Category: american trucking

Operation Safe Driver Week: What You Need To Know!

What is Operation Safe Driver Week?

Life moves by fast, but next week it might be a good idea to not drive like it does! July 11th-17th this year is the CVSA’s annual ‘Operation Safe Driver Week’ and the focus this year is on speeding, which has been the number one driver-related factor in fatal crashes on highways for years.

For those of you who are not familiar with the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) or their annual week dedicated to driver’s safety, then this information might save you from an unwanted traffic stop!

From July 11-17, law enforcement officers will be on the lookout for any potentially dangerous driving behavior. Make sure that, during this week especially, you are extra cautious and aware of your speedometer. Although this won’t be the only thing police will be looking at to enforce, your speed will be high on their radar!

If any trucker is seen engaging in unsafe behaviors (speeding, distracted driving, etc.), they will be pulled over by law enforcement and may be issued a warning or a citation. During ‘Operation Safe Driver Week’ in 2020, police observed 66,421 drivers engaging in unsafe behaviors and issued 71,343 warnings/citations.

Why is This Week Important?

This annual program is only a week-long campaign and is supposed to decrease wrecks that are caused by unsafe driving behaviors. 

According to the National Safety Council’s preliminary estimates, in 2020, traffic deaths increased by 24% over the previous year, even though the miles driven dropped by 13%. These statistics are based on all vehicles that used public roads, not just truckers. As a result of this, the CVSA took it upon themselves to educate as many drivers as they can, regardless of the size and amount of axles on a driver’s vehicle. 

The CVSA is in partnership with the Federal Motor Safety Administration and to provide more resources during ‘Operation Safe Driver week’. They believe that the more educated all drivers are about road safety, the less wrecks that will occur. Be especially aware of your speed and partake in safe driving habits July 11th-17th.

Want More Information?

 For more information about ‘Operation Safe Driver Week’ or to find enforcement events in your area, go to https://www.cvsa.org/ or contact the department in charge of overseeing commercial motor vehicle safety in your area!

A World Without Truckers? The Importance of Trucking in the US

In the United States, trucking is a $700 billion industry.

Surrounding this billion-dollar industry is a billion-dollar question: Where would we be without truckers?

Well, as consumers, we’d be without most of the things we rely on every day. America, as a whole, would struggle immensely.

In honor of National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, let’s take a closer look at American trucking.

Without Trucks, America Loses

American Trucking

It’s no secret that our country is hugely dependent on truckers. The numbers prove this fact – truckers move 71% of America’s freight, and the trucking industry accounts for 6% of full-time jobs.

In 2017 alone, trucks transported 10.8 billion tons of freight across the country.

If long-haul truckers stopped driving, grocery stores would run out of food in just 3 days.

In addition, the average professional long-haul trucker logs more than 100,000 miles each year.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2019

Driver Appreciation Week is officially in full swing!

This year, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week takes place September 8-14, 2019.

Throughout the rest of the week, there will continue to be deals for truckers across the country.

Check out our latest blog to find the best National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2019 deals, and tips for picking the perfect trucking gift.
At ExpressTruckTax, we understand the amount of work truckers put into their careers, and the huge role they play in the American economy.

This week is no different.

We’ll be here every week, whether it’s Driver Appreciation Week or not, to help you.

Today, we’ve got some tips for owner-operators, fleet managers, and leased operators and their trucking businesses.

Growing Your Trucking Business

Success in American trucking is tricky.

There are plenty of deadlines and regulations to remember. At ExpressTruckTax, we work daily to take the paperwork out of trucking.

The biggest trucking tip we can give you is to stay organized and up-to-date with your information and taxes.

Our sister product, TruckLogics, was created to help you do just that.

TruckLogics is a cloud-based trucking business management software designed to make trucking easy for you.

Owner-operators can manage their entire business in one place by tracking income & expenses, managing dispatches, scheduling maintenance, sending invoices, and more.

Leased operators can use TruckLogics to streamline recordkeeping by tracking income, running profit & loss reports, recording maintenance & trip details, and more.

Plus, truck drivers can outsource certain processes, thanks to the Multi-User Login feature.

No matter what part of the trucking industry you are in, TruckLogics is here to help you succeed.

In terms of meeting tax deadlines, make sure you’ve submitted your IRS Form 2290! If you missed the 2290 due date, you’ll still need to file.

File IRS 2290 ASAP to avoid further penalties. ExpressTruckTax is here to get you in and out in minutes.

Where Would The United States Be Without Truck Drivers?

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week 2018 is this week September 9th -15th. ExpressTruckTax would like to thank all those within the industry for continuing to move America forward each day. However, much of the general public doesn’t realize how important truck drivers are in their lives. We tend to take our daily necessities and luxuries for granted when we don’t see the process. If truck drivers stopped working, the impact on our lives and our economy would be disastrous. So today we are answering the question of “Where Would The United States Be Without Truck Drivers?

Where Would The United States Be Without Truck Drivers?

Driver Appreciation Week 2018 Gift Ideas They Will Love

Driver Appreciation Week 2018 Gift Ideas They Will Love

If you are reading this blog, you are most likely a truck driver yourself or friend/family member of someone in the industry. You already know that truck drivers are among the hardest-working individuals, committing their life to tackle one of the toughest jobs in America. Without them, we would be unable to enjoy most of the convenient comforts we have come to expect. So, with National Driver Appreciation Week pulling up fast, you are likely looking for ways to treat yourself or honor your valued road warrior. While we can’t ever thank them enough for stocking our grocery shelves and so much more, here are a few Driver Appreciation Week 2018 gift ideas they will love.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Gift Ideas

1. Heavy Duty Phone Case

Working as a truck driver can be rough, and it’s a long way from the cab to the concrete. So a quality phone case is a must-have for any trucker.

2. AC/DC Power Inverter

Being able to plug in everyday appliances like a TV, microwave, or video game is essential for anyone away from home for days or even weeks at a time. Now your driver can have some of the conveniences of home while on the road.

3. Audiobooks

Sometimes you need a good book to keep you occupied while on a long haul. If your trucker is a reader, you should consider getting him or her an Audible subscription. They offer thousands of titles from any genre imaginable. There is no way your driver won’t find something to enjoy.

4. Sirius Radio Subscription

If your trucker is more of a music buff, then I would recommend a Sirius Radio subscription, because let’s be honest there is nothing better than driving along with your favorite tunes. They offer several packages to choose from including sports, racing, and news. No more having to find local radio stations or constantly listen to the same old songs from their iPod.

5. Hotel Voucher

This is a great way to treat your driver, especially if they are on the road. After a long and stressful day, they get to enjoy a big bed, private shower, wifi, and cable TV.

However, you will need to do your research and consider a lot of details before choosing a hotel. This gesture can quickly turn into a nightmare for your favorite trucker.

  • Biggie: Do they allow truck parking?
  • The hotel should be a national chain or have several locations in the region in which your loved one performs their hauls.
  • Check out online reviews and the experience of fellow truckers.
  • The hotel needs to be located near a major interstate and highway.
  • Do they allow pets? (If they have a dog with them on the road)

6. Restaurant or Truck Stop Gift Card

A delicious warm meal at a nice sit-down restaurant could just be the thing to turn a rough day around. Even an ice cold drink or snack can help your driver get back on the road in higher spirits. Just remember when you are choosing a truck stop or restaurant that it should be an established chain with truck parking available.

7. Shower Duffel Bag

It might sound like a super simple gift, but your trucker will really appreciate it. Pick up a solid color duffle bag with metal zippers because it is higher quality and will last longer. Throw in a big fluffy towel, shampoo, conditioner, their favorite wash (if your trucker likes bar soap get a travel case), deodorant, toothpaste, a new toothbrush, and a pair of shower sandals.

8. Seat Cushion or Massage Insert

Trucking driving is hard on the body, and a seat cushion and/or massage cushion is perfect for relieving some of the stress. Your trucker can get a massage to ease some of the pain and soreness they get from his long days on the road.

9. Home Cooked Meal

Driver Appreciation Week 2018 Gift Ideas They Will Love

If your trucking friend or family member has a mini fridge and access to a microwave, you might consider making a delicious home cooked meal for them to take on the road. This is a great way to remind them of home when they ’re on the road. Besides, let’s face it, home cooking is always better than what’s available on the road.

10. Mobile Air Purifier

Do they suffer from seasonal allergies? Get your driver a 12-volt air purifier that plugs right into the cigarette lighter. This little device will eliminate dust, odors, pollen, and smoke! This is an inexpensive and thoughtful gift that will help them on a daily basis.

ExpressTruckTax Appreciates You, Drivers!

We appreciate everyone in the trucking industry, so much so that we say thanks to drivers year round. One week isn’t enough time to acknowledge what you do.

Please share your thoughts on trucker appreciation in the comment section and click here for more trucking blogs.