Author: Santamarina Joseph

National Distracted Driving Month

Posted on April 24, 2014 by - American Trucking Association, National Distracted Driving Month, trucking news

April is National Distracted Driving Month! ExpressTruckTax would like to thank the entire trucking industry for educating drivers on staying focused. The American Trucking Association, along with America’s Road Team is urging motorists to put their cell phones away and focus on safe driving while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.

In 2012, more than 3,300 people were killed and another 421,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes. In order to reverse this trend, elite drivers are educating the motoring public on how to save lives while driving on our nations’ roads. 
*America’s Road Team Captains, professional truck drivers selected for their impressive driving records and commitment to safety, are educating motorists on the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving comes in many forms. It can include electronic distractions, like navigation systems and cell phones, or more conventional distractions, like interacting with passengers and eating. Here are the distracted driving stats & safety tips provided by the ATA:
Did You Know?

 – Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field completely blindfolded.

 – If you text while you’re behind the wheel, you’re 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver.

 – Talking on a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%

 – 41 states, the District of Columbia and Guam ban text messaging for all drivers

 – 12 states and the District of Columbia prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers.

 – Young people are especially at risk: In 2011, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.
Safety Tips:
  • Stay Focused – Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times. One small distraction can cause an accident.
  • Put Electronics Away – Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel. Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely.
  • Plan Your Trip – Plan your route ahead of time so you aren’t distracted looking at a map or navigation system. Pay attention to highway signs and traffic.
  • Be Aware of Blindspots – Trucks have large blindspots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.
  • Be a Good Passenger – Speak up if the driver in your car is distracted.
“Motorists need to take responsibility for safety as they navigate our roadways and keep their eyes on the road,” said America’s Road Team Captain – Eddie Weeks, a professional driver with AAA Cooper Transportation. “Putting cell phones away, planning your trip and keeping your eyes on the road will save lives.”
The America’s Road Team would like to remind the motoring public that from driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication. 
*The America’s Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. For more information visit: www.americaroadteam.com 

3 Ways To Pay Your IRS Form 2290 HVUT

Posted on April 22, 2014 by - Form 2290, HVUT, IRS payment options

When e-filing your IRS Form 2290 with ExpressTruckTax.com, for the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, you have 3 options for paying the tax. Before we get into the options, lets me start by saying you can not pay the IRS with a debit/credit card.

Here are the options the IRS does accept:

1. Electronic Funds Withdrawal (ETF) – The most popular option, you can choose to have the IRS payment taken directly from a bank account. You just enter in the routing number and bank account number. Just double check and make sure the numbers are correct before you transmit your return to the IRS. Hit that ctrl+ combination to zoom in, and go through those numbers carefully.  You will not be able to amend this error on your return after it has been accepted by the IRS.

2. Check/Money Order – This is great option if you are hesitant about using your bank routing and account number. The first option is more convenient, but some people still like doing things old school. If you choose this option, you will be emailed a payment voucher after you transmit your return to the IRS. Then all you will do is print out the payment voucher and mail it in with the check/money order. The voucher will have all the directions for what to put where. You want to have the check/money order in the mail as soon as possible, but no later than a week after transmitting the return. Make sure to hold on to the money order stub just in case you need to verify you sent the payment, always good to have some insurance.

3. Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) – An EFTPS account is a tax payment service provided by the US Dept of Treasury. You can enroll in this service for free and once you receive your credentials, you can pay any tax due to the IRS using this system. You will not choose this option if you do not have an EFTPS account set up beforehand. Visit EFTPS.gov for more info on setting up this type of account.

Each payment method is processed directly by the US Treasury. Regardless of the payment method you choose you still receive your Stamped Schedule 1 via email within minutes of your return being accepted by the IRS. This is because you have either paid or made an electronic promise to pay the taxes due. If your Stamped Schedule 1 is not showing up in your email, you can always log into your ExpressTruckTax.com account and access it on the Dashboard page.

If you have any questions about the options to pay the HVUT, give our US-based Express Truck Tax Support Team a call: 704.234.6005 or shoot us an email: support@expresstrucktax.com

If You Need More Time To File Your Income Taxes – E-file A Tax Extension

Posted on April 15, 2014 by - IRS Tax Deadline, Personal Tax Extension, tax extension

The deadline to file your Personal/Individual Tax Return with the IRS is Today! If that deadline just came out of nowhere, don’t worry there is a simple solution – e-file a tax extension. You can quickly extend your filing deadline for 6 months (to October 15) by e-filing IRS Form 4868 (personal tax extension) with our sister product – ExpressExtension.com.

ExpressExtension.com makes tax extensions easy with their simple and secure e-filing process. ExpressExtension is an IRS Authorized E-File Provider, serving the entire country. You can e-file Form 4868 in minutes and IRS confirmation is received immediately. With a streamlined design and user-friendly interface, ExpressExtension will walk you through each step of the process, and you can even e-file from any mobile device using their mobile site: m.expressextension.com 

What is needed to e-file a personal extension with ExpressExtension.com?
All you need to do is gather the personal data the IRS requires for you to e-file Form 4868, including: your name, address, & social security number. If you’re married and filing jointly, you’ll need the same information for your spouse. 
Who can e-file a tax extension?
Anyone can e-file a tax extension with the IRS, and you do not need to explain why. If you have any questions about e-filing a tax extension, all you have to do is call. Our US-based support team, located in Rock Hill, SC would be more than happy to assist, you can contact them via phone: 803.541.5155 or email: support@expressextension.com

Trucking News: NTSB Pushing For Blind Spot Systems, Trailer Guards And Better Data Collection

Posted on April 8, 2014 by - NTSB, truck regulations, trucking news

Overdrive Online posted new regulations the National Transportation Safety Board is pushing to have in place for new trucks. The NTSB is recommending that regulations be put in place to require new trucks to be equipped with systems to boost blind spot awareness, side and rear underride guards, and to require that better data be collected on trailers involved in crashes.

The NTSB made these recommendations last week to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a letter from outgoing NTSB Chair Debora Hersman, who requested NHTSA respond within 90 days:

  • To prevent accidents cause by blind spots – particularly those involving what NTSB calls “vulnerable road users,” pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists – NTSB recommends that tractor-trailers with a GVWR of more than 26,000 pounds “be equipped with visibility enhancement systems.”
  • To protect passenger car drivers in the event of side impact – which NTSB says made up 15% of fatal two-vehicle crashes between a truck and a passenger car in 2011 – NTSB recommends that NHTSA require new trailers to be equipped with “side underride protections systems” like guards to prevent “intrusion” into passenger vehicles from trailers. NTSB also recommends similar guards be required for trailer rears.
  • Lastly, NTSB made three recommendations about collection of trailer data:
             1) NHTSA add trailer VIN and model year to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System database
             2) Add a field to include trailer license plate numbers in the next edition of the Model Minimum                                                      Uniform Crash Criteria guideline
             3) Add a field to include trailer VIN numbers in the next edition of the Model Minimum Uniform                                                      Crash Criteria Guideline.

The NTSB’s recommendations are designed to prevent accidents and save lives. You can view the entire report sent by NTSB Chair Debora Hersman with detailed information about each recommendation.

Trucking Moves America Forward

Posted on April 3, 2014 by - OOIDA, Trucking Moves America Forward, trucking news

ExpressTruckTax was at MATS this past weekend where something new and exciting for the entire trucking industry was introduced. This “something new” did not come in a form or a truck or company but an industry-wide image and education campaign launched by a diverse group of trucking stakeholders.

Right off the bat it doesn’t sound that important, but the Trucking Moves America Forward (TMAF) campaign, introduced by OOIDA’s Todd Spencer on March 26th, is described to build an image of drivers – as a means to attract new workers to the industry and change negative public perception – as working professionals in an industry that plays a huge role in the U.S economy. (Hopefully this campaign will help the driver shortage)
Spencer, who was one of about five speakers in a lineup that also included 2 drivers, talked about the key points of the theory behind the campaign, but he also took a more pointed approach in his address, pushing the American driver as the most important piece of trucking’s puzzle.
Spencer ended with these words, “Those behind the wheel [are] clearly the most important people in trucking. Without them we are absolutely nothing and without them this industry doesn’t exist. If you want somebody to feel good about themselves and want them to make [driving] their future, give them a reason. Make them know they’re appreciated.”
TMAF Mission:
The TMAF mission is to establish a long-term industry-wide movement to create a positive image for the industry, to ensure policymakers and the public understand the importance of the trucking industry to the nation’s economy.
What TMAF does:
Every day, millions of trucks travel across the United States to help move America forward. Whether you are a student, mother, homeowner, doctor, business executive or politician, you depend on trucks to deliver essential foods, medicines, office supplies, computers, cribs, and other products that help you live every day. Most Americans don’t realize how essential trucks are to their lives until there is a severe weather or adverse condition that prevents trucks from delivering. But the fact is trucks are critical to our national and global economy, to our families, to our businesses, and so much more. When they stop moving, the country stops moving.
By telling the TMAF story – educating the public and working with policymakers at the state and federal level – we can ensure that the trucking industry remains the thriving industry it is today. 

Peterbilt’s 75th Anniversary Tour

Posted on April 1, 2014 by - Peterbilt, Peterbilt anniversary tour, trucking news

Today is the official kick off of Peterbilt’s Diamond Anniversary Tour at JX Peterbilt in Indianapolis. For more than 75 years, Peterbilt has been a preferred and trusted brand for drivers. Peterbilt’s new Model 579 Anniversary Edition and exhibition trailer will be touring the country, making stops at dealerships and industry events.

Peterbilt History:
Peterbilt was founded in 1939 by T.A. Peterman manufacturing specialized, heavy-duty trucks out of Oakland, Calif. Largely a regional brand in its early years, the company experienced steady growth, quickly going from producing dozens to hundreds of vehicles. The company was acquired by PACCAR Inc, then called Pacific Car & Foundry, in 1958, and the manufacturing was relocated to Newark, Calif. in 1960. That decade the company’s truck output, market share and distribution network grew significantly. Peterbilt opened a new, second plant in Madison, Tenn. in 1969 to meet demand and better serve its customers from coast to coast.

In 1980, a new manufacturing facility opened in Denton, Texas, a city where the company eventually consolidated its entire operations and is now its headquarters. Today, the state-of-the-art plant can produce more than 160 vehicles daily in numerous custom-built configurations for on-highway and vocational markets.

“Throughout its history, Peterbilt strove to serve the needs of customers with a diverse lineup of custom built trucks that served specific business and market needs,” said Landon Sproull, Peterbilt Chief Engineer. “Today our comprehensive offerings of Class 5-8 vehicles help our customers achieve success in the on-highway, vocational and medium duty markets. Our focus on designing vehicles with superior fuel efficiency, low maintenance requirements, leading longevity and unparalleled performance sets Peterbilt apart from the competition. It’s part of a proud tradition we carry on today stronger than ever.”

Sproull notes that Peterbilt’s two newest vehicles – the aerodynamic Model 579 and the vocational Model 567 – represent the company’s most rigorous, significant investment in product development in its 75 year history.

Limited Edition Model 579:
“It’s a truly unique tribute to both Peterbilt past and future,” said Robert Woodall, Peterbilt Director of Sales and Marketing. “It combines the Model 579’s advanced technologies, distinctive styling and state-of-the-art aerodynamics with numerous accents and detailing honoring the Original 1939 Peterbilt.”

The Model 579 Anniversary Edition tractor will be pulling a custom-built, double-expandable, 53-foot trailer with educational and entertaining displays. The museum is a converted trailer filled with displays, historic artifacts and interactive kiosks. The tour schedule includes 80 stops throughout the US and Canada, and will run into November.

ExpressTruckTax congratulates Peterbilt for 75 years of making the industry’s most iconic vehicles. Can’t wait for the tour to reach Charlotte July 14 at the Rush Peterbilt.

Deadline Reminder: Vehicles First Used In February

Posted on March 31, 2014 by - E-file from 2290, IRS 2290 Deadline, Vehicle first use month

Today is deadline to file IRS Form 2290 HVUT for vehicles first used in February. The amount will be prorated for just the months left in the 2013-2014 HVUT tax calendar.

What is the IRS Form 2290?
This form is used to figure and pay the tax due on a highway motor vehicle that is registered, or required to be registered, in your name under state, District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law, at the time of its first use during the tax period and the vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more.
What is required to E-file?
To e-file you need your business details – business name (sole proprietor can use their legal name) and address, Employer Identification Number (EIN), details of the authorized signatory. Please note: you must have an EIN to file Form 2290. If you do not have one yet, you can visit IRS Online EIN Application to apply for one.
You need the details of your vehicle – Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and Gross Weight of the vehicle.
If you choose to pay the IRS by direct debit, have the routing number and the account number ready. 
Once you transmit your 2290 to the IRS, you will receive your Stamped Schedule 1 within minutes. Your Stamped Schedule 1 is your receipt and proof of payments for your From 2290.
What if I can’t get to a computer to e-file?
If you are on the road and unable to get to a computer, you can create an account and e-file directly from your phone using our mobile site – http://m.expresstrucktax.com 
Your tax due will be prorated based on the number of months the vehicle will have been used during the current tax year. So vehicles that were put in service during the month of February will need to file IRS Form 2290 by midnight tonight, and the tax will be based on 5 months instead of the full year.  
For more information or to get started e-filing your 2290 today, visit ExpressTruckTax.com. If you have any questions contact our US-based Express Tax Support Center located in Rock Hill, SC via phone: 704.234.6005 email: support@expresstrucktax.com. We provide support in both English and Spanish.

ThrowBack Thursday: Mid America Trucking Show

Posted on March 26, 2014 by - MATS, Mid America Trucking Show, throwback Thursday

Happy Thursday Trucking Nation!
This is a very special day – it is the official kick off of the 43rd Annual Mid-America Trucking Show. ExpressTruckTax,  with sister products TSNA and (launching today) TruckLogics, have the proud honor of representing the best online services for truckers and trucking companies at the show.
Now, no Thursday would be complete without a proper throwback and we are going to do it Mid-America style – all the way back to 1972…

The Mid-America Trucking Show began in the early 1970’s, when a private management group was formed by Paul K. Young, to create the largest and most diversified trucking show in the United States of America. The first Mid-America Trucking Show was held in 1972 with 83 Exhibitors and 4000 visitors in attendance. The show occupied a portion of the West Wing of the original Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center

The 1st Mid America Trucking Show in 1972

From it’s humble beginnings in 1972 the Mid-America Trucking Show has grown to be the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world. MATS is more than a trade show. It is the annual forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals. Attendees can network with Fortune 500 companies and media outlets from around the world go to MATS to report on the business of trucking, and where trucking business gets done.

ExpressTruckTax will be at the show through the 29th. If you are going to MATS, make a pit stop by our booth # 72144 we love meeting our customers in person and getting great feedback. Stay tuned for more on the Mid America Trucking Show and follow our Facebook: ExpressTruckTax and Twitter: @expresstrucktax for updates throughout the show.

By Misty Bingham

Trucking Technology: What’s new for the tech savvy trucker?

Posted on March 24, 2014 by - infrared brake detection, New GPS, trucker technology

New Bluetooth options, GPS gadgets, and infrared faulty break detectors – Oh My! We are in a technology driven world and many companies are pulling out all the stops to keep up with the trucking industry. Now even if you are not the best tech wrangler, these new gadgets are super user friendly and provide a great bang for your hard earned buck.

New Bluetooth Options
Who doesn’t love Bluetooth. Since hand-held cell phone use by commercial drivers has been banned, Bluetooth turned into a great option for drivers who need to stay connected. There is a Bluetooth for everyone and here are some of the latest and greatest options:

Aliph Jawbone Era – It’s the first Bluetooth headset with an accelerometer and dedicated applications processor, which could turn into anything from a game controller to a pedometer, or a navigation unit. –Crazy what they can come up with, uh? – Reviews do show mixed results on sound quality, so that is something to look into before purchasing, but it is a nifty little gizmo that has a wide rage of usage.


Plantronics Voyager Legend – If you don’t mind a bigger headset – which usually stay in place better – the Voyager Legend is a great option to consider. It is an evolution on an award-winning design that works well for commercial drivers because it has amazing sound quality. Reviews have been extremely positive on the sound quality and people love the magnetic charging connector to help save battery life. This latest model features improved hardware controls that are really easy to find and use.

Motorola Roadster 2 – First – Love the name, really appeals to the inner racer in us all. This option is great if you do not want a flashing Bluetooth in your ear. It is a hands-free device – always a good option when on the road – that clips right to the visor of your truck. It has a FM transmitter that allows you to broadcast calls, music, and apps to your stereo speakers. The sound quality is very clear and this Bluetooth received high rating for ease of use.

New GPS Option
Rand McNally has released their 3rd generation Truck GPS – Rand McNally TND 720 LM IntelliRoute. This new updated version was created via driver request. The 720 allows you to input your truck specific information to help ease the driving. It comes with a few Wi-Fi connected services with no subscription costs – weather, fuel prices, and local search. Some of the truck-friendly features include:

    Route comparisons – there is almost always more than 1 way to somewhere and the route comparison allows you to weigh your options.

    Lifetime Maps
    Millions of Points of Interests
    State Mileage and Fuel Logs – Great for IFTA
    Driving Timers

    Now what was that you said about Infrared Faulty-Brake Detection?
    The Washington State Police and the Washington DOT have launched a program that detects faulty brakes on trucks through the use of infrared technology. Here’s how it works:

      Trucks drive over embedded cameras at the DuPont, Washington weigh station. The cameras use thermography to assess the condition of the breaks. If the brakes are working, a red color is indicated on the controller’s computer screen. If the brakes are not good, a blue color is indicated.

        Washington is the only state to utilize this brake-checking technology.

        Technology will never stop improving and the right technology is an invaluable asset to the trucking industry. Bluetooth is great when needing to stay in constant communication, just remember to keep distractions to a minimum so you are safer on the road. For GPS updates, we are always looking for the latest and greatest, one of the big features we will be looking out for is automatic IFTA uploads –wouldn’t that simplify your IFTA return. And if you are ever in Washington state and hit the DuPont weigh station, your truck is being scanned by the most innovative brake checking technology. Stay safe out there, over and out.

        Trucking Industry: Ryder Partners With Women In Trucking Association

        Posted on March 20, 2014 by - Ryder, Spring, Women In Trucking Association


         It’s the first day of Spring
        so let your engines sing
        roll your windows down
        and feel the breeze as you drive through town
        the days are finally bright
        bringing the flowers in the median to light
        take in all the open road’s amazing view
        Spring has sprung just for you

        Happy Thursday to the entire Trucking Nation – it is officially Spring. Some places may still be feeling the cold shoulder of nature, but do not fret warmer weather is on its way.

        There is a lot going on in the trucking industry for Spring, but Women In Trucking Association is making a big impact.

        Ryder is introducing female-friendly trucks to its fleet based on recommendations from Women in Trucking (WIT), to encourage more women drivers to join the ranks of fellow truckers. It isn’t new that there is a driver shortage within the trucking industry and more and more women drivers are taking to the road.

        Scott Perry – VP, Purchasing and Supply Management of Ryder System, Inc.- says, “It’s important for manufacturers to take women’s needs into consideration when designing and specifying new vehicles, and we are encouraging all of our major suppliers to do so.”

        What is to be considered when designing and specifying new vehicles with women’s needs?
        WIT and Dr. Jeanette Kersten – Assistant Professor of Operations and Management Department for the College of Management at the University of Wisconsin-Stout in Menomonie, Wisconsin – whew how do they fit that title on a business card, anyway…

        The study Dr. Kersten and her graduate students developed explains, that the average female driver is six inches shorter and 50 lbs lighter than the average male driver, so some female drivers have challenges with setting their seats for easy access to the pedals, maximum visibility of the gauges and mirrors and with regard to cab accessibility, such as getting into their trucks. According to their study, women are more prone to slips, trips and falls because steps and handrails are placed in locations designed for men. Changing handrail placements and adjusting the seat settings are simple design specifications truck manufacturers can implement to create a safer environment for women in trucking.

        Scott Perry says, “ Many of the same design changes will also support the needs of men who are smaller in stature, as well as the growing population of aged male drivers. With the current industry-wide shortage of professional drivers, this is a strategic initiative that can have far-reaching implications for truck fleets.”

        To sum it up…
        Ellen Voie, CEO of Women In Trucking provides the perfect words to sum up what Ryder is trying to accomplish, and hopefully more truck manufacturers will follow, “There are close to 200,000 women truck drivers, and that number is steadily growing. Having Ryder’s support, particularly given their strong relationships with top vehicle manufacturers, represents a significant step forward to help the industry attract more female drivers and improve the work environment for the thousands of women who’ve already established careers as professional drivers.”