Category: OOIDA

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

Posted on July 12, 2019 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 filing, i 80 truck jamboree, i 80 truckers jamboree, keeptruckin, OOIDA, truck driver, truck stop, truck transport, truckers jamboree, walcott jamboree

It’s been a busy summer with many miles under your belt, and many more to go, but if you find yourself passing through Iowa then the time is NOW to take a load off at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree!

To ensure that we “Keep America Trucking” it is important to stay energized while on the road and take a well-deserved break when needed.

Come celebrate with dozens of customized rigs and hundreds of fellow American truckers at the “World’s Largest Truckstop.”

Here’s what you need to know about the 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree if you’re attending this year or plan to attend in the future.

What You Need To Know About The 40th Annual I-80 Trucker Jamboree

The 40th Annual Walcott Trucker Jamboree is currently underway and ends on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Held at the Iowa 80 TruckStop, Interstate 80 Exit 284, in Walcott, Iowa, you can conveniently stop by and enjoy free concerts, fireworks, and of course everything trucking.

This three-day event will also include a Super Truck Beauty Contest, an Iowa pork chop cookout, an antique truck display, more than 175 exhibits, two fireworks shows, and a Trucker Olympics.

This event goes all the way back to 1979 and is still going strong as a great place to celebrate the American trucker and learn about the trucking industry. While this event is a good time and an educational experience, at the end of the day, it is a way to thank you (the truckers of America) for all that you do to keep America trucking.

If you find yourself elsewhere in the country and can’t make it, you should still put the Iowa 80 Truckstop on your list of places to visit! 

It is not only the largest truck stop in the world, it practically has everything a trucker on the road could ask for. They even have a 24-hour Dogomat where you can get your travel buddy groomed and ready to hit the road.

You can also get a haircut, go to the dentist, watch a movie, and so much more all from this one truck stop.

I-80 Trucker Jamboree Parking and Admission

Great news! Parking and admission is FREE at the I-80 Trucker Jamboree! There will be tons of exhibitions for you to visit and learn about what they do for the trucking industry. You can even relax and enjoy an evening of free country music concerts.

However, when you hop back in the saddle on Sunday don’t forget your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is hurtling at us at full speed. Complete your Form 2290 filing with the 100% US-based industry leader, ExpressTruckTax.

All you have to do is spend less than 10 minutes following our simple step-by-step filing guide to transmit your forms directly to the IRS and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes!

Need some help? Our 100% US-based bilingual support team is available to answer all of your questions via live chat, phone, and email.

Start My Form 2290 Filing

What Massive Collision Is Haunting The US Senate and House?

Posted on April 16, 2019 by - ATA, department of transportation, expresstrucktax, National Transportation Safety Board, OOIDA, Override Crash, Side Underride Guards, STOP Underrides Act, Todd Spencer, Underguards

Since 2017 companion bipartisan bills regarding the use of under-ride guards for road safety have been introduced. In March 2019 the idea was reintroduced and quickly dismissed by ATA and OOIDA. ATA stated that ‘the government should focus more on crash avoidance technologies and
strategies than expensive and unproven collision mitigation equipment.”

The U.S Senate and House have proposed these bills in remembrance of the thousands of victims of under-ride crashes and at the recommendation of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

In a recent press release announcing the bill, Representative Mark DeSaulnie (D-CA) stated that at least 300 victims are killed each year from under-ride crashes.

As of now, trailer rear guards (DOT bumpers) are required by law, but the bill’s sponsors say that the current standards are outdated. In rebuttal to this claim OOIDA President, Todd Spencer noted ‘we agree that the underride guards on the back of trailers could be improved, but the proposals as written go too far in broadly, retroactively requiring them on all trucks and trailers. His final statement was that trucking is a diverse industry and attaching side under-ride guards is not a simple task to require them to be attached on all equipment.

The indifference over the topic between the House and Senate versus trucking advocates could essentially go on and on, however, it is okay to assume that everyone wants the same thing which is safer roads. There is no trucker who would want to be a part of a tragic under-ride crash and there is no just-lawmaker who would feel content with having the opportunity to do something and remain silent and out of the conversation.

A Cause With A Name

The Stop Underrides Act, S. 2219, formally known as the Roya, AnnaLeah, and Mary Comprehensive Underride Protection Act of 2017 (RAMCUP Act of 2017), was created in memory of 3 lives lost due to underride crashes. The 3 victims mothers, Marianne Karth, and Lois Durso originally drafted the bill in hopes to prevent under-ride crashes everywhere.

Lois Durso, mother of 26-year old Roya, who lost her life in 2004 recently told reporters, “it is not the crash that kills, it’s the underride. If you can prevent the under-ride, there’s a chance the vehicle occupants will survive.”

The Opposition

Although companion bills have been drafted since 2017, the study to extend underride protection has been going on since 1969 by the Department of Transportation. That is roughly 15,000 deaths that could have been prevented. The U.S Senate and House do not have to rely on the ATA or the OOIDA to make side under-ride guards a requirement, but there are other methods that can help in preventing under-ride crashes.

According to Marianne Karth opposition has come from the trucking industry since 1977 by both manufacturers and haulers. These two parties back their opposition with wanting to see the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) provide automobiles with capabilities to prevent cars from crashing into trucks.

Karth, as well as other side under-ride guard advocates, commend 4 major trailer manufacturers for their progress to install guards, and also nods the individuals and representatives from the trucking industry involved in her Under-ride Roundtable.

Although those select manufacturers are praised for making progress, Karth has mentioned several times on her blog, dedicated to her two daughters, AnnaLeah and Mary, that she will not give up the fight to seek further action.

Saving someone else from experiencing what both Durso and Karth are going through is the overall goal. Contrary to what ATA and OOIDA believe the requirements these two grieving mothers and lawmakers are hoping to put into place is not designed to cost those in the industry more money.

The requirement is in hopes that lives will be saved and tragic under-rides will cease. To find out more about the tragedies that have sparked this bill, or see how you can help visit http://annaleahmary.com or https://stopunderrides.org.

5 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Posted on September 20, 2018 by - deadly roads, driving jobs, keeptruckin, Mountain, mountain driving, off road truck, OOIDA, truck driver, truck driving tips, truck pro, truck tips, Trucker, trucking safety tips, truckthat

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

Driving in the mountains can be intimidating for truck drivers, and that is especially true for rookie drivers. However, you can quickly gain confidence on mountain routes by following some basic safety rules and taking advantage of safety features available to you. Here are the seven need to know trucker tips for driving in the mountains.

Trucker Mountain Driving Tips


#1 Slow And Steady

Taking it slow and steady is probably the best advice for driving mountain routes. So many drivers make the mistake of traveling too fast on the steep grade because they misjudged its elevation based on its appearance. It’s tough to tell the grade of a hill just by looking at it, so it’s easy to make this mistake.

However, once your truck gains momentum traveling down the grade, it is nearly impossible to regain control. So take it slow and steady so as not to put yourself in this situation.

Our advice is to let the jake brake do the work of maintaining the constant speed. Also, touch the brake occasionally to keep your unit straight as you go down the hill. 

#2 Pay Attention to The Weather

If you are planning a route into the mountains, you will need to check the weather conditions. Mountain weather is unpredictable, so it is essential to check the weather the day of. If you find bad or dangerous weather conditions, you can consider an alternate route hopefully without a steep grade.

You should prepare yourself for changes in the weather as you are climbing or descending the mountain. The difference in altitude can bring a slew of weather conditions, so it is essential for you to stay alert to any changes.

Also, if there is a chain sign, please respect it. Put your chains on at the bottom of the hill. Don’t wait until you spin out and come back down the mountain.

#3 Don’t Tailgate

Leave as much room as possible between your and the vehicles ahead of you. Never tailgate on a mountain road. In the case of an emergency and you need to straighten out the truck. If your unit gets out of shape, you will want plenty of space to adjust.

7 Need To Know Trucker Tips For Driving in The Mountains

#4 Easy on Corners

Take corner on a mountain extra slow because your truck and trailer are extra vulnerable when not straight. Your rig is much more likely to jackknife when turning. You have much more controls over the unit when it is lined up traveling a straight line.

#5 Regaining Control

If you feel you are starting to lose control of the rig, try crowding the unit to the shoulder of the road if possible. This will hopefully allow you to catch gravel to straighten it out. Also gently tap on the trailer brake. This might be enough to pull your unit straight again.

Stay Safe Out There

Keep in mind, not every driver on the road is following all the proper safe driving rules and tips. They are just as likely to lose control or hit a patch of ice. Give yourself plenty of distance and be aware of potential dangers.

Also, before I let you go, I wanted to introduce our sister product, TruckLogics: the ultimate web-based business management software available. This program is designed specifically for the transportation industry with plans to fit the needs of fleet manager, leased owner-operators, and owner-operators alike. Sign-up for your free 15-day trial and see the difference TruckLogics can make in your trucking business.

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See What’s Happening at the Truckers Jamboree

Posted on July 13, 2018 by - express truck tax, expresstrucktax, Form 2290 filing, i 80 truck jamboree, i 80 truckers jamboree, keeptruckin, OOIDA, truck driver, truck stop, truck transport, truckers jamboree, walcott jamboree

Truck driver and rig at the trucker jamboree


The 39th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree is officially underway at the Iowa 80 Truck Stop. They are featuring a truck beauty contest, live concerts, trucker Olympic games, and so much more! If you aren’t able to attend the Truckers Jamboree, we completely understand (we are in the same boat), so to help you feel a part of the fun, we are sharing what’s happening at the Truckers Jamboree!

Here are a few photos and videos of the trucks and event happening at the show:

A few of the entrants from today’s “Super Truck Beauty Contest” at the #WalcottJamboree! @thyssenkrupp is excited to be one of the sponsors and is looking forward to meeting you 7/12-7/14. So, come check us out and find out what it’s like to #drive4tk. #Iowa80 #thyssenkruppUSA pic.twitter.com/lN2eIl4l7M

— thyssenkrupp Career (@thyssenkruppjob) July 13, 2018

— Desiree (@TruckerDesiree) July 13, 2018

Who loves Fireworks? You can see them Thursday & Friday at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree! #walcottjamboree #iowa80 pic.twitter.com/GPymygev3j

— Iowa 80 Truckstop (@Iowa80Truckstop) July 11, 2018

Can you pull this truck? Come give it a shot at the #truckerolympics #TruckersJamboree @Todaystrucking pic.twitter.com/H3FSMdnlaU

— David Henry (@crazycanuckdave) July 13, 2018

Come visit our booth and check out our truck decked out in #RoadWorksMfg accessories at the #Iowa80 #WalcottJamboree this weekend! pic.twitter.com/rSutyKdRlo

— RoadWorks Mfg (@RoadWorksMfg) July 13, 2018

“End of Watch” tribute to fallen Law Enforcement Officers. Designed and built by Jake and Stephanie Robak. @Todaystrucking #TruckersJamboree pic.twitter.com/4hW5tQbR5X

— David Henry (@crazycanuckdave) July 13, 2018

There are 27 trucks parked for the Super Truck Beauty Contest. Who else is on their way? pic.twitter.com/JfWjaXta9U

— Iowa 80 Truckstop (@Iowa80Truckstop) July 10, 2018

Truckstop hosts 39th annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree https://t.co/gy6cL5te4E pic.twitter.com/d0bXoGHLCh

— Quad-City Times (@qctimes) July 8, 2018

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Posted on July 10, 2018 by - driving jobs, keeptruckin, off road truck, OOIDA, summer trucking, truck driver, truck driving tips, truck pro, truck tips, trucking safety tips, truckthat

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

We are sure that you are very well aware that summer is here in full force. Whether you have recently received your CDL license or are a seasoned veteran, you will want to take precautions as the summer continues to heat up. We know you are putting in a lot of hours on the road, maybe even in areas with record-breaking high temperatures. Even though you are in your vehicle, you still face the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, overheating, and even heat stroke. Summer means a whole new set of issues for those in the trucking industry so to help here is how to stay cool and survive summer trucking.

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Sitting in a hot cab all day long can be brutal and even dangerous to your health. Follow these tips to beat the summer heat while driving your trucking business to new levels.

 

Stay Hydrated

It is easy to forget to drink water while on the road, however, it is critical to stay adequately hydrated particularly during these next two months. Keeping a few bottles of water within reach while driving will serves as a constant reminder and make it practical for you to drink water throughout your drive. Also, it is worth mentioning that sodas and other carbonated drinks are no substitution for drinking water. The sugar and caffeine in sodas will dehydrate you and will not replace the fluids you are losing while you sweat.

Check Your Tires Constantly

The chances of tire blowouts increase dramatically during the summer months because of the high temperatures. What you can do to try and prevent this is to check that your tires are adequately inflated each time you stop for a required break or when you are pulling out in the morning. Under-inflated tires are more likely to blowout, so it is essential to be prepared.

Check Traffic Reports

Families, teenagers, and college students are all hitting the road during summer vacation, so it is crucial that you stay on the lookout during all hours of the day. You should remain alert and cautious while on the road this season. Heavier traffic means more danger for truck drivers, so you will want to check the traffic report and be aware of your surroundings.

Check Your Brakes

Hot summer temperatures can lead to brakes fading or even losing friction when brake components can’t absorb any additional heat. Always be sure to check your brakes to make sure they are functioning correctly before leaving on your next haul. It is recommended that you bring spare brake pads before leaving home. This will not only potentially save you but also some money because you won’t have to pay the service center. 

Protect Yourself From The Sun

Spending several hours a day driving means you will have a lot of sun exposure on your left side. Don’t believe that just because you are in your cab that you are protected from the sun. While the sun is shining through your window, it is still a serious health risk that can lead to sunburns and even skin cancer. We recommend you wear a long sleeve shirt, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses as much as possible while on the road.

Bring a Hardhat

How to Stay Cool And Survive Summer Trucking

Because of the warmer temperatures, more construction companies will be out working on the roads. You should always be careful when passing through construction zones and remember that the Get Over law is still in effect in every state. It is required by law that if you see an emergency vehicle or someone on the side of the road you must get over or slow down. Your rig is likely over 55,000 Ibs, and it does not stop on a dime, make sure to hit the breaks sooner rather than later.

Fines and other fees also skyrocket in construction areas, and likely officers are waiting to get someone. We don’t want it to be you.

Also, bring a brightly colored hardhat with you on the road. People are statistically more likely to take notice of you on the roadside if are wearing a hard hat. If by some unfortunate circumstance you find yourself on the side of the road, be sure to wear it.

Have a Great Safe Summer

While summer is hot and we like it, UV rays and high temperatures can do a number on our bodies! So remember to protect yourself while you are either hauling or enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

For more trucking tips and advice click here and be sure to share this blog with your fellow drivers!

If you have yet to file your HVUT Form 2290 click here to learn more! The Form 2290 due date is August 31st. Trust us you don’t want to be late and have to pay insane IRS penalties and fees.

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OOIDA’s ELD Appeal Was Rejected

Posted on June 23, 2017 by - DOT, ELD Benefits, ELD fight, ELD Mandate, ELD negatives, ELD resistance, ELD support, ELDs, OOIDA, OOIDA ELD Fight

No matter which side of the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate you currently stand on, you should brace yourself to comply with the compliance mandate on December 18th, 2017. OOIDA’s appeal has been rejected so it might be time to prepare your truck and fleet to comply.

OOIDA Isn’t Left With Many Options

OOIDA or the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association has been trying to fight the DOT to put a stop to the ELD mandate for years now on the grounds that they violate the rights of drivers and their constitutional protection against unreasonable searches and seizures because the rule fails to meet the congresses stipulation for the mandate.

However, the supreme court has refused to hear OOIDAs lawsuit appeal against the DOT rule that will require truckers to use ELDs to track hours of service. Therefore the December 18th, 2017 compliance deadline will remain intact for now.

Although, this doesn’t mean that OOIDA is giving up their fight. They will continue pushing the matter to Congress and the Trump Administration because they highly favor the 4th amendment which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures.

A Little About The ELD Mandate…

To put it simply, an ELD is an electronic logging device that connects directly to a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to record the driver’s hours of service. This will make it more difficult to bend the rules and go over the driving limit of 11 hours per day since paper logs and electronic driver logs can easily be faked.

The data that an ELD captures is from the engine including movement, the number of miles driven, location, and hours.

The potential benefits of ELDs for fleets include saving time and saving money as they reduce the amount of paperwork that will need to be processed by eliminating paper logs. However, the benefits for the entire trucking community include saving lives.

FMCSA the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration estimates that 26 lives will be saved and over 1,800 vehicle crashes will be prevented annually because ELDs will reduce driver fatigue by more heavily enforcing compliance to hours of service regulations. 

However, many drivers have concerns about ELDs and do not want them. For example, will drivers and owners of smaller fleets be able to incur the costs of installing these devices in their vehicles?

Plus, they’ll be mounted on the dashboard, taking up valuable space and visibility. Will ELDs actually be dangerous by blocking a part of the driver’s view of the road? Also, will it be distracting?

One major concern is that ELDs will violate the driver’s privacy by recording their personal data. The guidelines as to what will protect the driver’s confidentiality when it comes to determining compliance with hours of service aren’t set in stone yet and that’s worrisome to a majority of drivers.

Are You Ready For The Mandate?

Whether you’re on board for ELDs or totally against them OOIDA has a tough fight ahead of them now. Even though they’ll continue fighting for the rights of truckers, the compliance deadline of December 18th will remain intact. Don’t let this deadline sneak up on you, be prepared to comply with the mandate.

For more trucking blogs visit ExpressTruckTax.com and please share your thoughts on the ELD mandate in the comment section below.

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.