Category: summer trucking

Fuel Up this Summer and Save with the ExpressTruckTax Fuel Card

Posted on June 8, 2022 by - Fuel Card, Save on Fuel, Saving Fuel, summer trucking

Summer is right around the corner and fuel prices are showing no signs of going down. Because of this, there is no question that many are looking to save at the pump. Truck drivers are especially affected since their livelihood depends on their trucks which require a lot of fuel. In order to help you get the best value for your money and save more at the pump on fuel, ExpressTruckTax has the solution for you. ExpressTruckTax has partnered with EFS, a well-known fuel card provider, to bring you the ExpressTruckTax fuel card.

A fuel card is essentially a credit card but it is oftentimes issued by a driver’s carrier. Drivers can pay for fuel and other expenses at truck stops with these cards instead of using cash, a debit card, or a regular credit card. Using fuel cards, carriers save money on fuel costs and reduce the time required to process employee claims for business fuel expenses. 

Fuel cards are accepted at over 12,000 truck stops nationwide and when you use them you will pay cash price at the pump, no matter where you stop to fuel up. They also provide high returns to your fuel budget with pre-negotiated discounts. Mobile apps help you find the best fuel prices and manage your fuel account and drivers even when on the go.

By using this fuel card from EFS, you can save anywhere between 10 and 15 cents per gallon on average. The fuel card can even be used in Canada. While this card has no annual fee, there is a small fee for usage but the savings will always outweigh the cost of usage.

This is an exclusive benefit for ExpressTruckTax customers and comes packed with incredible cost savings, pre-negotiated fuel discounts, industry-leading security, and reporting. Industry-leading security and controls that let you choose exactly what may be charged to your account, who can make the charges, and how much they can charge to the card, which can help regulate the purchases made on your card. The benefits of this card don’t stop there. High-resolution reports show line-item transaction details and never leave you guessing exactly what exactly is being charged to your fuel card. This fuel card also includes a free online account that lets you view transactions, order new cards, and make changes to your account from anywhere you have an internet connection.

Now that you know what a fuel card is, what are you waiting for? Sign up for one today and start saving on fuel as soon as you get approved so that you can have fun this summer without having to worry about spending more money on fuel! Contact ExpressTruckTax at (704)-234-6005 for more details.

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.

Start My Form 2290 Filing Now