guilt or shame Substance abuse Trouble sleeping Suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts Being easily startled or frightened Although these are all emotional symptoms, PTSD can also manifest itself in physical form. For example, people with PTSD show higher instances of fibromyalgia, arthritis, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Are you at a high risk for PTSD? It is possible for anyone to develop symptoms after experiencing trauma, however people at greater risk are those that: Already have poor coping skills Have a tendency towards pessimism or depression Have had other recent life stressors around the time of the event Have experienced previous drug abuse Have a history of previous trauma What do you do if you think you have PTSD? Participate in a PTSD assessment by a mental health professional. This can be conducted by your primary care physician who can determine if you have any emotional or physical symptoms to address. What are the treatments for PTSD? There are different types of treatments, such as psychotherapy, that can be conducted on an individual or family basis. Some treatments include relaxation skills, stress management, and processing of traumatic events. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that focuses on helping the mind process past traumatic experiences. Some medications can assist with PTSD symptoms, however there is no medication specifically made to treat the disorder. The antidepressants sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) have FDA approval for treating PTSD. It is important to note that the use of benzodiazepines is discouraged due to the addictive qualities and potential interference with psychotherapy. With these types of drugs, the client is less likely to have the capacity to appropriately process the feelings related to PTSD recovery. What are additional tools that can be used to help with PTSD? Download the free App: PTSD Coach https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/materials/apps/ptsdcoach.asp Take the course "Considering Professional Help" https://www.myhealth.va.gov/course/ConsiderProffHelpPresentation/index.html Additional tools: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/cope/index.asp Remember, if you have been involved in a traumatic event you do not necessarily have PTSD. Some people can be involved in or witness very horrific events with some shock, but recover more easily – whereas others may have PTSD symptoms as a result. Consult with a healthcare professional if you think you may be at risk. Source: http://buckblack.com/blog/do-you-have-ptsd Source: http://www1.appstate.edu/~hillrw/PTSD%20MM/PTSD_riskfactors.html

We often get asked about the most overlooked tax deductions. Because owner-operators are responsible for calculating and paying their own taxes, they are also responsible for deducting expenses, which can significantly lower their tax burden. While the IRS does not conveniently list every deduction possible for an owner-operator, we are here to review and advise clients on their tax returns. In this article, ATBS looks at commonly overlooked tax deductions. One area of commonly overlooked tax deductions is the internet, smartphones and other devices. These gadgets are quickly becoming an integral part of the owner-operator’s world. You now have a license to play around on the Internet and find the tools and apps that are most helpful to owner-operators -- especially now, since you can write-off the costs associated with these tools! Write-Off 1: Smartphone Apps There is a growing list of apps that owner-operators rely on to make their life and business run smoothly. From Cat Scales App to Load Boards and from the Pegasus Smart Phone Scanning to TA Petro’s TruckSmart App, the list is growing! Any and all costs associated with apps can be claimed as a business expense on your tax filing. Just be sure to keep a record of your purchase and the costs associated with them so you can easily write them off at tax time. Write-Off 2: Business Portals Businesses that offer owner-operators a secure, online portal where you can access scanned receipts, review your profit and loss statement, obtain tax estimates, and review your profit plan [aka, your budget!]. The cost to have business at your fingertips is deductible so be sure and consider this when approaching a business partner who can manage your taxes, accounting, and your online portal. Write-Off 3: Internet Costs If you are able to bring Wifi into the cab, this cost is a tax deduction. Consider investing in the ability to have Wifi in your sleeper giving you the chance to be productive at the end of your day or the end of your route. Many owner-operators opt to create an office in their truck’s cab and can offer advice as to the set-up and organization. Write-Off 4: Devices Today’s mobile technology is more affordable than ever and owner-operators are investing in tablets, Smartphones and laptops for their business that takes them on the road. The cost of these business tools are a deduction so you’ll want to save the receipt and send them to your tax preparer who can use this to lower your tax liability. Technology today can be fun and importantly, smart for your business success. Owner-operators are on the road a lot and they are in an excellent position to invest in and write-off technology tools. At ATBS, we analyze our clients' expenses and help drivers take every legal tax deduction they are entitled to. Give us a call at 866-920-2827 to speak with an enrollment specialist who can set you up with tax services from ATBS.

A well-paying load is important, but long-term profits are built by looking at all areas of your trucking business. Owner-operators can reduce waste and be more efficient by focusing on truck specifications, speed, fuel, and unnecessary purchases. Here’s what you can do you help control waste and focus on keeping more money in your pocket. 1) Watch your specs. Drivers are often tempted to build or spec a chrome-laden rig because it looks “good”, but this ends up costing you more in fuel and maintenance. There is the initial extra expense for the purchase, plus the added cost of using up fuel due to the increased weight as a “show tuck” weighs more than an aerodynamic truck. Not only will it save you money to have a more fuel-efficient truck, but the resale value alone will more than offset the selling price. As much as 22% less horsepower is required to maintain 65 mph in an aerodynamic truck. Every dollar saved goes directly into your pocket. 2) Speed. “Slowing down will increase your miles per gallon significantly, easily putting more money in your wallet,” says Don Neil at ATBS. Owner-operators who reduce their miles per hour below 60 will see increased profits. Over the course of a year, the impact is significant and could exceed $10,000. With drivers being encouraged by other drivers, dispatchers, shippers and consignees to “drive fast” in order to make a deadline, it makes it difficult at times to want to do the responsible and cost-effective thing and drive at a safe speed. Since the number one reason that puts owner-operators (truck drivers) out of business is high fuel consumption, arriving a few seconds later is worth not stressing your vehicle, costing you more money and reducing your profits. Many drivers believe that if they drive faster, they can drive more miles and therefore make more money. This is a myth because speeds that exceed 60 mph make your fuel economy loss greater than the time saved. When you drive faster you use more horsepower which will always cost you more in fuel. You reduce your fuel economy by one-tenth of a gallon-per-mile for every mile-per-hour you drive over 60. Driving faster will increase tire, engine and brake wear which in return will increase your maintenance costs, repair bills and downtime. Engine manufacturers estimate 10-15% higher maintenance costs at 75 mph verses 55 mph. By maintaining a constant legal speed on the highway you will substantially increase your profits and also contribute to a safer driving environment. 3) Fuel Economy. The biggest expense of all the variable costs for an owner-operator is fuel, but it's also the most controllable. To get your best fuel economy means overcoming four things: air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity and habits. You can address these and lower your fuel costs with the helpful advice listed below. Use your fleet’s recommended fuel network. This will help the quality and bottom-line cost of fuel. If you don’t already have a fuel network, Team Run Smart recently introduced the Fuel Discount Card which can save owner-operators $.06 cents per gallon. Preventative Maintenance. When done on a regular basis, this can cut your maintenance costs in half. By reducing equipment failures on the road and spending less time in the shop on those repairs, you will save both time and money. It can also lower fuel cost through better miles per gallon by simply checking your tires, filters, cooling system and clutch. Keep up on your oil changes and also keep a good record of all maintenance on your tuck, as this will be beneficial to you and the resale value for your vehicle. Limit idle time. Reducing your idle time will save you fuel and money, be easier on the environment, reduce engine wear, and decrease maintenance costs. A great accessory that can save you around $80 a week is a remote starter with a temperature sensor that will start your truck at a specified temperature. This would be very beneficial since about a gallon of fuel is used per hour of idle time, and there are some city regulations that prevent trucks idling for more than 15 minutes at a time. Having an electric blanket for cold weather and window screens for warm weather will help reduce idling time as well. Reduce road resistance. At minimum of once a week, check the air pressure on your rigs 18 tires and fill them up to the manufacturer's specifications. Even though the trailer tires may belong to your carrier, the added cost to pull a trailer with underinflated tires is not worth it. Aerodynamics. You use horsepower to overcome all of the forces that are trying to hold back the truck, and you burn fuel to make horsepower. So, a truck that rolls down the road with minimum drag will use less horsepower and consume less fuel. Try to find an aerodynamic efficient truck if you’re in the market, or focus on what you can do to improve your current truck. Snug the van or reefer trailer close to the tractor or use aeroskirts to smooth the airflow. For flatbeds, build your load in the most aerodynamic shape that you can. Consider the following before purchasing a truck: round corners, a sloped hood curved windshield, flush headlights, recessed door hinges and grab handles, an aerodynamic bumper and under-hood air cleaners. If you already own a truck avoid add-ons such as lights, bug screens and horns. Also consider cab extenders, tractor side skirts, full roof fairings and an air dam front bumper. Acceleration. Gradually accelerating instead of “putting the pedal to the metal” is less stress on the mechanics of your equipment. Patience is a must in these situations especially on steep inclines like mountains and hills. When you accelerate rapidly you may arrive at your destination a minute or so sooner, but the wear on your vehicles driveline, engine and tires will end up costing you more. Deceleration. Using the throttle to slow down and coasting instead of braking is highly recommended. Much of the fuel you used to get up to speed is wasted when the brakes are applied. Follow at a safe distance to prevent from frequent braking. To avoid sudden reactions it is recommended by safety experts to keep a safe distance (around 12 seconds) behind the vehicle in front of you. Look ahead and anticipate changes in traffic to keep your momentum up. 4) Controlling costs on the road. People waste millions of dollars everyday on unnecessary purchases. here are some helpful tips: Expenses on the road. To cut costs on purchasing food at truck stops and fast food places you can equip your truck with a refrigerator and microwave. This can save you from $3,000 to $4,000 per year and this will allow you to eat healthier too. You will still receive the per diem tax deductions whether you spend $5 per day or $40 per day. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of spending the lowest amount possible, claim the maximum per diem deduction, and eat healthier at the same time? Entertainment. Consider less expensive entertainment during your downtime. Try renting a movie, playing hand-held games (there are plenty of free game apps for smart phones to download), reading a book, listening to audio books or exercising. By purchasing a gaming system you can spend $20 a month for games instead of $10 a day. Public library books and movies are also a cost-effective form of entertainment. You can deduct a TV and DVD player provided they are also used for business related purposes. Before every purchase, ask yourself if this is necessary for your business and if you absolutely need it. It’s important to focus on your load, but owner-operators who make continuous TruckSmart adjustments in their business can enjoy long-term profitability. Source: http://www.selectrucks.com/truckingtips/efficientdriving.aspx

Your money is important to you and your business, therefore it’s vital to do your homework and find the right person to help you manage your money. A good starting point in finding a financial advisor is to ask your friends, family, or colleagues for recommendations. You can do additional research online, but your personal resources are a good place to begin. It’s important to remember that when taking financial advice from a professional to ask them if they personally invest in what they are recommending you invest in. Consider asking, “Why would I invest in something that you would not invest in yourself?” If they can’t give you an answer that makes sense, you may need to keep looking. Here are some additional things to keep in mind when finding a financial advisor: Look for a fiduciary. This word is very important. It means that the financial planner has your best interests in mind at all times. Advisors who carry a fiduciary responsibility are legally bound to do the very best for you, and to put you first in all their planning and product selection. Keep in mind, these products may not always be the best for you, and it’s always okay to ask questions. Look for a planner that is a CFP. CFP stands for Certified Financial Planner. CFP’s are licensed and regulated, and take mandatory continuing education on ethics and other aspects of financial planning. Understand how the planner gets paid. This is an important one. You should know what type of financial advisor you are working with: fee-based or commission-based. You typically want to avoid commission-based advisors, as they may suggest products or investments you do not need or want. Planners who work on commission may also have incentives to push a certain brand or type of mutual fund if they’re getting a cut of the revenue they generate from the product. Like their personality. To be able to work well with someone, you must have good communication and have the ability to get along. A good advisor will be friendly and professional, and be available to you (calling back promptly) to have your best interests in mind. If you can see them as a friend or colleague, you will be able to communicate openly with your needs and what is best for you. When looking for an advisor, always be sure to do your homework. Do some research, talk to people, search around online. You can always meet someone and change your mind if you don’t feel good about them. Remember, this is your money – it’s your job to decide what’s best to do with it! Additional Resources: Resource for finding fee-only advisors (not commission based): http://findanadvisor.napfa.org/Home.aspx Additional questions to ask when looking for an advisor: http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2013/05/09/10-questions-to-ask-when-choosing-a-financial-advisor/ Source: http://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/financial-advisors/articles/2014/02/26/how-to-find-a-financial-advisor-if-youre-not-rich Source: http://guides.wsj.com/personal-finance/managing-your-money/how-to-choose-a-financial-planner/

We know you’ve heard this time and again, slow down to get better fuel mileage, but it’s not that simple. Getting the best fuel mileage means finding the sweet spot – the best RPM to run your engine so it’s the most efficient. And with fuel costs consistently ranking as driver’s number one expense, it's important you know how to find the engine sweet spot to save money on fuel costs. The trick is pulling your load with torque and not horsepower, and using the energy in the right way. When you pull with horsepower you use more energy, and therefore burn more fuel to pull your load. Torque helps sustain speed when towing or maxing out your vehicle’s cargo capacity—especially in maintaining speed going up hills. If you know there’s a hill ahead, gain speed before you climb it. It will prevent you from shifting gears to get up the hill, using more horsepower. One way is to think of it as if you’re riding a bike. If you see a hill, you’re going to start pedaling faster – you have to get the momentum going to get up the other side easily. If you were to pedal at the same speed, you would have to work much harder to get up and over the hill. It’s the same thing in your truck. Why work harder and waste the energy if you don’t have to? Your dealer states peak horsepower and peak torque at specific RPM for each engine. Even though the RPM varies, we consistently found somewhere between 1250 - 1350 RPM is the magic number. The number not to exceed is 1500 RPM. You can contact your dealer to find the specifics for your engine and where your engine’s sweet spot is. We aren’t telling you how fast you should drive, but if you want to save on fuel - finding the engine sweet spot can leave a sweet amount of savings in your checking account.

There are many reasons to continue to learn as much as possible about your field. Whether you’re motivated by money or just personal growth, ATBS has developed the Course for Advanced Business Standards (CABS) to help you succeed. Here are the top 5 reasons to continue your education: 1) Value. You can become more valuable to your employers. A well-educated driver is more likely to have a stronger skill set in their field, and therefore is more likely to get better jobs. 2) Skills. As an owner-operator, you’re the face of your company. Acquiring the skills for how to run your business successfully can create more opportunities, help you develop better relationships, and therefore generate more revenue. 3) Money. Whether it’s by learning new ways to save on fuel costs, invest, or find tax deductions – there are plenty of times when having additional education about your business can generate more income for your bank account. 4) Security. When you know what to expect down the road, you can be rest assured that you’re prepared for anything. Additional education can help you plan ahead and be ready for any problems that come your way in the future. 5) Fulfillment. You can feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment after completing your education. Learning new skills and tricks of the trade can help you feel happier in your life, have a greater sense of confidence, and feel a sense of fulfillment in the future. Choosing to put your career as an owner-operator first with additional education will put you in the driver’s seat for future success!