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What does the recent election mean for your small business and trucking in general? If investors are any indication, the election means good things. While the overall stock market was up 3% the day after the election, trucking stocks were up 10% - three times more than the overall market. This means the betting people are betting on good things for trucking ahead. Here are a few reasons, based on history, that the Trump presidency will be great for trucking. Tariffs While tariffs are a broad complex issue, the overall sentiment is that in the short term it will drive up shipping as demand for overseas goods is pulled forward before the price goes up when tariffs are implemented. The long-term intent of tariffs is to pull more manufacturing and goods onshore in the US. This would certainly drive more shipping in the US. Oil “Drill Baby Drill” has been the Trump administration’s motto. Increased oil supply will mean lower oil costs resulting in reduced diesel prices. During the last Trump administration the DOE national average fuel price was $2.80, and it bottomed out under $2.00. This should mean significant reductions in your single biggest expense, fuel, which has averaged $3.77 during the past 4 years! Increased domestic production also means more freight and supplies need to be moved to grow that production, as well as needing to move all the new oil produced. Reduced Regulation During Trump’s last administration, he had a policy that for every new regulation proposed, two old regulations must be eliminated. Less regulation helps increase commerce resulting in more freight. And all indications are that his new administration will be even more aggressive at reducing regulations. Taxes The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) from the prior Trump administration greatly reduced taxes in many areas. For small business owners specifically, the Qualified Business Income Deduction (QBID) reduced taxes by thousands of dollars, as did increasing the Standard Deduction. Accelerated depreciation methods also reduced taxes and enticed investment and purchasing of capital goods which increased transportation. Many of the specific deductions enacted under the TCJA are set to expire in 2025. It is likely the Trump administration will extend them or make them permanent. Independent Contractor vs. Employee Attack It’s no secret that Democratic administrations would like everyone to be an employee as they are beholden to Labor Unions who can’t organize Independent Contractors. There has been great fear that the Biden administration would enact national regulation under the Pro Act or other means to resemble California’s AB5 anti-contractor law. During Trump’s last presidency he quickly unwound all the damage done to the Owner Operator business model during eight years of the Obama administration. It is easy to anticipate the same from Trump in this administration. So the bottom line is that after nearly three years of a very difficult trucking market, we expect things to turn around quickly as we enter a new era in 2025!

As a truck driver, it’s important to stay up to date on what’s going on in the industry. It’s also important you are getting your news from reliable sources that are honest, transparent, and report the news in depth. If you have been in the trucking industry for a while, you probably already have a place where you like to get your news. However, if you are new to the industry or just looking for more options, you may not know where to start. Let us help you out with our list of sources to get your trucking industry news. Overdrive Overdrive Magazine was started back in 1961. They are devoted to covering and supporting the businesses of owner-operator truck drivers. You can receive news from Overdrive on their website, their newsletter, any form of social media, and you can subscribe to a hard copy of the magazine for free. The website is sorted into many categories including News, Blogs, Life, Custom Rigs, Equipment, Business, Regulations, and Gear. ATBS partners with Overdrive to help educate owner-operators through the Partners in Business program. Each year ATBS and Overdrive produce a Partners in Business Manual and host seminars at the Great American Trucking Show. CCJ Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) is another business publication for the trucking industry and fleet professionals. They focus on providing business solutions for those responsible for running trucking companies and maintaining equipment. Like Overdrive, CCJ offers a website, a newsletter, and a free subscription to a hard copy of their magazine. The categories included on the CCJ website are News, Equipment, Business, Tech, Products, Blogs, Reviews, and the Tech Toolbox. CCJ also has their Top 250. This is a list of the top 250 trucking companies in America. Within this ranking, you can sort the companies by revenue, number of trucks and drivers, types of haul, geographic region, etc. Both Overdrive and CCJ are published by Randall Reilly. Land Line The first issue of Land Line Magazine was launched in 1975 after OOIDA needed its own way of communicating news to professional truck drivers. Today, Land Line continues to serve its original purpose of bringing solutions to owner-operators. Land Line’s website is simply broken out into News, Opinion, Podcasts, and Archives. The News section is divided into specific news by state. The Opinion section is called Tandem Thoughts and goes into Land Line’s opinion on certain relevant topics. Land Line also has a Podcast called Land Line Now that is hosted by Mark H. Reddig. You can hear Land Line Now on iTunes, Stitcher, Bullhorn, and Sirius XM Channel 146. Lastly, Land Line keeps an archive of their old magazines that you can look at by simply downloading the PDF. Transport Topics Transport Topics shows all aspects of the business of trucking. They want to deliver two things to their readers: clarity to make good decisions and confidence to engage with colleagues. The website categories include Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety, Fuel, Logistics and even Autonomous. They also rank the Top 100 For-Hire and Private Companies and the Top 50 Global Freight and Logistics companies. Transport Topics provides many ways for you to listen to their news as well. They have a podcast called RoadSigns that is broken up into seasons. The latest season of the podcast is all about Aerodynamics and Fuel Economy. They also have Daily Briefings which is a quick rundown of all the news that you need from the day. Lastly, they have a show on Sirius XM hosted by Dan Ronan. The show initially airs on Saturday from 1 - 3 PM ET but it reruns on Saturday night, Sunday afternoon, and Sunday night. 10-4 Magazine 10-4 Magazine has been around since 1993. They have a physical magazine that is released each month but the magazine can also be viewed digitally on the website. Each of the articles within the magazine is displayed on the website and you can also call to see what locations you can pick up a physical copy of the magazine for free. On the website, you can look at archived articles that are sorted by category. The website also includes a list of Truck Shows & Events, a Gallery of old magazine covers & centerfolds, and an Entertainment section with Truckertoons and Words to live by. FreightWaves FreightWaves is a news source for the entire freight transportation industry, not just trucking. However, there is plenty of information on trucking and how the trucking industry ties into the freight industry as a whole. FreightWaves focuses on economics and the technological side of the freight transportation industry. The website includes news about freight markets, finance, risk & compliance, insights, innovation and partner content. You can also filter your search into specific modes of transportation including air cargo, container, maritime, railroad, and trucking. Like many of the other industry news sources, FreightWaves has a show on SiriusXM. Their show is on Saturdays from 3 - 5 PM ET on Road Dog Trucking Radio. They also post their own insightful video content called FreightWaves NOW, which is directly on the website. Lastly, there is a variety of podcasts that they host from shows, to deep-dive conversations, to daily mini podcasts that go into the top headlines for the day. TheTrucker.com TheTrucker.com publishes daily news articles covering the nation, business, jobs, equipment and technology, legislation, and regulations. Their mission is to provide the latest and most comprehensive news affecting the trucking industry with their award-winning journalism and news coverage that is informative, objective, and engaging. The Trucker newspaper has been proudly serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. Fleet Owner Fleet Owner is a trucking news source specifically for executives and managers of trucking fleets that operate five or more vehicles. Their main focus is on information about operations, vehicle maintenance, industry regulations, and information-management technology. On top of this, they also report on the latest trends in hybrid technologies, diesel fuel economy, trucking safety, jobs, and employment. Fleet Owner’s website is broken out into a variety of categories including News, Equipment, Safety, Fleet Management, Running Green, and more. They also have a collection of webinars that you can listen to and white papers that you can download. You can make sure you don't miss out on Fleet Owner's content by subscribing to their newsletter or checking out the digital version of their magazine month to month. If you are looking for information specifically to help manage your fleet, this is a great resource. Truckers News Truckers News ’ mission is to be the number one lifestyle magazine for over-the-road truckers. Like Overdrive and CCJ, Truckers News is published by Randall Reilly. They don’t have a physical or a digital magazine but all of the content can be easily accessed on the website and you can also subscribe to their newsletter. The website has content that is organized into Trucks, News, Features, Fun, Health, What’s Hot, Videos, Jobs, She Drives, and Gear. Truckers News separates itself from other trucking industry news sources with the inclusion of the Fun and Health content. These articles and videos aren’t necessarily just for truckers but it's included because its entertainment and topics that truckers would probably find interesting. It’s easy to tell that Truckers News is not just focused on the technical and business side of trucking but also on how to make life better for truckers on the road. Heavy Duty Trucking Heavy Duty Trucking magazine began in the early 1900s by documenting the rapid changes that were happening in the business of moving goods around America. Today, their magazine reaches more than 115,000 executives at commercial truck fleets and over 4,000 truck and trailer dealership managers. Heavy Duty Trucking’s online offerings can be found at truckinginfo.com . Here, they provide daily news on trucking equipment, fleet management, safety, and ELDs, just to name a few. The news is delivered through newsletters, webinars, HDT’s Headline News, blogs, videos, whitepapers, and more. The blog itself is even broken out into seven sections which range from All That’s Trucking, to Trucker Tech, to Trailer Talk. Heavy Duty Trucking magazine and truckinginfo.com is an extensive source of trucking news that has important information for anybody in the industry. Bonus: Rate and Lane Information For trucking industry news specifically about freight rates, two recommendations we have are Truckstop.com and DAT . Both provide information about freight rates and trends. Truckstop.com provides information about the amount of available loads per segment, the average posted rate/mile, the amount of loads moved, and more. DAT shows spot rates for each segment and fuel price trends for the week, month, and year. DAT also has a blog, and a newsletter, that gives information about all things trucking and freight. Do you know where to get your trucking industry news? It wouldn’t be a bad idea to use a combination of these resources for your trucking industry news. It may also be beneficial to receive information through a variety of different mediums. Reading articles, listening to radio or podcasts, and watching videos from all of these resources might be the best way for you to feel like you are up to date on all things trucking. These are by no means the only places that are reliable for you to get your trucking industry news. However, these are reputable places that get the ATBS stamp of approval with their years of experience in accurate and in-depth reporting.

As the weather starts to cool off, and everyone is about to be consumed with pumpkin-spice flavored everything, owner-operators should have something else on their mind: Winterizing their truck. Actively taking steps to prepare your truck for winter is crucial for keeping your costs down, and staying safe in the cold winter months. Follow these guidelines and get your truck ready - winter is just around the corner! Step One: Prepare an Emergency Kit Getting stranded in adverse weather conditions is far more likely in the winter months. Make sure you have adequate survival supplies in your truck, including: Extra blankets First aid kit Flashlight and extra batteries Canned food and bottled water Gloves Scarves Hats Snow boots Snow shovel Flares Radio Extra coolant, washer fluid, engine oil Extra fuel filter and fuel filter wrench Tire chains Step Two: Check The Battery The best time to check the age and condition of your battery is just before winter settles in. Freezing temperatures drain battery life quickly. If the battery is close to the typical 48-72-month life cycle, then it’s best to replace it. If not, inspect the battery to make sure it is securely mounted and that all connections are tightened and clean. Perform a load test, and check on the alternator and starter as well. Inspect the electrical wiring for any damage or frays, and make sure there are no loose or exposed wires. Step Three: Check the Fuel Filter and Water Separator Check to be sure the fuel filter is in good condition, and replace it if necessary. To reduce the risk of damage to the engine, monitor the water separator on a daily basis. Water is a common contaminant in diesel fuel and can shorten an engine’s life. If a large amount of water has been collected, it should be drained. Most separators are not self-cleaning, so you’ll need to locate the separator, near the fuel filter, and turn the drain valve to empty the water. This is especially important during the winter months because condensation forms on the inside of a warm fuel tank as the outside temperature cools. Step Four: Use Fuel Additives Diesel fuel contains paraffin, a wax, which crystallizes at freezing temperatures. This causes water in the fuel to emulsify and the fuel becomes slushy and gel-like. The fuel cannot pass through the fuel filter and the problem only gets worse when temperatures continue to drop. This gelling of fuel can lead to rough vehicle operation and in some cases, engine failure. To avoid this, check the cetane rating of the fuel at the pump - the higher the better, and add anti-gel fuel additives at each fill-up to enhance performance. Check your owner’s manual for specific additive guidelines and always follow mixing procedures exactly, or you risk damaging your fuel system. Read more : Diesel Winterization . Step Five: Inspect the Cooling System Proper maintenance of the cooling system is a major part of winterizing. Anything that’s worn, damaged, or cracked is only going to get worse as the temperature drops. Perform a comprehensive inspection of the entire system, including the radiator, inspecting the hoses for any bulges, and checking hose clamps to ensure they are secure and not damaged. You should have a coolant test conducted to be sure that your coolant is at an optimum freeze point. Checking the additive levels to determine if the coolant needs to be changed or adjusted should become part of your regular maintenance plan. Last, it’s critical that you use the proper coolant for your truck, and never use aerosol ether starting fluid. Step Six: Keep the Engine Warm Diesel engines require a higher cylinder temperature than gasoline vehicles, which means that they are considerably more difficult to start in cold weather. If you travel or live in a cold climate, you may want to consider installing an electric block heater to keep the engine warm while it’s turned off. Make sure that the block heater cord will accommodate a three-prong plug and ensure it is securely held in place. Step Seven: Inspect the Air Dryer The air dryer, installed between the compressor and wet tank, collects and removes contaminants from the air before they enter the brake system. This prevents water from freezing in the brake lines. It’s important to inspect the air dryer to ensure that it is functioning properly and to also replace the filter if necessary. Make sure to drain the air reservoirs periodically. Failing to maintain your air dryer can lead to extremely dangerous malfunctioning brakes. Step Eight: Prepare the Windshield When snow and ice accumulate on the windshield, it makes driving difficult and dangerous. Just before winter hits, inspect your windshield wipers and replace them if needed. Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is filled and that you have switched to a cold temperature blend. Keep extra bottles of washer fluid in your truck in case you run out unexpectedly. Step Nine: Check the Tires Your tires must be in good shape to navigate through the snowy and icy roads ahead. Inspect your tires thoroughly and make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure rating. Find out which states require chains, and make sure you have the correct size and number of chains in your truck at all times. Inspect the chains for worn, twisted, or damaged links and replace them when needed. Read more : Winter Tire Tips . Finally, know your limits. Do-it-yourself maintenance is often very cost effective, however, you can easily get in over your head if you aren’t a mechanic. Don’t compromise safety, which can cause serious damage to the vehicle and put you and others at risk. When in doubt, make an appointment with a trusted mechanic and leave it to the professionals. Stay safe out there this winter!

Two of the biggest costs in the trucking industry are fuel and tires. They are some of the expenses that eat into your profits more than anything else, and so any time that you can improve either of them, your company will be better for it. Fortunately, if you take the time to make sure that your tires are wearing properly, then you will also improve your fuel economy at the same time. Here are some tips that will help you to save time, money, fuel, and tire life. Ensure Proper Tire Inflation This is a no-brainer. Just about every truck driver out there knows that an underinflated tire is wearing out faster, and is downright dangerous to use. The reason it is the first item on our list is that so many drivers don’t seem to pay attention to their tires or make sure that they are properly inflated. When you are inspected , you want to make sure that your rig is in top shape so you aren’t wasting time doing costly repairs, or wasting money with fines. But did you know that there are thousands of trucks on the road that are running on underinflated tires? Some even on flat tires? Properly inflated tires will ensure the least amount of drag when you are traveling. Less drag leads to better fuel economy. Use the Right Tires Generally speaking, you likely haul the same loads every trip, or at least something very similar. So you know what kind of tires you need for your truck and trailer. But when was the last time you looked at tire technology? It changes all the time as different rubbers are being discovered, and new ways of making the tires are being incorporated. The tires you have been using for the last five years are likely not the top of the line anymore. For instance, you might benefit by switching to a low rolling resistance tire . These tires have less tread on them, and therefore they have less drag. As we know less drag leads to better fuel economy. However, if you don’t make sure you have proper inflation, your investment in these tires will be negated. Maintain Your Truck You know the basics of maintenance, and you would never let something under the hood go without repairs. So why do many drivers ignore their trailers? Did you know that if you aren’t properly aligned, you could be losing 2% in your fuel economy? Let’s think about that for a minute. Suppose you get 8 mpg on average. But you aren’t properly aligned. This means your fuel economy is 2% lower than it could be (add 2% and we get 8.16 mpg). It doesn’t seem like much, but it adds up. If you drive 50,000 miles per year, you are currently burning through 6,250 gallons of diesel every year. This costs you $18,750 (at $3 per gallon). A 2% improvement in fuel economy means that you save 123 gallons of diesel or $369 per year. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you drive more, that number goes higher; if the price of fuel goes up, that number goes higher. Obviously, if you have a severe alignment issue, then you are experiencing even more than a 2% loss in fuel economy. Slow It Down The key to making a living is to get to your destination quickly so that you can turn around and get to the next destination quickly. But did you know that every mile per hour over 55 can result in a 2% reduction in fuel economy? That means going 55 mph, instead of 65mph, you get 20% better mpg. Of course, that means you spend more time on the road. More hours driving, or spend more on fuel (and subsequently more on tires that wear out faster). Which do you prefer? Wrapping It Up Improving your fuel economy is tricky since there are a lot of variables. If you do just one, you probably won’t see much of an improvement. However, if you take into account all of these tips, you could see your miles per gallon improve by 25% or more. Wouldn’t we all like to work the same amount, but be 25% more efficient? Originally published on TeamRunSmart.com

Addressing Misconceptions The trucking industry, long dominated by men, is seeing a steady rise in female participation. Despite this, stereotypes about women in trucking persist. These misconceptions not only perpetuate gender bias but also hinder progress toward a more inclusive workforce. In this post, we’ll break down some of the most common stereotypes surrounding women in trucking and provide evidence to counter them. 1. “Women Aren’t Strong Enough for Trucking” There’s a belief that trucking is a highly physical job requiring significant strength and that women aren’t suited for it. However, this stereotype is outdated. Reality Check: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trucking is more about endurance, skill, and focus than physical strength. With technological advancements in trucks, such as power steering, automated transmissions, and hydraulic lifts, physical exertion has been greatly reduced. Women, just like men, undergo the same rigorous training and certifications, ensuring they are fully capable of performing the job safely and effectively. 2. “Women Can’t Handle the Long Hours or Isolation” It’s often assumed that the long, solitary hours of trucking are unsuitable for women, based on outdated notions of gender roles. Reality Check: A 2023 survey conducted by the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) found that many female truckers enjoy the independence that comes with the job. Data from the American Trucking Association (ATA) also shows that women in trucking report similar job satisfaction levels to their male counterparts. While the job can be challenging, many female drivers embrace flexible schedules and opportunities for long-distance travel. 3. “Women Aren’t Interested in Trucking” There’s a misconception that women simply don’t consider trucking as a viable career path. Reality Check: Women make up approximately 8% of all truck drivers in the U.S., a figure that has been steadily rising, according to the American Trucking Association. In Canada, the percentage of female truck drivers rose to 3.5% in 2022, with initiatives underway to attract more women to the profession. Programs led by organizations like Women In Trucking are focused on increasing female recruitment, providing mentorship, and breaking down the barriers that may prevent women from entering the industry. 4. “It’s Not Safe for Women to Be on the Road” Safety concerns are often cited as a reason why women might avoid trucking. Some believe women are more vulnerable on the road, which reinforces this stereotype. Reality Check: Safety is a priority for all truck drivers, regardless of gender. Many companies have implemented specific safety protocols for female drivers, including GPS tracking, secure parking areas, and better communication tools. In fact, according to a study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), female truck drivers are statistically safer than their male counterparts, with fewer accident reports and safety violations. 5. “Female Truckers Won’t Be Taken Seriously” The notion that female truckers aren’t respected or taken seriously in the industry is another stereotype that persists. Reality Check: As the number of women in trucking grows, so does the recognition of their contributions. A survey conducted by Stay Metrics in 2021 found that the majority of female drivers reported positive relationships with their male colleagues and felt respected in the workplace. Additionally, women are moving into leadership positions within the industry, further dispelling the idea that they don’t belong in trucking. Moving Toward a More Inclusive Industry The stereotypes surrounding women in trucking are not supported by the facts. As more women enter the field, these misconceptions are being debunked, helping to foster a more diverse and inclusive trucking workforce. The industry is evolving, with women proving that they are not only capable but excelling in all areas of trucking—from driving to leadership. With continued support and recognition, the future of women in trucking looks bright. Additional Facts (to encourage women planning to pursue a career in trucking): The Women In Trucking Association estimates that women now make up 13.7% of all workers in the transportation and warehousing sectors, showing the growing female presence in trucking-related industries. Trucking companies are increasingly focusing on gender diversity, with many implementing recruitment campaigns specifically targeting women. Don’t be afraid to ask recruiters questions about their companies if you’re at all concerned about how diverse their staff is, and if there are inclusion goals they have set.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, there has been a surge of video uploads, and as with most natural disasters, the scale of devastation is staggering. Many of us have seen in-cab videos wherein unfortunate drivers caught in the path of the hurricane woke up to water rushing through their truck, some forced into the top bunk. Many videos showed footage of semis being washed away in flood waters, some with drivers trying desperately to exit through a window and climb onto the side or top of the tractor or trailer.  These terrible images should hopefully send our minds wandering into hypothetical “what would I do” scenarios – and this is important because the first and best way to plan for your own safety and survival is to have an exit strategy. Successful exit and/or survival strategies are conceived and developed by having an inner dialogue with oneself well ahead of any disaster event! It’s sort of like muscle memory, with your brain being the primary muscle here. For example, sometimes when a situation is unfolding, it’s safer to remain in place until the right moment. Without the luxury of a crystal ball, we have no idea when the correct moment will occur, but jumping right from the pan may cause one to land in the fire.  For example, a video surfaced recently of a truck being washed away in a surge during Hurricane Helene. The driver could be seen attempting to exit the cab, with the water level at the height of his door right at the bottom of the window. He was trying to exit the driver’s side window, (with nowhere really to go other than into the debris-laden flood surge). As he was nearly standing on the edge of his driver’s side window, the truck was jackknifing, with the trailer rapidly sweeping toward the same window he was exiting. The video ended at that point, and one can only imagine what happened to the driver.  In this case, it’s important to reflect on what the driver might have done differently. Put yourself in that driver’s shoes! Would you have remained in the cab? If that driver knew he was heading into a dangerous situation and was aware of storm warnings, might he have been better prepared?  Here are some things to consider: Calm is key. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it’s the truth. Take deep breaths and think about emergency scenarios you’ve rehearsed ahead of time. When emotions take over, your rational thinking abilities are hindered, so stay focused and exercise deep breathing.  If water is moving over or covering a roadway, it’s always safer to assume the road beneath has washed out. It’s better to have something and not need it, than need it and not have it. Some items to consider keeping in your truck (like in a bug-out bag, if you will): inflatables like a small raft or vest that auto-inflates, a Hero Survival bag for warmth, a foil blanket, MREs or some type of meals that need no refrigeration, clean water or a survival straw, a tool to break your window, an external power bank for charging your phone, a first aid kit, and I have a paracord bracelet  with a compass, blade, and flint built in.  Stay prepared with apps! There are apps for road and weather conditions, even wind speeds, for nearly every state. Weather radar apps and warnings are also important to stay on top of the weather you may be heading into. Keep in mind that other situations may warrant extreme caution that are non-weather related (rioting, wildfires, rallies of any kind). If it seems like it’s dangerous, err on the side of caution. Refuse a load heading into a dangerous storm. If you accept the situation and go for it, park strategically (higher ground, outside of danger zones, etc.), let your safety department, family members, and friends know your location if you shut down during an emergency or weather event. Keep your truck clean and organized. If you have supplies you cannot access or forget where you put them, they will not be of use in an emergency situation. Keep them together, and affix them in a useful location inside your cab. I keep my bug-out bag strapped with a bungee on the top bunk.  Although there isn’t a single way to predict or prepare for every emergency situation, remaining vigilant, staying apprised of weather conditions and noteworthy events you might encounter on your trip, and mentally rehearsing potential scenarios ahead of time will help you prepare for potential disaster situations. Stay safe, and good luck to all!

The CSA program has gone through a lot of scrutiny over the past few years and many changes have been made to the program. However, scores are still being tracked by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Even with the changes, can CSA scores still be used as a way to measure safety and compliance? Learn a little more about the CSA program and how to check your CSA score. What are CSA Scores? In December of 2010, the FMCSA implemented the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. This program was put into place as a way to measure safety and compliance on the road. The goal of the program is to improve safety while limiting the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Because the program uses a scoring system, owner-operators are able to see how they are doing in terms of safety and compliance by looking at how high or low their score is. How are scores calculated? Scores are calculated by looking at the safety events of an owner-operator and categorizing them into Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvements Categories (BASICs). The seven BASICs of safety are: Unsafe Driving Crash Indicator Hours-of-Service Compliance Vehicle Maintenance Controlled Substances/Alcohol Hazardous Materials Compliance Driver Fitness Once the event has been placed into a category, it’s given a weighted score based on the severity of the event and how long ago it occurred. This data is updated monthly on the FMCSA’s Safety Management System (SMS). The lower the score, the better you are considered in terms of safety and compliance. Also, owner-operators must be aware that if they have a score of 65 or above, they will receive a warning letter from the Motor Carrier Early Intervention protocol. This letter allows owner-operators to make the necessary corrections before safety problems become too severe and law enforcement has to step in. Here are examples of violations at different point totals: 10-point violation: Going 15 or more miles above the speed limit 8-point violation: Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL 5-point violation: Improper lane change 2-point: Lacking physical qualifications Once a violation has occurred and a score has been given, that score is then multiplied based on how recently the violation occurred. If a violation occurred within the past six months, it’s multiplied by three. If a violation occurred between six to 12 months, it’s multiplied by two. Violations that occurred between 12 and 24 months are not weighted. After two years, violations are completely removed from an owner-operator’s record. Where can I check my score? Scores can be checked online at www.csa.fmcsa.dot.gov with your USDOT number and PIN. If you discover incomplete or incorrect information on your record, you can challenge the results by submitting a request for review at www.dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov . Do CSA Scores still matter? The absolute measure scores of five of the seven BASICs are currently publicly available online (Crash Indicator and Hazardous Materials Compliance are not available to the public) and the only people who can see all seven of the BASICs are owner-operators looking at their own score and law enforcement. This means that your CSA score is still important for a variety of reasons: Owner-operators can use the scores to see where they stand in terms of safety and compliance. If they notice they have a high score, they can see what is causing this and put more emphasis in these areas in order to lower their score. Law enforcement can issue interventions to owner-operators based on their high scores. These interventions can lead to inspections and audits that are difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Even though the DOT maintains they never intended scores to be used for these purposes, customers have chosen to work with owner-operators based on their scores and insurance companies have charged higher premiums to owner-operators because of their high scores. How can scores be improved? Violations are completely removed after two years, which means if you have a high score now, you have the ability to make it better. CSA scores can be improved over time by knowing what you are being scored on and operating on the road according to this information. The best way to do this is to set up a plan for yourself that focuses on safety and compliance. A good plan will include initial training for yourself, consistent follow-up training to make sure you are still being compliant, and one-off training if you notice violations that you are commonly committing. The most common violations have to do with lights, brakes, tires, speeding, and medical issues, so, when you begin training, make sure to add emphasis to these violations. If you've paid attention to your score and are happy with it, keep doing what you're doing. If your score is high because you didn't realize it still matters, you have the opportunity to lower it over time. With determination and a plan in place, you will be able to improve your CSA score. Sources: https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/CSA_GRS_Visor_S.pdf https://blog.bigroad.com/blog/why-your-csa-score-still-matters https://keeptruckin.com/blog/do-csa-scores-matter https://www.overdriveonline.com/fmcsa-removes-csa-scores-in-wake-of-highway-bill-signing/ https://keeptruckin.com/blog/about-csa-score https://unitedworldtransportation.com/how-to-check-your-csa-score-for-trucking-companies/

One of the most important things to prevent a truck breakdown is preventative maintenance . This is especially true right now with the higher costs and lower rates overall in the industry. If your truck were to break down, you may not be able to cover the repair, the fixed costs when you are down, and your home bills while not generating revenue. By staying on top of preventative maintenance you can reduce the likelihood of a breakdown and the cost of a repair if it does happen. Here are five tips that will help you avoid a truck breakdown, which will help to keep your truck — and your business — up and running for the long haul. Check your tires Tire problems account for 25% or more of all truck breakdowns. Prevent these problems with pre-trip inspections of your: Tire Pressure  Underinflated tires (more prone to blowouts) and overinflated tires (poor handling) both undermine fuel economy and tire life. Your owner’s manual lists the correct pressure for your specific tires. Trucks made since 2003 display this information on a placard in the driver’s side doorjamb. Remember, truck tires lose about 1 psi of pressure each month. Seasonal temperature changes take an additional 1 psi for every 10 degrees in air temperature. Tire Wear Damaged treads, cracks, and bald spots are major warning signs. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says minimum tread depth for a steer tire is 4/32 of an inch. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) goes further, saying that if tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, the truck is taken out of service pending tire replacement. Make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape The relentless heat, pressure, and friction absorbed by brakes make them the second culprit for a truck breakdown. Beware of these six brake system “enemies”: Water and contamination in the air supply and control system Oil passing from the compressor External contamination and corrosion Air pressure leakage Brake system pressure and timing imbalance Reduced foundation brake performance Not comfortable or confident in monitoring brakes? Take it to a shop. Nobody’s expecting you to be a mechanic — if any maintenance task seems beyond your comfort level, always employ help. Monitor your electrical system Trucks draw serious power. A poorly performing electrical system kills performance and can harm other components, leading to costly repairs. Keep an eye on: The Battery  Make sure yours is in good condition, has the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, and is fully charged at all times. Defective batteries can damage vital engine parts, or just leave you stranded in the dark. Wires and Cables Keep battery cables and wiring connections securely fastened and corrosion-free, helping to prevent shorts, faulty lights, and even major system failures. Maintain proper oil and engine coolant There’s no better way to blow your truck’s engine than to slack on properly maintaining the oil and coolant systems. Keep your truck’s maintenance records handy to know when these fluids were checked and serviced. Then, stick to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommended maintenance intervals. A couple of things to keep in mind: Oil At major oil change intervals (every 10,000 miles), work with a service center, especially once your used truck has logged 300,000 miles. Pros can give you an analysis of how your particular engine may be burning oil, breaking down its viscosity, or operating outside of optimal OEM parameters. Coolant Stick to OEM recommendations and go to the pros for major intervals. Take note of what coolant type your engine requires (for example, Extended Life Coolant or conventional coolant). It’s also fairly easy to do a visual inspection. Obtain a coolant sample and inspect it for clarity, color, and debris. Low-cost test strips can indicate antifreeze concentration and additive levels. Know when it’s time to trade up Even the best-maintained used truck will eventually break down. That’s when an owner-operator has to choose between preventive maintenance vs. replacement/upgrade. Consider a new purchase when the principal, interest, maintenance, and operating costs of an old vehicle are higher than the comparable costs attached to a new vehicle. Detailed service records—including costs—are the best foundation for doing repair vs. upgrade math. It's important to take the necessary steps to avoid or mitigate any maintenance issues that may arise. It cannot be stressed enough that being unable to operate right now due to maintenance issues is detrimental, not just because of the expense of repairs, but also because of the loss of income during a down market.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, ATBS sends sincere prayers and wishes for the safety of all of our clients and their families. During this time, we want to ensure that folks have as much access to information as possible. It is important to note that the IRS has extended the deadline to file your 2023 Individual Income Tax Returns if you live in an area affected by a natural disaster. The IRS guidelines on who is eligible for an extension are very specific, so it is important to check IRS.gov or call the IRS Disaster Relief Hotline at 866-562-5227 for more information. Currently, taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia, who received extensions to file their 2023 returns have until May 1, 2025, to file. Tax-year 2023 tax payments are not eligible for this extension. In addition, May 1 is also the deadline for filing 2024 returns and paying any tax due. This extension does not apply to any taxpayer who did not file a valid extension by April 15th, 2024. Any tax that was due for the 2023 tax year is already late if it remains unpaid, and the IRS is not granting penalty relief for unpaid tax from last year related to the natural disaster. For those who received relief related to Tropical Storm Debby, but not related to Hurricane Helene, the deadline to file your 2023 return is only extended to February 3, 2025. We will continue to monitor any changes the IRS makes to deadlines for either return filing or payments. We are here to support our clients, their families, our partners, and friends affected by these horrific storms.

Per Diem (por día) es una de tus mayores deducciones fiscales como un camionero propietario-operador, pero ¿qué es exactamente? La deducción de Per Diem es una deducción fiscal que el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS) permite para justificar los gastos ordinarios y necesarios de comidas y gastos incidentales pagados o incurridos mientras se viaja por negocios lejos de casa. En este artículo, abordamos las reglas específicas sobre el uso de esta importante deducción fiscal. Como resultado de la Ley de Recortes de Impuestos y Empleos, los empleados W-2, a veces conocidos como conductores de empresa, ya no son elegibles para reclamar la deducción de Per Diem. El IRS permite a los contratistas y trabajadores autónomos del transporte, sujetos a las normas sobre horas de servicio, deducir sus gastos de comida mientras viajan por negocios. La tarifa diaria es fijada por el IRS. A partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, la tarifa diaria de Per Diem es de $80 por día completo y $60 por día parcial en los Estados Unidos continentales. Es posible que veas la cantidad de la deducción citada como $64 por día completo y $48 por día parcial. Esto se debe a que el IRS solo te permite deducir el 80% de la tarifa de Per Diem. Los conductores que no tienen licencia de conducir comercial (CDL,) pero que realizan otras funciones (contabilidad, despacho, asistencia en la carga y descarga) pueden deducir el 50% de la tarifa diaria de $80, lo que equivale a $40 por día completo. Para viajes fuera de los Estados Unidos continentales, la tarifa de Per Diem, vigente a partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, es de $86 por día completo y $64.50 por día parcial. Es posible que vea la cantidad de la deducción citada como $68.80 por día completo y $51.60 por día parcial. Los pasajeros que no tienen licencia de conducir comercial (CDL,) pero que realizan otras funciones (contabilidad, despacho, asistencia en la carga y descarga) pueden deducir el 50% de la tarifa de $86, lo que equivale a $43 por día completo. AVISO IMPORTANTE: La tarifa de Per Diem desde el 1 de enero de 2024 hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2024 fue de $69 por día en los Estados Unidos continentales, y de $68 por día en Canadá. Esto significa que tendrá que calcular su deducción total de Per Diem utilizando dos tarifas de Per Diem diferentes. Debe tener esto en cuenta cuando presente su declaración de impuestos de 2024. Si necesita ayuda para calcular su deducción de Per Diem y presentar su declaración de impuestos, haga clic aquí . Para calificar para estas deducciones, la publicación 463 del IRS establece que estás viajando fuera de casa si: Sus obligaciones requieren que se encuentre fuera del área general de su domicilio fiscal por un tiempo sustancialmente mayor al de un día de trabajo normal, Y Necesita dormir o descansar para cumplir con las exigencias de su trabajo mientras está fuera de casa. Además, establece que tomar una siesta no satisface el requisito. Sin embargo, "no es necesario que estés fuera de casa por un día completo, siempre que tu descanso de las obligaciones sea lo suficientemente largo como para dormir o descansar lo necesario." ¿Qué significa esto para un camionero? Si eres un propietario-operador, la regla es simple: puedes reclamar la deducción fiscal por cada día que estés fuera de tu "domicilio fiscal." En los días en que sales y los días en que llegas a casa, debes reclamar una asignación parcial en lugar de una asignación completa. La asignación parcial es el 75% de la asignación de un día completo. Las cosas se complican un poco si eres un camionero local. Los camioneros locales y regionales suelen estar fuera de casa mucho más tiempo que una jornada laboral promedio de ocho horas. Por lo tanto, cumplir con la primera parte de los requisitos es sencillo. Sin embargo, ¿te diste cuenta del " Y " entre los dos requisitos? Esto significa que debes cumplir con ambas condiciones para poder reclamar la deducción. Otra forma de verlo es que los conductores que comienzan y terminan un viaje en casa en el mismo día laboral bajo las horas de servicio (HOS) del Departamento de Transporte (DOT) no pueden reclamar el Per Diem. Ahora puedes llevar un registro de tus días lejos de casa fácilmente con nuestro ATBS Per Diem Tracker! Además, la publicación IRS 463 establece que debe tener un "domicilio fiscal". Existen tres pruebas para determinar su domicilio fiscal. Para cumplir con los requisitos, debes satisfacer al menos dos de los tres siguientes puntos: Realizas parte de tu negocio en el área de tu residencia principal y utilizas esa residencia para hospedarte mientras realiza negocios en la zona. Tienes gastos de vivienda en tu residencia principal que duplicas porque tu negocio requiere que estés fuera de esa casa. No has abandonado el área en la que se encuentran tanto tu lugar de alojamiento habitual como tu residencia principal declarada; tienes un miembro o miembros de tu familia viviendo en tu residencia principal; o utilizas frecuentemente esa casa para hospedarte. Entonces, ¿qué significa todo esto? En pocas palabras: Debe estar fuera de casa durante "un tiempo sustancialmente más largo que un día laboral normal", según el IRS. Debe tener un hogar del cual estar ausente. Si usted cumple con ambos requisitos mencionados anteriormente, por cualquier día a partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, puede deducir $64 por cada día completo fuera de casa como camionero y $40 como acompañante que asiste en funciones comerciales. Puede deducir $48 por día parcial como camionero. En ATBS, creemos que una buena manera de llevar un control es utilizando el ATBS Hub. Dado que la tarifa de Per Diem cambió durante 2024, el ATBS Hub rastreará las fechas exactas y los cambios en las tarifas de Per Diem. De esta manera, podrás determinar con precisión cuántos días completos y parciales debes reportar a tu preparador de impuestos para 2024. Para justificar tu Per Diem, es posible que necesites proporcionar la información del dispositivo de registro electrónico del DOT, incluyendo la hora, fecha y ubicación. Es una buena práctica conservar todos los recibos y documentación relacionados con esta deducción de Per Diem por al menos tres años. Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre el Per Diem, por favor contacta a ATBS haciendo clic aquí o llámanos al 866-920-2827.

You don’t have to be an economics major to understand the basic principles of supply and demand. However, understanding and identifying specific freight market trends can be confusing. Supply and demand is the backbone of any market economy. You’ve probably heard the term in the news recently or maybe you learned about it in your high school economics class. It’s an important term to understand as it affects your life as an owner-operator. Demand refers to how much of a product or service is desired by buyers. Supply refers to how much the market can offer. The price of a product or service is the result of supply and demand. Let’s look at a trucking industry example. You’re in Ohio with two other truckers. A couple of businesses have five loads each that need to be shipped to Washington. There is an excess of loads (demand) with a limited number of trucks (supply) thus the price of a load goes up. Alternatively, let’s say that there are 10 trucks with only three loads. Now the supply of trucks is high and the demand is low for loads that need transport. The price is low because there are too many trucks willing to take the limited number of loads. Drivers will accept a lower rate in order to get work. Supply and demand in the trucking industry is often driven by the density of population centers where people need goods shipped into them, and also by the density of manufacturing and products being shipped out of an area. Market areas across the United States are different and in order for a percentage paid contract driver to be successful, they have to work effectively with the differences. It’s helpful to remember that it is always the marketplace that decides the rate for a freight load. You’ll have a hard time trying to change that so you need to figure out how to make a profit from changing marketplace prices. Supply and demand are the primary forces driving the differences in pricing between one area and another. It’s common to see a percentage paid contract driver receiving more money per mile for hauling a load from Chicago to Philadelphia (known as a headhaul) and then immediately turning around with the same freight heading back west from Philadelphia to Chicago for less money per mile (known as a backhaul). The higher price in Chicago tells you there are consistently fewer trucks and more loads in Chicago and the lower price in Philadelphia tells you that there are more trucks available and fewer loads. Hauling headhaul and backhaul is a balancing act. When leaving a headhaul area with a load and going into a backhaul area, the price has to be enough going there to make up for the low price of the backhaul. Think of it this way; the headhaul is subsidizing the backhaul. When leaving a backhaul market, you can’t afford to be super picky or you’ll force a layover on yourself that will cost you more money in the end. When hauling headhaul and backhaul loads it is important to always remember to manage the average of the backhaul/headhaul revenue instead of each load individually. Backhaul market areas in the United States are like magnets for inbound loads but can be slow for outbound loads. Areas like this include Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, North Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming. When you take a load into these states you should remember not to be too picky about what you haul out of these states. Try to avoid layovers whenever possible to save money. The guiding principle is to get out of there as fast as you can – preferably to a headhaul market area. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Often times experienced operations staff or sales staff are more than willing to spend a few minutes chatting about markets as you’re the one paying their salaries. Key words to pay attention to include: power lanes, hot spots, and headhaul and backhaul. Spending a little time learning and understanding the market areas in the country can help you come out in the black instead of the red.

Nobody likes to pay taxes. And there is no reason to pay more in taxes than you absolutely have to. As an owner-operator, you are in the unique position of being able to write off a portion of your income. The hardest part of getting those deductions is remembering to take them when it comes time to file your taxes. Keep these tips in mind so that you can make the most of your money. Keep Great Records Often people get caught up in the day-to-day activities of life. You forget to record mileage, business expenses, or any of the other little things that come up throughout the work day. Keeping accurate records can help you reduce your tax bill significantly. And that includes more than just those random supply purchases. Mileage can be written off. Many truck drivers understand they can’t write off the miles they drive their truck, but did you know that you can write off other miles? If you are driving your personal car to a meeting with your accountant, to gather supplies, or any other trip that has business intentions, those miles are deductible. Food and Entertainment are partially deductible and have special rules to follow. Any time you are on the road, you have the ability to write off the food you purchase (at least in part). Many drivers take the government allotted per diem deduction , which is currently 80% of $80 per day. Office supplies, items for your truck, and anything else needed for your business are deductible. Keep the receipt for every purchase you make. It’s easy to forget about those little $5 purchases, but they add up. Just stuff the receipts into an envelope or scan them digitally and send into ATBS with Camscanner . Invest in Yourself As a small business owner, you are in a great position to invest for retirement . Not only are IRA’s available, but there are also retirement savings plans specifically for those who are self-employed. SEP-IRA - A SEP-IRA has special rules attached to it, so if you have employees, make sure you understand them. If you are the only employee of your company, then you can contribute 25% of your income, or $52,000; whichever is less. SIMPLE IRA – If you are a single truck owner-operator, or your company has fewer than 10 employees, you can use a SIMPLE IRA. Your annual contributions are capped at $12,500 unless you are 50 and older when it’s increased to $15,000. Find a trusted financial advisor to help you determine which method of investing for retirement is best based on your income needs. There are many tax-friendly options out there, and every dollar you stash away for later can be deducted from your tax bill today. Invest in Others Donating to charities is not only a great way to help others, but also a great way to help yourself. There are millions of people out there that can’t provide for themselves or their families. Not only will donating to charity help your tax bill, but it will also help you feel better knowing that you are making a difference in the world. Just be sure to check with Charity Navigator before you donate to make sure your chosen charity is legit. Avoid Penalties Every year the IRS collects billions of dollars in penalties and interest because people file their taxes late. As a business owner, you can end up filing late even if you file on time. This is because you will need to file quarterly estimates throughout the year. By making sure your estimates are all in on time, and making sure that you are paying enough throughout the year, you can avoid penalties. It is one thing to pay your fair share of taxes; it’s a whole other thing to pay extra because you didn’t plan ahead. Final Thoughts An owner-operator is in a great position to write off far more of their expenses than a company driver. Even after paying the dreaded self-employment tax , most people are still further ahead being a business owner because of all the other deductions they can get. If you have not spent a couple of hours maximizing your taxes, do so today. Then when you file taxes next April, you can get your tax bill down as much as possible.