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Truck dash cams are becoming more of a necessity in our current climate. It can sometimes feel overwhelming to integrate new technology into your truck or fleet. However, there are many benefits for truckers to use a dash cam in a variety of different situations. Here is our list of the top 5 benefits of using a truck dash cam and the key features to look for when purchasing your own dash cam. Evidence of an Accident This is the main and most popular reason to get a truck dash cam. If you happen to get in an accident, using a dash cam video will be your strongest piece of evidence to prove the accident wasn’t your fault. Without the video evidence, there is a chance the other driver can say the accident was your fault, even if it wasn’t, and you are forced to pay for the repairs. However, keep in mind that if the accident is your fault, the video evidence will be used against you. Keeping Your Truck Safe at All Times Many dash cams can be set to record even without the engine being on. This allows you to be away from your truck or sleeping and still be able to keep track of any activity. Having the ability to record when you are away allows you to monitor your assets, keeping your truck safe and secure. Your dash cam allows you to catch anyone who vandalizes or tries to break into your truck. For example, a dash cam is perfect for when you return to your parked truck and there is a ding on the bumper because you are able to go back to the video and see who caused the damage. This allows you to have peace of mind when it comes to leaving your vehicle, knowing that your dash cam will protect your truck while you are away. Aiding in Emergency Responses Live telematic dash cams are a great investment for anyone who may need emergency responses in the future. With the ability to record your GPS location and initiate a call to emergency services, you will be fully taken care of with this function. In case of an emergency or breakdown, live telematic dash cams can pinpoint the exact location of your vehicle and automatically make an emergency call. Having the support of this feature can accelerate the response times for emergency services. This has the potential to save lives and prevent any further damage if an emergency does arise. Insurance Savings Insurance claim history can significantly impact a driver's monthly payment. In order to prevent negative claims from showing up on your insurance, having a dash cam will allow you to have recorded evidence in case of an accident. Providing the evidence from the dash cam footage has revolutionized the way claims are handled, making claims smoother and quicker to process. The transparency and fairness that the dash cam provides to an insurance claim helps protect a driver's motor vehicle record, leading to lower rates and preventing fraudulent claims. Training and Coaching Utilizing dash cams as a part of your fleet's training and coaching will enhance your driver behavior, lower your company costs, and save you time in the long run. Some fleet managers fear that their drivers may feel that they are not trusted by their supervisors. However, by setting up an intentional implementation process that includes drivers, you will create and promote a culture of safety. Being able to view your drivers' interactions on the road provides opportunities to celebrate positive behaviors that drivers are demonstrating or to engage in constructive feedback to mitigate risky driving behaviors in the future. Additionally, with the GPS features found in some dash cams, managers are able to make real-time decisions in supporting their drivers. Incorporating dash cams into your fleet will lead to higher levels of driver accountability with training development opportunities. Furthermore, it will enhance logistics and improve road safety in your company. Key Features If you are ready to purchase a dash cam, here are a few things to consider. The price can range from as low as $40 and as high as $500 depending on the available features. There are several companies that make dash cams including Garmin, Thinkware, and Blackvue. Trying to find a dash cam that meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank can be overwhelming. We have put together a list of some key features to keep in mind when choosing your next dash cam. Video Quality Important for ensuring that whatever your dash cam records is visible and clear to the viewer. Look for high-quality (HD) video resolution, a wide-angle lens, and night vision capabilities. Battery Life and Durability Crucial for ensuring that your dash cam has a long life cycle. You will want to find a dash cam that has sufficient battery life to last through your driving hours. Some dash cams come with an auto-start feature that will automatically record when you start your truck. Having this feature will help you ensure that your dash cam is always on and ready to go. When it comes to durability, research the dash cam's ability to withstand extreme conditions such as, heat, cold, and the vibrations from your truck. Power Another important feature to keep in mind when finding the right dash cam for your needs. There are two options to consider when it comes to powering your dash cam. The first is by using the vehicle’s electrical systems that turn the dash cam on automatically when the ignition is started. The second is a manual turn-on, where the driver or fleet manager has to turn the dash cam on themselves. Parking Mode A feature that some dash cams have. This mode is important because the dash cam can record incidents even when the vehicle is parked. When the vehicle is parked, movement on or around the truck will trigger the motion detector on the dash cam causing it to turn on and begin recording. This feature will help you identify incidents of vandalism or break-in attempts when you are away from your truck. ELD Integration An electronic logging device that is capable of recording a driver’s driving hours and duty status automatically. This feature can help you streamline your trucking logs. Loop Recording How most dash cams work. This means that when the memory card is full the camera overwrites the oldest videos and replaces them with the newer ones. This ensures that recording always happens and you don’t need to remember to delete old footage. G-sensors Used to detect sudden changes in direction or impact, similar to an accident. When there is an accident detected, the dash cam will automatically lock the relevant footage, ensuring that it is kept in your files. By doing this, the G-sensor prevents the video recording from being overwritten in the loop recording process. Many dash cams come with this feature. GPS A feature that will help you in every drive that you have. The basic function of GPS is to provide directions to your next location. However, the GPS feature in dash cams is more extensive. It will detect upcoming route complications and recommend alternative routes. Furthermore, it will provide a record of the vehicle’s speed, helping you maintain safe driving habits. This feature is not only beneficial for truck drivers but fleets as well. Providing drivers with a dash cam with the GPS feature allows your company to better understand driving patterns, how they impact fuel consumption/vehicle performance, and help you improve delivery efficiency. Future of Dash Cams Similar to all other technology, dash cams will continue to evolve in the future. Some of the key features that are projected to continue to modernize the dash cam industry are Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning capabilities. These technologies have the ability to analyze real-time footage to detect risky behaviors like drowsy and distracted driving, or traffic signals and speeding violations. They provide in-cab audio and visual alerts that warn the driver of these detected behaviors or violations to help drivers ensure safe driving habits. Additionally, the use of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) will continue to enhance safety. This technology will provide real-time collision, lane departure, and forward-collision warnings to help prevent accidents before they occur. Lastly, the Cloud Connectivity feature will cover more powerful connectivity. This will lead to real-time video streaming and data analysis for fleet managers allowing them to have quicker response times and seamless integration with previous fleet management systems. Dash Cam Laws By State in 2023 Although there are not many negatives when it comes to getting a dash cam for your truck or fleet, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations that each state has regarding dash cams. For example, privacy concerns when you record the video and sometimes audio may infringe on someone's privacy rights. You can find more information about these laws here: Dash Cam Laws By State in 2023. Are you ready to purchase a truck dash cam? If you are ready to purchase a truck dash cam, make sure to keep all of this in mind while you are making your decision on what truck dash cam to purchase.

So far, 2023 has proven to be a difficult year with low freight volumes and rates in both the spot and contract markets. The question now is… where do we go from here? In this article, we'll give a recap of the first half of the year and answer questions including: What are the latest trends with miles, rates, fuel costs, and maintenance? How badly has the difficult trucking market affected the IC's bottom line? What has happened to the IC population during this downturn? What have the best ICs done to survive in this market? What's next for the trucking industry? Interested in learning more? Check out our full Independent Contractor Benchmarks and Trends Webinar, where we give a more in-depth recap of how owner-operators have performed so far in 2023! Table of Contents Recap of the Past Three Years Freight Rates Miles Revenue Fuel Maintenance Net Income +1/-10 Rest of 2023 Outlook Recap of the Past Three Years The past three years in the trucking industry can be easily described in one word…insanity! Spot rates, fuel, truck costs, and interest rates have fluctuated between extreme lows and record-breaking highs. Below is a quick snapshot of some of these figures. Spot rates June 2020 - $1.65/mile June 2021 - $3.15/mile Aug 2023 - $2.25/mile Fuel June 2020 – Fuel futures were negative, meaning an oil company had to pay you to take their fuel June 2022 – Diesel hit its highest price ever over $5.75/gal Truck Cost June 2020 – Avg Used Truck $55,000 December 2021 – Avg Used Truck $140,000 Aug 2023 – Avg Used Truck $68,000 Interest Rates Prime Rate March 2020 = 3.25% Prime Rate Aug 2023 = 8.50% The hope is that these numbers eventually become easier to track and manage at more normal levels. Freight Rates From May of 2020 through April of 2022, we saw one of the biggest increases in spot market load volumes and rates in the history of trucking. But in April of 2022, while contract rates remained somewhat stable, spot market rates and load volumes began falling dramatically. Here are some numbers to illustrate this shift in the market: Peak- November of 2021 Loads: 240 loads per 1 truck looking for a load. Rates: $2.49 per mile (without fuel surcharge). February 2023 Loads: 55 loads per 1 truck looking for a load Rates: $1.80 per mile (without fuel surcharge) Today- September of 2023 Loads: 60 loads per 1 truck looking for a load. Rates: $1.93 per mile (without fuel surcharge). That is a 77% drop in the number of loads available, and a 28% drop in rate per mile (net of fuel surcharge) through February. However, we have seen an 8% increase in the number of loads and a 7% increase in rate per mile (net of fuel surcharge) since February. These major declines have caused a significant number of owner-operators that were running on their own authority to leave the spot market and lease-on to carriers where load volumes and rates are currently more stable. Those that remain have seen a recent uptick and hopefully weathered the storm. Miles In the beginning of 2023, we finally saw drivers begin to run more miles. We expected to see this sooner, as drivers tend to drive more miles during challenging times. What this tells us is that some drivers may just now be feeling the stress of the tough market after times had been good. ICs started running more miles, and it’s already having a positive impact on net income! However, if drivers are running more miles, it means capacity will remain high, which could actually extend the down market. Overall, miles have dropped significantly over the past 20 years. In 2003, owner-operators averaged about 140,000 miles per year, and today, they are down to a little under 90,000 miles per year. As long as the market stays difficult, miles should continue to trend higher. Revenue Owner-operator revenue has seen a jump of almost 6% year-over-year. However, this is largely attributed to the rising fuel prices, resulting in an increase in fuel surcharge. From July 2022 until June 2023, we had been seeing a steady decline in owner-operator revenue, but it seems like things have leveled off since then. We expect net rates to remain relatively stable, but total rates to jump as the fuel surcharge increases. Fuel Over the last two years, owner-operators have enjoyed a booming freight market that enabled them to make good money and save up some cash while not having to worry about costs. However, with revenue per mile now dropping and fuel prices on the rise, drivers are now beginning to focus on optimizing their fuel efficiency and increasing their MPG. As diesel prices continue to rise across the United States, owner-operators could possibly soon see prices over $5.00 per gallon again. With this in mind, if you haven't begun making changes to your driving habits to improve MPG, now would be the time to start. Luckily we just recently launched 25 ways for owner-operators to do just this. Maintenance When it comes to maintenance costs, overall it's only up a little. However, the amount an owner-operator pays per mile is actually slightly lower than before. The average IC is paying $1,000 per month of maintenance. This cost depends on the age of your truck, the routes you run, and the mileage you drive. You need a custom maintenance plan to make sure you are covered for the repair, the fixed costs when you are down, and your home bills while not generating revenue. Net Income Overall, owner-operator net income is down 9% to $63,114. While this might be a tough pill to swallow, we have seen indications that net income may have bottomed out and is about to rise, albeit slowly. This drop has been seen across all segments of the trucking industry, meaning the grass isn't greener when thinking about jumping from one type of freight to another. Average net income is now lower than it was before the pandemic, However, the best owner-operators have not lost much at all. This is because when times got tough, they started to run more and focus on fuel efficiency. We're finally starting to see more owner-operators follow this same strategy. +1/-10 Incremental and small changes are the best thing you can do today. The two charts above illustrate the top two things the average IC can do to dramatically increase their income, increase their revenue, and decrease their costs. Increasing your revenue could just mean 1 more load a month, which is illustrated above. There are many ways to decrease your costs, but fuel is your biggest cost and the one you can control the most. Just 1 mpg better means taking home $8,000 or more in profit! If you do one of the two things above, you’ll increase your net income by $150 a week, $8,000 per year. If you do both, you’ll take home nearly $300 more per week, or $15,000 a year. It might not be possible to run 500 more miles a month or get 1 mpg better, but if you do a little bit of each, you’ll see drastic improvements to your net income. Rest of 2023 Freight Outlook Revenue per mile slipped almost everywhere but seems to have bottomed out. However, it may not start going up for a while. Miles are finally trending upward, but only by 2,500 annually. Increasing your miles by even more can dramatically improve your take-home pay. Fuel MPG has only barely improved. We can do better - slow it down! The best owner-operators have run more miles & increased their MPG. Their net income hasn’t gone down! Save for maintenance & downtime, it’s the number 1 cause of IC failure. The best businesses and owner-operators are still doing well. The increased cost of fuel gives drivers the chance to improve fuel efficiency, run a little harder, and continue to succeed in trucking! The bottom line is that owner-operators control their own destiny, and they can make changes today to ensure profitability and success!

If you maintain your current spending and savings habits, will you have enough money to retire comfortably? As your trucking business gets established, it’s important to start working a weekly or monthly retirement savings contribution into your budget. Retirement saving is critical when you’re self-employed and ineligible for any employer-funded retirement plan. Planning for Retirement A U.S. Department of Labor study found that Social Security will replace only about 40% of pre-retirement income for the average American. Yet experts say that after you retire, you’ll need about 70% of the income you earned before retirement to maintain your lifestyle. At 70%, a trucker who earns $60,000 annually will need about $42,000 a year after he retires. When that figure is multiplied by 20 years — the average post-retirement longevity — that trucker will need about $840,000 to live comfortably. That entire amount doesn’t have to be saved in advance. Some of it would be supplemented by income from Social Security, retirement plans, or investments. Although it’s never too late to save for retirement, the sooner you begin, the better. If a 25-year-old puts $400 into a retirement fund every month until he reaches age 65, and his money grows 10% a year, he will retire with almost $2.5 million. If a 35-year-old invests the same amount each month and earns 10%, he will have a little more than $900,000 at age 65. Social Security You have a choice whether to begin receiving Social Security benefits early (age 62), at full retirement age (between 66 and 67 years old depending on the year you were born), or later. If you choose to collect Social Security benefits prior to full retirement age it may be important to understand when those benefits can be reduced. For 2023, taxpayers receiving benefits that have not yet reached full retirement age are entitled to earn up to $21,240 per year before any reduction in Social Security Benefits. If you earn more than this amount, your SSB will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. However, once you reach your Full Retirement Age (FRA), you can earn as much as you want without any reduction in your Social Security benefits. As an owner-operator truck driver, this means that you can continue to work and earn income while also collecting Social Security benefits. Qualified Retirement Plans When you make investments that are not part of a retirement program, you’ll pay taxes on earnings, such as interest from a savings account or profit from a stock sale. With qualified retirement accounts, you don’t pay a penny in taxes on the earnings until you retire and begin withdrawing money. Not only are taxes delayed for many years, but by then you should be in a lower tax bracket, so you’ll pay less in taxes. In addition, most retirement plans allow you to deduct contributions from your reported income. That means if you make $40,000 and contribute $2,000 to a qualified plan, you report only $38,000 on your income tax return. Below are the most popular qualified plans for owner-operators: Traditional IRA You are allowed to contribute $6,500 a year, tax-deferred, to an IRA with a catch-up contribution limit of $1,000 for individuals aged 50 and older. As long as you’re not covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan, IRA contributions reduce your taxable income and are tax-deferred. If you or your spouse contributes to an employer-sponsored plan such as a 401(k), only a portion of your IRA contribution is deductible. Your IRA funds cannot be withdrawn before age 59.5 — except under special circumstances — without incurring a hefty penalty. Roth IRA The differences between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA are the terms of contributions and payout. With a Roth IRA, contributions are not deducted from income, so they are taxable for the year they’re earned. But they do accumulate tax-deferred and are tax-free when withdrawn. Simple IRA The SIMPLE (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) IRA was designed for companies with fewer than 100 employees. If you employ others, you and your employees qualify. Under a SIMPLE IRA arrangement, an employee of your business can contribute to and be matched by you up to $15,500 in 2023, with a $3,500 catch-up contribution limit for those 50 and older. SEP IRA A Simplified Employee Pension plan allows an employer to contribute up to 25% of net income (up to $66,000 total) to an IRA set up for himself or his or her employees. After money is put into the plan, it must stay there until the owner turns 59.5. Early withdrawals are subject to federal income taxes and a possible 10% penalty. Individual 401(k) For years, 401(k) retirement plans, another form of tax-deferred savings, were limited to employees, often with an employer match as a savings incentive. Since 2001, however, individuals have been free to set up solo 401(k)s, which have an annual contribution limit of up to $22,500, as long as you are classified as an employee of your own business (such as in an S Corp structure) and are paying yourself a salary. If you’re self-employed, the rules are more complicated. See IRS publication 560’s rate table and worksheets for determining your contribution limits. ROTH 401(k) A newer retirement plan option is a combination of the Roth IRA and the solo 401(k) called the Roth 401(k): Money you put into it is taxed in the year you earned it, but never again. Many financial advisers believe a Roth 401(k) is the best option for an owner-operator. Assuming that taxes will go up in the long term is the safest of bets, so paying now locks in the lower rate. The more taxes you can pay while you’re younger, the better. Retirement Countdown If you want to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle, you don’t need to have been born rich or even to have earned scads of money during your working years. But you do need to make the right moves at the right time – which means you might want to start a “retirement countdown” well before you draw your final settlement check. What might such a countdown look like? Here are a few ideas: Ten years before retirement At this stage of your career, you might be at, or at least near, your peak earning capacity. At the same time, your kids may have grown and left the home, and you might even have paid off your mortgage. All these factors, taken together, may mean that you can afford to “max out” on your IRA or other retirement plans. And that’s exactly what you should do, if you can, because these retirement accounts offer tax benefits and the opportunity to spread your dollars around a variety of investments. Five years before retirement Review your Social Security statement to see how much you can expect to receive each month at various ages. You can typically start collecting benefits as early as 62, but your monthly checks will be significantly larger if you wait until your “full” retirement age, which will likely be 66 (and a few months) or 67. Your payments will be bigger still if you can afford to wait until 70, at which point your benefits reach their ceiling. In any case, you’ll need to weigh several factors – your health, your family history of longevity, and your other sources of retirement income – before deciding on when to start taking Social Security. One to three years before retirement To help increase your income stream during retirement, you may want to convert some – but likely not all – of your growth-oriented investments, such as stocks and stock-based vehicles, into income-producing ones, such as bonds. Keep in mind, though, that even during your retirement years, you’ll still likely need your portfolio to provide you with some growth potential to help keep you ahead of inflation. One year before retirement Evaluate your retirement income and expenses. It’s particularly important that you assess your healthcare costs. Depending on your age at retirement, you may be eligible for Medicare, but you will likely need to pay for some supplemental coverage as well, so you will need to budget for this. Also, as you get closer to your actual retirement date, you will need to determine an appropriate withdrawal rate for your investments. How much should you take each year from your IRA, 401(k), and other retirement accounts? The answer depends on many factors: the size of these accounts, your retirement lifestyle, your projected longevity, whether you’ve started taking Social Security, whether your spouse is still working, and so on. A financial professional can help you determine an appropriate withdrawal rate. Funding Your Retirement As an independent contractor, the task of funding a retirement is entirely your responsibility so it’s important to make it a priority. Starting sooner rather than later is important because every day counts, and you will be more likely to achieve your goals. How to get started funding a retirement: Create a budget A budget allows you to see how much you make, and where all of your money is going. If you don’t have enough money, oftentimes it’s one of two possible problems: you either don’t make enough money, or you are spending too much of the money that you make. For most of us, it is the second problem that we need to fix. Reduce unnecessary spending Figure out the difference between things you “need” and things you “want”, and cut back your spending accordingly. Take leftover money for what you don’t “need”, and put it into a retirement account and/or emergency fund. There are many different ways to cut out unnecessary spending. Nobody said retirement planning was going to be easy, but the sacrifices you make now will lead to a more comfortable future. Establish an emergency fund Once you have freed up some money by cutting back on spending, you can begin your emergency fund. This amount should be enough to cover all of your bills and expenses for six months, should a situation prevent you from working and earning income. Having this money set aside will prevent you from dipping into your retirement account if an emergency occurs. Factors to Consider When you create your financial and investment strategies for retirement, what will you need to know? In other words, what factors should you consider, and how will these factors affect your investment-related decisions, before and during your retirement? Consider the following: Age at retirement Not surprisingly, your retirement date likely will be heavily influenced by your financial situation – so, if you have to keep working, that’s what you’ll do. But if you have a choice in the matter, your decision could have a big impact on your investment strategy. For example, if you want to retire early, you may need to save and invest more aggressively than you would if you plan to work well past typical retirement age. Retirement lifestyle Some people want to spend their retirement years traveling, while others simply want to stay close to home and family, pursuing quiet, inexpensive hobbies. Clearly, the lifestyle you choose will affect how much you need to accumulate before you retire and how much you will need to withdraw from your various investment accounts once you do. Second career Some people retire from one career only to begin another. If you think you’d like to have a “second act” in your working life, you might need some additional training, or you might just put your existing expertise to work as a consultant. If you do launch a new career, it could clearly affect your financial picture. For one thing, if you add a new source of earned income, you might be able to withdraw less from your retirement accounts each year. (Keep in mind, though, that once you reach 70 ½, you will have to take at least some withdrawals from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan.) On the other hand, if you keep earning income, you can continue putting money into a traditional IRA (until you’re 70 ½) or a Roth IRA (indefinitely) and possibly contribute to a retirement plan for the self-employed, such as a SEP-IRA or an “owner-only” 401(k). Philanthropy During your working years, you may have consistently donated money to charitable organizations. And once you retire, you may want to do even more. For one thing, of course, you can volunteer more of your time. But you also might want to set up some more permanent methods of financial support. Consequently, you might want to work with your legal advisor and financial professional to incorporate elements of your investment portfolio into your estate plans to provide more support for charitable groups. As you can see, your retirement goals can affect your investment strategy – and vice versa. So, think carefully about what you want to accomplish, plan ahead, and get the help you need. It takes time and effort to achieve a successful retirement, but it’s worth it. Overcoming “Roadblocks” to a Comfortable Retirement It’s important to consider the “roadblocks” you might encounter on your road to the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Here are five of the most common obstacles: Insufficient investments Very few of us have ever reported investing “too much” for their retirement. But a great many people regret that they saved and invested too little. Don’t make that mistake. Contribute as much as you can afford and increase your contributions whenever your income goes up. Always look for other ways to cut expenses and direct this “found” money toward your retirement. Underestimating your longevity You can’t predict how long you’ll live, but you can make some reasonable guesses – and you might be surprised at your prospects. According to the Social Security Administration, men reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3, while women turning age 65 today can anticipate living, on average, until age 86.6. That’s a lot of years – and you’ll need to plan for them when you create long-term saving, investing, and spending strategies. Not establishing a suitable withdrawal rate Once you are retired, you will likely need to start withdrawing money from your 401(k), IRA, and other retirement accounts. It’s essential that you don’t withdraw too much each year – obviously, you don’t want to run the risk of outliving your resources. That’s why you need to establish an annual withdrawal rate that’s appropriate for your situation, incorporating variables such as your age, the value of your retirement accounts, your estimated lifestyle expenses, and so on. Calculating such a withdrawal rate can be challenging, so you may want to consult with a professional financial advisor. Taking Social Security at the wrong time You might not be able to afford to wait to take your Social Security, but by postponing the date you begin taking withdrawals, you could help yourself considerably. Ignoring inflation You want your portfolio to include some investments with the potential to outpace inflation, even during your retirement years. By being aware of these roadblocks, and taking steps to overcome them, you can help smooth your journey toward retirement – and once you get there, you may enjoy it more. Quick Tips Start saving for retirement as young as possible, but start whenever you can – time is critical. Start small if necessary – even small investments can reap large rewards over time. Use automatic deductions from your payroll, whenever possible, in order to save regularly. Don’t borrow from your retirement account(s). 401K plans and Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) should make up the bulk of your retirement investments. The younger you are, the more aggressive your investments should be. Adjust your portfolio regularly, moving away from risk and into security as you grow older. Retirement, like any good collection, builds in value and quantity over the years. It is impossible to create the amount of savings you need to retire if you wait to think about it for another 20 to 30 years. However, if you start now you can take advantage of the time, and use the full value of your hard-earned money. Little by little you’ll see your savings grow, and over time you’ll benefit from tax advantages, compounding interest, and you can start dreaming about what to do with all of it when you retire! If you have dreams of someday enjoying a comfortable retirement, it’s time for you to start investing. If you’re still not sure where to put your money, we recommend speaking with an investment advisor as soon as you can.

GPS devices have become an important part of our society. Many individuals utilize the GPS function on their cell phones to help them map out their commutes or plan a trip. However, as a truck driver, it can be difficult to maintain safe driving habits, while using the GPS features on your phone. Furthermore, the GPS functions on your cell phone don’t have the capabilities that you need as a truck driver. Thankfully, there are several advancements that have been made to the GPS devices on the market, supporting you in keeping your trucking business between lines and on the road. If you are a trucker looking for a new GPS device for your truck there are several features to keep in mind, to ensure accessibility and durability. Detailed Mapping Many GPS devices have been created specifically for truck drivers and the numerous vehicles they drive. The truck-specific mapping feature allows you to update your GPS with your truck weight, height, length, and specifics that may affect your route. This feature gives you the confidence to know that your route will be appropriately mapped out to ensure that you arrive at your destination safely and on time. Route and Mileage Capabilities The newest technology for GPS devices has enhanced features that allow you to receive current information about traffic, road closures, road infrastructure changes, and road work. This allows you to compare and pick from various routes to your destination to help you mitigate any delays and reduce your costs. Additionally, some GPS devices will update you when there is excessive engine idling to help you reduce fuel expenses. Driver Safety GPS devices allow you to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road with voice assistants that provide directions to help you navigate your drive. They also come with features to warn you when you are going over the speed limit or braking too hard to mediate possible accidents. Some devices have Bluetooth connectivity that is paired with Siri and Google Now. As a result, you are able to connect your GPS to your smartphone, allowing you to make hands-free phone calls and receive text messages safely. Approved Roadways Now let’s talk about features specifically for GPS units meant for truck drivers. A good GPS for truck drivers will plan routes based on roads that are approved for semi-trucks. All you have to do is put in your truck’s information, including height, weight, length, and cargo. When the GPS knows this information, it will handle all the hassle of planning your route accordingly. Drive Assist Features A GPS for truck drivers will come stored with information that only a truck driver would be interested in knowing. They will have information on repair services, tow services, truck stops, weigh stations, rest stops, and more. These systems will also give information about curves, steep inclines, and narrow roads. Finally, a good GPS for truck drivers will provide lane assist to make sure you are in the correct lane in order to make an exit. Conserving Fuel Fuel is one of the most significant expenses that a trucker will face. That is why it’s important that your GPS can provide you with information in order to conserve fuel and make sure you aren’t spending too much. When you plan your route, a good GPS will let you know where to stop in advance to fill up with the most cost-effective fuel. Your GPS can also alert you if you are driving excessively fast or deviating from your planned route. Trip Logging Your ELD has to be synchronized with the truck’s engine to comply with the FMCSA’s ELD Mandate. This means that your GPS cannot be used as your approved ELD. However, the data that your GPS keeps can be used to verify that the numbers from your ELD are accurate. GPS units today can monitor your hours of service, driving status, hours of sleep, mileage, and IFTA fuel data. Fleet Management A collection of GPS units for truck drivers can also be used by a fleet manager to see the specific location of all of the trucks on the road. This can help improve the customer service of the company by allowing the manager to let shippers and receivers know how close their driver is to arriving at their destination. Managers can also make sure their drivers are on the correct route and driving appropriately. User-Friendly Interface When it comes to being in the trucking business every minute counts. This means that it is important to find a GPS device that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Look for a device with intuitive controls and easy-to-read instructions. Furthermore, you may want to find a GPS device that has ELD integration, which can automatically track and log your hours of service. Durability You and your truck spend so much time on the road, it is important to find a GPS device that will endure the rough terrain and hard weather to ensure longevity. Look for a device that can withstand hot and cold temperatures, since it will be sitting near a window in your truck. There are also some devices that have a rugged waterproof casing and reinforced corners to handle the demands of the road. Best GPS Units for Truck Drivers Now that you know about the features that are available to you when purchasing a GPS, here are the highest rated GPS units for truck drivers that are on the market. Garmin Garmin is a well-known and trusted trucking GPS brand. Their devices have customizations available, which allow users to select different truck-specific settings, such as height, weight, and length. This information allows the GPS to generate the most efficient route for your specific vehicle. Garmin 010-02313-00 dezl OTR700, 7-inch GPS Truck Navigator $439 4.5 out of 5 stars (4,230 ratings) Large display with its bright and crisp touchscreen display with long battery life Load-to-dock guidance: Guidance shows potential loading zones or storage lots to help clarify where you need to go See popular truck routes used by other truckers Driver Alerts: warn you of upcoming sharp curves, speed changes, railroad crossing, and more. Truck-Friendly Parking: See truck-specific parking at truck stops and rest stops along your route while connected to the Garmin Drive app paired with your GPS-enabled smartphone. Easy Break Planning: Receive timely notifications that help you make the most of each stop. Voice Assistant: Your voice assistant responds to your spoken requests Wireless Updates: Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity makes it easy to keep your maps and software up to date without using a computer Traffic, Weather, and Fuel: Download the Garmin Drive app to access live traffic, weather, and real-time fuel prices. Plus, access to photoLive traffic cameras. Learn more: https://www.garmin.com/en-US/search/?query=GPS Rand McNally Another popular choice for truck drivers is the Rand McNally brand. Their GPS devices have accurate and truck-specific mapping and hazard updates. Additionally, they offer Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing access to real-time traffic updates adjusting routes based on traffic patterns and road work. Their designs are built to withstand life on the road with a strong mount firmly holding the GPS in place, along with thermal resistance allowing for extended use. Rand McNally TND 550 Truck GPS $301 3.8 out of 5 (354 ratings) Voice guidance: get advanced notifications of what’s ahead, such as turns, steep grades, or complicated interchanges Advanced routing: compare routes, use multi stop routing, and add up to 10 stops per route Exits quick view: quickly view amenities such as travel centers and fuel stops at upcoming exits Fuel prices and logs: view fuel prices on the map, then track fuel purchases and calculate fuel economy Service alerts: set service and maintenance alerts for your vehicle 3-D junction view: view upcoming junctions in 3-D with a split screen display with lane guidance for managing complex interchanges Warning: Set warning for speed limit changes, sharp curves and more Weather: Show the current forecast, or choose 10 different map overlays, like precipitation and wind speed. Toll costs: view estimated toll costs, compare routes without tolls, and plan routes to lower costs Millions of POI Listings: detailed information on travel centers, weight stations, service and repair stops. Address book: group and sort by name or distance, add custom POIs, then choose icons to display on the map. Learn More: https://store.randmcnally.com/truck-navigation.html TomTom TomTom is known for their intuitive interfacing, user-friendly controls, and accurate mapping. Their devices include voice-guided navigation, live traffic updates, and real-time speed camera alerts. They are slim, and lightweight, making them easy to mount. TomTom Trucker 620 6-Inch GPS Navigation Device with Wi-Fi Connectivity $276 (Used, Like New) 3.7 out of 5 (526 ratings) Active Magnetic Mount TomTom MyDrive: Plan routes, check live traffic, and save favorite POIs from your smartphone, tablet, or PC Customized truck routing: get customized routes for your vehicle type, size, weight, cargo, and speed, making your journeys more time efficient. Customized truck routing takes the guesswork out of driving, giving you a realistic arrival time and a safer journey. Compatible with Siri and Google Now: Activate and talk to Siri or Google Now by tapping a button and using the microphone on your TomTom Trucker. It can read messages aloud from your phone with your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. Needs Wi-Fi to update the device Learn More: https://www.tomtom.com/en_us/navigation/gps/ Xgody Xgody is a lesser-known GPS device known for their offline capabilities and reasonable prices. AV-in XGODY 8GB ROM SAT NAV System Navigator $94 3.6 out of 5 (4,256 ratings) Includes Bluetooth and AV-In Battery is built in, but needs a charge every 1 hour or so (Car charger 12-36V/2A Charging time is 2-3 hours Voice narration Lane navigation: which lane to go when encountering multi-lanes Custom quick search POI you can find gas stations, restaurants, railway stations, airports, and hotels near you. Supports multimedia functions. You can enjoy the movie MPS when you are tired and want to have a rest. Set up your truck profile to customize personalized navigation routes according to the height, length, and weight of the truck. Intelligently avoid the risks which may have route time, speed limit, height limit, width limit, weight limit etc. Learn more: https://xgody.com/collections/best-navigation-gps Don’t Throw Away the Atlas Although these GPS devices are specifically designed for truck drivers, it is still recommended that drivers have a physical map with them at all times. Technology continues to advance but still can’t be 100% trusted. Systems fail, break, run out of battery, etc. However, these GPS devices should work most of the time and allow you to be able to operate your truck as efficiently as possible.

GOLDEN, COLO. – September 12, 2023 – ATBS, the nation’s largest tax, consulting, and bookkeeping firm in the transportation industry, is thrilled to announce its 25th anniversary. Since 1998, ATBS has been dedicated to helping owner-operator truck drivers save valuable time and earn more money, and is excited to commemorate this remarkable milestone. For a quarter-century, ATBS has been at the forefront of the trucking industry by providing financial services to over 240,000 owner-operators. Over the years, ATBS’ commitment to client satisfaction, accuracy, and compassion for drivers has earned ATBS a reputation for excellence and trust in the industry. ATBS President and CEO, Todd Amen, commented, “We are humbled by the many thousands of small business owner truck drivers who have allowed us to help them and their families make more money, pay less in taxes, and live better lives for the past 25 years. The ATBS family of employees shows up every day because we care about each other and our passion for helping truckers. That combination has made every day of the past 25 years rewarding and fun!” To celebrate the 25th anniversary, ATBS held a truck driver sweepstakes earlier in the year and awarded three lucky truck drivers with gift cards to the truck stops of their choice. Additionally, ATBS has produced a video, a timeline, and a series of helpful blog posts to commemorate the occasion: Video: Celebrating 25 Years of Helping Truck Drivers Succeed Timeline: The History of ATBS - 1998 - 2023 The Top 25 Habits of Successful Owner-Operators The Top 25 Ways for Truck Drivers to Improve Fuel Efficiency The Top 25 Quick and Easy Meals for Truck Drivers Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Top 25 Things We Love About Truckers About ATBS: American Truck Business Services (ATBS) is the largest tax, consulting, and bookkeeping firm in the transportation industry, with 25 years of experience working with owner-operators and independent contractors. Since 1998, ATBS has helped over 240,000 clients earn more money, reduce stress, and drive a richer life. For more information, visit www.ATBS.com.

Truck Drivers play a crucial role in our economy, transporting goods that keep our society functioning smoothly. They are the unsung heroes of the road, and this article is dedicated to celebrating this generally underappreciated community. Let’s explore the top 25 things ATBS loves about truckers and why they deserve our utmost respect and gratitude. Supply Chain Backbone: Truck drivers form the backbone of the supply chain, ensuring that goods reach stores, hospitals, and homes on time. Without them, our supply chain would crumble. Long Hours, Hard Work: Truckers work tirelessly, often enduring long hours and challenging conditions to deliver goods on time. Their dedication and work ethic are commendable. Driving Skills: Truckers display exceptional driving skills, maneuvering large vehicles safely through crowded highways and narrow city streets. Reliability: Truckers consistently demonstrate reliability, ensuring goods reach their destination promptly, rain or shine. Travel Ambassadors: Truckers often cover vast distances, becoming ambassadors of culture and sharing experiences from different regions. Teamwork: Truckers work closely with dispatchers, warehouse staff, and other drivers, fostering a sense of teamwork within the transportation industry. Problem-Solvers: They are adept problem-solvers, overcoming challenges like traffic, adverse weather, and road closures to meet delivery deadlines. Masters of Patience: Truckers exhibit incredible patience, especially during congested traffic or waiting at loading docks. Embracing Technology: Modern truckers embrace technology, utilizing GPS systems, route planning apps, and telematics to optimize efficiency. Safety First: Truckers prioritize safety, conducting thorough vehicle inspections and adhering to traffic regulations to ensure accident-free journeys. Critical in Emergencies: During natural disasters and crises, truck drivers deliver essential supplies to affected areas, proving their vital role in emergencies. Human Connection: Truckers interact with people from diverse backgrounds, fostering a sense of unity and understanding across regions. Heart of the Industry: Ultimately, truck drivers are the heart of the transportation industry, and our world would not function without their unwavering dedication. Resilience: Facing unpredictable road conditions and weather, truckers exhibit resilience and adaptability. Pride in Work: Many truck drivers take immense pride in their profession, understanding the impact they have on the lives of people around the world. Customer Service: Courteous and professional interactions with clients and vendors contribute to positive business relationships. Supportive Trucking Community: Truckers often form a tight-knit community, offering support and camaraderie to one another. Continuous Learning: Truckers stay updated on industry regulations and technology, demonstrating a commitment to ongoing learning. Behind-the-Scenes Heroes: Their contributions go unnoticed, but truckers are responsible for making sure our lives run smoothly. Family Sacrifices: Truckers often sacrifice time with their families to keep the economy moving and goods flowing. Flexibility: Truckers adapt to changing schedules and routes, ensuring goods are delivered despite unexpected challenges. Building a Strong Nation: Truckers strengthen the national economy by transporting goods from coast to coast. Global Trade: They also facilitate international trade by transporting goods to and from ports, aiding in the growth of economies worldwide. Iconic Truck Stops: The culture of trucking has led to the development of unique truck stops, fostering a sense of community among drivers. Cultural Appreciation: Many truckers develop a deep appreciation for history, culture, and geography through their journeys and the people they meet. Truckers are the lifeline of the American economy. Their dedication, hard work, and sacrifices impact every aspect of our lives. As we celebrate these unsung heroes, let's remember that the smooth flow of goods, the availability of essentials, and the vibrancy of our economies owe a great deal to the enduring spirit of truck drivers.

Being a truck driver often means spending long hours on the road, which can make it challenging to find healthy and delicious meal options. Here are 25 road-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare at home, store in the truck, and eat while on the go: Turkey and Avocado Wraps: Whole wheat wraps filled with turkey slices, avocado, lettuce, and your favorite condiments. Cold Pasta Salad: A pasta salad with chopped veggies, Italian dressing, and your choice of protein (i.e. chicken, or shrimp). Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a protein-packed breakfast. Chicken and Vegetable Skewers: Precooked chicken and vegetable skewers that can be enjoyed cold or easily reheated. Rice and Bean Burritos: Fill tortillas with rice, black beans, salsa, and cheese for a satisfying meal. Smoothies: Pre-blend and keep in a cooler/fridge; use yogurt, fruits, and protein powder. Rotisserie Chicken & Microwaveable Veggies: Buy pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-packaged steamed vegetable bags for a fulfilling dinner. Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps: Tuna mixed with mayo, diced celery, and onions, wrapped in lettuce leaves. Hard-Boiled Eggs on Toast: Cut your eggs in half and layer them on a piece of toast, or egg muffin sandwich, and add a little bit of salt, pepper, and other breakfast sandwich toppings. Overnight Oats: Combine oats, milk, yogurt, and your favorite toppings in a container to enjoy the next morning. Tuna on Crackers: Buy flavored tuna packets and enjoy them on saltine crackers. Protein bars: Have a protein bar with a piece of fruit for a quick breakfast. Caprese Skewers: Add grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves on skewers with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill halved bell peppers with cooked ground meat, rice, and veggies. Meal Replacement Shakes: Add milk to a vanilla, or chocolate, protein shake and have a banana or apple on the side for a quick and protein-packed breakfast. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich: Spread peanut butter on whole-grain bread and add sliced bananas. Egg Muffins: Whisk eggs with veggies and cheese, then bake in muffin tins for a portable breakfast. Pre-made Salad Kits: Mix canned tuna or canned chicken with your pre-made salad kit for extra protein. Chicken Quesadillas: Grill some chicken breast, sautee your favorite veggies, and add cheese inside a tortilla until melted. Beef Jerky, String Cheese, and Fruit: Save time by having a few snacks for lunch. Tuna Sandwich: Add a can of tuna, mayo, and other ingredients like avocado, or tomatoes, and place it on top of your favorite bread for a quick lunch. Chicken Caesar Wrap: Tortillas filled with grilled chicken, romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Scrambled Egg and Rice Bowl: Scramble eggs and cook the rice ahead of time, add a dash of soy sauce, salt, and pepper, for a light breakfast. Mason Jar Salads: Layer your favorite salad ingredients in a mason jar for a quick and fresh meal. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad: Cooked quinoa mixed with black beans, cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, and a zesty lime dressing. Remember to stay hydrated by carrying plenty of water and, whenever possible, try to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals. Safe travels! Want even more ideas for easy meals on the road? Check out our Rolling Kitchen Cookbook!

As an owner-operator, you’re a small business owner. That means you can’t just focus on how much money you’re making, you also have to focus on how much money you’re spending. Would you rather watch, or listen, to this article in video format? Click here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awPcYaaiNxA Owner-operators have to deal with many of the same common business expenses. Understanding these expenses, and figuring out how to minimize the amount of money coming out of your pocket, is an important task for any business owner. ATBS is here to help, as we identify five of the biggest expenses faced by owner-operators and how you can better control them. Are you a self-employed truck driver that needs help managing your expenses? Click here! Fuel Fuel costs are the largest expense for most owner-operators. On average, you may spend between $50,000 and $70,000 a year on fuel. The easiest way to figure out how much you can expect to spend on fuel is by calculating your truck’s average cost per mile. This can be calculated by dividing the number of miles you expect to drive by your average MPG and then multiplying that number by the fuel cost per gallon. As a truck driver, you actually have some control over how much money you spend on fuel. There are several ways you can modify your driving habits right now that can put extra money in your pocket. Slow down - generally, 10 mph equals 1 mpg Find the “sweet spot” - lower RPMs burn less fuel Be smart with braking Stay in higher gears when possible Minimize idling To learn more about each of these topics and put these practices into action, read our article here. Truck & Maintenance Your truck is the second biggest expense you’ll face as an owner-operator. Truck expenses include the truck payment, maintenance, and tires. Even if your truck is completely paid off, maintenance and tire costs are still enough to be your second biggest expense. On average, maintenance is around 10% of total expenses. The most important thing you can do to keep your maintenance costs down is plan preventative maintenance around home time. Try to catch stuff before it becomes a serious issue so you can wait for the part you will eventually need or get it fixed quickly before it becomes a big issue. This can be done with good pre and post-trip inspections and checking for any leaks or drips. The best way to manage your maintenance is to overestimate how much money you will need for truck repairs and put that money into a dedicated maintenance account. Tire expenses will vary between $1,000 and $4,000 each time they are replaced. Before buying tires, take into account the cost of the tires as well as their life expectancy. Insurance Insurance on a single truck typically starts at around $3,000 - $4,000 for a leased owner-operator and $15,000 - $30,000 for an owner-operator with authority. Insurance expenses can rise depending on how extensive the coverage is. Some of the different types of insurance that are typically required include bobtail, occupational accident, and physical damage. On top of your truck insurance, you will also need health insurance, which averages around $6,000 - $12,000 per year. Insurance is an expense that can vary significantly, depending on how much you want to pay. However, paying less for insurance usually means a higher deductible, which comes with a greater risk if an accident were to occur. To learn more about insurance, click here. Food and Drink Food and drink is a large expense that owner-operators might not expect. Eating out at restaurants every day can add up quickly. However, owner-operators are given a tax deduction known as Per Diem. The IRS allows you to deduct 80% of $69 for every full day on the road and $51.75 for every partial day on the road. Even though these costs are tax deductible, it is money you still have to spend. The easiest way to lower your food and drink costs is to buy food at the grocery store and keep it cold in your truck. The cost of groceries is a lot cheaper and healthier than eating out at restaurants. Taxes As an independent contractor, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) requires you to make quarterly estimated tax payments based on your business profits. Your quarterly estimated tax payments include: Self-employment tax: The self-employment tax rate is 15.3%. It consists of Social Security (12.4%) and Medicare (2.9%) taxes. Federal Income Tax and State Income Tax: This is calculated on your tax return. Those who expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes are required to make quarterly payments of self-employment and income taxes. ATBS recommends that drivers set aside between 25 and 30 percent of their weekly net income for quarterly taxes. When you are self-employed the payment of Social Security and Medicare taxes is your responsibility. This is unlike those individuals who are classified as an employee as these taxes would be withheld from a paycheck and paid by an employer. When it comes time to file your taxes, you can minimize your tax liability by claiming every legal tax deduction and credit available. Understanding and recording all the deductions and credits appropriately will help you avoid penalties, reduce the risk of an audit, and minimize the amount you have to pay in taxes. How to Control Your Expenses Know Your Numbers Do you know your break-even point? Do you know your cost or profit per mile? Don't operate your business in the dark. Make sure you keep your numbers up to date so you know how to stay profitable. Keep Good Records A good business always tracks its financials and monitors them at least monthly. A profit and loss statement can be used to make sure you are reaching your revenue and expense goals to hit the bottom line you need to achieve your own personal success. Plan Your Routes Aside from just taking the shortest route, plan out when you're going to get to certain places on your trip and where you're going to fill up. If possible, avoid driving through places at times you know there will be a lot of traffic and fill up in places where the net price will be lowest. Maximize Your Time If your truck isn’t running, you aren’t making money. Make sure you’re managing your time to make each week profitable. Don’t sit for long periods of time when you don’t have to. When you’re forced to shut down, use this time to be productive and complete tasks that need to get done. Anything you can’t do yourself, outsource to different services and professional partners. These expenses could be seen as investments that may actually save or make you money in the long run. Work With Professional Business Partners Running a business is difficult. It’s even harder when you’re on the road driving all day. Having someone that can help you run the business side of trucking can be a big asset. It can also be a tax deduction. Paying a company to help you with your accounting and bookkeeping allows you to focus on what you love...driving your truck! Over 150,000 owner-operators have made the choice to hire ATBS over the past 20 years. We offer a variety of services including accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation. We also offer unlimited business consulting for our RumbleStrip Professional clients. A dedicated business consultant will help you keep your business “between the lines,” just like rumblestrips on the highway. If you’d like to learn more about ATBS services or want to get started today, give us a call at 866-920-2827.

Your taxes have been filed and some of you might have even received a refund from Uncle Sam. Unfortunately, some of you might not have been quite so lucky. You might have received a scarier letter from the IRS. Each year the IRS mails millions of notices and letters to taxpayers. There are a variety of reasons why they might send you a notice. Here are the top 10 tips to know in case you get one. Don’t panic. Most notices are informational and those that require responses can often be handled in a simple manner; Each IRS notice will address a specific matter relating to your tax account on the Federal level. Remember, States address their own tax collection independently of the IRS. It will be about a specific issue, such as changes to your account. It may ask you for more information. It could also explain that you owe tax and that you need to pay the amount that is due. In most cases, these notices will each address a specific tax period/year - so, you will receive multiple notices if there is more than one year involved. Each notice has specific instructions, so read it carefully. It will tell you what you need to do. You may get a notice that states the IRS has made a change or correction to your tax return. If you do, review the information and compare it with your original return. If you agree with the notice, you usually don’t need to reply unless it gives you other instructions or you need to make a payment. If you do not agree with the notice, it’s important for you to respond. You should write a letter to explain why you disagree. Include any information and documents you want the IRS to consider. Mail your reply with the bottom tear-off portion of the notice. Send it to the address shown in the upper left-hand corner of the notice. Allow at least 30 days for a response. You won’t need to call the IRS or visit an IRS office for most notices. If you do have questions, call the phone number in the upper right-hand corner of the notice. Have a copy of your tax return and the notice with you when you call. This will help the IRS answer your questions. Always keep copies of any notices you receive with your other tax records. Be alert for tax scams. The IRS sends letters and notices by mail. The IRS does not contact people by email or social media to ask for personal or financial information. Some scams will send correspondence via the mail, so it is also important to be diligent in recognizing who is mailing you documentation. For more on this topic visit IRS.gov and read Publication 594, The IRS Collection Process. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms at any time. In any instance where you have questions about a notice or wish for some assistance in navigating the issues the IRS is corresponding with you about, our team of tax professionals is here to help. Our Tax Debt Pit Crew has extensive knowledge and experience surrounding everything to do with the IRS and are here and ready to help any drivers who may need assistance in working with them.

Improving your fuel efficiency by 1 MPG can save you over $10,000 per year! Luckily for you, there are many simple ways to improve this. Here is our list of the Top 25 Ways for Truck Drivers to Improve Fuel Efficiency. 1. MINIMIZE CRUISE SPEED This one may seem obvious, but going faster means you are going to burn more fuel. Every 1 MPH increase in speed results in a .14 MPG decrease in fuel economy. 2. MANAGE CRUISE RPM Managing the speed of your engine is also important in maximizing your fuel efficiency. Find the “sweet spot”, which is the most efficient RPM to run your engine. 1250 - 1350 RPM tends to be a good “sweet spot”. 3. USE THE LOWEST COST STATIONS An easy way to save money on fuel is to fill up at the lower cost stations. Many trucking-specific GPS systems will plan your route for you to stop at the less-expensive fuel stations along the way. Are you a self-employed truck driver that needs help managing your fuel costs? Click here! 4. TAKE THE SHORTEST ROUTE There are often many different ways to get to the same destination. Take the route that requires the least amount of driving in order to use the least amount of fuel. 5. AVOID UNNECESSARY DRIVING If you are going to go out of your way to stop for fuel, you might as well use the restroom and purchase any items you need, in order to avoid going out of your way to stop again a few hours later. 6. AVOID UNNECESSARY ITEMS The more weight that is in your truck, the more it has to work to move down the highway. Your truck already carries thousands of pounds, don’t make it carry any more than it has to. 7. MONITOR TIRE PRESSURE Underinflated tires decrease your fuel economy. For every 1 PSI drop in pressure, your fuel mileage can be reduced by 0.3%. 8. MINIMIZE IDLING Only idle your truck when absolutely necessary. One hour of idling burns about a gallon of fuel. 9. DON’T OVERFILL THE TANK When fuel is heated, it can begin to expand. This means if you fill your tank to capacity, the expanded fuel can cause the tank to overflow and waste fuel. 10. BE MODERATE WITH BRAKING Braking is a necessary part of driving. However, every time you slow down from braking, it takes more fuel to get back up to speed. Leaving more distance between you and the vehicle you are following can reduce braking. 11. STAY IN HIGHER GEAR Driving in the highest gear possible is a good way to help maximize fuel efficiency. Traveling at faster rates in low gears can consume 45% more fuel than is needed. 12. KEEP LOAD HEIGHT LOW The more evenly distributed the load is in the trailer, the less effort the truck will need to get moving. It’s good practice to keep the load as low and as level as possible. 13. USE YOUR MOMENTUM Your foot doesn’t always need to be on the gas pedal, burning fuel. If you see a hill coming up, use the downward part of the hill to build speed and use that momentum to get yourself up the other side. 14. MINIMIZE AIR CONDITIONING Every time you use your A/C, you are increasing fuel consumption by 0.2-0.4 miles per gallon. Sometimes this can be unavoidable, but when you can, just crack the window! 15. CHECK VEHICLE ALIGNMENT Another important factor to getting the best possible fuel efficiency is to make sure your tires are pointed straight down the road. A tire that is even ¼ degree from perfectly straight will try to travel 10-15 feet sideways every mile. 16. INSPECT THE FAN Your engine fan will typically run 5%-7% of the time the engine is on, but will run much more frequently if there is a problem with it. This affects fuel efficiency because the more the fan runs, the more horsepower the truck uses. 17. USE CRUISE CONTROL When you are able to, use cruise control. Cruise control can limit unnecessary acceleration and deceleration and can actually save you up to 6% in fuel consumption on the road. 18. CHECK BATTERY CABLES Check and clean your battery cables any time you are getting an engine check-up. If your battery cables are corroded, it causes the alternator to work harder. 19. INVEST IN AERODYNAMICS There are many add-ons you can purchase for your truck to improve aerodynamics, which leads to improved fuel efficiency. Three of the most common add-ons are tractor side fairings, deep angled bumpers, and trailer skirts. 20. LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS There are drivers out there who specialize in fuel efficiency and aerodynamics. Don't be afraid to look up their videos or read their articles and listen to what they have to say. 21. UNDERSTAND YOUR TRUCK As you know, the technology of trucks has advanced greatly over the years. Make sure you understand your truck inside and out and are taking advantage of all the technology on your truck that will help with your fuel efficiency. 22. PLAN YOUR TRIP Aside from just taking the shortest route, plan out when you're going to get to certain places on your trip and where you're going to fill up. If possible, avoid driving through places at times you know there will be a lot of traffic and fill up in places where the net price will be lowest. 23. TRACK YOUR NUMBERS Make sure you are keeping a record of your fuel mileage daily, weekly, or monthly. This way you will able to see how you're improving over time and if the changes you are making are working. 24. BE OPEN TO CHANGING YOUR DRIVING HABITS It can be hard to make changes if you've been doing something the same way over time. However, you can start by making small changes and once you see how these small changes improve your fuel mileage you'll be more likely to keep making changes over time. 25. KEEP FUEL EFFICIENCY IN MIND Lastly, one of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency is to make it a priority. Keep this list in mind and think about these things while you are on the road. Soon, you will be maximizing your fuel efficiency without even realizing it.

Choosing the right CDL training school is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your truck driving career. While you might think all CDL schools are the same and it’s just a requirement to getting your CDL, the right school can actually help you develop the necessary skills, land the perfect job, and network with fellow drivers. Just like choosing a college or company to work for, it’s important to determine what factors are the most important to you. Do you need a school with a flexible schedule because of your current job or family commitments? Maybe you prefer a hands-on education? Or perhaps you want a school with a small class so you can spend more time with the instructor? Whatever the reason, make sure you consider the five factors below to help you choose the right school for you. Eligibility Requirements Before you start looking at schools, make sure you can pass the following requirements to obtain a CDL: U.S. Citizenship - you must be able to provide proof of U.S citizenship or lawful permanent residency in order to qualify for a CDL program 18 or Over - all U.S. citizens over the age of 18 are allowed to test for the CDL. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to drive across state lines until you’re 21, but at least you can gain driving experience in your state until then. Valid Driver’s License - you must hold a valid regular driver's license before applying for a CDL No DUI’s in the Past 5 Years - you must not have DUI charges within the last five years DOT Drug Screen & Background Check - you must be able to pass a DOT drug screen test. Certain CDL endorsements may require additional state and background checks, depending on the nature of the job. The Type of School There are three different types of CDL training schools: licensed, certified, and accredited. A licensed school has met the minimum state curriculum, facility, and training requirements. A certified school is fully licensed by the state and inspected by a third-party company to ensure that the school meets a certain standard. In a certified school, students only graduate when they pass the US DOT standards for the trucking industry. An accredited school is a school that meets certain regulations and policies set by the US Department of Education. A great starting point would be to make sure the school you are considering has PTDI (Professional Truck Driver Institute)-certified courses. PTDI works with both carriers and truck driving schools to make safety on the road a priority. For the past 30 years, PTDI has been developing curriculum and certification standards for truck driving schools. Job Placement Assistance CDL training schools will often help you in your job search after you graduate. When looking at various schools, consider if they offer personal coaching or if they partner with local transport companies. Don’t be afraid to ask the school what their job placement success rate is and what companies recent graduates have found work with. Financial Aid and Tuition Costs Avoid schools that use “free training” language because it is most likely a scam. Truck driving education is expensive. Your tuition needs to cover the costs of equipment, fuel, materials, and your instructors’ time among other things. Driving schools vary widely in pricing depending on a number of factors, but expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000 for your training. There are some carriers that will cover a portion of the costs for their new recruits. The cost of training will include your classroom time plus actual in-the-driver-seat training. Make sure you read the contract carefully before signing to make sure all the costs are included so you aren’t surprised at graduation, and inquire about the school's tuition costs, payment plans, and any available financial aid and grant options. Reviews and Testimonials In the digital age, reviews and testimonials play a vital role in assessing the reputation and quality of CDL training schools. Look for online platforms, forums, or social media groups where students and graduates share their experiences. Consider both positive and negative feedback to get a well-rounded understanding of the school's strengths and weaknesses. Comprehensive Programs Your driving school should be comprehensive and include a generous mix of classroom time, range, and on-the-road training in a truck. You’ll learn all the basics like road signs and rules, map reading, managing logbooks, and all the driving skills like turning, backing up, and maneuvering. Some schools might even go above and beyond and require you to learn all the important state and federal regulations. Choosing the right CDL training program is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your truck driving career. Your education is just the start of your career, so make sure you put your best foot forward and choose the school that will provide you with the best training and gets you the job that you want. This article was originally featured on Teamrunsmart.com. Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/codnewsroom/

We’re proud to announce that our very own ATBS Navigator, Jeremy, received the “Outstanding Driver Trainer” award from Roehl Transport. Congratulations, Jeremy! Here are a few words he’d like to share in response. “I am humbled and grateful to have received recognition for my work as a CDL driver trainer. It’s an honor to be recognized for my contributions to my business partner and the industry, and I’m proud to have played a role in helping to develop safe and skilled drivers. I couldn’t have achieved this without the support of my colleagues, the leadership team, and most importantly, the drivers I’ve had the privilege to train. It’s been a rewarding experience to see them grow and succeed under my guidance. I’m grateful to work with a company that values its partners and celebrates their accomplishments. This award has inspired me to continue striving for excellence and making a positive impact in everything I do. I also want to acknowledge that my success wouldn’t have been possible without the support and encouragement of my loved ones. Many thanks and appreciation to my wife, who has undoubtedly been a pillar of strength and support throughout this journey. Her unwavering belief in my abilities and dedication to our success is a testament to the strength of our relationship and the love that we share.” Want information on Roehl’s CDL Driver Trainer Program? Click here: https://www.roehl.jobs/truck-driver-jobs/detail/4182/cdl-truck-driver-trainer