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Being an Over-the-Road (OTR) trucker is a profession that is both crucial and challenging. It involves extended periods on the highways, transporting goods across state lines, and even international boundaries. Knowing the job requirements, government regulations and licensing, keeping up with physical fitness, and managing life on the road, are all vital aspects to be aware of when considering a career in this field. In this guide, we’ll look at the differences between OTR, regional, and local trucking. We’ll also weigh the pros and cons, look at the potential earnings, and offer insights on how to thrive as an OTR trucker. Whether you're contemplating this career path or simply fascinated by the lives of those who drive, this guide can serve as your comprehensive roadmap. What is Over-the-Road Trucking? OTR trucking is a critical component of the logistics industry, involving the transportation of goods across long distances—usually spanning multiple states or even the entire nation. Key Points of OTR Trucking: Extended Travel: OTR drivers may be on the road for weeks at a time, far from home. Equipment: They typically operate semis or tractor-trailers, designed for heavy-duty long-haul jobs. Supply Chain Role: These truckers are integral to maintaining the flow of goods across broad areas, and keeping commerce moving. OTR trucking demands a high level of commitment and adaptability, as drivers acclimate to life on the road in their sleeper cabs. The job's requirements include navigating prolonged stretches of driving while adhering to regulations regarding hours of service to ensure safety. Given the significance of their role, OTR truck drivers are essential in bridging the gaps in the supply chain and remaining dedicated to transporting various types of freight reliably. OTR Trucking Job Requirements OTR truckers require a special type of job commitment and background, starting primarily with obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here's a quick rundown of job requirements for aspiring OTR drivers: CDL: The first step to becoming an OTR truck driver is earning your commercial driver’s license or CDL. Without one, you won’t be able to legally operate large and heavy vehicles in commerce. Clean Driving Record: A record clear of serious traffic violations builds trust and reliability. Physical Health: Passing a DOT physical examination ensures that drivers are fit for extended periods on the road. Education: It’s recommended, but not required to have either a high school diploma or a GED. Advancement Opportunities: Further Certifications: This can lead to enhanced roles and better earnings. Experience: Time spent on the road can pave the way for promotion within the industry. OTR truck drivers are in high demand, which means this position offers both stability and opportunities for growth for those who choose to pursue this career. OTR vs. Regional vs. Local OTR drivers embark on extended trips that can span across the country, often requiring them to spend weeks at a time on the road. This type of truck driving can lead to prolonged periods of solitude and is best suited for those who enjoy traveling and are comfortable with extended periods away from home. Comparatively, regional trucking strikes a balance, with regional drivers covering specific geographic areas. They have the advantage of more regular home time, typically returning each weekend, making it a more family-friendly option for many. On the shorter end of the spectrum lies local trucking. Local routes keep drivers close to their home base, operating typically within a 200-mile radius. This type of driving allows drivers the convenience of being home every night, which can be a significant factor for those who value daily family time or have personal commitments. Here's a quick breakdown: Choosing the right type of trucking job depends on personal preferences related to travel, time away from home, and work-life balance. Pros and Cons of Over-the-Road Trucking OTR truck drivers, often seen as the backbone of the trucking industry, are tasked with transporting a diverse array of goods across vast distances. This type of job not only provides travel opportunities, allowing drivers to venture into new regions and experience the vastness of the country, but it also offers a sense of independence that is hard to find in other careers. Despite its appeal, OTR trucking comes with its set of challenges. Drivers typically spend extended periods on the road, which can lead to significant time away from family and loved ones, as well as an increased risk of health issues. Adapting to different time zones, braving a variety of weather conditions, and navigating unfamiliar roads that are often in poor condition are some of the daily hurdles that OTR drivers face. The life of an OTR truck driver is one of constant movement and change, demanding a resilient and adaptable personality to manage the demands of long-haul trucking. Here's a quick overview of the pros and cons: OTR Trucker Salary Ranges As OTR trucking continues to be an essential part of the logistics chain, understanding the compensation for those behind the wheel is crucial. OTR drivers are tasked with significant responsibility and their pay reflects the demanding nature of the job when compared to other trucking jobs. According to PayScale, OTR truck drivers earn an average annual salary of $62,980, with a typical range from $41,000 to $89,000. However, salaries can vary widely based on factors such as experience, type of freight, and individual carrier rates. How to Be a Successful OTR Trucker Being a successful OTR trucker requires a blend of personal traits and professional skills that contribute to an individual’s adaptability and resilience on long-haul routes. OTR trucking isn't just a job; it's a lifestyle that demands a specific mindset. Here are key attributes essential for OTR drivers: Love for solitude: With extended periods on the road, enjoying one's own company is vital. OTR trucking suits those who value independence and quiet, reflective time. Appreciation for travel: A successful OTR driver relishes the chance to explore different regions, embracing the diversity of sites and experiences. Resilience: The road can be unpredictable. Whether it's handling unexpected delays or managing life away from home, resilience keeps an OTR driver focused and calm. Flexibility: Routes and schedules can change. Adapting quickly without getting flustered is crucial for timely deliveries. Skillset: Maneuvering a large vehicle safely requires more than a clean driving record. Experience, continual learning, and proficiency in handling various types of freight are indispensable. A successful career in OTR trucking means merging these qualities with a passion for the road. The reward is not only the freedom of the open highway but also the satisfaction of being part of the essential structure of the trucking industry.

Credit card fraud has drastically increased over the past few years. This means it's more important than ever to protect your personal information. Here are five ways to help you spend safely and guard your sensitive data. Review your spending history One of the most important things that you can do as a consumer is to proactively monitor your accounts. Each month when your statements arrive go through them item by item. If you see anything that doesn’t look right then you should call your credit card company or bank immediately. We suggest setting up usage alerts on your credit card. Each time your credit card is used you will be notified. Consider a contactless card Contactless cards show an image of four curved lines somewhere on the card. You can tap the card over a sensor when you go to pay instead of inserting the chip into a reader. Rather than giving the merchant your credit card number, the card sends a one-time code—just like the chip. Use mobile payments Most smart devices have a digital wallet. You add your credit or debit card information and then you can use your smart device to pay when retailers offer the option. Digital wallets work by transmitting a unique, random transaction number to the merchant instead of your card number. Alert the card issuer Credit card issuers offer zero-liability fraud protection. This means if a transaction appears on your account that you didn't make, you can alert the card issuer and follow their process for reporting the crime. You won't have to pay for purchases you didn't make. Request a new card If you find out that your card's information has been compromised, then you may need to request a new card. This means that the information the hacker might have received will be useless to them. By using these tips you can do your best to keep your money and your information safe.

FMCSA Medical regulations require certain health standards to be met to get and keep a commercial driver’s license. These regulations include health of body, mind, and alertness. When you’re on the road, it’s helpful to have tools right at your fingertips that can help you stay healthy and make good choices. Being healthy isn’t just about what you eat, or how much you move - it’s about whole body wellness! At ATBS, we compiled a list of 8 get-healthy apps that address everything from sleep to memory strength and mental health. Lumosity Train your brain by developing memory and attention with Lumosity. This app was developed by scientists who studied common neuropsychological tasks and then transformed them into fun and challenging games. In layman’s terms: Play games. Get smarter. This app is used by over 50 million people worldwide and creates a personalized training program to challenge your brain. Click here for more information Sleep Cycle Waking up to an alarm clock that jolts you awake from deep sleep will make you grumpy the rest of the day. Sleep Cycle tracks your movements as you sleep – gauging when you transition between light sleep and deep sleep. The alarm clock will wake you when your phone determines you’re in your lightest sleep cycle during a preset 30-minute wake-up window. Click here for more information PTSD Coach This app is specially tailored for veterans and service members to help PTSD sufferers gain control over their anger or stress. Just hit the “manage my stress” button, input what’s wrong, and level of distress on a 0-10 scale. It’s designed to respond with something to help you through that moment – whether with a relaxation exercise, music, or positive images. Click here for more information Glooko If you have diabetes, this app is for you! Glooko makes diabetes management easier, by taking data from your meter to help monitor your glucose levels. It also enables you to share readings with your healthcare provider. Click here for more information Stay Quit Coach Nothing will move you more quickly towards health than taking the step to quitting smoking. No matter how many times you’ve tried, it’s worth the effort! This app can help you keep your cravings in check and helps tailor a personal success plan in giving up cigarettes. With constant support and inspirational messages, this will help you kick that habit for good! Click here for more information Calm Whether you have 60 seconds or 60 minutes, Calm can help you build a habit of mindfulness. Immerse yourself in Calm's soothing music and sounds made for sleep, focus, and relaxation. Click here for more information Fooducate People are always saying to make healthier choices, but the nutritional information on food labels isn’t exactly the easiest thing to read and understand. This app lets you scan the barcode of a product or type in its name (or a kind of food, like “apple”) to uncover its total calories, fat, sodium, and other ingredients. It even scores the food for healthiness! This is also a great tool to find unhealthy foods amongst those claiming to be healthy, as sometimes the seemingly “good foods” can be packed with unwanted calories. Click here for more information Rolling Strong This app is specially designed for the health and wellness for professional drivers around the United States. It accesses your health database on the road to find important clinic locations, health check stations, and coaching sessions. It includes wellness newsletters, special events, and even a built-in pedometer! Click here for more information

In this article, we want to share some ways for you to manage your trucking business during an uncertain freight market. Now would be the best time to start looking at your operation and identify areas where you can generate and save money. By following these tips, you can help make sure you get yourself and your trucking operation through uncertain times. In addition, by getting into the habit of managing your business for times like these, you’ll reap the benefits in the future when the market gets steadier. Be Flexible With Your Operation If you have been an owner-operator for a while, you know that the market goes through its ups and downs. You might also know that the best way for your business to operate during good times might be different than how it needs to operate during bad times. With freight rates being uncertain, it’s time to look into how your business will operate best right now. This means looking into different types of freight or areas of the country that you may not usually operate in but might have higher demand during the current trucking market. On the flip side, if you found a market that is helping you stay successful, there is a chance that operating like this isn’t going to stay profitable forever. You may have to be flexible and look ahead to different markets if the one you are operating in looks like it isn’t going to continue to work out for you based on changing conditions. Don’t allow yourself to get trapped in a situation that was once profitable, but is now a place where you won’t be able to make enough money to keep your business afloat. Most importantly, you have to stay informed and understand the market changes as they are happening. You can do this by talking to other drivers about what is working for them, listening to trucking-specific satellite radio shows to stay informed, asking the fleet you may be leased to about freight changes, reading trucking blogs, and looking at data from Truckstop.com and DAT.com. Overall, be flexible and know that what’s working in the present may not be what works best for you in the future. Understand Your Financial Situation During uncertain times, it will be more important than ever that you are completely aware of your finances. This means keeping an accurate and up-to-date profit and loss statement and knowing your break-even point. If you don’t already do these things, now would be the best time to start. Your profit and loss statement will allow you to see areas where your business is operating well and areas where you can improve. From your profit and loss statement, you will be able to come up with your breakeven point, which is how much money you need to make to at least cover your costs. With that breakeven point, you can look at it on a per day, week, month, and yearly basis. With that breakeven point in mind, you need to be realistic with your revenue expectations and know that you may not earn as much as you would during a really strong economy. This means you can't be picky with your load selection. You aren’t going to be able to choose loads based on whether or not you think it’s “cheap freight.” You need to use your break-even point as your guide in deciding what loads to take. Your decisions will have to be made by looking at the big picture and deciding whether or not you’re earning a profit on this load, and if not, is it getting you to another area or to another load where you will be making a profit? Reduce Costs After you have looked at your financial situation and analyzed your profit and loss statement, you will know areas of your business where you are able to reduce costs. One number that will surely jump out at you is fuel, as it’s one of your biggest expenses. Luckily, fuel is an expense that you actually have some control over. Even though you can’t control the price of fuel, you will be able to have some control over how much you are using. We have an entire article dedicated to the top 25 ways for truck drivers to improve their fuel efficiency. These are changes that you will be able to make immediately in order to save money on fuel. Unlike fuel, truck and insurance payments are costs that you may not have much control over. However, there are other non-essential costs that you will be able to try and reduce. Food and drink is one that comes to mind. These are obviously essential to stay alive, but going out to eat every night isn’t. If you can, try buying groceries and cooking for yourself in the truck. Buying groceries can be a lot cheaper, and healthier, than eating out at restaurants for every meal. Other non-essential costs might be unnecessary upgrades to your truck, service providers you aren’t using, and a variety of personal things you might be spending money on that you don’t need. Preserve Your Cash Along with reducing your costs, preserving your cash is important so that you have enough money to make it through uncertain times. Look for all sources of cash in your business and personal life, so that you can increase your cash reserves. You can start by looking for places where you could delay or reduce payments. This can include vendors where you spend money in your business like truck payments, insurance coverages, and maintenance work. Check to see if you can delay or pay for some of these services or products in 60 or 90 days instead of 30 days. Are there other places you might have cash such as excess maintenance reserves, stockpiles of parts or supplies, or things sitting around your house that you don’t need? Make every effort to convert unused things into cash so that you have the money to get through the uncertain times. A good goal to build towards is having 3 to 6 months of living expenses in a cash reserve. Build Relationships During uncertain times, forming relationships with people you can trust is a great way to get yourself, and the people you are working with, through to the other side. If you have been using the spot market for a while, now might be the time to look into contracted freight or to look into leasing with a carrier in order to have some security with your freight. The spot market is not as consistent or as reliable during an uncertain freight cycle. Leasing onto a carrier, or forming a partnership where you are on a dedicated route can provide some consistency when things are uncertain. This way you aren’t going week by week not knowing if you are going to find a load on the spot market that is going to earn you a profit. By leasing with a carrier, or having a dedicated route, you will not only save time by not having to find loads on the spot market, but you will feel a little more confident that you are going to be able to make enough money each week. It may also be a good idea to form a relationship with a business service provider that knows the trucking industry, like ATBS, to help you run the business side of your trucking operation. This is the best way to make sure you are keeping an accurate look at your business’ financials and you know how you are performing month over month. With ATBS, you will also be able to ask questions about how you can improve your business or how your business is operating compared to others. During uncertain times, allow yourself to focus all of your attention on doing what you do best, which is moving freight across the country, and let a business service professional handle all the accounting, bookkeeping, taxes, paperwork, and other tedious back-office duties. Bonus: Don’t Panic Tough times don’t last, but tough people do! The trucking industry, and the economy in general, is a cycle that is going to go through good times and bad times. Just by reading this article, you are helping yourself get through these more challenging times. You can take these lessons learned during the uncertain freight times now and apply them forever to keep your business profits maximized during all cycles By following these ways to manage your business during an uncertain freight market, you will hopefully feel a bit more confident that you will be able to get through. If you are feeling concerned and need somebody to help you better manage your business during the changing times, feel free to give us a call at 866-920-2827 or send us an email at info@atbs.com. We want nothing but the best for those in the trucking industry that we work alongside with!

If you’re an owner-operator, it’s easy to see why you’d sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. You probably have new equipment purchases to make or save for, important schedules to keep, and bills to pay. You’re moving across multiple functions on any given day. It’s no wonder that keeping things straight is challenging. So how can you increase your productivity and make your life a little easier? Here are 7 tried and true time management and productivity tips for owner-operators: Don’t multitask. Yes, you wear tons of hats, but don’t try to wear them all at the same time. If you’re on task, stay on that task until it’s complete and finished. The quality of your work suffers when you don’t devote your full attention to the task at hand. Don’t procrastinate. It’s a simple win to check off all the easy tasks on your daily to-do list, but don’t put off those difficult or daunting tasks because they’re unpleasant. Tackle them head on and complete it. It will make you feel good, accomplished, and relieved to get it off your list and get it done! Plan your work; work your plan. Create a list of tasks you need to accomplish each morning. Make the list realistic. Prioritize those tasks and then start with number one and work through your list. Sounds simple enough, but all too often distractions get in the way and before you know it you’re multitasking (see point one). Check email only after completing a task. It’s very easy to get distracted if you check your email after every email notification alert. While it may be hard to do at first, try ignoring those alerts until you’ve finished the task at hand, and only then review your inbox. Use the calendar feature of your email system. Google and Outlook both have integrated calendar features that allow you to plan your schedule. Don’t just plan your meetings. Put placeholders in for the tasks you need to accomplish, including the obvious like stops or breaks. These calendars have mobile apps as well, allowing you to access your calendar on the go. Plan for contingencies. Try to build time into your schedule for the unexpected, such as traffic, weather, or maintenance stops. Planning your route ahead of time or checking weather online will ease your mind, and reduce stress. That extra little bit of prep time can be valuable. Make the best use of your breaks. Try not to just sit in your truck when you’re on a break. Find a trail to walk and enjoy some fresh air. Use the time to get a workout in, or spend time doing good long stretches. Using your breaks to move your muscles will not only help your mind focus when you return to work, but also increase your energy levels. As an owner-operator, your productivity and time management are paramount in running your business. These 7 tips will help you stay focused and manage your all-important workday. Image 1 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/michaelloudon/ Image 2 source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/klash/

If you operate in the northern half of the United States, diesel winterization should be a priority to keep you moving through the cold season. Not knowing how to properly winterize diesel fuel is simply not preparing for your operating environment, much the same as not having chains or the wrong seasonal clothing. At certain temperatures, diesel will turn into a gel-like substance that will not flow through your fuel system. It not only gels in your tanks but also in your fuel lines and fuel filter. It can stop you in your tracks, prevent you from getting moving in the morning, and prevent you from getting heat in your cab/sleeper, which presents a serious safety hazard. It is very difficult to pinpoint a specific temperature at which diesel gels because so many variables come into play. Here, I’m referring in general temperature ranges. There are basically two temperature points that concern us: First is the cloud point, which is the point at which paraffin wax just begins to precipitate out of the fuel. The fuel will start to become cloudy but the actual temperature can vary somewhat. Second is the pour point which is also referred to as the gel point. This is the point at which so much wax precipitates out of the fuel that it no longer flows. The gel point is generally ten to fifteen degrees below the cloud point. Let’s take a look at the different types of crude oil, diesel, and their temperature characteristics. All petrodiesel contains paraffin waxes, which are straight- and branched-chain hydrocarbons. It’s these waxes that become solid at lower temperatures. The amount of paraffin wax in your diesel depends on the type of crude oil used and the process to manufacture the fuel. Crude oil is typically classified as: Brent Blend: which is broken down into Brent Crude and Brent Light Sweet Crude. West Texas Intermediate: also known as Texas Light Sweet. OPEC Reference Basket: which is broken down further as Bonnie Light, Arab Light, Basra Light, Saharan Blend, and Minas. Dubai Crude. Diesel fuel comes in two blends: summer and winter. For the purpose of this discussion summer blend diesel is non-treated diesel. In this case, the paraffin wax will begin to precipitate out as the ambient temperature drops below +32F. As the ambient temperature drops below 0F, the solidifying wax particles combine into solids large enough to be stopped by filters. Summer blend diesel, also called No. 2 ULSD, will cloud and gel at higher temperatures than winter blend No. 2 ULSD, which is a mixture of No. 2 ULSD and No. 1 diesel/kerosene. It is the kerosene that lowers the gel point in winter blend diesel. The actual temperature at which your winter blend diesel will gel depends on the specific mixture you purchased. The higher the kerosene content, the lower the gel point. For example, the winter diesel in my town is only winterized to +10F, and below that, anything is fair game. Some areas may winterize down to -20F. It has not been my experience that the temperature to which diesel is winterized is published near the pump. Typically this information will take a little research. If you happen to be fueling in a part of the country that is running a petrodiesel/biodiesel blend then you should be aware that biodiesel will gel at a higher temperature than petrodiesel. Biodiesel comes in B2, B5, B20 and B100. That number represents the percent of biodiesel in the mix. Similar to petrodiesel, the approximate temperature at which pure biodiesel will gel depends on the oil it’s made from. Some typical oils include peanut, corn, soy, coconut, olive, and canola. Biodiesel from canola oil has the lowest gel temperature. A petro/biodiesel mix will have a lower gel point than pure biodiesel. A petro/biodiesel mix can be treated to lower the gel point just the same as petrodiesel. All diesel has water suspended in the solution. This water comes from condensation that forms on the inside of a cold fuel tank that has warm fuel. You can also get condensation from temperature and humidity changes. Keeping your diesel as “dry” as possible by using a water separator is a good way to pull the water out of your fuel. As the temperature drops and the paraffin wax begins to precipitate out of the fuel, the water held in suspension will begin to form ice crystals that can cause excessive wear and damage to your fuel system and engine components. There are several ways to prevent diesel clouding and gelling. I’ve seen insulated fuel tank blankets used in some climates. The most common is to add a winter fuel additive. There are additives to address the moisture content by helping to “dry” the fuel, there are additives that lower the gel point of diesel fuel and there are combination additives. There are even additives that will thaw your diesel after it has gelled, but that can be somewhat difficult on the side of the interstate with the temperature in the teens or below as it requires removing the fuel filter, sometimes more than once. The method you choose is your preference. Most truckstop chains treat for the conditions of the region they are in. Check with your engine manufacturer to get their recommendations on fuel treatments, as some can cause damage to the new high-pressure common rail injection systems. The point is to be prepared ahead of time and if you are operating in cold climates it might be wise to treat your fuel. It is much cheaper than a tow and recovery bill. It is also worth noting that it’s possible to buy fuel in a relatively warm climate in the morning and finish your day in a cold climate. Be prepared and proactive in keeping your diesel flowing.

Top athletes invest incredible amounts of time, hard work, and energy into a disciplined training regimen. In fact, many Olympic athletes schedule their training years in advance to ensure that they achieve their performance goals. Alongside every top athlete is a team of coaches dedicated to helping them achieve their success. From a nutrition coach to a workout coach, success depends on everyone working together. Owner-operators need a top business team dedicated to their profits, tax preparation, and their overall financial health. ATBS is the preferred financial coach for thousands of owner-operators across the U.S. Owner-operators that work with ATBS are given a dedicated team of experts who provide key coaching tools that translates into greater profit, and less tax burden. Steps for Coaching your Business Towards Success Tool 1: The Profit Plan. The ATBS coaching team is led by Business Consultants who know trucking inside and out. Clients are assigned a personal consulting coach who takes the time to guide them through a custom Profit Plan. This Profit Plan outlines not only the driver’s current financial state, it outlines career ambitions, and the steps it takes to achieve every goal. Tool 2: Bookkeeping. Imagine sending every receipt you sign to one team -- using any method you like, from a smart phone, fax, email, even US Mail. Next, imagine you can view those receipts anytime, anywhere with just a couple of clicks on your smart phone or desktop. It not only means you can produce a receipt to claim a warranty at a shop, but it means that tax season will be a breeze since your paperwork is automatically merged with your tax return. This is the ATBS Bookkeeping team -- the most technologically advanced, personal organization system for owner-operators in the industry. Tool 3: Tax Preparation. The ATBS tax team is defending your bank account at every turn. If you can submit your tax return and be 100% confident that you are writing off every one of the hundreds of possible owner-operator tax deductions, then we commend you. If you are not confident that you can get every possible deduction on your own, then ATBS is here to help. Tax preparation is a constantly evolving process and with the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, your 2018 tax return is more complicated than ever. The ATBS tax team has organized a simple, three-step tax-filing process. ATBS clients can relax on April 15th knowing their taxes are complete, and that more of their money is staying where it belongs -- in their pocket. Your team of business, bookkeeping, and tax coaches at ATBS are ready to serve you. Image Source 1: https://www.flickr.com/photos/axlape/ Image Source 2: https://www.flickr.com/photos/euthman/

Form 2290 is the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return. Any person operating a vehicle weighing more than 55,000 pounds is required to file this return. In this article, we will be going over how to fill out the 2290 tax form. For more information about the background of the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax, check out our article here. What will I need to know before I start filing my 2290 tax form? Name (personal name or business name that is associated with your EIN) Business Address Business City, State, and Zip EIN (Employer Identification Number) VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Taxable Gross Weight (total of your truck, trailer, and its maximum payload) Purpose for filing This section only applies if you have an address change, VIN correction, final return, or need to amend a return. For more information regarding the “Purpose for Filing” section, see the end of the article. Part 1 Part 1 of the form is used to determine the amount of tax owed. First, you will identify whether the truck was operated during the applicable period. The form will ask if the vehicle was used during July of the current year. If the answer is “Yes”, you will enter the date in the format listed on the form. If the answer is “No”, you will just need to figure out the month and year the vehicle was first used. Enter the date in the following format: YYYYMM. For example, July 2017 would be written as 201707. Next, you will enter the amount of tax you owe based on the taxable gross weight. A table will be provided for you to determine the amount of tax you owe based on the taxable gross weight and the month the vehicle was put in service. The following line is used to identify whether the vehicle was overweight and if any credits are available. If you originally filed your vehicle within a specific weight category and you have an increase in weight from a load you are consistently hauling, you are subject to identify the weight increase and pay taxes on the increase. Last, you can subtract any credits from the total amount you owe. You should only complete this line if you are claiming a credit for tax paid on a vehicle that was sold, destroyed, or stolen before June 1 and was not used for the remainder of the period or used during the period for 5,000 miles or less. If you are submitting a credit you will need to provide additional documentation to prove you are eligible for the credit. To determine your amount of tax credit, you can use the credit amount formula, which you can find at the link here. Part 2 Part 2 of the form only applies to taxpayers who are requesting a suspension of tax obligations. You will only request a suspension of tax obligations if the vehicle is not subject to tax in the previous year, if the vehicle is no longer owned, or if the vehicle is not operated on public highways. On line 7 of the form, you will check the appropriate box that states your vehicle will be used for less than 5,000 miles. Line 8 is used if a vehicle that was previously suspended from tax obligations was driven more than 5,000 miles. Finally, line 9 is used to let the IRS know that you have sold or transferred a vehicle that you had reported as suspended on a prior year return. Signature Finally, the form must be signed and submitted to the IRS. You may also indicate a third party that has permissions to contact the IRS on your behalf. You can also identify a third party that is owed a report of you filing the form. Schedule of Heavy Highway Vehicles The IRS also allows you to include multiple vehicles on the same form. This can be completed on the Schedule that is attached to Form 2290. This schedule has three sections: one for listing vehicles where tax is owed, one for listing vehicles under suspension, and one summary section of the total number of vehicles included on the form. You will need the VIN of every vehicle you will be including in any section. Purpose for filing - additional information Immediately following the identification section, you must point out whether your purpose for filing the form falls into one of the four categories: address change, amended return, VIN correction, or final return. If your address has changed since your last filing, you must check the appropriate box to let the IRS know. You will also need to make sure you put the new address in the identification section. There would be two reasons you will need to file an amended return. The first would be if your taxable gross weight increased from what you had filed originally. If that is the case, then you can refile the form and will have to pay the additional tax owed. The other reason would be if you originally filed one of your vehicles as suspended but you ended up surpassing the 5,000 mile limit on that vehicle. If this happens you will have to re-file and pay the amount of tax owed. The only reason you would need to file a VIN correction would be if you originally filed with an incorrect VIN. There aren’t any checks in place by the IRS to let you know whether or not you put your VIN correctly, so make sure you check the VIN a few times before you file just to make sure. Lastly, if you no longer have any vehicles to report, you will let the IRS know that this will be your final return. If this is your final return, you don’t need to list any VINs and this will inform the IRS to not expect Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax payments from you any longer. If you have any questions or need help filing your 2290, visit our friends over at ExpressTruckTax, the leading 2290 e-filing solution in the trucking industry!

Although April 15th has passed, now is a great time to check in on your tax status and take steps toward lowering your tax liability and maximizing your deductions . Let’s take a look at the top 5 things an owner-operator can do mid-year to ensure their tax bill is manageable in the upcoming year. Tip 1: Tax Estimates The number one way to manage tax liability as an independent contractor is to submit quarterly tax estimates in a timely manner. Owner-operators are responsible for calculating and paying their own tax, as they do not have an employer withholding tax for them. Financial services companies such as ATBS will calculate tax estimates based on actual earnings and email their clients when the tax estimate form is ready. With a couple of clicks, you can download the tax estimate form, sign it, and submit payment to the IRS. Not submitting tax estimates each quarter will translate to a large tax bill on April 15th. Part of being a business owner is taking responsibility for your taxes. Be sure to review your tax estimates and confirm that your financial provider makes this process easy and manageable. Want to better understand tax estimates as an owner-operator? Contact ATBS and bring your tax-related questions to the table. Tip 2: Storage Put your tax returns and supporting documents in a secure location so you can retrieve them at any time. If you apply for a loan or financial aid, you will need tax forms and filings. It’s helpful to have these right at your fingertips. Find a central location in your home and consider investing in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof safe. Whatever storage system you employ, make this a routine for all the members of your household. Tip 3: Monthly Sort Designate an hour each month to collect and sort all receipts that are related to your business. Being an independent contractor means your tax liability will be directly related to how many expenses you deduct. Often times the more you can deduct, the lower your tax liability. Owner-operators can receive more than 100 tax deductions to lower their tax liability, and every year ATBS scans 1,000's of tax filings to ensure our clients capture every tax deduction possible. Tip 4: Consult a Professional The best time to review your prior year tax return is outside of peak tax season. During this time you can identify new strategies to help lower your tax bill. Give your ATBS business consultant a call and let him/her know your tax goals so you can gain a road map towards success. Tax season is when tax professionals are managing hundreds, even thousands, of tax filings and may not be able to give every client their full attention. Consider summer and fall as the best seasons to learn about and employ new tax strategies. Tip 5: Itemize Your Deductions Bundling a number of larger deductions may help minimize your tax burden. Consider an early mortgage payoff, a charitable donation, a large medical expense, and/or a business asset purchase. Together these write-offs could translate to a lower tax burden. Owner-operators enjoy the freedom of owning their work schedule. However, this freedom means additional responsibilities to the IRS. Like every aspect of your business, a little bit of time and consultation with a professional could yield significant changes to your bottom line. ATBS is prepared to discuss taxes year-round but mid-year is the best time to review your tax situation and come up with a plan for year-round tax success!

An important tax form called the W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, should be received by company drivers no later than the beginning of February. This form lists the income from wages you receive as an employee. While a company driver may seem to have a straight-forward tax filing, he/she will need to pay attention to some key tips to be sure they maximize your tax refund. Tip 1: Take Advantage of Tax Credits Some common tax credits a Company Driver can take advantage of include: The Adoption Credit If you adopted a child at some time during the tax year for which you are filing, you may claim a credit of up to $13,570 for 2017 and 13,840 for 2018. The American Opportunity and Lifetime Learning Credits This allows the taxpayer, their spouse, and their dependent[s] who attend college or trade school up to $2,500 with the American Opportunity credit, and up to $2,000 with the Lifetime Learning Credit. The credit amount will depend on your tuition and fees paid. Child and Dependent Care Expenses If you are working and had dependent care expenses for children under the age of 13 or have a dependent or spouse who is disabled, this credit helps you claim the expenses associated. Child Tax Credit For taxpayers who have children under the age of 17, you may receive a credit of up to $2,000 per child. Earned Income Tax Credit Developed for low-income workers, this credit may be claimed by those with or without children and will credit up to $6,431 for 2018. Energy Credits This one is often overlooked. If you made energy improvements to your home that help your energy efficiency, you could qualify for a tax credit. Job Hunting Costs Job Hunting costs are no longer deductible for 2018. Tip 2: Invest in Yourself and Your Family If you invest in a retirement plan or IRA, you may receive up to $1,000 credit per taxpayer. Tip 3: Keep Your Receipts All professional drivers need to keep receipts related to their job. Whether it’s an envelope in the truck, or a container at home, drivers may be able increase their refund or reduce their tax liability, but the IRS wants drivers to keep a record. ATBS recommends drivers save tax-related paperwork for at least 5 years. Tip 4: Hire a Professional There is no science to preparing taxes -- rather, it is an art. With an IRS tax Code that exceeds 79,000 pages, professional drivers should consider consulting with an expert team who knows about company driver tax returns and owner-operator tax returns. Experts can identify not only an optimal tax preparation, but can also advise on things you can do this year to positively impact your taxes for the following year. This type of proactive advice can help taxpayers. You can reach ATBS at 866-920-2827.

As always, if you haven't watched the previous episodes, we'd recommend starting there and working your way forward. Also as always, Episode 2 is the single most valuable & important video in this series, if you do nothing over than watch that video, you'll be on the right path. The key to Managing IRS Compliance is twofold: 1. Be consistent - file taxes timely, pay as much as you can toward your quarterly tax estimates when they're due, and pay as much as you can toward any negotiated IRS settlements when they're due. 2. If you see financial trouble on the horizon, be proactive and call the IRS to let them know you may have trouble paying the full amount toward your settlement! Remember that the IRS must accommodate changes in your income as it related to your negotiated settlement amount/plan. If your income changes, or is going to change, be proactive and call the IRS to see if they can adjust your payment plans to reflect your new income. To check out the complete series, click here. You can also learn about ATBS’ Proven Path for owner-operator truck drivers to get caught up on taxes and out of debt with the IRS by downloading our Tax Resolution Guide for Owner-Operators! Remember, if you're in trouble with the IRS, or if you’re just trying to get ahead of any future problems with the IRS, our Tax Relief Pit Crew will be able to help you out! To learn more about our Tax Relief Pit Crew Service Packages, click here.

You may have found yourself in a situation where you've completed your tax filing and realized that you missed something. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry. All you need to do is follow these tips on how to file an amended tax return. 1. Start with the right form. Use Form 1040X, Amended U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, to correct your tax return. Taxpayers are able to amend Form 1040 and 1040-SR returns electronically. Taxpayers have the option to submit a paper version of the Form 1040X and should follow the instructions for preparing and submitting the paper form. You can get the form on IRS.gov/forms at any time. See the Form 1040X instructions for the address where you should mail your form. 2. Amend to correct errors. You should file an amended tax return to correct errors or make changes to your original tax return. For example, you should amend to change your filing status or to correct your income, deductions, or credits. 3. Don’t amend for math errors or missing forms. You normally don’t need to file an amended return to correct math errors. The IRS will automatically correct those for you. Also, do not file an amended return if you forgot to attach tax forms, such as a Form W-2 or a schedule. The IRS will mail you a request for them in most cases. 4. Most taxpayers don’t need to amend to correct Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, errors. Eligible taxpayers who filed a tax return and claimed a premium tax credit using incorrect information from either the federally-facilitated or a state-based Health Insurance Marketplace, generally do not have to file an amended return regardless of the nature of the error, even if additional taxes would be owed. The IRS may contact you to ask for a copy of your corrected Form 1095-A to verify the information. 5. Be aware of the time limit to claim a refund. You generally have three years from the date you filed your original tax return to file Form 1040X to claim a refund. You can file it within two years from the date you paid the tax if that date is later. That means the last day for most people to file a 2020 claim for a refund is May 17th, 2024. See the Form 1040X instructions for special rules that apply to some claims. 6. Separate forms for each year. If you are amending more than one tax return, prepare a 1040X for each year. If you are submitting paper versions, you should mail each year in separate envelopes. Note the tax year of the return you are amending at the top of Form 1040X. Check the form’s instructions for where to mail your return. 7. Attach other forms with changes. If you use other IRS forms or schedules to make changes, make sure to attach them to your Form 1040X. 8. Know when to file for an additional refund. If you are due a refund from your original return, wait to get that refund before filing Form 1040X to claim an additional refund. Amended returns take up to 16 weeks to process. You may spend your original refund while you wait for any additional refund. 9. Pay additional tax as soon as you can. If you owe more tax, file your Form 1040X and pay the tax as soon as you can. This will stop added interest and penalties. Use IRS Direct Pay to pay your tax directly from your checking or savings account. 10. Track your amended return. You can track the status of your amended tax return three weeks after you file with ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ This tool is on IRS.gov or by phone at 866-464-2050. It is available in English and in Spanish. The tool can track the status of an amended return for the current year and up to three years back. To use ‘Where’s My Amended Return?’ enter your taxpayer identification number, which is usually your Social Security number. You will also enter your date of birth and zip code. If you have filed amended returns for multiple years, you can check each year one at a time. 11. Don't forget about state tax return amendments. Most states utilize the information provided on your federal tax return to determine your state tax filing. If information is being corrected on your federal return, it's likely that you also need to file an amendment for your state tax return. If any of this feels complicated or overwhelming, make sure you use a qualified tax preparer from ATBS to prepare and file the amended return for you. To get started, call 866-920-2827 or click here to request a call from us.