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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!

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.

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

The most successful owner-operator truck drivers in the industry didn't get where they are because of sheer luck. These drivers are successful because of what they do each and every day. To improve your trucking business, start practicing these habits today! 1 - Understand Your Costs. Know how to use your knowledge of costs, especially fixed expenses, to make decisions. It’s not hard to figure out and will put lots of money in your pocket. Learn More. 2 - Build Your Brand. Whether you know it or not you have a Brand – not just your name but what you are known for. Remember, people like to do business with people they like. Learn More. 3 - Be Curious. Keep learning - from experience, from other owner-operators, from your carrier, from mechanics, and from other business people. Learn More. 4 - Have a Maintenance Reserve. Set up a separate bank account and fund it with more money than your anticipated maintenance needs. Learn More. 5 - Take Care of Yourself. That means physical, mental, and emotional health. You are the Profit Engine for your business and your business needs a strong, healthy engine. Learn More. 6 - Be Safe. Safety equals efficiency, and business owners must always be efficient. Learn More. 7 - Protect Your Credit. Credit is a way to help you manage your business – it is not a way to help your cash flow. Pay credit cards off each and every month. Learn More. 8 - Show Up for Work. You don’t get more time off for running your own business, especially in the beginning. Manage your time off wisely. Learn More. 9 - Know Your Customer. Know who your customer is – no business in America will prosper without a customer. When it comes to customer service, you build trust in drops and lose it in buckets. Learn More. 10 - Focus More on Gross Revenue. Too much focus on Rate Per Mile leads to extreme cherry-picking of loads, which hurts profits. Business profits come from gross revenue. Learn More. 11 - Choose the Right Loads. Do not refuse loads to lay overnight for another load. You can almost never make up for the loss of a layover. Knowing your costs will guide you in this. Learn More. 12 - Manage Cash. Understand all of the ways to manage cash. This begins with the revenue produced and ends with the paycheck you write to yourself each week. Learn More. 13 - Finance Wisely. Never finance something you can buy with cash. Finance charges can be excessive and completely avoidable. Remember that this is your money, not theirs. Learn More. 14 - Make Sacrifices. A successful business owner sacrifices things like extra time off and expensive purchases to protect their business. Learn More. 15 - Accept Responsibility. Don’t try to shift responsibility to someone else. In this world you make your choices and you live with them. Learn More. 16 - Understand Freight Cycles. Understanding and studying freight cycles will help you increase revenue without increasing costs. Learn More. 17 - Manage Your Week. Manage your time to make each week profitable. For instance, always deliver a load on Monday (whenever possible) to set up your week for profitable operation. Learn More. 18 - Change. Don’t fight change - instead, embrace it. Sometimes change is the only thing you can count on in trucking. Learn More. 19 - Embrace Technology. If it makes your life better – your work life or personal life – embrace it. Learn More. 20 - Be Inspired. You have a tough job. Find something to inspire you. Conan O’Brien said, “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen.” Learn More. 21 - Pay Your Taxes! It’s wishful thinking that this can somehow be avoided. Don’t kid yourself. If you make a profit, you will pay taxes! Learn More. 22 - Work With Professional Business Partners. You don't have to go through this alone. Team up with professionals who can take some of the work off your plate and help you improve the performance of your business. Learn More. 23 - Focus on Fuel Efficiency. Unlike many of your other biggest expenses, fuel is one that you have a lot of control over. One of the easiest things you can do right away to improve fuel efficiency is to drive slower. Learn More. 24 - Update 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. Learn More. 25 - Stay Positive. Being an owner-operator can have its ups and downs, especially when the market isn't doing well. Keep your head up, keep working hard, and know that tough times won't last forever. Learn More.

As an owner-operator truck driver, you may be approaching retirement age and wondering if you can collect Social Security benefits (SSB) while continuing to work. The good news is that it is possible, but there are certain rules and limitations you need to be aware of. What are the rules and limitations? If you collect Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age (FRA), your benefits may be reduced if you earn more than a certain amount. FRA can fall anywhere between 66 and 67 years old depending on the year you were born. You can look at the chart here to determine your FRA. However, you can start receiving your Social Security retirement benefits as early as age 62. If you choose to collect Social Security benefits prior to FRA it may be important to understand when those benefits can be reduced. For 2023, taxpayers receiving benefits that have not yet reached FRA 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. For example, if you earn $40,000 in 2023, your SS Benefits will be reduced by $9,380 ($40,000 - $21,240 is $18,760 over the earnings limit. SSB will be reduced by $1 for every $2 over the limit meaning your benefits would be reduced by $9,380 ($18,760 / 2)). Keep in mind that each person’s SSB may vary based on their lifetime work history. Using the 2023 average SSB benefits of about $1,700/month the annual SSB would be $20,400. Remember SSB reduction would only begin if your other earnings during the year exceed $21,240. In other words, you can receive full SSB and work to obtain additional earnings of up to $21,240 without any reduction in your SSB. Below is an example of two taxpayers: Taxpayer A in the table above continued to work and earned a total amount of $62,040 from non-Social Security activities. Taxpayer A’s SSB was reduced to zero. Taxpayer B earned up to $40,000 and received a reduction of total SSB but still received $9,380. However, once you reach your 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. It's important to note that SSB reductions are temporary meaning that your benefits may be reduced when you are earning more than the earnings limit. However, your SSB will be recalculated by the Social Security Administration, and your excess earnings in one year may result in larger benefits for future years when you reach your FRA. What are the tax implications? It's also worth considering the tax implications of collecting Social Security benefits while working as an owner-operator truck driver. Your overall income may affect your tax liability, and Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income taxes if your combined income (including Social Security benefits) exceeds a certain threshold. For 2023, the threshold is $25,000 for individuals and $32,000 for married couples filing jointly. If you file a federal tax return as an individual and your combined income is between $25,000 and $34,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $34,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. If you file a joint return, and you and your spouse have a combined income that is between $32,000 and $44,000, you may have to pay income tax on up to 50 percent of your benefits. If your combined income is more than $44,000, up to 85 percent of your benefits may be taxable. Keep in mind the percentage of benefits considered taxable is not a tax rate. This is an important distinction. Each January, you will receive a Social Security Benefit Statement (Form SSA-1099) showing the amount of benefits you received in the previous year. You can use this Benefit Statement when you complete your federal income tax return to find out if your benefits are subject to tax. So can you collect Social Security benefits while continuing to work? The bottom line - If you are an owner-operator truck driver approaching retirement age, it is possible to collect Social Security benefits while continuing to work. There are advantages and disadvantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is your benefit may be reduced. Each person's situation is different, so consider speaking with ATBS or contacting the Social Security Administration for more information to ensure that you are making informed decisions about your retirement income.

It can be scary, intimidating, overwhelming, and exhausting to address a tax debt that has gone untended for some time, or one that continues to grow year over year, seemingly without a way to stop it. Offer in Compromise “Mills” It can be enticing to latch on to promises made by marketers who claim that you can save pennies on the dollar, or pay far reduced tax amounts than what you owe. This type of hope often comes at a time when you’re desperate for a solution, and it’s important to pause, reflect, and research so that you’re not engaging in a process that may not be appropriate, or possible, for you specifically. When these marketers talk about this type of savings, they are referring to the Fresh Start Initiative and the Offer in Compromise program which allow you to settle your debt for way less than you owe. While these two things are real programs, they do not work - in reality - in the way that some advertisers say they do. It’s important to be wary of promises that sound too good to be true and to be sure that if you decide to work with a tax practitioner to help resolve your debts with IRS collections, you are provided transparency in regard to what is being submitted to the IRS on your behalf, and why. How can I protect myself against these mills? There are some things that, if you have some basic understanding of, can help you avoid falling prey to firms or practitioners who may be advertising improper, false, or malicious claims. Here are a couple of things to note in the event that you hear from these types of firms: The Fresh Start Initiative was launched by the IRS in the early 2000s to provide more leniency within the collections process to taxpayers who owe less than $50,000, or to taxpayers who will never be able to pay back the tax they owe and financial hardship can be proven. Offers in Compromise apply to a very specific group of folks – those who have no earning potential, no equity in assets, or those who have combined future net earnings and equity in assets of less than the total that they owe – at the end of this article we will include a link to a calculator which will allow you to see if you meet this set of qualifications. If settling your debt with the IRS were easy, we’d all do it! Take some time to ask questions about how and why the person you’re speaking with believes you meet the criteria of these programs – what sets you apart from the taxpayers who do not have this program as a viable option? Remember that unless someone has actually reviewed your account with the IRS and looked at your real financial condition, they don’t have a true way of providing guidance on what resolution options are a good fit for you – including whether an Offer in Compromise would be appropriate. How is ATBS different? There are many ways to manage your tax debt and every case is unique. This is why ATBS always starts every tax resolution case with an investigation. This investigation allows us to run a diagnostic of sorts for you regarding your account with the IRS. We obtain a big picture view of what you owe, what returns are missing, and what resolution options may be applicable to you. Trust us that if an Offer in Compromise seems to be a good fit for you, we will suggest it. However, we will only suggest it based on the facts of the case, rather than on hypotheticals. This sets ATBS apart from our competition who would suggest and sell you an Offer in Compromise before ever even having the authority to speak with the IRS on your behalf. We believe that you should have all of the information necessary to make an educated decision about how you can, and wish, to manage your IRS tax debt. It is your financial health that we are working to protect, and your voice in that process is equally as important as any potential strategy we can outline for you. So, while other firms will make large promises about what they can “save” you from, ATBS is only interested in providing you a transparent picture of all possible options, so that you can truly take the reigns back when it comes to your business and personal finances. Regardless of whether you have ATBS investigate your IRS account, you have a different firm represent you, or you decide to engage with the IRS directly, it’s important to remember that you are your own best advocate and you should always feel comfortable asking the questions you need answered – especially when something sounds too good to be true. To get an idea of whether an Offer in Compromise may be appropriate for you, check out this Pre-Qualifier Tool from the IRS: https://irs.treasury.gov/oic_pre_qualifier/ Need help figuring out what solution might be best for you? Click here to get ahold of us.

At ATBS, we talk to many truck drivers who are several years behind on their tax filing. While it can be easy to fall behind, it’s important to know how to get caught up and why filing is so important to your future financial health. If you’re a truck driver who is behind on filing multiple years of tax returns and may owe thousands of dollars to the IRS, click here to learn more about how we can help, or give us a call at (866) 920-2827. What happens if you don’t file your taxes? For starters, when you don’t file your tax returns but your income source reports your income to the IRS, the IRS will file returns on your behalf. It can take them a few years to catch on to the non-filing, but once they do they will file returns on your behalf based on the income reported to them. As an owner-operator where most of your income is reported on a 1099, this nearly always results in higher tax balances than you should actually be liable for. The reason for this, is that the IRS does not take into account any deductions you would be eligible for such as: Fuel Per Diem Ordinary & Necessary expenses related to maintaining your truck and comfort on the road When the IRS files on your behalf, we often see balances in excess of 150% more than our clients should actually owe. You can (and should) still file your returns if the IRS has filed for you, as you can reduce the tax balance by filing your actual return. The bottom line is that filing as soon as possible – even if you can’t pay in full right away – is always in your best interest, rather than allowing the IRS the opportunity to file on your behalf. How is this procedure changing? Our tax resolution experts at ATBS spend a lot of time researching updates to IRS procedures and speaking with IRS agents regarding policy, practice, or focus changes. Building these relationships with the IRS provides us the best access to understanding the current and ever-changing environment internally at the IRS, and allows us the ability to better serve our clients. In March of 2023, our Tax Resolution Manager had an in-depth conversation with an IRS agent who outlined a change in procedure in which we will be seeing the IRS allocate greater resources toward investigating taxpayers who do not currently owe back tax, but who have not filed in the last several years. They are focusing on folks who have income reported from 1099 income sources who have not filed their returns. The IRS is assigning these cases directly to local IRS field agents who have been instructed to set strict deadlines to obtain tax returns – sometimes 6 years back in total. If those returns are not received, these agents are instructed to begin the process of filing for the taxpayer. This will result in quicker processing of Substitute Filed Returns and a fast escalation of taxes owed by folks who have not filed returns for the last several years. What should be done to avoid running into these issues? Avoiding these higher substitute balances is critical to… Maintaining the integrity of your business functions Preventing the filing of tax liens Circumventing the requirement to pay higher taxes than you should be held liable for A lot of folks are deterred from filing their back tax returns because they have either misplaced, or are unsure of, what information is needed to catch up. ATBS’ Tax & Tax Resolution Teams can assist in obtaining this information from the IRS if documents have been lost. Our Tax Team can also assist in completing your historical bookkeeping so that these original returns can be created. ATBS is invested in assuring that the truck drivers with whom we work with have the best possible road ahead of them with the IRS. The IRS can cause many roadblocks to the sustainability of your business and can cause undue stress on your already limited home time. With ATBS’ assistance, there is no reason you can’t put the IRS behind you and keep them at a manageable arms-length distance moving forward.

The 2019 Great American Trucking Show (GATS) is quickly approaching! This convention (held August 22nd - 24th in Dallas, TX) will have many exciting events this year. Not sure what events to attend? ATBS has you covered. 1. "Partners in Business" with ATBS The Partners in Business seminars, produced by Overdrive and ATBS, will be held on Friday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 24th at 11:30 a.m. President and CEO of ATBS, Todd Amen, will be presenting about ATBS owner-operator benchmarks and how to succeed in 2019. The information in these seminars will be valuable for any trucker. 2. "Partners in Business" Workshops In addition to the two Partners in Business presentations, Matt Amen of ATBS will help moderate two separate Partners in Business workshops. The first session will be taking place on August 23rd at 2:00 p.m. and they will be discussing best practices for finding freight and managing cash flow. The second session will be taking place on August 24th at 1:30 p.m. and this session will be all about best practices of successful owner-operators. 3. The Landstar Health & Wellness Pavilion Don't forget to stop by the Landstar Health & Wellness Pavilion stage throughout the show. Here, you will be able to participate in free health screenings, cooking demos, and health and fitness seminars. Events include a Landstar Scavenger Hunt, Yoga For Truckers, and Strategies Towards Better Physical and Emotional Health. Make sure to take advantage of these educational opportunities. 4. Pride and Polish Awards Ceremony The Pride & Polish is the top truck beauty contest in North America. Trucks that participate are polished and customized from front to back. The awards ceremony will take place on Saturday, August 24th starting 10:00 a.m. You won't want to miss who gets crowned as the most beautiful show truck in America. 5. FMCSA Hot Topics There will be two opportunities to hear about hot trucking industry topics from the FMCSA. The first will be taking place on Thursday, August 22nd beginning at 3:00 p.m. and the second will be on Saturday, August 24th beginning at 1:00 p.m. A few of the topics that will be discussed are ELD implementation, The Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, and more. 6. Trucking's Top Rookie and Trucker Talent Search On Friday, August 24th, in Hall A, there will be two fun back-to-back events. The first event, beginning at 2:00 p.m., will be Trucking's Top Rookie. This event is brought to you by Trucker's News, who puts on the event to recognize the best new drivers joining the trucking industry. Immediately after this event will be the Trucking Talent Search Finals, brought to you by Overdrive. At this event, you will see the three finalists compete live and display their talents. 7. Stop by the Freightliner Trucks Booth 239G Make sure to stop by the Freightliner Trucks booth and say hi to our friends over at Team Run Smart. A few of the Team Run Smart "Pros" will be at the booth to answer questions, hand out prizes, and talk about all things trucking. For a full agenda and stage schedule click here .

As we have now talked about a few times, as an owner-operator truck driver, fuel is your most expensive controllable cost. So are you spending more or less than others on fuel? To answer this question we need to understand the various ways we can look at fuel costs, described in the methods outlined below. How much are you spending on fuel per gallon? The easiest way to look at fuel costs is simply by looking at the cost per gallon every time we fill up our tank. As of April 4th, 2022, the average national diesel fuel cost was $5.144/gallon. So if you were paying less than this you might think you were getting a good deal. However, based on those same averages, depending on the region you were operating in you would have paid an average of $4.929/gallon in the Gulf Coast States or $6.289/gallon in California. You can use the Department of Energy website to check these averages each week. In future articles, we will discuss ways to save on fuel purchasing, but a good target is to buy your fuel somewhere between 5 cents to 30 cents below the DOE averages. How much are you spending on fuel as a percentage of your revenue? The next way to look at your fuel costs is on a percentage of revenue basis. To do this you simply take the dollar amount spent on fuel over a period of time divided by your revenue generated over the same period of time. For all of 2021, the average owner-operator spent 23.4% of their revenue on fuel. This number can vary depending on the type of freight and weight you are hauling. Dry van owner-operators spent 23.2% of revenue on fuel, Reefer owner-operators spent 28.3% of revenue on fuel and Flatbedders spent 30.4% of revenue on fuel. Fuel costs have increased in 2022 and for the first quarter of 2022, the average owner-operator has spent % of their revenue on fuel. How much are you spending on fuel per mile driven? Another way to look at fuel costs is to determine how much money per mile you spend on fuel. To do this you simply divide your total fuel costs over a period of time by the total number of miles driven during that same time period. For all of 2021, the average owner-operator spent 48 cents per mile on fuel. This number can vary depending on the type of freight and weight you are hauling. Dry van owner-operators spent 45 cents per mile on fuel, Reefer owner-operators spent 51 cents per mile on fuel and Flatbedders spent 52 cents per mile on fuel. For the first quarter of 2022, the average owner-operator has spent cents per mile on fuel. How much are you spending on fuel over time? The final way to look at fuel costs is simply the total dollars paid for fuel over a period of time. For all of 2021, the average owner-operator spent $45,605 on fuel. This number can vary depending on the type of freight and weight you are hauling. Dry van owner-operators spent $45,416 on fuel, Reefer owner-operators spent $56,165 on fuel and Flatbedders spent $43,127 on fuel. For the first quarter of 2022, the average owner-operator has spent $ on fuel. If this number were annualized it would mean the average owner-operator will spend $41,632 on fuel in 2022. What can you do with all of this information? Hopefully this information gives you some benchmarks to know how you stack up with others in terms of your fuel costs. If, based on this information, you think there is an opportunity for you to save more money on fuel, stay tuned, we will be providing more fuel savings tips in future articles! To read the previous article in the series, click here!

ATBS President and CEO Todd Amen and Truckstop's Chief Relationship Officer Brent Hutto have a detailed discussion about how to be a successful owner-operator and business owner in 2023. In this webinar you’ll learn: What changes to the tax code in 2023 affect your business What trucking-specific deductions go frequently missed by owner-operators What things are successful owner-operators are doing differently in today's market Tips to help owner-operators succeed in an uncertain freight market What do you think 2023 Holds for owner-operators Find ATBS via the Truckstop Partner Marketplace: https://marketplace.truckstop.com/details/atbs-american-truck-business-services

With a booming trucking industry, many drivers consider becoming an owner-operator. Some do it for the right reasons and others do it for the wrong reasons. Here is what we think are the top 20 right reasons to become an owner-operator! 20 - YOU ARE BORED WITH YOUR CURRENT JOB You should enjoy going to work every day. If you are not happy at work or feel stagnant in your career path, it may be time to try something new. Learn More. 19 - YOU WANT TO START A BUSINESS WITH SOMEONE If you know someone who wants to join you, having a business partner may make it easier to get your business off the ground. Learn More. 18 - YOU CAN BE FLEXIBLE IN YOUR BUSINESS MODEL You can decide what type of freight to haul, where you drive, who you drive for, and much more. Learn More. 17 - YOU CAN STILL HAVE THE SAFETY OF BEING LEASED TO A CARRIER Owner-operators typically start out leasing on to a carrier. This means you still have the freedom of being your own boss with some of the safety similar to a company driver. Learn More. 16 - YOU WANT THE CHALLENGE Becoming a successful owner-operator is not easy. However, some people find the challenge and success of being an owner-operator more satisfying than being a company driver. Learn More. 15 - YOU CAN RUN YOUR OWN BUSINESS On top of being a good driver, you will have to be a good business owner. Make sure your operation is running smoothly. Learn More. 14 - YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN ROUTES Company drivers are told what routes they have to drive by their carrier. As an owner-operator, you can drive the route of your choice. Learn More. 13 - YOU HAVE THE EXPERIENCE If you have proven success as a company driver, you will have the ability to apply the knowledge you have gained to your new trucking business. Learn More. 12 - YOU CAN DRIVE AT YOUR OWN SPEED You can drive whatever speed you want without being controlled by a speed limiter. Just remember to keep fuel efficiency in mind when deciding how fast to drive. Learn More. 11 - YOU HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP THE BUSINESS RUNNING Although starting a trucking business can be an expensive investment, it will pay off if you are successful. Learn More. 10 - YOU GET TO CHOOSE WHO YOU WANT TO PROVIDE SERVICES TO You get to choose what shippers and receivers you deliver for. If somebody is treating you poorly, don’t drive for them anymore. Learn More. 9 - YOU GET TO OWN YOUR OWN TRUCK Driving a truck that you can call your own is something to be quite proud of! Learn More. 8 - YOU BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Confidence is one of the most important traits of being a successful business owner. If you believe in yourself as a truck driver, then it may lead to you being a good owner-operator. Learn More. 7 - YOU DON’T HAVE TO WORK FOR ANYBODY As an owner-operator, you are your own boss. If you don’t like something about your business, you have the control to change it. Learn More. 6 - YOU’RE READY TO MOVE UP IN THE DRIVER CAREER PATH Moving from a company driver to an owner-operator is the next step in the driver life cycle. Learn More. 5 - YOU CAN BENEFIT FROM TAX SAVINGS There are many tax deductions that owner-operators can benefit from that company drivers can’t, such as the Per Diem deduction. Learn More. 4 - YOU CAN CHOOSE YOUR OWN LOADS A company will no longer be deciding what loads you have to handle. You have the option to pick the loads that work best for your business. Learn More. 3 - YOU CAN SET YOUR OWN SCHEDULE Nobody is going to tell you when you have to drive. You have total control over what days of the week you want to be on the road. Learn More. 2 - YOU CAN EARN MORE MONEY Owner-operators have the ability to make more than company drivers if they are running their business efficiently. The sky is the limit when you are an independent contractor! Learn More. 1 - YOU HAVE MORE FREEDOM This is the most common reason people have for becoming an owner-operator. People love the idea of having the ability to make their own business decisions! Learn More.