Search Results

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, there has been a surge of video uploads, and as with most natural disasters, the scale of devastation is staggering. Many of us have seen in-cab videos wherein unfortunate drivers caught in the path of the hurricane woke up to water rushing through their truck, some forced into the top bunk. Many videos showed footage of semis being washed away in flood waters, some with drivers trying desperately to exit through a window and climb onto the side or top of the tractor or trailer.  These terrible images should hopefully send our minds wandering into hypothetical “what would I do” scenarios – and this is important because the first and best way to plan for your own safety and survival is to have an exit strategy. Successful exit and/or survival strategies are conceived and developed by having an inner dialogue with oneself well ahead of any disaster event! It’s sort of like muscle memory, with your brain being the primary muscle here. For example, sometimes when a situation is unfolding, it’s safer to remain in place until the right moment. Without the luxury of a crystal ball, we have no idea when the correct moment will occur, but jumping right from the pan may cause one to land in the fire.  For example, a video surfaced recently of a truck being washed away in a surge during Hurricane Helene. The driver could be seen attempting to exit the cab, with the water level at the height of his door right at the bottom of the window. He was trying to exit the driver’s side window, (with nowhere really to go other than into the debris-laden flood surge). As he was nearly standing on the edge of his driver’s side window, the truck was jackknifing, with the trailer rapidly sweeping toward the same window he was exiting. The video ended at that point, and one can only imagine what happened to the driver.  In this case, it’s important to reflect on what the driver might have done differently. Put yourself in that driver’s shoes! Would you have remained in the cab? If that driver knew he was heading into a dangerous situation and was aware of storm warnings, might he have been better prepared?  Here are some things to consider: Calm is key. Easier said than done, perhaps, but it’s the truth. Take deep breaths and think about emergency scenarios you’ve rehearsed ahead of time. When emotions take over, your rational thinking abilities are hindered, so stay focused and exercise deep breathing.  If water is moving over or covering a roadway, it’s always safer to assume the road beneath has washed out. It’s better to have something and not need it, than need it and not have it. Some items to consider keeping in your truck (like in a bug-out bag, if you will): inflatables like a small raft or vest that auto-inflates, a Hero Survival bag for warmth, a foil blanket, MREs or some type of meals that need no refrigeration, clean water or a survival straw, a tool to break your window, an external power bank for charging your phone, a first aid kit, and I have a paracord bracelet  with a compass, blade, and flint built in.  Stay prepared with apps! There are apps for road and weather conditions, even wind speeds, for nearly every state. Weather radar apps and warnings are also important to stay on top of the weather you may be heading into. Keep in mind that other situations may warrant extreme caution that are non-weather related (rioting, wildfires, rallies of any kind). If it seems like it’s dangerous, err on the side of caution. Refuse a load heading into a dangerous storm. If you accept the situation and go for it, park strategically (higher ground, outside of danger zones, etc.), let your safety department, family members, and friends know your location if you shut down during an emergency or weather event. Keep your truck clean and organized. If you have supplies you cannot access or forget where you put them, they will not be of use in an emergency situation. Keep them together, and affix them in a useful location inside your cab. I keep my bug-out bag strapped with a bungee on the top bunk.  Although there isn’t a single way to predict or prepare for every emergency situation, remaining vigilant, staying apprised of weather conditions and noteworthy events you might encounter on your trip, and mentally rehearsing potential scenarios ahead of time will help you prepare for potential disaster situations. Stay safe, and good luck to all!

The CSA program has gone through a lot of scrutiny over the past few years and many changes have been made to the program. However, scores are still being tracked by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Even with the changes, can CSA scores still be used as a way to measure safety and compliance? Learn a little more about the CSA program and how to check your CSA score. What are CSA Scores? In December of 2010, the FMCSA implemented the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program. This program was put into place as a way to measure safety and compliance on the road. The goal of the program is to improve safety while limiting the number of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Because the program uses a scoring system, owner-operators are able to see how they are doing in terms of safety and compliance by looking at how high or low their score is. How are scores calculated? Scores are calculated by looking at the safety events of an owner-operator and categorizing them into Behavioral Analysis and Safety Improvements Categories (BASICs). The seven BASICs of safety are: Unsafe Driving Crash Indicator Hours-of-Service Compliance Vehicle Maintenance Controlled Substances/Alcohol Hazardous Materials Compliance Driver Fitness Once the event has been placed into a category, it’s given a weighted score based on the severity of the event and how long ago it occurred. This data is updated monthly on the FMCSA’s Safety Management System (SMS). The lower the score, the better you are considered in terms of safety and compliance. Also, owner-operators must be aware that if they have a score of 65 or above, they will receive a warning letter from the Motor Carrier Early Intervention protocol. This letter allows owner-operators to make the necessary corrections before safety problems become too severe and law enforcement has to step in. Here are examples of violations at different point totals: 10-point violation: Going 15 or more miles above the speed limit 8-point violation: Driving a commercial vehicle without a CDL 5-point violation: Improper lane change 2-point: Lacking physical qualifications Once a violation has occurred and a score has been given, that score is then multiplied based on how recently the violation occurred. If a violation occurred within the past six months, it’s multiplied by three. If a violation occurred between six to 12 months, it’s multiplied by two. Violations that occurred between 12 and 24 months are not weighted. After two years, violations are completely removed from an owner-operator’s record. Where can I check my score? Scores can be checked online at www.csa.fmcsa.dot.gov with your USDOT number and PIN. If you discover incomplete or incorrect information on your record, you can challenge the results by submitting a request for review at www.dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov . Do CSA Scores still matter? The absolute measure scores of five of the seven BASICs are currently publicly available online (Crash Indicator and Hazardous Materials Compliance are not available to the public) and the only people who can see all seven of the BASICs are owner-operators looking at their own score and law enforcement. This means that your CSA score is still important for a variety of reasons: Owner-operators can use the scores to see where they stand in terms of safety and compliance. If they notice they have a high score, they can see what is causing this and put more emphasis in these areas in order to lower their score. Law enforcement can issue interventions to owner-operators based on their high scores. These interventions can lead to inspections and audits that are difficult, time-consuming, and costly. Even though the DOT maintains they never intended scores to be used for these purposes, customers have chosen to work with owner-operators based on their scores and insurance companies have charged higher premiums to owner-operators because of their high scores. How can scores be improved? Violations are completely removed after two years, which means if you have a high score now, you have the ability to make it better. CSA scores can be improved over time by knowing what you are being scored on and operating on the road according to this information. The best way to do this is to set up a plan for yourself that focuses on safety and compliance. A good plan will include initial training for yourself, consistent follow-up training to make sure you are still being compliant, and one-off training if you notice violations that you are commonly committing. The most common violations have to do with lights, brakes, tires, speeding, and medical issues, so, when you begin training, make sure to add emphasis to these violations. If you've paid attention to your score and are happy with it, keep doing what you're doing. If your score is high because you didn't realize it still matters, you have the opportunity to lower it over time. With determination and a plan in place, you will be able to improve your CSA score. Sources: https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/Documents/CSA_GRS_Visor_S.pdf https://blog.bigroad.com/blog/why-your-csa-score-still-matters https://keeptruckin.com/blog/do-csa-scores-matter https://www.overdriveonline.com/fmcsa-removes-csa-scores-in-wake-of-highway-bill-signing/ https://keeptruckin.com/blog/about-csa-score https://unitedworldtransportation.com/how-to-check-your-csa-score-for-trucking-companies/

One of the most important things to prevent a truck breakdown is preventative maintenance . This is especially true right now with the higher costs and lower rates overall in the industry. If your truck were to break down, you may not be able to cover the repair, the fixed costs when you are down, and your home bills while not generating revenue. By staying on top of preventative maintenance you can reduce the likelihood of a breakdown and the cost of a repair if it does happen. Here are five tips that will help you avoid a truck breakdown, which will help to keep your truck — and your business — up and running for the long haul. Check your tires Tire problems account for 25% or more of all truck breakdowns. Prevent these problems with pre-trip inspections of your: Tire Pressure  Underinflated tires (more prone to blowouts) and overinflated tires (poor handling) both undermine fuel economy and tire life. Your owner’s manual lists the correct pressure for your specific tires. Trucks made since 2003 display this information on a placard in the driver’s side doorjamb. Remember, truck tires lose about 1 psi of pressure each month. Seasonal temperature changes take an additional 1 psi for every 10 degrees in air temperature. Tire Wear Damaged treads, cracks, and bald spots are major warning signs. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) says minimum tread depth for a steer tire is 4/32 of an inch. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) goes further, saying that if tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, the truck is taken out of service pending tire replacement. Make sure your brakes are in tip-top shape The relentless heat, pressure, and friction absorbed by brakes make them the second culprit for a truck breakdown. Beware of these six brake system “enemies”: Water and contamination in the air supply and control system Oil passing from the compressor External contamination and corrosion Air pressure leakage Brake system pressure and timing imbalance Reduced foundation brake performance Not comfortable or confident in monitoring brakes? Take it to a shop. Nobody’s expecting you to be a mechanic — if any maintenance task seems beyond your comfort level, always employ help. Monitor your electrical system Trucks draw serious power. A poorly performing electrical system kills performance and can harm other components, leading to costly repairs. Keep an eye on: The Battery  Make sure yours is in good condition, has the manufacturer’s recommended capacity, and is fully charged at all times. Defective batteries can damage vital engine parts, or just leave you stranded in the dark. Wires and Cables Keep battery cables and wiring connections securely fastened and corrosion-free, helping to prevent shorts, faulty lights, and even major system failures. Maintain proper oil and engine coolant There’s no better way to blow your truck’s engine than to slack on properly maintaining the oil and coolant systems. Keep your truck’s maintenance records handy to know when these fluids were checked and serviced. Then, stick to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) recommended maintenance intervals. A couple of things to keep in mind: Oil At major oil change intervals (every 10,000 miles), work with a service center, especially once your used truck has logged 300,000 miles. Pros can give you an analysis of how your particular engine may be burning oil, breaking down its viscosity, or operating outside of optimal OEM parameters. Coolant Stick to OEM recommendations and go to the pros for major intervals. Take note of what coolant type your engine requires (for example, Extended Life Coolant or conventional coolant). It’s also fairly easy to do a visual inspection. Obtain a coolant sample and inspect it for clarity, color, and debris. Low-cost test strips can indicate antifreeze concentration and additive levels. Know when it’s time to trade up Even the best-maintained used truck will eventually break down. That’s when an owner-operator has to choose between preventive maintenance vs. replacement/upgrade. Consider a new purchase when the principal, interest, maintenance, and operating costs of an old vehicle are higher than the comparable costs attached to a new vehicle. Detailed service records—including costs—are the best foundation for doing repair vs. upgrade math. It's important to take the necessary steps to avoid or mitigate any maintenance issues that may arise. It cannot be stressed enough that being unable to operate right now due to maintenance issues is detrimental, not just because of the expense of repairs, but also because of the loss of income during a down market.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, ATBS sends sincere prayers and wishes for the safety of all of our clients and their families. During this time, we want to ensure that folks have as much access to information as possible. It is important to note that the IRS has extended the deadline to file your 2023 Individual Income Tax Returns if you live in an area affected by a natural disaster. The IRS guidelines on who is eligible for an extension are very specific, so it is important to check IRS.gov or call the IRS Disaster Relief Hotline at 866-562-5227 for more information. Currently, taxpayers in the entire states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and parts of Tennessee and Virginia, who received extensions to file their 2023 returns have until May 1, 2025, to file. Tax-year 2023 tax payments are not eligible for this extension. In addition, May 1 is also the deadline for filing 2024 returns and paying any tax due. This extension does not apply to any taxpayer who did not file a valid extension by April 15th, 2024. Any tax that was due for the 2023 tax year is already late if it remains unpaid, and the IRS is not granting penalty relief for unpaid tax from last year related to the natural disaster. For those who received relief related to Tropical Storm Debby, but not related to Hurricane Helene, the deadline to file your 2023 return is only extended to February 3, 2025. We will continue to monitor any changes the IRS makes to deadlines for either return filing or payments. We are here to support our clients, their families, our partners, and friends affected by these horrific storms.

Per Diem (por día) es una de tus mayores deducciones fiscales como un camionero propietario-operador, pero ¿qué es exactamente? La deducción de Per Diem es una deducción fiscal que el Servicio de Impuestos Internos (IRS) permite para justificar los gastos ordinarios y necesarios de comidas y gastos incidentales pagados o incurridos mientras se viaja por negocios lejos de casa. En este artículo, abordamos las reglas específicas sobre el uso de esta importante deducción fiscal. Como resultado de la Ley de Recortes de Impuestos y Empleos, los empleados W-2, a veces conocidos como conductores de empresa, ya no son elegibles para reclamar la deducción de Per Diem. El IRS permite a los contratistas y trabajadores autónomos del transporte, sujetos a las normas sobre horas de servicio, deducir sus gastos de comida mientras viajan por negocios. La tarifa diaria es fijada por el IRS. A partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, la tarifa diaria de Per Diem es de $80 por día completo y $60 por día parcial en los Estados Unidos continentales. Es posible que veas la cantidad de la deducción citada como $64 por día completo y $48 por día parcial. Esto se debe a que el IRS solo te permite deducir el 80% de la tarifa de Per Diem. Los conductores que no tienen licencia de conducir comercial (CDL,) pero que realizan otras funciones (contabilidad, despacho, asistencia en la carga y descarga) pueden deducir el 50% de la tarifa diaria de $80, lo que equivale a $40 por día completo. Para viajes fuera de los Estados Unidos continentales, la tarifa de Per Diem, vigente a partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, es de $86 por día completo y $64.50 por día parcial. Es posible que vea la cantidad de la deducción citada como $68.80 por día completo y $51.60 por día parcial. Los pasajeros que no tienen licencia de conducir comercial (CDL,) pero que realizan otras funciones (contabilidad, despacho, asistencia en la carga y descarga) pueden deducir el 50% de la tarifa de $86, lo que equivale a $43 por día completo. AVISO IMPORTANTE: La tarifa de Per Diem desde el 1 de enero de 2024 hasta el 30 de septiembre de 2024 fue de $69 por día en los Estados Unidos continentales, y de $68 por día en Canadá. Esto significa que tendrá que calcular su deducción total de Per Diem utilizando dos tarifas de Per Diem diferentes. Debe tener esto en cuenta cuando presente su declaración de impuestos de 2024. Si necesita ayuda para calcular su deducción de Per Diem y presentar su declaración de impuestos, haga clic aquí . Para calificar para estas deducciones, la publicación 463 del IRS establece que estás viajando fuera de casa si: Sus obligaciones requieren que se encuentre fuera del área general de su domicilio fiscal por un tiempo sustancialmente mayor al de un día de trabajo normal, Y Necesita dormir o descansar para cumplir con las exigencias de su trabajo mientras está fuera de casa. Además, establece que tomar una siesta no satisface el requisito. Sin embargo, "no es necesario que estés fuera de casa por un día completo, siempre que tu descanso de las obligaciones sea lo suficientemente largo como para dormir o descansar lo necesario." ¿Qué significa esto para un camionero? Si eres un propietario-operador, la regla es simple: puedes reclamar la deducción fiscal por cada día que estés fuera de tu "domicilio fiscal." En los días en que sales y los días en que llegas a casa, debes reclamar una asignación parcial en lugar de una asignación completa. La asignación parcial es el 75% de la asignación de un día completo. Las cosas se complican un poco si eres un camionero local. Los camioneros locales y regionales suelen estar fuera de casa mucho más tiempo que una jornada laboral promedio de ocho horas. Por lo tanto, cumplir con la primera parte de los requisitos es sencillo. Sin embargo, ¿te diste cuenta del " Y " entre los dos requisitos? Esto significa que debes cumplir con ambas condiciones para poder reclamar la deducción. Otra forma de verlo es que los conductores que comienzan y terminan un viaje en casa en el mismo día laboral bajo las horas de servicio (HOS) del Departamento de Transporte (DOT) no pueden reclamar el Per Diem. Ahora puedes llevar un registro de tus días lejos de casa fácilmente con nuestro ATBS Per Diem Tracker! Además, la publicación IRS 463 establece que debe tener un "domicilio fiscal". Existen tres pruebas para determinar su domicilio fiscal. Para cumplir con los requisitos, debes satisfacer al menos dos de los tres siguientes puntos: Realizas parte de tu negocio en el área de tu residencia principal y utilizas esa residencia para hospedarte mientras realiza negocios en la zona. Tienes gastos de vivienda en tu residencia principal que duplicas porque tu negocio requiere que estés fuera de esa casa. No has abandonado el área en la que se encuentran tanto tu lugar de alojamiento habitual como tu residencia principal declarada; tienes un miembro o miembros de tu familia viviendo en tu residencia principal; o utilizas frecuentemente esa casa para hospedarte. Entonces, ¿qué significa todo esto? En pocas palabras: Debe estar fuera de casa durante "un tiempo sustancialmente más largo que un día laboral normal", según el IRS. Debe tener un hogar del cual estar ausente. Si usted cumple con ambos requisitos mencionados anteriormente, por cualquier día a partir del 1 de octubre de 2024, puede deducir $64 por cada día completo fuera de casa como camionero y $40 como acompañante que asiste en funciones comerciales. Puede deducir $48 por día parcial como camionero. En ATBS, creemos que una buena manera de llevar un control es utilizando el ATBS Hub. Dado que la tarifa de Per Diem cambió durante 2024, el ATBS Hub rastreará las fechas exactas y los cambios en las tarifas de Per Diem. De esta manera, podrás determinar con precisión cuántos días completos y parciales debes reportar a tu preparador de impuestos para 2024. Para justificar tu Per Diem, es posible que necesites proporcionar la información del dispositivo de registro electrónico del DOT, incluyendo la hora, fecha y ubicación. Es una buena práctica conservar todos los recibos y documentación relacionados con esta deducción de Per Diem por al menos tres años. Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre el Per Diem, por favor contacta a ATBS haciendo clic aquí o llámanos al 866-920-2827.

A well-paying load is important, but long-term profits are built by looking at all areas of your trucking business. Owner-operators can reduce waste and be more efficient by focusing on truck specifications, speed, fuel, and unnecessary purchases. Here’s what you can do you help control waste and focus on keeping more money in your pocket. 1) Watch your specs. Drivers are often tempted to build or spec a chrome-laden rig because it looks “good”, but this ends up costing you more in fuel and maintenance. There is the initial extra expense for the purchase, plus the added cost of using up fuel due to the increased weight as a “show tuck” weighs more than an aerodynamic truck. Not only will it save you money to have a more fuel-efficient truck , but the resale value alone will more than offset the selling price. As much as 22% less horsepower is required to maintain 65 mph in an aerodynamic truck. Every dollar saved goes directly into your pocket. 2) Speed. “Slowing down will increase your miles per gallon significantly, easily putting more money in your wallet,” says Don Neil at ATBS . Owner-operators who reduce their miles per hour below 60 will see increased profits. Over the course of a year, the impact is significant and could exceed $10,000. With drivers being encouraged by other drivers, dispatchers, shippers, and consignees to “drive fast” in order to make a deadline, it makes it difficult at times to want to do the responsible and cost-effective thing and drive at a safe speed. Since the number one reason that puts owner-operators (truck drivers) out of business is high fuel consumption, arriving a few seconds later is worth not stressing your vehicle, costing you more money and reducing your profits. Many drivers believe that if they drive faster, they can drive more miles and therefore make more money. This is a myth because speeds that exceed 60 mph make your fuel economy loss greater than the time saved. When you drive faster you use more horsepower which will always cost you more in fuel . You reduce your fuel economy by one-tenth of a gallon-per-mile for every mile-per-hour you drive over 60. Driving faster will increase tire, engine, and brake wear which in return will increase your maintenance costs, repair bills, and downtime. Engine manufacturers estimate 10-15% higher maintenance costs at 75 mph versus 55 mph. By maintaining a constant legal speed on the highway you will substantially increase your profits and also contribute to a safer driving environment. 3) Fuel Economy. The biggest expense of all the variable costs for an owner-operator is fuel, but it's also the most controllable. Getting your best fuel economy means overcoming four things: air resistance, rolling resistance, gravity, and habits. You can address these and lower your fuel costs with the helpful advice listed below. Use your fleet’s recommended fuel network. This will help the quality and bottom-line cost of fuel. Preventative Maintenance. When done on a regular basis, this can cut your maintenance costs in half. By reducing equipment failures on the road and spending less time in the shop on those repairs, you will save both time and money. It can also lower fuel costs through better miles per gallon by simply checking your tires, filters, cooling system, and clutch. Keep up on your oil changes and also keep a good record of all maintenance on your tuck, as this will be beneficial to you and the resale value of your vehicle. Limit idle time. Reducing your idle time will save you fuel and money, be easier on the environment, reduce engine wear, and decrease maintenance costs. A great accessory that can save you around $80 a week is a remote starter with a temperature sensor that will start your truck at a specified temperature. This would be very beneficial since about a gallon of fuel is used per hour of idle time, and there are some city regulations that prevent trucks from idling for more than 15 minutes at a time. Having an electric blanket for cold weather and window screens for warm weather will help reduce idling time as well. Reduce road resistance. At a minimum of once a week, check the air pressure on your rig's 18 tires and fill them up to the manufacturer's specifications. Even though the trailer tires may belong to your carrier, the added cost of pulling a trailer with underinflated tires is not worth it. Aerodynamics. You use horsepower to overcome all of the forces that are trying to hold back the truck, and you burn fuel to make horsepower. So, a truck that rolls down the road with minimum drag will use less horsepower and consume less fuel. Try to find an aerodynamic efficient truck if you’re in the market, or focus on what you can do to improve your current truck. Snug the van or reefer trailer close to the tractor or use aeroskirts to smooth the airflow. For flatbeds, build your load in the most aerodynamic shape that you can. Consider the following before purchasing a truck: round corners, a sloped hood curved windshield, flush headlights, recessed door hinges and grab handles, an aerodynamic bumper, and under-hood air cleaners. If you already own a truck avoid add-ons such as lights, bug screens, and horns. Also consider cab extenders, tractor side skirts, full roof fairings, and an air dam front bumper. Acceleration. Gradually accelerating instead of “putting the pedal to the metal” is less stress on the mechanics of your equipment. Patience is a must in these situations, especially on steep inclines like mountains and hills. When you accelerate rapidly you may arrive at your destination a minute or so sooner, but the wear on your vehicle's driveline, engine, and tires will end up costing you more. Deceleration. Using the throttle to slow down and coast instead of braking is highly recommended. Much of the fuel you use to get up to speed is wasted when the brakes are applied. Follow at a safe distance to prevent frequent braking. To avoid sudden reactions it is recommended by safety experts to keep a safe distance (around 12 seconds) behind the vehicle in front of you. Look ahead and anticipate changes in traffic to keep your momentum up. 4) Controlling costs on the road. People waste millions of dollars every day on unnecessary purchases. here are some helpful tips: Expenses on the road. To cut costs on purchasing food at truck stops and fast food places you can equip your truck with a refrigerator and microwave. This can save you from $3,000 to $4,000 per year and this will allow you to eat healthier too. You will still receive the per diem tax deductions whether you spend $5 per day or $40 per day. Why wouldn’t you take advantage of spending the lowest amount possible, claim the maximum per diem deduction, and eat healthier at the same time? Entertainment. Consider less expensive entertainment during your downtime. Try renting a movie, playing hand-held games (there are plenty of free game apps for smartphones to download), reading a book, listening to audiobooks, or exercising. By purchasing a gaming system you can spend $20 a month for games instead of $10 a day. Public library books and movies are also a cost-effective form of entertainment. You can deduct a TV and DVD player provided they are also used for business-related purposes. Before every purchase, ask yourself if this is necessary for your business and if you absolutely need it. It’s important to focus on your load, but owner-operators who make continuous TruckSmart adjustments in their business can enjoy long-term profitability. Source: http://www.selectrucks.com/truckingtips/efficientdriving.aspx

2024 has proven to be one of the most difficult years for trucking in recent memory. The question is… when will it be over? In this article, we'll give a recap of the year and answer questions including: The difficult market has certainly washed out some capacity, why haven’t we seen rates improve? What are the latest trends with miles, rates, fuel costs, and maintenance? Has IC pay hit the bottom? What are other carriers seeing with turnover, rates, and what technology are they utilizing to cut litigation risk? What's in store for the rest of 2024? Interested in learning more? Check out our full Mid-Year Independent Contractor Benchmarks and Trends Webinar , where we give a more in-depth recap of how owner-operators have performed so far in 2024! Table of Contents Freight Rates Miles Revenue Fuel Maintenance Fixed Costs Net Income +1/-10 Rest of 2024 Outlook Freight Rates From May 2020 through April 2022, we saw one of the biggest increases in spot market load volumes and rates in the history of trucking. However, in April 2022, while contract rates remained somewhat stable, spot market rates and load volumes began falling dramatically. Here are some numbers to illustrate this shift in the market: Peak - November of 2021 Loads: 240 loads per 1 truck looking for a load Rates: $2.74 per mile (without fuel surcharge) February 2023 Loads: 55 loads per 1 truck looking for a load Rates: $1.80 per mile (without fuel surcharge) September 2023 Loads: 60 loads per 1 truck looking for a load Rates: $1.93 per mile (without fuel surcharge) Today - September 2024 Loads: 60 loads per 1 truck looking for a load Rates: $1.84 per mile (without fuel surcharge) Both the amount of loads per truck and the rate per mile (net of the FSC) have remained stable over the past year. We also continue to see signs of the spot market building momentum towards better rates and load availability. This didn’t come without pain. Those that remained in the spot market have likely seen cash reserves depleted due to increased fixed costs and a longer than normal difficult market. Miles Miles are up tremendously year over year. This was needed in order for drivers to stay in business during a prolonged difficult market. However, drivers running more miles have had a direct correlation to more capacity, which has likely extended the down spot market! Overall, miles have dropped significantly over the past 20 years. In 2003, owner-operators averaged about 140,000 miles per year. At the minimum, in a booming freight market, it dropped to 85,000 miles per year. Today it is up to 93,000 per year. Some carriers think we are at the peak of miles now as truck driver’s work life balance. Revenue Owner-operator revenue per mile is down 8.1%, or 17 cents per mile on a year-over-year basis. A significant portion of that has come from the reduced cost of fuel resulting in a lower fuel surcharge. True rates have also fallen simultaneously. ICs are working a lot harder to reach the revenue needed to remain in business. Due to the increase in miles, total revenue is only down 2% and we are starting to see signs of recovery. Fuel Fuel cost per mile is down 13% and continues to go down. This type of trend can be expected to continue throughout the year. Many ICs perceive this as a good thing but savvy drivers know they can take advantage of high fuel costs by making money off the fuel surcharge. As freight rates have continued to decrease, we’ve seen owner-operators focus more on fuel mileage. Our average client is up to 7.11 MPG and we’ve seen increases in MPG across all segments. New technology on trucks and better driving habits can be attributed to why we’ve seen this increase. Maintenance Despite miles being up 7%, we saw a 0.6% decrease in maintenance costs. Generally speaking, when we see miles go up, we should also see maintenance go up at a similar rate. We believe there are two main reasons for this. First, owner-operators have been able to upgrade their equipment more so than at any time in the last three years. Trucks are now plentiful and prices have gone down. Newer trucks mean lower maintenance costs. Second, we often see deferred maintenance in a down market. When owner-operators are strapped for cash, they put off mechanical issues. This is a recipe for disaster because the No. 1 cause of owner-operator failure is a major mechanical issue and we’ve seen mechanical failures up overall. The average IC is paying $1,000 per month for maintenance. This cost depends on the age of your truck, the routes you run, and the mileage you drive. You need a custom maintenance plan to make sure you are covered for the repair, the fixed costs when you are down, and your home bills while not generating revenue. Fixed Costs Fixed costs are up 3% or $1,771 year over year. Over the past few years, fixed cost averages have been a roller coaster. However, we seem to be back to normal levels for the first time since the pandemic as fixed costs increased accordingly with inflation. Net Income Overall, owner-operator net income is down .2% to $63,000. Dry van has hurt the worst but we’ve actually seen increases in reefer, flatbed, and independents. Most of the damage to net income occurred last year and we are starting to see positive signs. For instance, June was up year over year. The hungry drivers who have taken extra miles and focused on their fuel economy have started to see gains over the past few months. ATBS clients who are using our services effectively are averaging a net income of $86,215. +1/-10 Incremental and small changes are the best thing you can continue to do today. The two charts above illustrate the top two things the average IC can do to dramatically increase their income, increase their revenue, and decrease their costs. Increasing your revenue could just mean one more load a month, which is illustrated above. There are many ways to decrease your costs, but fuel is your biggest cost and the one you can control the most. Just one mpg better means taking home $8,000 or more in profit! If you do one of the two things above, you’ll increase your net income by $150 a week or $8,000 per year. If you do both, you’ll take home nearly $300 more per week, or $15,000 a year. It might not be possible to run 500 more miles a month or get one mpg better, but if you do a little bit of each, you’ll see drastic improvements to your net income. Rest of 2024 Freight Outlook Freight rates are expected to remain flat as carriers reject lower rates Slowed spending through the election cycle as consumers and businesses deal with uncertainty Falling used truck prices and lowered interest rates could create an opportunity for an equipment upgrade. This could lead to higher revenue generated and lower costs in maintenance and fuel The best businesses and owner-operators are still doing well. The increased cost of fuel gives drivers the chance to improve fuel efficiency, run a little harder, and continue to succeed in trucking! The bottom line is that owner-operators control their own destiny, and they can make changes today to ensure profitability and success!

It can be challenging figuring out how to stay fit as a truck driver when you’re driving across the country and are in a new place every day. Expanding trucker wellness programs and fitness rooms are becoming a priority for truck stops across the country. While their healthy food choices still have a ways to go, at least there is the option to get a good workout while you are parked for the night. Both TravelCenters of America (TA) and Pilot Travel Centers are adding new gyms to many of their U.S. locations. Other truck stops have trails right outside their door to promote a healthy, active lifestyle for their patrons. TA is currently adding about 40 StayFit gyms. TA’s StayFit fitness rooms are free for any UltraOne rewards program member to use. Drivers simply have to swipe their membership cards for access. TA also offers healthy food options marked with StayFit signage, as well as running trails at select locations. Pilot Flying J (PFJ) is adding 100 fitness centers through a partnership between Snap Fitness and Rolling Strong, an organization that provides truckers with nutritional programs, health screenings, and personalized fitness routines. The first 85 freestanding Snap Fitness gyms opened at select PFJ locations in April and include a variety of exercise equipment, as well as a staff of fitness professionals. Monthly gym dues are $29.95 for truckers, and the fee gives drivers access to all the Snap Fitness Rolling Strong gyms, as well as the 1,300 Snap Fitness clubs worldwide. Want the privacy of your own gym while at the truck stop? The Freightliner In-Cab Training (FIT) System is another option for truckers to get a good workout. The FIT System can give you a full body workout in your cab, using weighted resistance bands. www.rollingstrong.com .

Many people struggle with their weight and maintaining good health. From fad diets to crazy exercise plans – there seems to be a new miracle program every day. Americans spend millions of dollars each year on “fixing” their weight and health, but in reality the steps towards success are much simpler than you may expect. Here are the top 7 tips to reaching your long-term health and weight loss goals. 1) Stop comparing. Health is different for everyone. Some people may have high blood-sugar levels and others may have low iron. Our bodies require different balances to be at their peak level of health. In the same way, our body shapes will always be different. No matter what the “ideal” body shape is at the moment, it’s not necessarily an attainable goal. Focus on what makes you healthy, not how to make your body “ideal” to someone else’s standards. Be sure to consult your healthcare professional to find your own level of health needs, and to how to reach your goals. 2) Learn to cook. Whether it’s by watching YouTube videos, checking out a new cookbook from the library, or switching to the Food Network every now and then – anyone can learn how to cook! It will take some trial and error, but learning how to prepare your own meals is a huge step forward to a healthy diet. Although truck stops have come a long way with healthy food options, there is still a lot of temptation with unhealthy processed foods. Learning to prepare your own meals means you control what ingredients go into your body, which is a fundamental part of weight loss and general health. 3) Move more. Carving just 30 minutes out of your day to go for a walk will go a long way. If you think about it, that’s 23½ hours you aren’t exercising in a day – one teensy little half-hour is definitely manageable! A recent study showed that moderately overweight men who exercised hard enough to sweat for 30 minutes per day, lost an average of 8 pounds over a three-month time span. That’s 32 pounds in a year! 4) It’s not just about the number. Achieving weight loss is not just about seeing the number on the scale drop. It’s also about accepting your successes as well as your failures. Don’t let the little disappointments discourage you! Remind yourself that weight loss is just an added bonus to getting your body healthy. Sometimes when gaining muscle, the number on the scale can go up – but you’re actually losing inches around your waist. Measure your success on how your clothes fit, how you’re sleeping better at night, or how much more alert you are during the day. These are the elements that truly make your life better – not the number on the scale. 5) Find inspiration. Whether it’s by watching a documentary like Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead , or reading the success stories on Rolling Strong , find other people who have reached their goals. You’ll be reminded that everyone has to start somewhere, and that you’re not alone. You can even go the extra mile by finding an online community to talk with people in similar circumstances that are working towards the same goals. 6) Love yourself. Someone once said, “you will never be truly happy with your success until you learn to love yourself”– right now. This may be one of the most difficult steps on your journey, but learning to love yourself and your body the way it is now (yes, with all the good and the bad) will remind you of how special it is to be you. No matter what your weight, remembering that you’re blessed with everything you already have will make success so much sweeter. 7) Give it time. Any change that truly sticks, such as long-term weight loss, will take time. Making small changes may mean it takes a little longer to reach your goals, but it also means you’re developing good, life-long habits. Down the road these habits will make it even easier to maintain the weight you’ve lost, and all the health you’ve gained along the way. Learning how to apply these tips in your daily life can help get you on the road to a healthier, happier you. Find a health regimen with your healthcare professional that works for you, and learn to accept yourself just as you are. Why not start today?

Owner-operators know that preventative maintenance on their truck pays off in the long run. Industry estimates say PM can cut your breakdown costs in half. Maintaining the health of your truck is important, but taking care of yourself is an invaluable part of being a successful owner-operator. Here are the top three tips on how to use personal maintenance to be healthy — by staying out of the doctor’s office and on the road. Perform a pre-trip check of your refrigerator. Just like you perform a pre-trip check on your truck; always inspect your fridge or your cooler before a trip to make sure you have healthy food packed. Foods like turkey wraps or all-natural peanut butter and whole grain sandwiches are rich in protein and lean in fat. Have healthy meals packed to prevent you from stopping for unhealthy convenient food. Getting stuck in traffic or bad weather is inevitable, so be prepared with extra meals to keep you driving past the drive-thru. Stay hydrated. Your truck stays hydrated with fuel; you constantly have to replenish fuel to keep it running. Your body is composed of approximately 70% water and needs to be hydrated to keep it running. That doesn’t mean drinking a lot of caffeinated liquids. (High doses of caffeine can cause anxiety and irritability, high blood pressure, and increased cholesterol.) If you are tired and think you need caffeine to stay awake, try drinking water first and wait 10-15 minutes to see if it wakes you up as you could just be dehydrated. If you’re still in desperate need of caffeine, try some of the new flavored green teas like Lipton’s berry flavored diet green tea. It has 1/3 of the caffeine a cup of coffee or soda has and still tastes great. Utilize your truck as a piece of workout equipment. You would never skip an oil change if you want the engine to last. A workout is a routine form of maintenance that your body cannot go without if you want it to run longer. It’s true that working out when you’re traveling is not easy. Getting to a gym is not always convenient, especially when you are working long, odd hours. But a terrific piece of workout equipment is always with you. While waiting for a load or unloading, use your truck as a piece of workout equipment. Drivers can build up their cardio by walking around their truck and adding weights or water jugs to increase the intensity. You can also do “push-offs” off the fender to strengthen your arms and core muscles. The steeper the angle between you and the truck, the more weight you add to a push-off. Staying healthy is an essential part of running your business successfully. Steer away from disaster and the doctor’s office by using preventative maintenance to keep your body (and your business) running smoothly. For more information on how to stay healthy on the road, visit Rolling Strong! Image Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/blair25/

Owner-operators are challenged daily with being a reliable driver and a competent business owner. For new owner-operators, owning your business and the managing the responsibilities that come with the business can be overwhelming. Take a moment to review our strategies for owner-operators to achieve and maintain business success. Being a responsible driver is not a new concept. Safety rules and regulations are always changing and even the seasoned owner-operator needs to stay informed. Here are some essential tips to stay safe and lucrative while on the road: Pre-Trip Inspections Doing this before every trip will make you immediately aware of any potential issues, and will help ensure the safety of your rig and the safety of others on the road. Logbook It’s important to keep your logbooks up to date and in compliance. It’s a DOT requirement that you keep a logbook of your driving. Your receipts and toll fees are used to corroborate your logbook so keep it as accurate as possible. Practice Safe Driving Habits Safe driving habits are essential to the performance of your truck and your business. You should always be aware and willing to stop driving when driving conditions are unsafe due to traffic, weather, etc. Getting enough rest is especially important so you are alert while driving. Choose Loads Wisely Make wise decisions regarding what loads to carry. You know your schedule and your ability better than anyone else. Never take more loads than you can reasonably handle, and always be certain the profit is worth the drive. CSA Compliance Ensure you and your rig are in compliance with all the rules and regulations –federal, state, county, and city. CSA can shut down your business and have your license revoked if you do not meet their safety standards. Find more information on the CSA’s requirements and repercussions here. Personal Health Maintaining personal health is not only beneficial to you, it’s also important for your business. The CSA has a list of physical qualifications you must meet to qualify as a fit driver. You may need to be able to lift and carry on a regular basis for your business. Also, a sickness or injury could put you out of commission for awhile. Therefore, staying healthy and injury-free is an essential aspect of your long-term success. Being organized and financially responsible is imperative for success. This can be a big change for company drivers who did not have to take on the additional responsibilities listed below: Calculate Your Profit Potential Getting the most profit and operating with the lowest costs are the main priorities for any business owner. Stay educated and informed on your business performance. A company like ATBS can be a great resource to help you calculate and understand your profit potential. ATBS can provide you a monthly Profit & Loss Statement to show fixed and variable costs. They also benchmark your data against others in the industry to help you understand how your business is doing compared to your peers and highlight areas for improvement. Communicate Effectively Your customers should be kept informed of your schedule, especially if there are any changes. Unsafe conditions, mechanical problems, or other factors that can affect timing should be communicated in a forthright and professional manner. Be On Time Making all of your pickups and deliveries on time is important to your customers. A reliable reputation could make or break your business and can always influence the loads offered. Control Costs Monitor fuel usage to get the most reasonable mileage. Take care of your equipment and do regular maintenance and repairs as they arise. This can help prevent major mechanical expenses in the future. Pay Your Taxes As a company driver, your carrier was responsible for paying your taxes. As an owner-operator, you are now responsible for determining the correct amount and sending it to the IRS every quarter. To receive your maximum tax return, accurate records must be kept of estimated tax payments and to prepare your taxes . Having accurate financial records and setting money aside for taxes is an invaluable practice that will alleviate stress come tax season. Be Productive Be aware of the freight schedule and plan accordingly. Just because you can take time off, doesn’t mean you should. So when you schedule your days off, make sure you’re taking your business’ needs into account. It’s important to know what your breakeven miles are to understand how best to manage your time and schedule. Your breakeven mileage is the minimum number of miles you need to run each month to cover your expenses; everything after that number is profit. You do a lot more than drive a truck down the highway. With so many responsibilities, the role of a driver can be complicated and, at times, overwhelming. But once you learn to manage the many different responsibilities of an owner-operator it can be a very enjoyable and rewarding profession.

While both tax relief and bankruptcy can alleviate the burden of debt, they serve different purposes and come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Tax relief focuses exclusively on resolving tax debts, whereas bankruptcy addresses a broader range of financial issues, impacting one's overall financial standing. While bankruptcy can include tax debts, it doesn’t always cover them. The decision between seeking tax relief or consulting a bankruptcy attorney to initiate a bankruptcy filing should be made after careful consideration of one's financial situation, the type of bankruptcy applicable, and the nature of the tax debts in question, as well as what other unsecured or secured debts you are carrying. This article aims to explore the nuances of tax relief and bankruptcy, comparing their benefits and limitations. By outlining the decision-making process, we hope to assist you in determining the best path for your unique circumstances. Understanding Tax Relief Tax relief refers to programs and options available to taxpayers who are struggling to pay their tax debts. Getting caught up on taxes includes: Becoming IRS Compliant - Get caught up on prior year tax filings Negotiating with the IRS - Set up a payment plan with the IRS to address outstanding debts Managing IRS Compliance - Stay up to date on payments and filings so you don’t fall behind Advantages of Seeking Tax Relief: Preventing the accrual of additional interest and penalties Avoiding more severe IRS actions like wage garnishments and tax liens Offers potential reductions in the total amount owed through various IRS programs Obtaining tax savings longer term if you cannot afford to pay your debt within collection statutes Disadvantages of Tax Relief: May require disclosing extensive financial information Not all taxpayers qualify for all relief programs Relief options like Offers in Compromise can be difficult to obtain May result in Federal Tax Lien filings depending on how much you owe The goal of tax relief is to not only get caught up on past due taxes but to establish a plan to stay in compliance moving forward. Any missed payments, new balance, or delinquent tax return will default any existing agreement, requiring you to start the process all over again. A further goal of Tax Relief is to be sure your other ordinary and necessary living expenses are not sacrificed in the interest of paying back taxes. This prioritizes leaving your other normal household expenses untouched by a proceeding like bankruptcy and provides targeted support of your tax debts specifically. Overview of Bankruptcy Bankruptcy is a legal process designed for individuals or businesses that cannot meet their financial obligations. It offers relief from debt, often at the cost of assets or future financial flexibility. The two primary types of bankruptcy for individuals are Chapter 7 and Chapter 13. In Chapter 7 bankruptcy, assets are liquidated to pay off debt, offering a fresh financial start, but not everyone qualifies, as it requires passing a means test. Chapter 13 bankruptcy, suited for wage earners with regular income, allows for a reorganization of debts through a payment plan over three to five years. Advantages of Filing for Bankruptcy: Immediate relief from collection activities (e.g., wage garnishments, calls from creditors) Discharge of certain debts Opportunity to rebuild credit over time Disadvantages of Filing for Bankruptcy: Negative impact on credit score Public record of bankruptcy filing, potentially impacting future opportunities for loans or employment Potential loss of property Certain debts like student loans are not discharged Tax Debt is not dischargeable in many cases, depending on the age of the debt People behind on their tax filings may have a more limited impact on their tax debt since any newly filed returns would not qualify for discharge in most cases Bankruptcy can offer a fresh start or restructured repayment, but the implications on credit and personal finance are significant. Consulting with bankruptcy lawyers on eligibility and carefully considering all options is crucial before initiating a bankruptcy petition. Comparing Tax Relief and Bankruptcy Tax relief and bankruptcy are two distinct approaches for dealing with financial difficulties, specifically concerning tax debts as well as other financial obligations. Bankruptcy is a broad legal process that impacts all debts that are owed, while tax relief focuses specifically on resolving tax-related issues. Bankruptcy can damage your credit score and limit future financial opportunities. It also stays on your credit report for several years and can affect your ability to secure loans, mortgages, or even certain job opportunities. Tax relief aims to resolve your tax debts without the severe and lasting consequences of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy may involve liquidating assets or following a court-mandated repayment plan. This process can result in the loss of homes, vehicles, or personal possessions. Tax relief aims to protect your assets while negotiating with the IRS to settle tax debts through manageable repayment plans or other arrangements. While not all assets are salvageable, Tax Relief can often provide options that do not include all loans or assets when calculating the ability to pay. Lastly, working with a tax relief professional, like ATBS’ Tax Resolution Team, is a proactive approach that helps you establish better financial practices and avoid future tax problems. We don’t just help resolve past tax debt but try to set you up with strategies to help you better plan, budget, and manage your future finances. ATBS is truly a one-stop-shop for drivers seeking tax, tax debt, and consulting assistance. Determining the Best Path for You When determining the best path for managing overwhelming debt, it’s crucial to assess your financial situation by examining your debts, personal loans, income taxes, and assets. This assessment helps in choosing between tax relief options and bankruptcy filing. Consider the following factors for personal circumstances: Type of debt - Are you dealing with tax debts, or do you have a mix of debts including credit cards and loans? Amount of debt - How large is your overall debt, and how much of it is tied to taxes? Ability to make monthly payments - Can you afford to repay your debts through a repayment plan? Legal Actions - Are you facing wage garnishments, tax liens, or other collection activities? Whether you're considering tax relief, bankruptcy, or a combination of both, seeking advice from experts is critical. ATBS’ Tax Resolution Team specializes in IRS collections and can guide you through the complexities of tax relief. If bankruptcy is also on the table, we recommend consulting with a bankruptcy attorney to explore all available options. Have questions? We're here to help! Call us at (866) 920-2827 or visit our website at www.atbs.com to learn more about your options.