Category: trucking news

12 Amazing Last-Minute Gifts for the Trucker in Your Life

Posted on December 18, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, gifts for truckers, Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas from ExpressTruckTax, trucking news

With just 7 days left until Christmas, it’s time to frantically begin the annual tradition of last-minute gift shopping! 
Thankfully, online shopping with expedited shipping makes it possible to get great gifts just in time for St. Nick to nestle them under the tree! 

If you’ve been struggling to find the perfect gift for the trucker in your life, then look no further! 
The ExpressTruckTax Support Team has created a list of 12 gifts for truckers, and with prices ranging from $10 to $170 tops, you can snag some great gifts without breaking your piggy bank!
Best of all, you can conveniently order them all on Amazon! Let’s get shopping!



Stocking Stuffers

The age-old stocking stuffer staples like candy and gift cards are nice, but these cool little gadgets are both practical and fun, and definitely unexpected!



This nifty little appliance is not only cute (who doesn’t love coffee!), but it’s design allows it to conveniently fit into the cup holder, right next to your trucker or truckette! For $20 bucks, this little cup will charge phones, GPS, MP3 players, or any other small appliance. And for another $10, you can upgrade to the model with a USB charging port too.




Coming in around $80, these HaberVision polarized sunglasses could just as easily be a main gift. The Rolls Royce of glasses, these shades are durable, stylish, and polarized–perfect for reducing glare from the road or other cars!





3. Cupholder Swivel Tray

Who knew an entire meal could fit into a cup holder? Apparently, the designer of this tray did. Simply pop the base into the cupholder, and enjoy the swivel tray conveniently attached to the arm. Perfect for holding meals-on-the-go, or other essentials like phones, keys, and wallets. And amazingly, it’s only $13– Score!


Perfect for OTR truckers who have to haul their toiletries from shower-to-shower each day. This bag will hold clean towels and robes, along with toothbrushes, first-aid items, and anything else your trucking dude or dudette needs to stay so fresh and so clean. 
As a bonus gift, stock this puppy with some nice-smelling sudsy treats! 




Tech Gadgets

With gifts starting at $25, you don’t have to be loaded to get your tech-loving trucker a shiny new gadget.

Tablets are an invaluable gift for truckers, and can be used for both business and pleasure! Between streaming movies & TV, and Skyping with the family, your friend will never have a dull moment!
And on the business side, your trucker can conveniently use this tablet to manage their business and keep up with trip sheets using a program like TruckLogics, or they can even E-file their HVUT using the ExpressTruckTax app for iOS & Android! 
Oh, and did I mention that this tablet comes with FREE 4G for life? So they don’t even need a W-Fi connection to use it! Not bad for $150. Not bad at all…

6. Gaming Consoles

If your trucker has a TV, then this is the perfect gadget to accompany it! For $175, the XBox 360 will not only provide hours of gaming entertainment, but it will also double as a DVD player and as a way to stream YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu Plus. 









7. Linxup Vehicle Tracker

An incredibly practical and time-saving gift, sure to make your trucker smile at least 4 times a year! That’s because this $60 GPS/Mileage tracker will log mileage according to IFTA standards. And this data can then be uploaded into completed quarterly IFTA reports using a program like ExpressIFTA. Your trucker is sure to appreciate the convenience of not having to type up trip sheets manually!



8. Bluetooth Headset

For $25, this bluetooth headset pairs with the latest smartphones without a hitch, and with a noise cancelling microphone, you’ll be able to hear the voice of your beloved loud and clear! 10-4!



Home Sweet Home

Truckers have to sacrifice a lot while living on the road to bring us our creature comforts. The least we can do is make sure they have comforts of their own! Make the cab feel more like home with these four gifts!

9. Koolatron Compact Cooler 

When you have a cooler stocked with “real” food, your trucking bud will hopefully be less tempted to eat fast food. It may be a $110 investment, but look at this handy compact cooler as a gift of convenience, and a step toward increased wellness!




10. Electric Blanket

With anti-idling laws, temperature control in a truck can be a challenge. Keep your trucker or truckette nice and toasty this winter with a soft, flannel heated blanket! Quite the bargain at $25!





11. Gel Seat Cushion

Durable and portable, this gel cushion is sure to help alleviate the pesky back pain that truckers are accustomed to. Designed just for truckers, this cushion also has a non-skid bottom, so it’s sure to stay put when your trucker is bouncing down the highway.




12. RoadPro Appliances: Coffee Maker

What person doesn’t love a fresh, hot cup of coffee on demand? I sure do! This convenient little appliance from Roadpro is quite the deal for $20! It not only brews 2 cups of coffee fast, it also brews it straight into a stainless steel travel mug, so you can get to the caffeine quicker! Now if only it could brew directly into my mouth…


BONUS ITEM!

Our ExpressTruckTax Support Hero, Patti, is married to a trucker, Oscar. His favorite Christmas gift? A Magical Grab-Bag filled with everyday essentials. Whether it’s soap, pencils, loose change, dental floss, first-aid supplies, or even snacks, Oscar says this magic bag always has exactly the thing he’s looking for when he’s on the road and in a bind. 

Hung in a stocking or nestled beneath the tree, any one of these 12 (okay, 13) practical, thoughtful gifts is guaranteed to make a trucker smile with childlike glee. And they’ll never know you waited until the last minute either! Now what are you waiting for, start ordering those gifts!

Thanksgiving on the Road: Recipes for Cooking a Feast in Your Cab!

Posted on November 25, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, truckertuesday, trucking news

If you’re spending this Thanksgiving on the road, it doesn’t mean you can’t properly celebrate!

Whether you have the day off to relax or you’re driving non-stop, we have some easy recipes you can cook right in the cab of your truck! Between a one-pot Thanksgiving meal (with zero clean up) or a more complex Super Supper with all of the fixin’s, these recipes are sure to get you in the mood to give thanks!

First up, Misty’s oh-so-easy and incredibly delicious one-dish meal! It only takes 5 minutes to prep, and you can keep driving while it simmers for a few hours (just be sure to secure the bottom and the lid of your crockpot or skillet!). And to prove that it’s easy and no kitchen is needed, she cooked it in our office, right on her desk! It’s sure to fill your cab with delectable aromas, and fill your soul with happiness.

For this recipe you’ll need only two tools: an electric skillet or crock pot and aluminum foil. The ingredients are as follows:

  • one apple: cored and halved
  • one onion: peeled and chopped. You can buy onions pre-cut in many grocery stores!
  • baby carrots
  • string beans-pre-cleaned
  • a boneless sliced turkey breast–or a ham, or even Tofurky, if that’s what you fancy!
  • and for seasoning, some honey, cinnamon, and a can of cola! May seem crazy now, but trust me, your taste buds will love it!


Step 1: First line your skillet with foil, or your crockpot with a liner.

Step 2: While the skillet is heating, core the apple and cut it in half, then wrap it in aluminum foil. Leaving the top of the foil open, pour honey into the core of the apple until it’s about half-way full, then sprinkle cinnamon on top. Finish wrapping up the apple tight, and set it aside.


Step 3: Place the turkey in the center and surround with carrots and green beans, or any veggie of your choosing. Nestle your foil-wrapped apple on the side, and then, for the grand finale, pour a can of cola on top of it all, only about half a can. 

No, your food won’t taste like soda, but it will definitely have a sweetness to it, and it keeps it moist! For dietary reasons, you could easily substitute the cola with vegetable or chicken stock.

Cover it and let it cook for at least 1 ½ hours, but Misty prefers to let it simmer for 3-4, cooking it on medium heat the first hour, and then on low heat for the remaining time.

This is the finished product. Look how colorful! And best of all, once you’ve devoured it, just wrap up the foil, and you’re done with clean-up!

What Misty prepared here is enough to serve two, and have turkey sandwiches leftover, so be sure to have bread and gravy handy! Total cost was about $20, but with enough for 4 servings, that’s a much lower cost per meal than the $14 and up you’d pay for a truck stop buffet!

Full-Blown Feast with All the Fixin’s

If you’ve got the time and tools to go all out, then here are a few more ideas and recipes for you! You can still cook a turkey with some trimmings in a crock pot like above, and in addition, make some more sides and desserts that will rock your world!

If you have a hot pot or streamer, you can steam broccoli or corn. You can also boil some potatoes to make mashed potatoes, or boil sweet potatoes and prepare an easy Sweet Potato Casserole.

  • To make the sweet potato casserole, simply clean and cut the potatoes, and boil them until you can easily poke a fork through. Once soft, drain them and mash them with a few pinches of brown sugar & a handful of pecans, and top with marshmallows, if you’re feeling extra feisty!

If you’ve got a toaster oven, you can not only make some biscuits (frozen or in a can to save time), you can also make Stuffing!

  • Take a french baguette and tear apart into bite-size pieces. Lay on a foil-lined tray (one should’ve come with your toaster oven.) Chop onions and celery, and mix with the bread crumbs. Next sprinkle with plenty of sage and rosemary, depending on how strong you like it. Finally, mix in some broth (or drippings from whatever main dish you prepared) and slap a few pats of butter on top. Let it bake for 1 ½ hours, or until it’s crisp on top. You could even prepare in a crock pot, it just may not turn out as crispy crunchy (which is how I like my stuffing!).

To top this all off, you need a decadent dessert, and what could be better on Thanksgiving than a traditional pumpkin pie! Well, this variation on the classic recipe is better! I’ve never been a lover of pie crust, so this recipe for a Crock-Pot Crustless Pumpkin Pie is my personal favorite. You’ll still get a little crunch on top, cobbler-style, but mostly the ooey gooey pumpkin pie filling.

Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 large can of pumpkin puree (29 oz.)
  • 1 can of evaporated milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • ¼ cup of brown sugar
  • 2 ½ tsp cinnamon (or pumpkin pie spice blend)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 package of instant cake mix (something festive, like a spice cake to complement the flavors)
  • ½ stick of butter, melted

Preparation is super easy too. Just whisk your eggs, then add in the pumpkin, milk, sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla. Once smooth, resist the urge to eat it straight out of the bowl, and dump the mixture into a lined or greased crock-pot.

Next pour the pack of cake mix on top, sprinkle with any leftover brown sugar, and top it with a few slivers of butter. Then just secure the lid and let that puppy cook for 3 hours or more on low heat. If you keep driving while it’s cooking, try not to be distracted by the heavenly scents swirling around in your truck! And of course, don’t forget to give thanks before you dig in!

There you have it, whether you only have 5 minutes and a single crock-pot, or you’ve got a few hours, multiple appliances, and a burning desire to be on Top Chef, you can have a healthful and delicious Thanksgiving supper, right in the comfort of your truck. No matter which meal you make, you’re sure to have plenty of leftovers and save tons of money on those expensive truck stop buffets.

Do you have a signature truck-worthy dish? Share it with the ExpressTruckTax Support Heroes! We’re always looking for new recipes that we can make in a flash. So send us your pics or recipes on Facebook and Twitter!

Happy Cooking!

Howl-O-Ween Wishes & IFTA Deadline Reminders from the Support Team

Posted on October 31, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, IFTA, trucking news


The ExpressTruckTax team wishes the Trucking Nation a Spooktacular Halloween!


Moises & Patti

The Support Heroes are ready to get their Trick-or-Treat on! Are you?!

Moises & Patti will be offering their world-renowned support today dressed as a sweeter version of Dr. Seuss’s Thing 1 & 2!

They’re the proud proprietors of our Office Candy “Store,” Sweet n’ Free! They keep us all going with their never-ending stash of sweet treats.

Bryan the Bull

Bryan will be taking your calls today as the least temper-mental bull to ever walk this Earth! I mean really, have you ever seen a bull smile like that?

His matador will be swinging by the ExpressTruckTax offices later, just to make sure he isn’t getting out of hand!

Brother Charles




And last, but surely not least, our Director of Tax products, Charles. 

You know and love him as Sir Charles the Great from our series of silly & informative ExpressTruckTax videos. Today, he’s donning the garb of a suspender-snapping, cob-pipe smokin’ Amish Gentleman.

Brother Charles will be busy leading our tax team through the IFTA deadline today, but if you need help raising your barn, gelding the horses, or just need an extra set of hands to shuck your corn, give Brother Charles a call!

Although, I’m not sure he’ll be able to answer the phone… perhaps try mailing him a letter?

Now that you’ve had a good laugh, it’s important to remember the darker side of Halloween! There’s something extra chill-inducing about this day for truckers. It’s the 3rd Quarter IFTA Deadline! That means interstate truckers with a vehicle weighing over 26,000 lbs (or with 3 or more axles) need to have their returns postmarked by today!

If you still haven’t prepared your IFTA return, we brewed an extra potent solution for you. Boil a pinch of user-friendly design and stir in a dash of customer appreciation, and you’ve got ExpressIFTA.

We designed it to be the fastest, most fun way to prepare your International Fuel Tax Agreement return. That’s right..I used “IFTA,” “fast,” and “fun” in the same sentence! No, I’m not crazy. And I’m not all hopped up on sugar either–at least not yet!

Gather up your trip sheets, truckers! And head over to ExpressIFTA.com.

Simply create an account, enter your business details & base jurisdiction, followed by your vehicle info, and lastly, your distance and fuel records. If you have a GPS, you can upload those records and save even more time! Finally, watch with child-like wonder as ExpressIFTA generates your state-specific report. Then print it, and mail it. Done.

Notice how “calculating tax” was left off that list. That’s because ExpressIFTA performs the calculations for you! No, it’s not dark sorcery, just a little programming magic to help out our users.

And if you find yourself bewitched, call the ExpressTruckTax Support Heroes for help at 704.234.6005. You can also fly them a message via owl mail at support@expresstrucktax.com.

So truckers, take off your Freddy Krueger hands for a few minutes, and get that IFTA report ready! With our awesome features, you’ll be filed fast and still have plenty of time left for a little Halloween mischief! (We swear we won’t tell on you!)

Have a Hair-Raising Halloween. Stay safe out there!

Oh, the Places You’ll E-File: How to E-file Anywhere in a Flash!

Posted on October 27, 2014 by - 2290 deadline, Expresstrucktax.com, Form 2290, HVUT, trucking news

It’s another #ManicMonday at the ExpressTruckTax offices. We’re kicking off a busy week with a bunch of frantic E-filers!

This Friday, October 31st, is the Form 2290 filing deadline for vehicles first used in September. We’re also neck-deep in Registration Renewal Season, which means late filers are scrambling to get their stamped Schedule 1 and race to the DMV for tags. Combine that with the 3rd quarter IFTA deadline this Friday, and you’ve got a recipe for an E-filing Frenzy!

Have no fear! Whether you’re a new or returning user, a super-late July renewal filer or a last-minute September filer, ExpressTruckTax is here to show you how to get your Form 2290 E-filed in a FLASH.

Your 2290 will be completed AND securely transmitted to the IRS in under 10 minutes. “Lies!” you say. Oh, but it is too true.

And you’ll get your stamped Schedule 1 emailed to you just minutes after submission. Oh, and did I mention you can do it anywhere, anytime?

You can E-file anywhere your smartphone, tablet, or laptop has internet access! Just power that baby up and E-file in the 10 minutes while you’re….

Moises prefers to E-file while doing lunges.
Check out those thighs!
  • On your break
  • Waiting for that free coffee refill
  • In-line at the pump
  • Listening to your Aunt talk about her Book Club
  • Sitting in a dentist waiting room
  • Hanging upside down on monkey bars
  • In-line at the DMV
  • During your kid’s recital intermission
  • Eating a burger
  • Getting a pedicure (or should I say, a man-icure!)
  • During half-time
  • Waiting for a mechanic
  • Doing thigh curls at the gym
  • Any other time you have 10 spare minutes: Use your imagination!

In fact, E-filing your 2290 takes a lot less time than anything else on this list. And it’s far more entertaining too!

So you’ve got your interweb-enabled device, you’ve got 10 minutes, now to get started. If you’re using a tablet, our free iOS and Android apps will do the trick. Or use our mobile site if you’re FLASH-filing from your smartphone. 

  • The next logical step is to login to your account, or create a new one if this is your maiden voyage with ETT! Simply use an email address and password of your liking. If you’re new to ExpressTruckTax, enter your business details: Name, Employer Identification Number, address & phone.
    He also E-files while admiring sculptures…
  • Start a new Form 2290 return, choose the tax year, and select your First-Used Month. HINT: If you’re late-filing your annual HVUT renewal, the first-used month is still July. If you just purchased the vehicle in September, the first-used month is…you guessed it…September!
  • Truck Time: Now to enter your heavy vehicle info.

    If you’re a returning user: Copy a previous year’s return! -OR- Select vehicles from your digital garage, Truck Zone. There’s no need to type in your VIN over and over again. That would just be cruel!

    New users: Use our Smart Upload to bulk upload 1 to 1,000 trucks at once from an Excel file type. No typing! -OR- If you don’t have such a file, simply enter your VIN & gross vehicle weight, and then rest assured knowing we won’t ever make you type it again! We promise.

  • Pay Up! No one likes this part, but at least we make it easy! We offer three easy ways to pay. Choose Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS, or Check or Money order (the best choice if you need your Schedule 1 at night or on the weekend!). 
  • It’s all smooth sailing from here! Our system checks your return for errors before you submit it. (We take pride in our 98% approval rating!) Then kick back, relax, and wait for your stamped Schedule 1 to be emailed to you, which usually only takes 5 minutes.
    “Only $9.90 for a single truck!” Moises exclaimed.
We’ll also send you text, fax, or postal mail notifications if you so choose. It’s nice to have options!

If you have a question, just call our Support Heroes at 704.234.6005. You can also chat with them online or get 24/7 email support at support@expresstrucktax.com.

They’re always available in our hometown of Rock Hill, SC, ensuring that you get E-filed fast. And they do it in English, Spanish & Russian too! Muy Impresionante!

So next time you’ve got 10 minutes and a Wi-Fi connection, go nuts and E-file in a flash! Bonus points if you send us a picture of the crazy places you’ve E-filed!

E-Filing for Farmers: Get your Stamped Schedule 1 Instantly

Posted on October 23, 2014 by - Form 2290, HVUT, Schedule 1, trucking news

It’s the most wonderful time of the year–for
farmers!

It’s harvest time, the season of Nature’s bounty, when all of your hard work pays off. Any day now, you’ll be loading up a truck with your fresh goods, bringing them to market for pay day.

And just when you thought you were ready to roll, you suddenly remember that your truck needs current tags & registration! What’s worse, you remember that pesky Heavy Vehicle Use Tax and that you need your stamped Schedule 1 to get your tags renewed!

Well, have no fear! There’s no need to frantically drive a hundred miles to your nearest IRS office. We have a much faster, more economical solution, one that will get you that all-important stamped Schedule 1 instantly.

You’ll be E-filed and on your way to the market in no time!

Do I Need to File HVUT?

HVUT is an annual federal tax levied on trucks or truck tractors that travel at least 5,000 miles a year (7,500 for farmers) on public highways and that have a gross vehicle weight of at least 55,000 pounds.

To determine the gross vehicle weight of your truck, simply add the unloaded weight of the truck, with the unloaded weight of any trailer customarily attached to the truck, and the maximum weight of the load typically hauled in the truck/trailer. If the sum of those three numbers hits 55,000 pounds or above, then it’s time to start E-filing Form 2290!

Filing a Suspended Vehicle

As we mentioned above, the mileage cap is higher for vehicles used in agriculture, 7,500 miles. If your heavy vehicle is used strictly for agriculture, and will travel 7,500 miles this year or fewer, then you can file it as a suspended vehicle, also known as Category W.

Notice that low mileage does not excuse you from filing altogether. You are still required to file and have a current stamped Schedule 1, even though you will not owe any tax.

Late Filing

While there are penalties for filing after the renewal due date (September 2nd, 2014), it’s still never too late to E-file. In fact, it’s the fastest way proven to get you your stamped Schedule 1 immediately, even on the weekend!

How Do I E-file?

Getting started with ExpressTruckTax is simple! In just three steps and 10 minutes, you’ll be E-filed and back on the farm!

  • Step 1: Create an Account. After entering an email and password, enter your business information, which includes the business name, address, EIN (Employer Identification Number) and phone number.
  • Step 2: Enter Vehicle Info. Click “Start New Return” under Form 2290, then enter the first-used month. If you’ve had the vehicle prior to June 1st, then your first-used month will be July 2014.

    If you’re E-filing for a suspended vehicle, then under Taxable Vehicles, leave it empty and hit next. Once you’re on the Suspended Vehicle screen, enter the vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), the Unit Number, Gross Weight, and indicate that it’s used for agriculture.

  • Step 3: Enter Payment Information. Select from three convenient methods of payment: Direct Debit (EFW), EFTPS through the IRS, or by Check or Money Order. Remember that the IRS no longer accepts credit cards. To receive your stamped Schedule 1 immediately, even on the weekend, elect to pay by check or money order!

Exceeding 7,500 Miles

If you file your vehicle as a Category W, but exceed the 7,500 mile limit, we have a fast solution for that too. We also offer E-filing of Form 2290 Amendments for exceeding the mileage limit. And it’s the same fast, three-step process as above!

It’s important to E-file the Amendment as soon as your vehicle exceeds the limit. Mileage amendments are due to the IRS by the end of the month following the month in which you exceeded 7,500 miles. The tax owed will be prorated based on the month the vehicle exceeded the limit.

Support

The ExpressTruckTax team supports farmers, literally! We offer year-round, USA-based support, unlike some other seasonal E-file providers out there. In fact, we get calls from farmers like you every day who need to E-file their 2290’s fast!

Though the deadline has passed, we are still here and ready to help you get caught up–just in time for harvest! Give us a call in sunny Rock Hill, SC, and we’ll give you a blue-ribbon support experience! We’re available at 704.234.6005 or by live chat. For 24/7 assistance, email us at support@expresstrucktax.com.

So Farmers, next time you’re in a pickle, romaine calm and lettuce help you out of a jam!

October Trucking Events: Big Engines, Even Bigger Prizes

Posted on October 6, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, october events, trucking news

Got a bad case of the #MondayBlues? We’ve got just the thing to whip you into shape for the week!
Nothing raises your spirits and helps you persevere through the work week like the promise of a fun weekend on the horizon! 
And with October just beginning, there’s plenty of fun ahead–especially for truckers & trucking enthusiasts!

Brace yourselves, it’s time to take a thrill ride through the biggest Trucking Events of October!

And the first up is… *drum roll*

LargeCarMag Southern Classic Truck Show

East coasters, head over to Lexington, VA, this weekend for this 5th annual, non-judged event. Saturday, October 11th, spring out of bed extra early to get to this event at 8am. It’s free for spectators! And bring the kids along too, there’s plenty of fun for all!

Watch hundreds of tricked out, glimmering heavy haulers parade through the streets. And if you get tired of looking at trucks (is that even possible??), you can always enjoy the live DJ, scrumptious fried foods, and hundreds of vendors. For the kids–or for the children inside us all!–there’s goody bags, temp tattoos, games, and a Moonbounce!

Got a gorgeous truck? If you’re eager to enter your Big Rig in the parade, be sure to get there Friday afternoon. The first 125 truckers on site get a free bag o’ swag!

PDI Dyno Event & Truck Show

Also free for spectators, this event is a must if you love feeling the earth tremble from serious horsepower. October 17-18, head over to St. George, Utah, for this fourth annual Customer Appreciation Truck Show, hosted by Performance Diesel, Inc!

If you’ve got a shiny big rig and want to show her off, get there Thursday afternoon or early Friday to join the Truck Beauty Contest, judged by Overdrive. Cash & trophies will be awarded in multiple categories! And Spectators, be sure to arrive by Friday night for the light show at dusk! Plus, both day’s events are totally free for onlookers, and they throw in a free catered lunch!

On Saturday, get ready to show off what’s under the hood. Watch semi’s rev their engines to the limit on the dynamometer, “dyno” for short, to see who’s got the most horsepower & torque. You can brag to your buddies all you want, but if you enter this competition, you’ll have the stats to prove once and for all that she’s the most beastly demon on the road!

Thanks, Science!

75th Anniversary All-Peterbilt Truck Show

And this month, nay, this YEAR of trucking events wouldn’t be complete without this last one. Peterbilt fans, start your pilgrimage to Stockton, CA, now for this three-day event. October 24-26th marks the grand finale of Peterbilt’s 75th Anniversary Tour around the nation!

I was lucky enough to see the Museum-on-Wheels on it’s trip through Charlotte, NC. See the pretty pictures here! If you have yet to see this awesome exhibit, catch it before it’s too late! Perfect for the whole family, the Peterbilt Museum will satisfy enthusiasts of all ages! It features interactive kiosks, full size cabs & sleeper cutaways (yes, you can play with all of the gadgets!), and a History Wall with a scrolling TV.

But this event promises much more than a museum tour! All the staples of a successful truck event will be present: music, food, plenty of Peterbilt Trucks, and a Show n’ Shine competition! Plus the very first Peterbilt truck ever will be on display: the 1939 Peterbilt S100 Fire Truck!

Best of all….wait for it….they’re auctioning off a 1976 Peterbilt 359! You could leave the event as the proud owner of a piece of Peterbilt history, and even if you don’t win the truck, it’s still a win-win. The proceeds from the raffle tickets benefit charities!

I’d love to tell you more about this event, but I’m so excited I need to start packing–immediately. See you in Cali!

Been to any good trucking events lately? Let’s swap stories and pics. The ExpressTruckTax team loves to brag about our customers’ rides. Send us a pic, show us the trophy you won, and we’ll post it for all the world to see!

5 Tips for Travel with a Trucker’s Best Friend

Posted on September 29, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, trucking lifestyle, trucking news

Leon, son of Sir Charles

Trucking has gone to the dogs…

And we love it! Around the ExpressTruckTax office, dogs are a part of the family. And we know that dogs are part of yours too! There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road with a furry companion by your side.

That’s why today, we’ve got an extra special blog, packed with plenty of tips for traveling with a pup. And as a bonus, you’ll feast your eyes on pictures of our puppies too!

Get ready to say “D’awwwwwwww” and shriek with girlish pleasure! The Support Heroes have some seriously adorable dogs.

*Disclaimer: We are not responsible for any heart attacks caused by a cuteness overload.*

Tip #1: Adopt a Pooch

Bella, Heather’s baby girl
“Is it play time yet?”

If you’ve already got a furry friend, then you’re ready to move to Tip 2. However, if you’re riding solo, you can pick up a pup through adoption! Across the country, millions of pets are up for grabs at a very low cost, or even for free.

So why not make a dog’s day and adopt from a local shelter. Or for a shorter-term commitment, become a puppy foster parent! You’ll take care of them until they find their Fur-ever Home. Whether you adopt or foster, be sure to choose a dog with the right personality for your lifestyle, one that is calm and collected. This shouldn’t be too difficult. Anyone who’s ever rescued a pet has seen the gratitude these pup’s have for their new families!

Tip #2: Check-up Time

Hurley, Bryan’s lovable mutt
“Dude, seriously. Where’d the ball go.”

Before you set out on your travels, especially on a long journey, schedule a vet appointment. Be sure your dog is up-to-date on all shots, has refills of any necessary prescriptions, like heartworm medication, and a clean bill of health. 

Spaying or neutering your pet is also beneficial as it results in calmer behavior. (And it reduces other risks too, if you know what I mean!) It’s also a good idea to get your pet microchipped, just in case they get away from you. Ask your vet if they have any advice for your pet in particular: remember, no two dogs are alike! And always bring the current vaccination records and tags with you, just in case.

Tip #3: Safety

Grizzly Bear, Misty’s Pomapoo
“I’m ready for my close-up.”

Now that you’ve got a puppy (or two!), and the check-ups are completed, it’s almost time to get truckin’!


But first, consider bringing along a crate, barrier, or doggy seat belt. These devices will keep you and your pet safe in the event of a hard stop or accident. Without them, you risk your pet being jolted around (or even out of) the cab, which is obviously no good. While crating a pet may seem cruel, they often feel safer in these confined spaces, especially in a moving vehicle. Be patient as your pet adjusts to the crate, and always speak positively about it. Never force them in or yell. 
As another safety precaution, find several emergency veterinary care facilities along your route before you leave. Keep their location and contact info nearby, better to be safe than sorry!

Tip #4: Supplies

Mika, Jason’s little Shih Tzu coming from
the groomer.
“I better get a treat for this…”
Aside from the basics, like food and water, bring along stuff that makes your cab feel more like home–for both of you!

If your pup has a favorite toy, treat, bed, or blanket, bring them all along! They’ll make life on the road more enjoyable for your fuzzy friend. To minimize messes, pick up a few cheap spill-proof bowls for food & water. Store dry food in a lock-top plastic container to keep it fresh and off the floor of your cab.

And don’t forget to bring jugs of bottled water along, in case you can’t find water elsewhere.

Finally, bring along small bags and a scoop for waste clean-up. After all, it’s not your backyard, so remember the others coming after you!

Tip#5: Road Rules

Now that you’re packed, planned and on the road, here are a few more things to consider.

  • Exercise! Your doggy needs to get out of the truck regularly (every couple hours at least), not just for bathroom use, but also to burn off energy. Take them for a long walk, or throw a ball around if you’ve got a large, safe area.
    Sylvia, another member of the Hardy pack
    “Look at me, I’m beautiful.”
  • “Car” Sickness. Dogs are very susceptible to motion sickness. Quivering, drooling, vomiting, and unusual posture are all signs of motion sickness. Avoid it by not feeding your pet during or right before driving. If this is a recurring issue, your vet may be able to prescribe medication to help. 
  • Finally, never ever (did I mention ever?) leave your dog unattended in a vehicle, especially in hot or cold weather. If you must leave your dog for a few moments, make sure the truck is on and heat or AC are flowing appropriately. In just 10 minutes, the inside of a vehicle can jump more than 20 degrees higher than the temperature outside. And that will continue to climb with each passing minute. Vehicles are like ovens. Don’t cook your dog! 
Hopefully, the more you travel, the more your dog will become accustomed to life on the road. Of course, some dogs just may not be cut out for that lifestyle. So take a hint, and be considerate of their needs. Some pups may be best left at home or with a friend.

The ExpressTruckTax heroes hope you enjoyed the Slideshow of Cuteness! Happy travels!

#NTDAW2014: Warm Thanks & a Special Gift from the ExpressTruckTax Team!

Posted on September 17, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, Truck Tax, trucking news

Dear Trucking Nation,

For National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, the ExpressTruckTax team would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to our beloved Trucking Nation.

Around our office, every day is truck driver appreciation day! We have the pleasure of speaking to hundreds of you daily, and it’s a privilege and an honor to provide a service for you–because without

your service, our lives wouldn’t be nearly as awesome!

Because of you, the millions of hard-working men & women of trucking, we have fresh food to eat every day. We have the clothes on our backs. And we have the jobs you’ve helped create by supporting our USA-based company.

We’re deeply grateful for all of your support and for the kind words you’ve sent our way this tax season. From telling our Support Heroes to run for president to suggesting that the Heroes should teach other companies how to provide proper customer support (very cheeky!), we’ve constantly been humbled and inspired to keep improving.

Your gratitude only makes us work harder. We won’t get comfortable, because you don’t either. We keep working with you, side by side. Day and night.

Our mission from day one has been to provide the highest quality, easiest to use E-filing service at the best price in the industry. With your support, we’ve been living this dream, and we want to give you something in return.

We know that managing a transportation business is complicated, convoluted, and expensive! We also know that other software companies haven’t met your needs, that you’ve had to use multiple pricey programs to manage your business, or none at all.

So consider this our #NTDAW thank you gift. We call it TruckLogics.

It’s available in beta now and officially launches Monday, September 22nd! We built it from the ground up based on all of your feedback. A single web-based business management program custom-created for transportation companies. And like all of our products, it’s slick, easy-to-use, and affordable! For the cost of a sandwich each month, TruckLogics will keep your business organized and running smoothly.

The core of TruckLogics is the Dashboard, which provides a snapshot of orders, dispatches, and maintenance, making it impossible to forget an oil change! The seemingly infinite number of moving parts in your business are all in one place and at your fingertips. I could blab about it’s exclusive features–like Truck Zone–for hours, but why not see for yourself!

Sign in to TruckLogics with your ExpressTruckTax account, and we’ll not only auto-fill the program with your info, but the first 30 days are on us! No credit card needed. Just sign up and enjoy 30 days of your business at its best!


If you have questions about signing up for the beta, call the TruckLogics Support Crew at 704. 234.6946 or email them at support@trucklogics.com. They’ll provide the same stellar support that our E-filers are accustomed to! (Big shoes to fill, I know, but they’re up to the task!)

TruckLogics is just one of the many ways we want to say thank you for your tireless efforts around the clock. Your commitment to safety keeps our highways safe & makes the American way of life possible. Thank you, Trucking Nation!

Sincerely,

Your Friends at ExpressTruckTax & TruckLogics

#WellnessWednesday Part 5: Eat, Drink, & Be Healthy!

Posted on September 10, 2014 by - #wellnesswednesday, Expresstrucktax.com, trucking news

It’s hard to believe, but it’s been 2 months since we began our wellness journey, Trucking Nation.

In the very first installment, 5 Tips for Healthy Trucking, I said that wellness doesn’t begin with pumping iron or munching on a head of cabbage. While it may not start there, at some point, we need to consider healthier eating. (Notice how I’m not using the dreaded word “diet.” This isn’t an extreme 1 month program, this is a gradual lifestyle change!)

What I’m trying to say is…

It’s time to break out that head of cabbage! But we won’t stop there; there’s loads of power foods & tips for making better choices that we’ll discuss today in #WellnessWednesday Part 5: Eat, Drink, & Be Healthy! As always, we compiled these tips with trucking lifestyle in mind, meaning the foods are either readily available, not perishable, and/or easy to eat while driving.

Chew on these 5 tips for healthful eating. Open up wide!

1. Eat Whole Foods: 

  • A general rule of thumb you’ve likely heard by now. It simply means, the less processed your food is, the better. Processing foods not only decreases nutrient density, it also provides the opportunity for artificial flavors, preservatives, colors & even more unsavory things to be mixed into your food. Eat things that look like what they actually are. Whole grains, like brown rice, are preferable to bread, for example. And where might you get these whole foods? Well that leads me to tip #2!

2. Park with Care:  

  • Choices are certainly limited when you’re living out of a truck cab–don’t limit yourself further by stopping only at rest stops and fast-food joints. The limited (and what tends to be unhealthy & overly-processed) selection is just setting you up for failure.

    Instead, stop at grocery stores or farmer’s markets along the way. You’ll find a much wider selection of whole foods, and for better prices! If you absolutely HAVE to grab a snack at a rest stop, grab a pack of nuts or sunflower seeds instead of a bag of chips, unsalted is preferable. And grab water instead of soda, that’s a no-brainer!

3. Pack Smart, Snack Smart:

  • Bringing along healthy, delicious snacks is another way to set yourself up for success. Yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, hummus with veggies are all protein-packed, filling, and scrumptious–if you have a mini-fridge! If not, bring dry goods like unsalted nuts and seeds, nut butters with sprouted bread, fresh berries, fruit leather, seaweed or kale chips–I could go on forever, baby!

    Some of these may sound foreign, but they’re becoming readily available. They’ll wake-up your tastebuds (I can tell you from experience), and they’re INFINITELY HEALTHEIR than the same, boring snacks you’ve been eating your whole life! Be bold, try new things, & find what works for you!

    4. Start Juicin’:

    • The perfect way to consume a TON of fresh fruit, veggies, & herbs, right in the palm of your hand. Juicing works for truckers, it’s a fact. Google it, you’ll find truckers who’ve shed hundreds of pounds and beaten chronic illness by juicing on the road. If you’re trucking for a few days at a time, you can “pre-juice” at home and store it in air-tight jars in your mini-fridge. Just grab and chug–wheel in one hand, juice in the other.

      However, juicing on the spot is best, the fresher the juice the better! Juice recipes are easy to find online, and they’ll not only cover your 7-a-day, but they’ll detox your body while flooding it with the enzymes, minerals, and vitamins it craves.

      5. Fermented Foods:

      • Sounds gross, at first, until you consider that some of the finer (or should I say, winer!) things in life are fermented. Fermented foods are not only easy to bring on a road trip (because they’re preserved in jars!), but they have amazing health benefits too. The lacto-fermentation preserves nutrients and makes them more readily-digestible. You’re likely already eating these foods without realizing it!

        Pickles, for example, are a healthy fermented food, along with sauerkraut. Look for ones that have been lacto-fermented, rather than vinegar-based. Not as common is kimchi, a spicy fermented cabbage which is becoming more common in the US every day! You can also drink the benefits of fermentation with kefir, a yogurt drink, or drink kombucha! (Don’t worry, the alcohol content is non-existent.) Made from fermented oolong tea, kombucha is a fruity, delicious, gut-loving alternative to water. Droves of people swear by kombucha because it improves digestion and boosts your energy! 

        Take these 5 tips on your wellness journey, and use them to make better choices. Choice, being the keyword. No one can dictate what’s best for you. Break the grooves of routine, do some self-discovery, & reforge new, healthier habits that nourish your body!

        And if you feel like back-sliding, gather some inspiration from our former blogs & remember: if you don’t finish your broccoli, the ExpressTruckTax Support Heroes will send you to bed without dessert!

        5 Tips for Healthy Trucking

        5 More Tips for Healthy Trucking

        Even More Tips for Healthy Trucking: Ripped Edition

        Part 4: The Return of the Tips

        September Trucking Events!

        Posted on September 5, 2014 by - Expresstrucktax.com, september events, trucking news

        Now that the Form 2290 deadline is behind us, it’s time for a hefty dose of fun! You’ve earned it, Trucking Nation! 

        Fall is creeping up on us, and the beautiful month of September has just begun. Which means it’s time for another installment of this month’s best Trucking Events! September is full of some good

        ones, featuring wacky hijinks like mechanical bulls and forklift rodeos. Believe me, you will not want to miss these events. And one of them begins today!

        There’s no time to waste, so let’s dive right in…

        • The Big Iron Classic kicks off today in Kasson, Minnesota. But don’t worry, the fun extends to tomorrow also! This event is free of charge; however, donations are encouraged as this truck show is one of Minnesota’s biggest charitable contributors! (They collect toys for kids, so bring one along to drop in the collection box.)

          If you can make it tonight, check out the Light Show and watch hundreds of big rigs light up the night sky! Not only will you get to see over 600 semi-truck tractors and trailers on display, but there’s a truck-pull competition too. Feast your eyes on two diesel trucks kicking up dirt and vying to pull a weighted sled, which only digs deeper into the mud as time goes by! Tomorrow morning, watch the “Parade of Big Rigs” through Mantorville, and in your down time, enjoy the live music from local bands. There’s no better way to relax this weekend if you’re trucking through the Midwest!

        • If you’re in the Northeast this weekend, stop by the NFI Regional Truck and Forklift Rodeo this September 6th in Allentown, PA. They had me a “truck rodeo”! This is a national tradition for NFI employees and their families, providing the opportunity to come together and celebrate their most skilled, safe drivers! Watch forklift and truck drivers alike deftly maneuver an obstacle course. Those who demonstrate the greatest skill are attention to safety will be awarded trophies! Plus, the grand prize winner usually gets a monstrous prize, like a car or a Harley bike! Who knows what it will be this year! Bring the kids along, too. They’ll love the bouncy castle, tricycle-race course, and face painting. And everyone will love the food & live music!
        • Shout out to my home state of New Jersey (Holla!), hosting the U.S. Diesel Truckin’ Nationals September 13th at Raceway Park in Englishtown. This event truly has it all: drag racing, monster trucks, even TV stars from the show Ice Road Truckers! And it’s all packed into one adrenaline-pumping day. There will be over 1,500 diesel trucks in attendance both showing, AND racing! Plus a pack of wild monster trucks featuring names like “Iron Warrior,” “Overkill Evolution,” and “Black Stallion.” The names say it all. This Motorsports Spectacular is sure to live up to its title!
        • Rounding out the end of the month is the Guilty by Association Truck Show, a Chrome Shop Mafia official event in Joplin, Missouri on the 26th-27th. This event caters to the laid-back trucker, there’s no judging or awards given! Simply bring your truck as is, no matter the age or make, and shine it up & show it! They’ll have antiques to late model semi’s, and everything else inbetween. When you aren’t looking at all the big, shiny trucks, enjoy the live music and food, or have a go at the mechanical bull (probably not in that order!). They’re also slated to have a fireworks show, StrongMan Competition, and what trucking event would be complete without a Truck & Tractor Pull!

        These are some of the best events we’ve seen yet, Trucking Nation. If only we could go to them all! If you’re lucky enough to hit any of these hot spots this month, send us pictures! ExpressTruckTax is always looking for user photos of trucks & more. Your shiny beast of the road just might be featured on our Twitter & Facebook pages.