Trucking Software for Owner Operators: Just One Tool for Success
Trucking software for owner operators is a must-have for modern transportation professionals. If you’re a company driver, or just someone interested in becoming a trucker, then now is a great time to join the ranks of self-employed truckers. Before you take the leap,...Implementing an Electronic Driver Logbook? 5 Things to Know
There’s a lot to think about when implementing an electronic driver logbook. Here are five factors to take into consideration:An electronic driver logbook makes dispatchers and load planners partially responsible for moving violations, since the devices involve them...Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky
There’s nothing like a good truck show. Look the new show trucks, walk around the miles of displays about products and catching up with old friends – is there a better way to spend a weekend? I always enjoy going to the truck shows, not just to promote TruckingOffice...Owner Operator Organization Tips
As an owner operator, you’re responsible for all of your paperwork and compliance to all the laws. I found I could get snowed under really quickly if I didn’t take care of my paperwork. If I didn’t do it after every load, I at least had to do it...
How to File Amended IFTA Reports
A wise man once said “to err is human.” That’s certainly true when it comes to IFTA reports. Sometimes it’s necessary to file amendments to previous year’s returns. Here is a look at what you’ll need in order to do so. NOTE: these procedures will vary somewhat from...Did I Make Money or Not?
When I started my trucking career as an owner/operator, I worked on the accounting system that made sense to me. If the money was in my bank, then I was good. I never counted my billable income until it was in my pocket. This is called the Cash Accounting Method....
IRP State Mileage Report
Once a year, every truck has to get a new license plate. If you’re an owner-operator with a single vehicle, it’s an annual expense that you have some time to prepare for. But the paperwork headache is still a bear. For the small fleet owner or manager, this can be...Trucking Industry Trends for November 2014
Technology continues to drive new trucking industry trends as 2014 draws to a close. For tomorrow’s truckers, this holds the promise of trucks that are more comfortable and easier to drive. For fleet owners and managers, the new methods promise fuel savings and...IFTA Failure – What Happens If You Don’t File
What happens if you don’t file the IFTA? There are those people who think they can beat the system. Avoiding government scrutiny becomes a game for them. The IFTA is not a game you want to play. The consequences to not filing start at mildly annoying and move...This Quarter, How Are You Filing Your IFTA?
Is this your IFTA Filing? October 1 8:00 a.m. Swear that this quarter, the IFTA filing is going to be better. 8:20 a.m. Look for all of the log books and fuel receipts for the 3rd quarter. 8:39 a.m. Find a stack of log books, an opened purple envelope with a Spanish...Auditing the Driver Logbook: Preventing Future Problems
After auditing a driver logbook, you may find everything to be in perfect order. If that’s the case, then thank your lucky stars. It’s more likely, however, that you’ll find at least a few causes for concern. In some cases, you may even discover some very shocking...5 Benefits of Dispatch Software for Trucking Business Owners
Let’s face it – it’s not fun being the pencil-pushing, jacket-and-tie type. Being that kind of businessperson is rarely interesting. That’s probably one reason why you got into trucking in the first place. You love the adventure and excitement of being on the road and...See How Easily Truck Maintenance Can Save You Money – Free!
Joe sits at his desk and looks at the piles of truck maintenance records his shop boss just handed him. In here somewhere is a receipt for the water pump that he was sure he’s paid for last month – one that was costing Joe an arm and a leg as the truck...Metrics that Make You Money – The Numbers You Must Watch
In the trucking industry, the key numbers to watch are your metrics – your revenues, expenses and profits. Everyone understands that. But in the trucking industry, everything is done in a per mile basis, so when customers ask us to haul loads, we’re always trying to...Self-Auditing the Driver Logbook: What to Look for After a Wreck
One of the main reasons for self-auditing a driver logbook is to catch bad habits before they turn into fines, tickets, or even accidents. Despite your best efforts, though, sometimes bad things happen anyway. So, in this post, let’s look at what you should do if...We’ve got your new tax guy!
Can you believe it’s tax time again? Are you sick of over-paying your income taxes year after stinkin’ year? And are you REALLY tired of listening to the driver in the next booth at the truckstop tell his friend how little he’s paying in taxes — and you KNOW...Tax Cutting Improves Profits
Greetings, TruckingOffice members, and Happy Tax Cutting! We are proud and privileged to be a member of the TruckingOffice Family and we’re excited about getting to share these tax-cutting ideas with you over the next few weeks. Our first priority is to keep as...Are Your Trucks Ready For Winter?
We got our first snow on the ground today in Canton, Ohio. Winter always has a way of creeping up on us. Are your trucks ready for winter? Here’s a list of a few things that you should check on your trucks before it gets really cold. Check your anti-freeze in...How to Run a Successful Trucking Company: Part 7—Handling IFTA Forms
Part of knowing how to run a successful trucking company is being familiar with the Interstate Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA). In this post we’re doing a Q & A on the most common questions drivers have about the agreement. Q; How do I know if I need to file an IFTA...Fuel Tax Software That Works With You, Not Against You
It’s the end of the quarter and you’re sitting at your desk or kitchen table with a huge pile of fuel receipts, a pen and paper, and a cup of coffee to keep you going. Hours later you’re still sitting there, wired from the coffee but exhausted from lack of sleep,...
How to Run a Successful Trucking Company—Part 4: Simplify Your System
Running a trucking company is, in many ways, very much like running any other type of business, even a multi-billion dollar corporation. All firms have clients, bills, receivables, assets, goals, and daily tasks to complete. The key to handling these...Getting the Most Out of Transportation Management Software
Professional driving has never been an easy way to make a living. There are tight schedules, irregular hours, bad food, and packed traffic to deal with, not to mention the many other occasional hassles. One thing that has made it easier, though, is transportation...Expense Reports Software Simplifies Your Life
One of the most common mistakes businesses make is confusing revenue with profit. It’s all-too-easy to do. A big settlement from a client comes in and all of the sudden you remember that fishing rod, stereo component, or item of clothing you’ve had your eye on for a...Fleet Maintenance Software: What the Inspector Looks For
Fleet maintenance software is essential for today’s trucking owners and operators. It helps you keep your rig in top shape at all times, saving you both costly fines and big repair bills. While we’re on the subject of “costly fines,” though, let’s talk a bit about...
How to Make Your Trucking Company Successful: Part 1 – Maintenance
Whether your trucking company has one truck or one thousand, you’ll have much fewer hassles and much more profit if you invest in preventative maintenance for your fleet. However, there’s far more to maintaining a rig than just talking about it. Proper maintenance...How to Choose a Tax Preparer for Truckers
Think – Who did your income taxes last year? Did they give you good service? Were you happy with the result? Did they even KNOW trucker taxes? Over a year ago, the TruckingOffice team made a commitment to go beyond simply providing the very best bookkeeping and record...Our IFTA Software Can Help You Survive an Audit
No one enjoys paying taxes; that’s something we can all agree on. However, as Benjamin Franklin said, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”—they’re an inevitable part of life. But our IFTA software can minimize the chances that you...How Trucking Management Software Can Help You
Whether you’re an independent owner/operator or have a fleet of trucks, you have plenty of responsibilities that company drivers never have to fool with. Whether it’s making sure that your trailers are properly maintained or keeping Uncle Sam happy, you certainly...How Our IFTA Software Helps You Succeed
If you’re a little confused about how to figure your Interstate Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) payments, then you’re far from alone. Even the publications that the government puts out to “help” with the process make it clear how easy it is to make costly mistakes. For...How To Find Affordable Individual Health Insurance
Running a truck broker business is a fantastic way to earn an excellent income, as well as enjoy flexible hours and the convenience of working from home. As with everything in life there are some tradeoffs, of course. One problem that many self-employed people run...How to Deal With an Angry Customer in 9 Easy Steps
Success as a truck broker involves learning some basic business skills, and one of the most important ones is knowing how to deal with an angry customer. So here are some tips for what to do when this situation comes along: 1. Don’t take it personal – Most of the time...How Federal DOT Regulations Affect Safety
Federal DOT regulations require that trucking company owners have a program to inspect and maintain every truck in their fleet, whether they have one or 1,000. Understanding what’s expected is an important part of running a successful business. Here’s what the DOT...
IFTA Reports: The Basics
October 31 is coming up fast. Don’t forget to file your IFTA report! Here’s a basic rundown of what they are, how to file, and how to make it easier. How to File Your IFTA Report 1. To put it simply, the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) is a pact between the...6 Home Office Organization Ideas for Truck Brokers
Working as a freight broker can be very rewarding; in addition to the opportunity to earn excellent pay, there are perks like setting your own schedule and, if you choose, working out of your home. But, unless you’re a naturally organized person (and how many of us...
Truck Driver Health Issues and How to Avoid Them
Truck driving has a lot going for it; the pay can be good, and there’s nothing like the freedom of the open road. It does have its drawbacks, however. Being stuck in a cab for hours on end, eating fatty foods, and enduring periods of loneliness can all take a toll on...Trucking Industry Trends
Here’s a question for you: what do your clothes, your soap, your car, your computer, and your sofa have in common? Answer: all of them were delivered by truck to the stores where you purchased them. Virtually everything you’ll find for sale is transported by...
Understanding IFTA Fuel Tax Forms
The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) was established for two reasons. One, to make it easier and more efficient for motor carriers who operate in multiple states or jurisdictions to report their fuel use. Secondarily to help them pay the appropriate fuel taxes....
Tips for Your FMCSA Compliance Review
Although acing a FMCSA compliance review is not totally possible, these reviews are easier if trucking company owners and managers are fully prepared. The purpose of these reviews is to keep roadways safe by making sure drivers and trucks are competent. Therefore, the...Trucking Fleet Maintenance Software: 5 Priciest Things to Maintain
Over time, the five most expensive truck costs are fuel, tires, brakes, batteries and oil changes. Trucking fleet maintenance software helps owners and companies keep up with routine maintenance, reduce costs and increase profits. Although this might not be a major...Free Load Profit Calculator for Truckers
How To Get Your Own Trucking Authority
Get Your Own Trucking Authority
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