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Do you want to become a more successful owner-operator? Do you want to grow and expand your existing business? If you’re looking to bring your truck driving career to the next level or maybe expand your business in the future, there are ways to gain new skills and knowledge while on the road. College Courses Truck drivers don’t need a college degree, which can save you tens of thousands of dollars and put you financially ahead of many of your college graduate friends. However, if you are interested in furthering your knowledge or career then taking college courses might be beneficial to you. Most community colleges and four-year universities offer online courses. If earning an associate's or bachelor’s degree is something that you really want to do, look into reputable colleges that offer online courses or degrees. If you’re interested in growing your business or becoming a better owner-operator then maybe a few select courses in areas such as accounting or business management might help you develop new skillsets. College courses can be expensive. Luckily many schools offer alternatives to traditional courses. Continuing Education or Professional Courses Many community colleges, universities, and even local town adult education programs offer a variety of continuing education or professional courses or workshops aimed at helping you learn and develop new skill sets. These courses are often available online or completed over a weekend at the school. Determine knowledge areas that you might be lacking or rusty and research courses or workshops that might help you develop those knowledge areas and skills for a minimum price and time commitment. Industry Conferences and Meetings Industry conferences are great events to learn about the latest technology and trends, attend educational seminars, and network with other like-minded individuals. Attending events like the Mid-America Trucking Show can be beneficial. Industry Associations Get involved with a trucking association. Many associations offer a range of membership benefits that will help you as a driver and business owner. Take advantage of their webinars and forums to learn from other owner-operators. If you're looking for a challenge, get involved in other areas of the association, such as a leadership position or join the policy committee and advocate for the trucking industry at your local and national level. Not only will you learn valuable skills, but you will be helping thousands of others in your industry. Free Online Courses Many top colleges and universities are now opening their doors and releasing free online courses for anyone across the world. All you need is the internet and the desire to learn. You won’t earn a degree at the end of these courses, but you might learn something new and exciting. Coursera and EDx are two sites that offer free online courses taught by top university professors from schools like Harvard and Stanford ranging in topics from computer programming to medicine to art. Additionally, MIT has created online courses and materials that are very similar to the courses taught in the classrooms on campus. Learn a New Language The workforce is increasingly becoming globalized and being able to speak a second language can not only increase your chance of scoring a client but also increase your pay. Speaking multiple languages might even help you decrease your chance of developing Alzheimer’s and dementia and improve your English skills! Rosetta Stone and Duolingo are both great and fun ways to learn a new language while on the road. Furthering your career or education while constantly being on the road can be difficult. With the internet and new software and apps being developed on a daily basis, learning new skills and knowledge can be easy. Being a lifelong learner will not only help you further your career, but it can keep you healthy and smart for years to come. Image Source - https://www.flickr.com/photos/merlijnhoek/

One of the goals of the government stimulus programs has been to get restaurants back on their feet. And the good news is, one of the new stimulus incentives designed to aid restaurants can bring significant tax benefits to our owner-operator (O/O) clients. This specific tax incentive increases the Business-Meal Deduction from 50% to 100%, with the idea being that people will spend more money eating out thereby supporting the restaurant industry. This incentive is only temporary and is in place for tax years 2021 and 2022. This means O/Os will be able to take a 100% Per Diem deduction as opposed to the traditional 80% Per Diem deduction each full day they are on the road. As always, in order to take the Per Diem deduction, you must still use some sort of written record (e-Log, calendar, etc.) to verify all days spent away from home. For all of our clients using the ATBS Hub, we have a feature for tracking Per Diem days away from home. Per Diem is one of an owner-operator’s largest tax-deductible expenses, and the difference between a tax preparer doing it right versus doing it wrong can mean several thousand dollars to you. We hope this outline provides the necessary guidance you need to take full advantage of the new (albeit temporary) 100% Business-Meal deduction. And as always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your ATBS Business Consultant.

**If you're an ATBS Client, please send your documents to ATBS using the ATBS Hub. To download the app and learn more, visit www.atbs.com/mobileapp.** As a truck driver you probably collect a couple handfuls worth of receipts each month you are on the road. Things like fuel, parts, and showers are all tax deductible so you need to save a receipt to prove the expense. If you like to do everything electronically, the idea of using a computer scanner to send each of those receipts to your accountant isn’t all that exciting. We recommend using CamScanner to send your receipts and documents directly to your accountant right from your smartphone. CamScanner is the world’s number one document scanning and sharing app. With over 10 million downloads it has over a 4.5 average customer rating. It is available for free from either the Apple app store or Google Play. To help get you started we have created a step-by-step guide on how to use the CamScanner app. 1. Register a new account. 2. Provide either an email address or phone number, and a password to create an account. A link will be emailed or texted to you for confirmation. Use that link to activate your account. 3. Sign in with your username (either email or phone number) and password. 4. Prepare your receipt or document by writing your ATBS CODE and identifying what item on the receipt is a business expense. Be sure to mark each item with a pen - do not use a highlighter as it will be difficult to read. 5. A camera icon will appear on the bottom of your screen after you have signed in to your account. Select that icon to capture an image of your receipt. 6. This will open into camera mode and when you hold your phone steady, it will automatically focus. Make sure you can clearly read the receipt or document when taking the picture. 7. Press the camera icon to capture the image. 8. Review the photo and press "Next" if the receipt is legible. If you would like to redo your picture, use the back arrow to retry. 9. Your image will be automatically cropped and enhanced. You'll also have the option to rename the document in the upper left hand corner of the screen if you'd like to. 10. Next, press the checkmark to Save. 11. In the upper left hand corner of the screen, select the share icon. 12. In order to send documents to ATBS, ONLY USE the PDF option. 13. In the upper left hand corner, click Share. 14. Select your email program. 15. Insert your ATBS CODE in the subject line of the email and send it to fleet1@atbs.com. Please note: tax documents should be sent to tax@atbs.com. CamScanner will automatically save a copy of the scanned documents on the homepage of the app. If you have any problems sending your documents to ATBS, please contact your ATBS business consultant. Not an ATBS client? Click below to learn more about the services we provide!

Tax scams can happen any day of the year, but are especially prevalent during tax season. Criminals can attempt to steal your money or personal information in a variety of ways including over the phone, through email, and with text messages. Read the following tips to find out how to stay safe from tax scammers. How can I tell if I am getting scammed? Scammers often use many of the same tactics in their attempts to steal from people. Being aware of these common tactics can help you determine if you’re dealing with a scammer. Common scamming techniques include the following: Asking for information through email, text message, or social media One of the first things you should remember is that the IRS will never ask for information via email, text, or social media. Keeping this in mind will eliminate the possibility of falling victim to a scam. If you receive an online message asking for information from somebody saying they are the IRS, assume it came from a scammer and ignore their request. If given the option to block or report the scammer, do so. Demanding Immediate Payment When it comes to tax scammers, a big red flag will be if they demand that you make a payment immediately. The IRS will never call you demanding immediate payment without first sending you a notice in the mail. The IRS would also allow you to question or appeal the payment prior to making it. Requiring Payments a Certain Way Another sign that you may be dealing with a scammer is if you’re asked to make a payment a specific way. Many scammers will ask you to make payments only with a prepaid debit card or by wiring the money. The IRS will never force you to pay a certain way and will allow you to decide which method of payment works best for you. Asking for credit or debit card numbers over the phone The IRS will never ask you to provide credit or debit card information over the phone. If you’re being asked to provide credit or debit card numbers over the phone to make a tax payment, you are likely dealing with a scammer. Threatening to bring in police to arrest you for not paying If you refuse to make a tax payment and are threatened with arrest, then you are dealing with a tax scammer. The IRS will not make threats of arrest for not making a payment. Don’t allow these threats to scare you into making the mistake of providing personal information to a scammer. What are the most common scams? Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number (SSN), or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. In many cases, an identity thief uses a legitimate taxpayer’s identity to fraudulently file a tax return and claim a refund. Pervasive Telephone Scams The IRS has seen a recent increase in local phone scams across the country, with callers pretending to be from the IRS in hopes of stealing money or identities from victims. These phone scams include many variations, ranging from instances where callers say the victims owe money or are entitled to a huge refund. Some calls can threaten arrest and threaten a driver’s license revocation. Sometimes these calls are paired with follow-up calls from people saying they are from the local police department or the state motor vehicle department. Phishing Phishing is a scam typically carried out with the help of unsolicited email or a fake website that poses as a legitimate site to lure in potential victims and prompt them to provide valuable personal and financial information. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers by email to request personal or financial information. This includes any type of electronic communication, such as text messages and social media channels. False Promises of “Free Money” from Inflated Refunds Scam artists routinely pose as tax preparers during tax time, luring victims in by promising large federal tax refunds or refunds that people never dreamed they were due in the first place. While honest tax preparers provide their customers a copy of the tax return they’ve prepared, victims of scams frequently are not given a copy of what was filed. Taxpayers should take care when choosing an individual or firm to prepare their taxes. Honest return preparers generally: ask for proof of income and eligibility for credits and deductions, sign returns as the preparer, enter their IRS Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN), and provide the taxpayer a copy of the return. What should I do if somebody is attempting to scam me? Over the phone If you get a phone call from someone claiming to be the IRS and you think you might owe taxes, call the IRS at (800) 829-1040. This way you know you are talking with somebody from the IRS and they will be able to help with the payment issue. If you know you don’t owe payments, or have no reason to believe you do, report the incident to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at (800) 366-4484 or at http://www.tigta.gov. Also, you can contact the Federal Trade Commission and use the FTC Complaint Assistant at FTC.gov if you believe you have been specifically targeted by a scammer. Email If you receive an email from somebody claiming to be the IRS, and they are requesting personal or financial information, you should not reply. Also, make sure not to open any of the attachments or click on any of the links. Next, forward the email to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Finally, mark the original email as spam and delete it. Text Message If you receive a text message from somebody claiming to be the IRS, you should treat it like you would an email. Do not reply or click on any of the links. Forward the text to the IRS at 202-552-1226, and if possible, include the number in a separate message. Finally, make sure you delete the original text and block the number if you can. Website If you come across a website that claims to be the IRS that you believe is a scam, you can email the URL to phishing@irs.gov. When you send the email, make sure to include “suspicious website” in the subject line. How can I further protect my private information? Online Even if a scammer isn’t attempting to communicate with you directly, it’s still possible for your personal and financial information to be compromised. In order to further protect your private information, make sure you keep your computer protected and are smart online. One thing you can do is take advantage of security software that updates automatically. This includes a firewall, virus protection, and file encryption for important data. Also, don’t give out any personal information unless it is through trusted websites. Treat your information like cash and don’t be careless with it. This includes posting about past addresses, a new home, a new car, and other life events on social media. Finally, make sure you’re using strong, random passwords that you keep to yourself. Offline There are simple things you can do offline to make sure your personal information stays safe. One thing you can do is avoid carrying around your Social Security card, or other documents that have your Social Security number included. Also, keep old tax records safely protected at your home in a safe that is under lock and key. These are records that you don’t want lying around for people to easily look at. Finally, if there are tax records that you don’t plan on keeping, make sure you shred the documents before you throw them in the trash. What should I do if I believe I have been scammed? If you believe you have fallen victim to a tax scam, follow these steps to limit the effect of the theft: First, you should determine what information the thieves compromised. This includes emails, passwords, and more personal information like your Social Security number. Next, you should place a freeze on your credit or debit card accounts. This will allow you to stop the scammers from taking any more money or records from your account. You should also place a fraud alert on your account which forces a business to verify your identity before issuing credit. Finally, reset your passwords on any online accounts. This includes email, social media, and financial sites. You should try to keep a different password for each of your accounts to make it more difficult for the scammer to access your information. If possible, take advantage of multi-factor authentication which requires a security code to log in to your account that is usually sent to your phone number. Having the right knowledge and knowing what to look out for will help protect your business and personal finances from scammers, keeping you safe throughout the year.

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: 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, here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started. 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. 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. In trucking, a main goal could be how much income you want to earn in a year and some secondary goals could be miles run, fuel efficiency, increasing the number of trucks, etc. 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. Some new business owners don't realize they will have to pay taxes quarterly and will receive a different tax form at the end of the year. Many new business owners also put off taxes because they are daunted by trying to get their products or services to market. Putting off your taxes can mean increased interest and penalties as well as the potential to forget about additional deductions if you wait multiple years to file your taxes. 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. 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, allowing experts to help can lead your business in the direction of your goals. ATBS can be an extension of your core team by handling your tax, accounting, and business services needs. As an owner-operator, you likely don't want to be bogged down with the daily management of paperwork. Look to streamline your business by using a trucking-specific company you can trust! Image source 1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/djking/

Here at ATBS, we wanted to provide an update for those who may have questions about the IRS Free File pilot program. If you haven’t heard, the Internal Revenue Service is proceeding with a pilot program that will allow taxpayers to have their taxes prepared directly through the IRS website as an option along with doing an electronic file or working through a tax professional or other third-party tax preparer. Residents in select states will have the option to participate in the direct file program, which is being set up as part of the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act, in the upcoming 2024 tax filing season. The nine states included in the pilot are states that do not have a State Income Tax, including Alaska, Florida, New Hampshire, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. The pilot will also include four states that have a State Income Tax – Arizona, California, Massachusetts, and New York – and in those states, the direct file pilot will incorporate filing state income taxes. There is no intention for the IRS to require taxpayers to use the direct file option and if the pilot proves successful and the agency moves forward with the program, it will simply be another option for taxpayers in addition to existing avenues to file. Owner-operators and truck drivers who receive a 1099 will not be eligible for the pilot program. This is because the pilot will not cover all types of income, deductions, or credits. At this point, it’s anticipated that only specific income types, such as wages from Form W-2 and certain tax credits, like the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit, will be covered by the pilot. Some examples given by the IRS that would disqualify a taxpayer from filing through the direct file pilot would be those receiving the health care premium tax credit or those filing a Schedule C with their tax return. In future years if the agency moves forward beyond the pilot, those could be incorporated into the free file program. However, it may be difficult for the IRS to file for 1099 truck drivers because the IRS would only have gross income and no expense data. Continuing to utilize a preparer who is familiar with trucking is going to remain the best way to capitalize on deductions that help drivers save money on taxes. Participants who will be invited to use the free file program in the pilot phase will be notified this year. Those participating in the pilot program will have their own dedicated customer service representatives to help them with the filing process. Truck drivers who are employees and receive a W-2 are encouraged to participate in the program if selected. Hopefully, this helps clear up any questions or confusion you may have. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Part of the benefit, and let’s face it, “fun” of owning your own rig, is having the option to really make it your own. I’ve always loved chrome, but my 2016 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution didn’t come equipped with a lot of extras. I bought it through a lease purchase program, and it is a base model truck without any bells or whistles. I’m a “glass is half full” type of person, so I simply see my rig as a blank canvas waiting to be transformed, and I’m excited and ready to get to work on customizing her to my liking! I decided to try out an 18” drop visor from Raney’s Truck Parts. The visor was priced at $587.95 (not including tax and shipping). There are options for an LED light kit and bezels. I selected the amber lens LEDs and the chrome-visored bezels as a matter of preference. The visor showed up via FedEx rather quickly, so it was just a matter of getting by the house to do the installation. Normally, when my husband (co-driver) and I work on anything that requires assembly, I prepare for hours of frustration and it seems almost inevitable that there will be missing parts. We were pleasantly surprised, however, that every part was present and accounted for with the visor kit. The tools that were required for assembly were minimal, as well. We used a pair of pliers, a 3/8 wrench, a 7/16 wrench, and a .5” drill bit to create the necessary pilot holes. In order to install the visor, the five original amber marking lights had to be removed from the front of the truck. The kit included four brackets that were installed where those marking lights were. We simply removed the lights and their fasteners by using a pliers and bit of brute force, then installed the new fasteners in the original holes. The fifth (middle) hole that was left from removing the original light, was where the wiring for the replacement LEDs would be run, and a cover plate was included with the kit, which we installed and used a clear silicone to seal (not included in the kit). After installing the brackets, we affixed the visor (which came in two pieces) and drilled pilot holes to attach the sides that wrap around to the fiberglass located above the driver and passenger doors. We found that some force had to be applied to ensure that there was no play in the visor, especially to keep it still when subjected to the force of the winds while driving. The optional LED lights were easy to install: first, a rubber grommet was inserted into each of the pre-fabricated holes in the visor (10 in all), then the lights were easily placed into each and the wiring was added by snapping it into each light from behind, then plugged into the original wiring harness. We used duct tape to hold the original wiring harness in place during the assembly process, to ensure it wouldn’t accidentally slip down into the hole and create a time-consuming problem. The installation process, with one of us doing most of the work and the other (ahem, yours truly) handing tools and parts to the more mechanically and technically inclined of this driving team, went fairly quickly. It took about three hours in total. We are really pleased with the result. The visor itself looks great, and it is also wonderful for blocking that early morning or late afternoon sun. We did have to move our dash camera and re-mount it elsewhere, but I have to say it was all well worth the time and effort! It functions well and looks great. On a scale of zero to ten, with zero being that I would not at all recommend this product, I would have to give it a solid 7. I deducted some points for the lack of documentation that came with the kit (we pretty much had to intuit the assembly) and the fact that it did not come with a sealant, which I believe is very necessary to seal up the gaps in the places that the original lights were removed, lest rain or truck wash end up inside your cab. All in all, it’s a really nice addition to my truck, and I was pleased with how well the LEDs illuminate, also!

A lot has happened in the world of self-driving trucks. More companies have emerged, technologies are being tested, laws are being considered, and the date for when it will be normal to see automated trucks on the road is getting closer and closer. Many in the industry are excited about this technology because it will help improve productivity, fuel efficiency, costs, and traffic on the highways. With the trucking industry continuing to move forward, the main thing on truck drivers’ minds is the security of their jobs. Let’s take a closer look at self-driving trucks quickly becoming a reality. Who are the Major Players? As the tech world grows, many companies continue to invest a lot of time and money in this field. Here are a few of the most notable companies making the biggest strides towards perfecting this technology. Daimler Daimler is one of the first companies to enter the field. Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner Trucks, has been testing their automated truck since 2014. Daimler focuses on a combination of things including truck platooning and having a driver for safety while exiting the highway. Recently, Daimler partnered with Torc Robotics and Waymo, and they plan on bringing highly automated trucks to series production within the decade. In the latest news, they plan to implement a fleet of SAE Level 4 autonomous test trucks for long-haul applications in England, and should have on-road testing very soon. TuSimple TuSimple is a company based in Beijing, China, and San Diego, California that operates self-driving trucks out of Tuscon, Arizona, and has over 200,000 autonomous miles of paid freight haulage. The trucks are based on camera technology rather than laser-based radar, which is what most automated trucks and cars use. The company claims that this is more efficient in detecting things on the freeway, and it is cheaper than radar technology. On December 22, 2021, TuSimple made history by becoming the world’s first to operate a fully autonomous semi-truck on open, public roads without a human on board, while naturally interacting with other motorists. However, in this current phase of development, TuSimple still requires a Class A licensed driver in the vehicle at all times known as a “driver supervisor," along with a safety engineer in the passenger seat while operating autonomously. Waymo Waymo is a subsidiary of Google’s parent company, Alphabet. Waymo has been testing its trucks for more than a year in California and Arizona. In March 2018, they launched trucks in Atlanta to deliver freight to different Google data centers. Each truck is equipped with a radar system to navigate the roads and a human driver in case of an emergency. In June 2022, Waymo announced a partnership with Uber Freight. Carriers that purchase trucks equipped with the Waymo Driver in the future will be able to opt into Uber Freight’s marketplace through user-friendly applications letting them seamlessly deploy their autonomous assets on the Uber Freight network. As of July 2023, Waymo has decided to “push back the timeline on their commercial and operational efforts on trucking and focus on ride-hailing,” however, they will continue to collaborate with Daimler to advance the technical development of an autonomous truck platform. Tesla Tesla first released its truck in November of 2017. They planned to have trucks begin to deliver in 2019. Tesla’s trucks will focus on autopilot self-driving software similar to their cars. Tesla’s autopilot is a semi-autonomous system where the acceleration, braking, and steering are controlled by a computer, with a human still at the wheel at all times. Tesla’s goal is to launch a platooning feature where automated trucks follow a single lead truck that is controlled by a driver. As of August 2023, Tesla has only delivered a limited number of its electric semi-trucks, and most of them are believed to be in operation in Pepsico’s fleet, however, no comments have been made on whether the autonomous functionalities are enabled, or being used, at this time. Volvo As of June 2023, Volvo opened up an office in Forth Worth, Texas to oversee its autonomous commercial truck hub-to-hub project. Their corridors will run from Dallas/Fort Worth to El Paso, Texas, and from Dallas to Houston. With their hub-to-hub model, autonomous trucks take on the highway portion of the driving, operating all hours of the day and night between transfer hubs, but human drivers take over to complete local operations. Understanding the Levels of Driving Automation Not all autonomous trucks are made the same. With so much news surrounding autonomous trucks, understanding what each level of autonomy means can be confusing, so we’ve listed what each level means, according to SAE International (Society of Automotive Engineers). They’ve described the different levels as follows: Level 0: No Driving Automation Level 1: Driver Assistance Level 2: Partial Driving Automation Level 3: Conditional Driving Automation Level 4: High Driving Automation Level 5: Full Driving Automation They’ve also provided the chart below that goes into further detail: What are the Problems with Self-Driving Trucks? Despite all of the money and research going into this technology, there are still questions and concerns that need to be answered regarding the safety of this technology. Google has been testing its self-driving cars since 2011 and has racked up millions of miles. During this time, there have been a minimal number of crashes, with very few of those being the fault of the car. This news is encouraging, but a self-driving truck is not the same as a self-driving car. Trucks are much larger and cannot maneuver around a potential accident the way a car can. It takes a truck a lot longer to come to a complete stop when braking, and there isn’t a lot of room to avoid cars or people on the side of the road. There are also potential problems with the sensor being on top of a truck’s cab. The sensors will consist of a combination of both radars and cameras that will be used to help navigate and control the truck. If the sensor is on top of the cab of the truck, it has the potential to be blinded by the sun, have problems distinguishing between cars and large signs, and become impaired by inclement weather. Ultimately, all of this could lead to problems for trucks in city settings where there are constant stops, turns, and tight spaces. How Close is This to Happening? According to The Fast Mode: “...autonomous trucks will become available in four separate phases, differentiated by how much autonomy the truck has. Phase One: will involve a technique called platooning, in which a fleet of trucks will follow a lead truck on the highway Phase Two: technology will have developed enough to have a human driver in only the lead truck while a convoy of autonomous trucks follows closely behind. Expected by 2025. Phase Three: the lead trucks are completely autonomous on the highway. However, a human driver will still likely be needed in the lead truck for navigating small roads and loading docks. Expected around 2030. Phase Four: completely driverless autonomous trucks are on the roads at scale. Optimistic estimates say it will come sometime in the early 2030s, while the more conservative ones say it will take until the end of that decade.” With all of the successful tests being completed by multiple companies, the world appears to be more confident about driving on roads where vehicles are being driven by technology. There are still kinks in the technology that need to be worked out and laws put in place, but with the way things are trending, we will likely see self-driving trucks fully functioning by the next decade. What Do People in the Trucking Industry Think? According to Transport Topics: American Trucking Associations President Chris Spear said he doesn’t view the ongoing advancement of autonomous trucking as a threat to drivers, since economic factors will ensure demand for drivers for years to come. “Right now, one in 16 jobs in the United States is trucking related. The top job in 29 states is being a truck driver…I don’t look at this as a threat,” Spear said. “I look at this as how innovation could actually help alleviate some of the pressure that we’re feeling on the supply chain, and on the industry to meet our customers’ demands.” According to NACFE,“…the deployment of autonomous trucks is going to occur at a slow, incremental pace in highly selective applications in carefully designated geographic regions. In all likelihood, the first large-scale deployments of long-haul autonomous deliveries will be in the American Southwest running routes from, say, Phoenix to Dallas.” Are Truck Drivers out of a Job? No, not all truck drivers are going to lose their jobs. As automated trucks are utilized more often, more people will be needed in those trucks. All of the companies mentioned above are testing their trucks with the full intention of having a driver in the cab at all times. There are too many things that can potentially go wrong for there to not be a human in the truck when it’s operating on the road. However, this doesn’t mean that trucking jobs aren’t going to change. The major change is that drivers will not be expected to do as much manual driving, which could be seen as a benefit. Think of the job of a truck driver slowly looking more and more similar to the job of an airplane pilot. The truck will be able to drive on its own, but the population will feel a lot safer knowing somebody is behind the wheel just in case. If you’re a truck driver worried about your job being lost to an autonomous truck, we hope this update puts your mind at ease and makes you at least a little bit excited about the future of the trucking industry. Truck drivers will continue to be extremely important in the industry, even if there are self-driving trucks on the freeways. Sources: https://statescoop.com/4-autonomous-freight-companies-are-competing-on-the-road-right-now https://www.ai4beginners.com/top-self-driving-truck-companies/

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.

It’s no secret that insurance rates in the trucking industry are rising. These increases have impacted both our fleet partners and our owner-operator clients. So, ATBS set out to determine why the increases are happening, what potential geopolitical risks could be on the horizon, and how fleets can utilize the changing insurance landscape to help retain and recruit owner-operators. We also contacted Bill Zenk and Chris Gulker of TrueNorth Companies to help provide industry insight into the insurance increases and how to mitigate them. “When it comes time to renew insurance each year, truck drivers on their own authority have become used to seeing 5% to 15% premium increases, while motor carriers have seen as high as 35% to 40% premium increases,” says Gulker, Practice Leader at TrueNorth Companies. These types of increases are even true for experienced truck drivers and fleets who have a history of safe driving. Unfortunately, these increases in the price of insurance don’t look to be going away anytime soon. The premium hikes could be getting worse... A new measure was included in a highway funding bill recently that was approved by a House panel. The measure, which was initially supported by the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), would raise the minimum liability insurance requirement for commercial motor vehicles from $750,000 per truck to $2 million. The American Trucking Association (ATA) and OOIDA have both opposed the bill after the “poison pill” amendment, as the ATA and OOIDA have dubbed it, was added. Those who support the amendment argue that the current minimum insurance liability doesn’t adequately compensate victims involved in large truck accidents. Those against the bill say that the subsequent massive increase in insurance prices will force many small trucking companies and drivers to go out of business. Additionally, opponents of the amendment believe raising the minimum insurance coverage will do nothing to improve highway safety and feel the new minimum number is not comprised using a fair and data-driven process. Whether or not the increase in minimum liability insurance passes, the cost of insurance looks like it’s going to continue to increase. Gulker expanded on this topic by saying: “The increases are primarily driven by the recent frequency and severity of large claims. Today, it’s common to see multi-million dollar verdicts, including claims valued in the tens, if not hundreds, of millions of dollars. With the number of claims and dollars spent by insurance carriers on the rise, several insurance carriers have left the Commercial Auto market entirely; thus, leaving fewer insurance carriers willing to operate in this line of business. With fewer insurance carriers left to write the business, on top of the declining profits to the insurance carriers remaining, insurers are becoming more selective on the Motor Carriers they will insure. This is leading insurance costs to continue to rise.” In order to help protect your fleet from increases in premiums, and to gauge how these increases in insurance costs will impact the owner-operator side of your fleet, we must first look at the expenses that owner-operators cover. We will be looking at the differences between insurance required for owner-operators on their own authority and owner-operators leased onto a carrier. Then we can determine how these increases can impact your fleet. Owner-Operators on their Own Authority Owner-operators on their own authority pay anywhere between $15,000 and $30,000+ per year for insurance. As mentioned earlier, all truck drivers with their own authority are required by the FMCSA to have primary liability insurance with a minimum coverage of $750,000. This coverage can cost anywhere between $12,000 and $25,000+ per year. Additionally, it’s common for independent owner-operators to have the following types of insurance: Cargo $1,680 - $3,300 per year Cargo insurance covers the loss or damage of a load during transport. This type of insurance isn’t legally required, but is typically required by shippers and is necessary to avoid problems with individual shippers. Physical Damage $2,000 - $4,000 per year Physical damage insurance pays for damages to the truck but not any damage to the cargo. This insurance is a requirement for all owner-operators who are financing their truck and costs typically 3.5% to 6% of the value. Bobtail $420 - $720 per year Bobtail insurance covers the driver and the truck when there is no chassis or trailer attached. Non-Trucking $350 - $450 per year Non-trucking insurance protects the driver while they are using their truck for personal use. Work Injury Insurance (Occupational Accident OR Workers’ Compensation) $1,140 - $5,000+ per year Work injury insurance protects the driver if they are injured during the course of business and includes coverage for medical expenses, in addition to disability income replacement. Owner-Operators Leased onto a Carrier As an owner-operator leased onto a carrier, the primary liability coverage is provided by their fleet. However, they are responsible for everything else. The following types of insurance are typical for a leased driver: Work Injury (Workers’ Compensation OR Occupational Accident) Bobtail OR Non-Trucking Physical Damage All of these types of insurance were previously mentioned in the section above. The biggest factor that will go into how much their policy will cost is their truck’s value. If they drive an older truck, the cost might be between $3,000 - $4,000 per year for the three insurance types listed above. A newer truck will likely lead to insurance costing around or slightly more than $4,000 per year. In addition to the insurance coverage above, owner-operators leased onto a carrier will also typically pay for Occupational Accident insurance. This coverage typically costs between $95 - $195 per month and includes medical, disability, death, and dismemberment benefits for accidents that occur on the job. What will increased insurance costs do to fleets? It’s hard to say exactly how much insurance costs will go up for fleets if the minimum liability passes. In the current situation, it’s hard enough for Motor Carriers to affordably find $1 million of coverage, let alone trying to procure an additional $1 million. Bill Zenk, Principal and Practice Leader at TrueNorth Companies, says he “would anticipate Motor Carriers would see around 50% higher costs due to the lack of capacity and increased activity in the $1 million excess of $1 million primary layer.” Suppose Motor Carrier insurance does increase to this extent. In that case, something will clearly have to give – that will likely be in the form of customer rate increases, driver pay decreases, or both. However, with the limited capacity the industry is already facing, and the difficulty for the industry to recruit new drivers, increasing shipper rates seems to be more probable. Driver pay has been on the rise lately to attract more people to the industry. How can fleets lower the cost of insurance? Despite these increasing costs, high quality, well-run, and safe motor carriers can still get a good deal on insurance coverage. “The best way to do this is to invest in safety, compliance, and loss control. These are all things Motor Carriers need to consider in order to best position themselves for favorable renewal outcomes. This can be done by hiring seasoned veterans to support safety, compliance, claims, etc. Fleets can also consider purchasing the latest in safety technology – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), collision-mitigation and lane-departure warnings, as well as in-cab video-recording systems. Insurance companies will take into account how much a fleet has invested in safety, as they know it will have a direct impact on claims,” says Gulker. Zenk mentioned additional ways that fleets could reduce the cost of insurance: Improve data management and implement corrective action plans based on the data. A corrective action plan is a set of actions to correct an issue or problem. Increase the deductible/retention in order to limit fixed costs variation. Work with an insurance broker and an insurance company who knows the trucking business and is a true long term partner. How this Affects Fleet Recruiting and Retention If the cost of insurance continues to go up, many owner-operators under their own authority will be forced out of business. As a fleet, this means two things: Owner-operators who previously ran under their own authority may be looking to lease onto a carrier that will cover some of their insurance costs and give discounted group rates vs their current policy. Owner-operators currently leased onto a carrier may decide to forgo getting their own-authority if the increased insurance costs would eat into their profits. This means fleets that allow drivers to lease onto them need to look into how to best leverage this idea to help their recruiting and retention. “The fleets that are able to maintain a strong risk profile will thrive in this marketplace and will be the ‘platform of choice’ for the best ICs with higher pay opportunities. The fleets that cannot control their risk profile will find it not only difficult to be competitive from a pay standpoint but may find it difficult to even stay in business,” says Zenk. By letting drivers know your fleets’ risk profile, what insurance you cover for them, and how much money this saves them, owner-operators will be more likely to want to start and continue driving for you. Whether or not the increase in the minimum liability coverage passes, insurance costs in general look to continue to rise for both drivers and fleets. By focusing on the strategies we mentioned in the article, your fleet will be able to keep these cost increases under control and help prevent them from getting out of hand. As insurance costs among own authority drivers continue to go up, many will likely start looking to fleets as the best solution to continue to drive and stay in business as an owner-operator. Make sure you are ready to present your fleet as the best option for drivers who are looking to save money on insurance. If you have any questions, comments, or want to learn more about ATBS, feel free to reach us by clicking on the link here.

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.