Category: express truck tax

GATS 2019 Trending Topics: AI in the World of Trucking

It’s no secret that AI is continuing to grow in today’s world.

With the rise of artificial intelligence comes the confusion and uncertainty that accompanies any unknown territory.

Because of that, this topic was a big focus for truck drivers at the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) this year.

If you couldn’t make GATS 2019, here’s what you missed regarding artificial intelligence in the world of trucking.

Artificial Intelligence and Trucking

GATS 2019

AI continues to be a big topic at GATS, with updates on how trucking technology will continue to affect American truck drivers.

Most of the fear surrounding AI comes with self-driving trucks, but those are still in their infancy.

More immediately, AI is making a positive impact on the trucking industry by increasing efficiency on the back end.

AI is also a great tool for decreasing error. Matt Bernstein, CEO of HubTran, points out, “Whenever you have manual processes, no matter how many checkers there are, there will be errors.”

Artificial intelligence plays a big role in reducing those errors for truck drivers.

GATS 2019 hosted a variety of different educational sessions addressing artificial intelligence, including a session titled “The Driver’s Role with Driverless Trucks”, featuring Pronto and Starsky Robotics.

Pronto brings to market safety systems designed for commercial trucking fleets.

Their Copilot products offer advanced adaptive cruise control, electronic steering and collision mitigation, and other innovative safety measures.

Starsky Robotics also works on autonomous strategies and has created technology that will handle the highway miles for commercial vehicles.

Trucking Technology

A report by MarketsandMarkets estimates that the AI market for transportation is projected to grow nearly 18% from 2017 – 2030.

With the rise of AI comes an increase in value for human skills.

GATS 2019 also focused on adding increased value and attention to things that are uniquely human.

As more jobs or activities become automated, people are freed from routine and predictable tasks.

Instead, they are challenged to manage new technologies and exercise greater critical thinking skills on a regular basis.

The Great American Truck Show hosted educational sessions focusing on the importance of these skills as well.

Growing AI in the trucking industry means continuing to grow human skills.
These skills include communication, empathy, trust, and judgment.

Staying Ahead With Your Trucking Business

Trucking technology can be a huge advantage if we let it.

Whether you’re a leased operator, owner-operator, or fleet manager, make the decision to use trucking technology to your advantage with a business management software.

TruckLogics is a trucking management software with features for managing dispatches, tracking income & expenses, scheduling maintenance, sending invoices, and so much more.

Just like ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork out of filing, our sister product TruckLogics is aimed at taking the paperwork out of trucking.

Trucking technology is a huge asset for saving time and money. Get started with a free 15-day trial today!

The Best Trucker Tips For Shifting Seasons

With hurricane season in full effect, it’s a crazy time to be on the roads.

The weather is shifting, so we put together some truck driver tips and a trucker survival kit to keep you safe.

Trucking industry safety has been a huge focus recently, as trucking is listed one of the most hazardous jobs.

Safety regulations for truck drivers are enforced, but many times, driving conditions or other drivers are the main issue.

Stay alert on the road.

Take note of these trucker tips and remain focused in any weather conditions. Remember, your life is more important than your job.

If you ever feel that you do not have complete control over your vehicle, pull off the road.

Trucker Safety in Every Season

Hurricane Season

Hurricane season always comes with tons of unknowns. Storms are hard to track, and weather reporters never seem to have a definite idea of what will happen.

Because of that, it’s important for truck drivers to carry emergency items with them to use in the event of a sudden storm.

Your truck driver survival kit should include water, nonperishable food, extra clothes, a reflective vest, hat, waterproof gloves, waterproof jacket, extra socks, and boots. Include an electric blanket if you have one.

Remember, if your nonperishable food includes canned food, bring a can opener.
Also, pack a utility knife, flashlight, batteries, portable charger, hand-crank radio, matches/lighter, first aid kit, portable heater, and extra fuel in your truck driver survival kit.

Basic Driving Safety Tips

Always pay attention to weather forecasts. Know what to expect before you get on the road.

If you do end up caught in a pop-up storm or tornado warning, slow down, turn your flashers on, and find shelter as soon as you can.

If you must pull off on the side of the road, be sure to pull far off, especially if visibility is low.

Never stop under a bridge or overpass, as they turn into wind tunnels during a storm and lots of debris will pass through them.

Trucker Safety

Above all else, your personal safety is most important. Be aware that safety regulations for truck drivers might not always be enough.

Exercise personal judgment. If you must abandon your truck or personal goods, do so.

As the seasons change, hurricanes, storms, snow, and more arrive, and driving safety is compromised. Be sure that your truck is in perfect working condition at all times.

Keep up with truck maintenance to stay compliant with safety regulations for truck drivers.

Remember, you can do this with TruckLogics, a trucking management solution for all of your trucking needs. Take the paperwork out of trucking and stay safe on the road. Take advantage of your free 15-day TruckLogics trial.

Did You Get a Letter From the IRS About HVUT 2290?

You thought you were done with the 2290 tax… until you received a letter from the IRS about non-payment.

If you filed sometime close to the 2290 tax due date, you might’ve received a notice from the IRS asking you to pay 2290.

If you already filed your heavy use tax form online and paid your 2290 tax, this can be frustrating and confusing. Don’t sweat it just yet.

Here’s what it means.

IRS Letter Regarding HVUT 2290

Why did I receive a letter?

This happens every year. It could mean you still need to pay 2290 tax, or, it could just be a side-effect of the high volume of returns that the IRS receives close to the Form 2290 due date.

Sometimes, IRS systems don’t communicate information very efficiently, especially when they’re overloaded with last-minute HVUT 2290 filers.

What Should I Do?

Most likely, the IRS will send you a follow-up letter in a few weeks telling you that the first letter was an error, but, before assuming, double-check that your 2290 tax amount was paid in full.

First, check to see how you chose to pay your heavy use tax to the IRS. Did you pay 2290 with a credit card, debit card, EFW, EFTPS, check, or money order?

If you chose EFW, or Electronic Funds Withdrawal, check your bank statement to ensure that the funds were successfully drafted from your account.

If they were, you’re all set! You paid HVUT 2290 tax successfully. However, if the amount hasn’t been removed, contact us. There may have been an error entering your account information.

Secondly, if you filed with ExpressTruckTax and chose to pay 2290 with a credit or debit card, make sure you made that payment separately. This payment would’ve been made outside of ExpressTruckTax through Official Payments after you completed your filing. 
If you forgot to pay your 2290 tax through Official Payments, do so as quickly as possible.

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help! If you have questions or concerns regarding your 2290 tax, contact our US-based team of experts here at ExpressTruckTax in Rock Hill, SC.

Simply call 704-234-6005 or email support@expresstrucktax.com.

If you still need to file HVUT 2290, click here. The Form 2290 due date was September 3, 2019, so you’ll want to file ASAP to avoid increased penalties.

Be sure to file even if you can’t make the full 2290 tax payment, as penalties will be reduced.

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.

Forgot to File IRS Form 2290? How to Avoid More Penalties

So, you forgot to file IRS 2290 before September 3rd, 2019.

You’ll want to file IRS Form 2290 now to avoid further penalties.

Luckily, you’ve come to the right place.

We’ll talk about what exactly happens when you miss the IRS Form 2290 deadline, and how to rectify the situation by filing IRS 2290 online.

Here are the IRS 2290 instructions for filing after the IRS 2290 deadline.

Filing IRS Form 2290 After The Deadline

IRS 2290 Penalties

If you still need to file your IRS Tax Form 2290, your penalty is 4.5% of your total HVUT 2290 amount, plus additional interest of 0.54% each month for up to 5 months.

If you already filed HVUT Form 2290 but have not paid your HVUT 2290 tax amount, your penalty is only 0.5% per month, plus the same interest of 0.54%.

You may be able to avoid these penalties if you attach an explanation of the reasonable cause for late filing to your HVUT Form 2290.

However, don’t count on it. File IRS Form 2290 ASAP to avoid further penalty, don’t just assume that your explanation will be accepted and take your time filing.

2290 Proof of Payment

You’ll also need to file HVUT Form 2290 quickly in order to stay compliant on the roads.

After you’ve filed IRS Form 2290, you’ll receive a 2290 proof of payment, which is essentially a receipt for your 2290 highway use tax.

You must take this document on the road with you for legal operation. Your 2290 proof of payment is also required for things like tag renewals, international travel, and more.

The sooner you file IRS Tax Form 2290 online, the sooner you’ll receive your 2290 proof of payment.

IRS 2290 Instructions For Filing IRS 2290 Online

Filing IRS 2290 online is simple. The IRS actually recommends online filing because of how efficient it is.

Here are the IRS 2290 instructions in 4 simple steps:

You cannot file IRS 2290 online from the IRS website, you must choose an IRS-authorized e-file provider.

That’s where ExpressTruckTax comes in.

ExpressTruckTax is the industry’s leading IRS-authorized provider, offering HVUT Form 2290 in a matter of minutes through secure, cloud-based software.

Plus, our 100% US-based team is here with you every step of the way, no automated phone service.

Simply create a free account, enter your information, undergo a free, instant error check, and transmit your HVUT Form 2290 to the IRS. It’s that simple.

Once you’ve filed your 2290 highway use tax, you’ll receive your 2290 proof of payment in minutes.

Get started now!

How to Spot Good Loads in Bad Markets

This blog was written by Chad Boblett for DAT. Boblett is the owner and driver of Boblett Brothers Trucking in Lexington, KY. He also founded the “Rate Per Mile Masters” group on Facebook.


I have been a spot market pirate for almost nine years. As a pirate, you want to get in and get the good stuff. This means I use lots of tools to know where the most demand is for the trailer I pull.

If you look at the entire Lower 48 states as a whole, then you will find that most of the time the market is not flooded with more loads than trucks, but you will find that there is always a good market somewhere. And it’s always changing. This is what makes the spot market scary and exciting.

DAT load boards provide the largest and most trusted digital marketplace for truckload freight.

I have seen a polar vortex, an election year, and the ELD mandate bring raise and lower the demand for trucks drastically. In the second half of this year, tariffs could be another intensifier, followed by the 2020 election year. Just because a lot of markets are slow now doesn’t mean they’ll stay that way. But it does make you have to work harder to find the good stuff.

The best strategy is for your destination to be a stronger market than where your truck is located now. There are two tricks for figuring this out.

Do a reverse load search for where you are now and where you want to go. Are there more loads coming in than going out of your destination market? If so, then these trucks will become empty and be your competition for your next load. In the DAT TruckersEdge dashboard, you can see the number of inbound loads versus outbound loads for every state.

Check the load-to-truck ratio. Pretend you are a guy going to a bar to talk to women – Do you want to go to a bar with a lot of dudes or would you like to be one of the few trucks in town that can take care of business. This is the way I look at the truck to load ratio numbers. I want a lot of loads with fewer trucks, and I use the Hot Market Maps in DAT Power to find those markets.

Last Day! How To File Form 2290 For 2019 On Time

It’s almost over. After today, you won’t have to worry about IRS 2290 filing for a whole year!

Hopefully, you’re already aware that today, September 3rd, 2019, is the deadline to file Form 2290 for 2019.

You’re cutting it close, but luckily, if you file online, you can have your 2290 Form 2019 filed by the end of the day.

Here are some last-minute Form 2290 instructions 2019 to guide you through the truck tax online filing process.

IRS Form 2290 for 2019

Tips for Filing IRS 2290 Fast

File IRS Form 2290 fast by having your information prepared before you start. The best way to reduce IRS 2290 penalties is by filing as soon as possible, which requires some information.

You’ll need:
–  Business Name & Address
–  EIN (Employer Identification Number)
–  VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
–  Gross Taxable Weight
–  Authorized Signatory Details

Remember, an EIN is required for filing Form 2290 2019, you can no longer use your social security number.

You’ll also want to double-check your VIN number to avoid delays. It should be 17 characters long, including both numbers and letters.

IRS Form 2290 Penalties

It’s critical that you file Form 2290 for 2019 by the end of the day to avoid heavy highway tax filing penalties.

If you file IRS 2290 or pay your HVUT after the 2290 deadline, you’ll face these penalties:
–  If you don’t file IRS Form 2290 for 2019 by the deadline, you’ll have to pay a penalty of 4.5% of the total HVUT 2290 tax amount due. This will increase monthly for up to 5 months.
–  If you don’t pay your heavy highway tax by the deadline, you’ll have to pay a penalty of 0.5% of your HVUT 2290 tax amount, with additional interest of 0.54% per month.
You may be able to avoid these Form 2290 2019 penalties if you can show the IRS reasonable cause for failing to file your IRS 2290 and pay your HVUT amount on time.

Filing Your Truck Tax Online

File Form 2290 for 2019 truck tax online with the leading IRS-authorized e-file provider, ExpressTruckTax.

You’ll be done filing 2290 Form 2019 in just minutes, and you’ll receive your stamped Schedule 1 shortly after.

Don’t make this process longer than it needs to be. The Form 2290 2019 deadline is already here.

ExpressTruckTax offers a quick solution for filing IRS Form 2290 for 2019 in no time.

Simply create a free ExpressTruckTax account, enter the information discussed above, undergo a free instant error check, and transmit your Form 2290 2019 to the IRS.

You’ll be done before you know it.
ExpressTruckTax will send you your stamped Schedule 1 within minutes of filing your heavy highway tax.
It’s that easy.

Why You Need to File Form 2290 for 2019 TODAY

The Form 2290 due date is getting close!

By now, there’s tons of content floating around about Form 2290 for 2019…

There are plenty of different providers offering promo codes for filling, and various articles containing IRS 2290 instructions.

So, what’s the truth? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about Form 2290 2019 to file successfully, avoid IRS penalties, and keep the money in your pocket.

The 101 On Form 2290 2019

What’s the Deal With the Form 2290 Due Date?

If you’ve been in the industry for a while, you’re probably used to the August 31st Form 2290 due date, but there’s another date being tossed around this year.

Because August 31, 2019 is a Saturday, and the following business day is Labor Day, the IRS will officially accept 2290 Form 2019 up until September 3, 2019.

Unfortunately, that extension doesn’t change the fact that the IRS and the postal office will be closed Monday, September 2nd.

Therefore, it is critical that you file your Form 2290 2019 TODAY.

Seriously, don’t put it off. Which brings me to… IRS penalties.

If you file after September, 3rd (which I hope you don’t), you’ll face a penalty of 4.5% of your Form 2290 2019 tax amount, with additional interest of 0.54% per month.

If you filed your Form 2290 for 2019 but did not pay your tax amount by the deadline, that penalty will be 0.5% of your total Form 2290 2019 tax amount, plus 0.54% interest per month.

You may avoid penalties if you include a reasonable explanation for filing IRS Form 2290 for 2019 after the 2290 due date, but don’t count on it.

What IRS 2290 Instructions do I Need to Start?

Filing is simple, but before you start, gather all the information you’ll need to file 2290 Form 2019. It’ll speed up your process.

Here’s how to know if you need to file:

You’ll need to file if your vehicle has a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more and is driven on public highways.

You can claim an exemption or suspension for your vehicle if it:
–  Was used 5,000 highway miles or less during the tax period

–  Is an agricultural vehicle and was used 7,500 miles or less during the tax period
–  Was stolen or destroyed during the tax period
–  Was sold during the tax period

Here’s what you need to file:

–  Your EIN (Employer Identification Number) –– NOT your Social Security Number
–  Your business name and its address
–  The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Hint: it’ll be 17 characters.
–  Authorized Signatory Details
–  Vehicle’s Gross Taxable Weight (how much it weighs when fully equipped for service, minus the weight of you and any loads).

Next, we’ll talk about how to file.

What’s the Fastest Way to File?

Now you’re probably wondering, “Ok, how can I get this sh*t over with??”

The fastest way to file Form 2290 for 2019 is online. The fastest way to file Form 2290 for 2019 without breaking the bank, however, is with ExpressTruckTax.

ExpressTruckTax is the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file provider, and for good reason.

Plus, we’re here to help.

Our Rock Hill, South Carolina based support team is here for you… Literally!

We’re in the office all day today, Saturday, August 31, to answer all of your questions!

Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (704) 234-6005.
Now get to it!!

Last Chance! File Your IRS 2290 Today

Before you start making plans for Labor Day weekend, don’t forget that your Form 2290 for 2019 is due September 3rd, 2019.

While you may be tempted to wait until the last minute, remember that the IRS will be closed for maintenance 8/31-9/2. File this week.

Plus, if anything were to happen and your IRS is rejected, you’ll need the extra time to make corrections.

It’s best to just act like the usual August 31st deadline is still in effect.

Here’s how to file IRS Form 2290 before your holiday weekend.

The Rundown on Form 2290 for 2019

Form 2290 Due Date

When is 2290 due? Let’s reiterate: This year’s Form 2290 due date has been pushed back to September 3rd, 2019.

The usual August 31st date falls on a weekend, and the following business day is a holiday – Labor Day.

Therefore, Tuesday, September 3rd, is the deadline.

I’ve heard plenty of people assume they’re too late and might as well just file later or paper file and accept the penalty.

There’s literally no reason to do that. Filing IRS Form 2290 online before the Form 2290 due date is quick and painless. Plus, it’s affordable.

You’ll save money and time – no negative side effects.

IRS Form 2290 Filing Tips

If you want to make IRS 2290 filing the most efficient process possible, gather your information first.

You’ll need your EIN, VIN, business information, vehicle’s gross taxable weight, authorized signatory details, and payment information.

Then, file IRS 2290 online with an IRS-authorized e-file provider, such as ExpressTruckTax, the industry leader.

Once you’ve created a free account, you’ll follow the simple steps of the ExpressTruckTax interview-style process, dedicated to making taxes easy.

You can even complete these steps on your cell phone.

Our system is dedicated to fitting IRS Form 2290 for 2019 into your busy life on the go.

If at any point you have questions or get stuck, simply call our 100% US-based, live customer support team located in Rock Hill, SC.

File 2290 Form 2019 on time. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

The Quickest Way to File

The IRS recommends online filing for quickness and ease of approval for Form 2290 for 2019.

Not only will filing online help the IRS accept your 2290 Form 2019 within a reasonable amount of time, but it will also ensure that you receive a copy of your Schedule 1 Form 2290 quickly.

When you file online with ExpressTruckTax, you’ll receive your Schedule 1 Form 2290 just minutes after filing your 2290 Form 2019 with the IRS.

Plus, you’ll have access to free VIN corrections and an instant error check, so you won’t have to worry about having to file IRS 2290 more than once.

Take a moment and get it done with ExpressTruckTax!

Our American Truckers: Introducing the Backbone of the US

Meet America’s trucking industry, the backbone of our country.

Consumers across the U.S. rely on truckers to deliver their goods each day, often without a second thought as to where they came from.

It’s time that changed.

The American truck driver is responsible for transporting over 70% of total domestic tonnage each year.

On top of that, the trucking industry employs 10 million people.

We’re opening the curtains. Welcome to the life of a truck driver.

The Life of a Truck Driver

The “Our American Truckers” Series

The “Our American Truckers” YouTube series was started in part to draw attention to truck drivers across the country.

As part of the trucking industry, we appreciate our drivers and want the rest of the world to do the same.

That’s why we’re working to draw back the curtain between American truckers and the consumers that rely on them.

Our first episode featured Billy Cagle, a Wadesboro, NC truck driver for the entertainment industry.

He talked about his introduction to the trucking industry and gave us a look at what his experience in the industry means to him.

This time, for Episode 2, we spoke to Kennith Farrell, owner of KF Trucking right here in Rock Hill, South Carolina to get his take on everything trucking.

The American Trucker

Farrell spoke about how the trucking industry has changed over the years and the increasing demand for American truck drivers.

“In America, without trucks,” he says, “we don’t have a country.”

 

He’s right. America’s economy thrives off of the transportation industry and relies on ground transport of goods to remain in action.

Farrell speaks on the ELD mandate, in particular, giving a personal insight on how ELD regulations directly affect drivers.

Stepping into the life of a truck driver changes your outlook on certain things that may look different from the outside.

Farrell explains why ELD regulations have changed the trucking industry and affected him personally. He also takes a moment to reminisce…

“I got into it… I actually drove when I was 18 years old. I worked for a company called King Provision with my uncle delivering to Burger Kings,” he remembers.


He didn’t think it’d be his career until his brother suggested that they invest in their own truck.

The rest is history.

Supporting the Trucking Industry

At ExpressTruckTax, we work tirelessly to support truck drivers in every way we can.

We understand that truck drivers are critical to our nation, which is why we try to make life simpler for you.

ExpressTruckTax takes the paperwork off your plate so that you can focus on serving our nation’s economy as best you can.

On top of that, you’ll always speak with a real, US-based team of people ready to help you when you need it.

We’re looking out for you.

And since we’re looking out… Have you filed IRS Form 2290 yet?

The deadline is September 3rd, 2019. Avoid IRS penalties – Get started now!

As the industry’s leading IRS-authorized e-file solution, we know how to save you time and money. We’ll have you done with filing in minutes.