Happy Thanksgiving Trucking Nation

First and foremost, we at Truck Services of North America would like to wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! We know a lot of you are still on the road working this holiday season, but we’d just like to take a second and let you all know that we appreciate you and what you do. Without you truckers, this Thanksgiving wouldn’t be possible, so thanks to all of you for your hard work and dedication, and for keeping America running.

Thank A Trucker This Thanksgiving

Yes, we know—you are a trucker. But that’s why we’re thanking you! We know all the long hours and hard work you do just to make this holiday possible. Because let’s face it, without you, we wouldn’t have the delicious turkey on the table, the stuffing, the apple pie, and heck, we wouldn’t even have the table itself. So thanks for working hard to make sure all of us are able to celebrate this joyous occasion with a delicious meal and those most dear to our hearts.

Thanksgiving Support

But now to the real meat of the blog. We’ll be offering Thanksgiving support! We’ll be out of the office on Thursday November 26 and Friday November 27, but we’ll be providing email support at support@tsnamerica.com all holiday weekend. If you need anything at all give us a shout! 

So remember folks, even though it’s Thanksgiving weekend, if you need some help with your UCR registration, 2290, or anything else trucking related, we’ll be happy to help you out. Enjoy your thanksgiving, and a special thanks for all that you do, Trucking Nation!

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Truck Driving Tips To Help You Stay Alert On The Road

Early mornings, late nights, long days, and crazy sleep schedules while on the road can make it difficult to stay alert.

Staying awake and alert for long periods of time plays a critical part in your safety and productivity as you Keeping America Trucking.

Here are 10 truck driving tips to help you stay alert on the road.

Truck Driving Tips To Help You Stay Alert On The Road

1) Avoid Exhaustion

NEWS FLASH! You and your fuel tank can’t be on “E” prior to your next haul! Adequate sleep is necessary to avoid exhaustion and reckless driving while on the road.

Take more frequent naps and get as many hours of sleep as possible. The more rested you are the more alert you will be!

2) Stay Away From Large Doses of Caffeine

Many drivers depend on caffeine to get them through the day. Although a cup of coffee here and there won’t hurt, too much caffeine will lead to a caffeine overload and ultimately put your health at risk.

Go easy on the caffeine, please!

3) Don’t Eat Large Portions of Food

As tempting as it may be, you can’t eat it all. A full belly will make you sleepy and cause you to not be fully alert while on the road.

4) Excercise

Taking a quick 5-minute walk at your next truck stop or rest area will give your body a new-found boost of energy that you need and even help you burn a few calories.

5) Take a Nap

Jumpstart your next drive with a quick 15-20 minute nap before hitting the road. Sleeping for less than one hour gives your body the energy it needs to stay awake longer.

6) Avoid Lights with High Contrast

The high contrast between pitch black and bright lights causes your eyes to feel sleepy. Be cautious when driving and avoid looking directly into bright lights.

7) Turn the Volume Up

Let’s get this driving party started! Upbeat music helps keep your energized, especially when you sing along with it.

8) Take Vitamins

The best vitamins to take for a boost of energy are Vitamins B & C! Take them alongside a healthy meal and get the energy you need for the long haul.

9) Open the Window

If you’re like me, a crisp breeze at night from outside will help keep you alert. Studies show that cold air gives your body a temporary boost and keep yous awake longer. Give it a try!

10) Pull over if you are tired

This one is a “no-brainer”. If you find yourself becoming tired or distracted during your haul, simply pull over and rest. Your safety, along with the safety of other drivers and haulers on the road, is extremely important.

Always get rest when needed!

Get Rest & Renew Your UCR

We now offer UCR filing services! Simply call (877) 520-8640 and one of our expert representatives will renew your UCR for you! 

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So. What Happens If I File IFTA Late?

Well. That depends on how late you are. And since there are four quarterly deadlines each year, it’s easy to forget to file IFTA. We wouldn't recommend that, though. No need to fork out more money towards taxes than you already are.

If you file IFTA one month late.

In the first month, you will be slapped with an additional fee of $50 or 10% of the tax you owe, whichever is greater. That $50 might not sound like much, but let’s put it in perspective.

The actual amount you will owe for IFTA will vary widely, depending on factors like the miles you drove in each jurisdiction and how much fuel was purchased and consumed.

So, for example, let’s say you would have owed $300 for the quarter. This is already a lot to be forking out. But after forgetting for that first month, you will be looking at another $50 penalty on top of that. After a month, you already owe $350.

If you file IFTA more than one month late

But let’s say you fail to file IFTA even longer. Well, you’re going to get another .4167% tacked on each month.

So if you forget to file IFTA for three months, you’ll owe $353.75.

Are you starting to see why it’s important to file IFTA on time? When these kinds of unnecessary expenses pile up, they can sink a business.

And did we mention that your base jurisdiction reserves the right to suspend or even revoke your IFTA license? That’s right. Not filing your IFTA form can get you in big trouble.

Generate your IFTA quarterly report form in minutes

The easiest way to avoid paying these unnecessary late penalties is to generate your IFTA quarterly report form with our sister-product Express IFTA. They make it simple it for you.

Express IFTA is user-friendly, and it does all the complicated calculations for you. Just input your information and Express IFTA will generate a highly-accurate form you can file with.

Best of all, you’ll get a report starting at just $19.90.

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TSNAmerica Is Now Offering Full-Service UCR Filing Services

Here at TSNAmerica, we are always looking for ways to make life easier for America’s truckers.

That’s why we’re adding full-service UCR registration to our list of services. All you need to do is call in, provide the appropriate information, and we’ll take care of your UCR registration for you! It's just like our Form 2290 solution!

Here are some frequently asked questions about UCR registration.

What is UCR registration?

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCRA) created the UCR, a federally regulated program for commercial motor vehicles that travel interstate.

Who has to register under the UCRA?

Every motor carrier based in one of the

se states that travels interstate must register under the UCR program. If you are in one of the states that do not participate, you don’t need to worry about UCR registration.

When do I have to register for UCR?

The UCR registration deadline is on December 31, 2020.

What information do I need to register?

All identifying information about your company including company name and address, owner name, and USDOT number.

The Make, Model/Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), Number of Passengers, License Plate Number, and State, and Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of each vehicle you wish register.

Register today!

Call us today at (877) 520-8640 and register quickly! Our knowledgeable experts will take care of everything you need!

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Hotshot Trucking: Everything You Need to Know

Though it’s been around for a while, it seems like hotshot trucking is now more popular than ever.

Truck drivers who want to start their own trucking company often look to hotshot trucking as a cheaper option.

Hotshot hauling supports a specific niche in the trucking community, and there are various things you can and cannot do when you start a hotshot business.

What is hot shot trucking and what are the hotshot trucking requirements?

Find the answers to these questions and more in this hotshot trucking guide.

Hotshot Business

What is Hot Shot Trucking?

Hotshot hauling involves using medium-duty or one-ton trucks to pull trailers containing time-sensitive loads.

The “term hotshot” originated from the Texas oil fields, where pickups used to deliver quickly-needed parts to off-road drilling and pumping stations.

Hotshot trucking has survived from them to now and is actually regaining momentum with the increase in truckers’ desire to be their own boss without the high startup costs.

Plus, certain hotshot driver requirements make it a bit easier to get started quickly.

Pros and Cons of Hotshot Trucking

Besides avoiding the trucking business startup costs of buying or leasing expensive equipment, many hotshot loads are local and close-by, which means plenty of time at home.

Smaller loads that most freight trucks don’t want to haul are perfect for hotshot hauling.

Circling back to equipment expenses, purchasing a dually or 1-ton new truck is, on average a $40,000 investment, much cheaper than a rig.

Also, that vehicle won’t burn through fuel the same way that a larger semi-truck or rig will.

Hot Shot Trucking Requirements

Another major perk of hotshot trucking is that hotshot drivers are not necessarily required to have a CDL license.

A CDL is meant for vehicles weighing 10,000 pounds or more, depending on the state.

However, depending on what loads you’ll be transporting, you may want to get a CDL if you’re crossing state lines.

You’ll also need a USDOT number and possibly an MC number.

Speak to the Department of Transportation to find out specifically which documents you’ll need.

So, are you ready to start your own hotshot business? Hopefully, this information helped!

If hotshot hauling isn’t for you, but you’re interested in owner operator trucking or fleet management, check out some of our other blogs for resources, or print the one-page guide below to help you get started!

If you’re already in business and you’re looking for a trucking business management solution, check out TruckLogics, trucking management software with features for dispatch management, maintenance planning, business report generation, expense management, and more.

Use the free 15-day trial to check it out today!

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Do You Need to File Form 941 Online for Your Trucking Business?

If you own a small trucking business, it can be tough to know which taxes you’re required to file.

IRS tax Form 941 is a quarterly tax, and the 3rd quarter 941 deadline is November 2, 2020.

Check out this article for information on the 941 federal tax form to determine whether or not you need to file before the November 2nd 941 deadline.

IRS Tax Form 941

What is the Form 941 Tax Return?

IRS Tax Form 941 is the employer’s quarterly tax return.

It is used to report employment taxes. All employers are responsible for withholding federal income tax, Social Security tax, and Medicare tax from each employee’s salary.

The IRS Tax Form 941 is also used to calculate the employer’s portion of Social Security and Medicare tax. 

Do You Need to File 941 Form 2020 for Your Trucking Business?

The first question to ask yourself is, “Do I have employees?”

If you own and operate a business with employees, you’ll need to file Form 941 online.

Note: Independent contractors are not considered employees.

If you have independent contractors, you are not responsible for withholding taxes, you are simply responsible for paying the gross wage agreed upon in the contract.

Therefore, if you only have independent contractors working for you, you do not need to file 941 Form 2020.

The second question is, “Is my trucking business an S-corporation?”

S-corporations, or S-corps, are taxed on a pass-through basis, like sole proprietorships or partnerships.

Due to this, the S-corp does not pay tax on its profits. Instead, those profits pass on to shareholders who are taxed on it as part of their personal income.

Even though an S-corp may have no employees in the traditional sense (people working for the business without ownership stake), for tax purposes, any shareholder who performs duties on behalf of the business may be treated as a shareholder-employee.

Therefore, the money each shareholder receives in dividends may be treated as income, meaning you’ll need to file Form 941 online.

How to File Form 941 Online

If, after these two questions, you’ve determined that you need to file Form 941 for 2020, check out TaxBandits.

In just a few minutes, you could be done filing your Form 941 tax return. Don’t wait until the 941 deadline - knock it out now!

Here’s how it works:

1.  Create a free TaxBandits account
2.  Choose Form 941 for 2020
3.  Enter your employer details
4.  Follow the interview-style process
5.  Pay & transmit your Form 941 tax return

Still unsure if you need to file a 941 federal tax form?

Give the TaxBandits support team a call at 704-684-4751 and speak with a live, US-based agent who can help you determine whether you need to file a Form 941 for 2020. 

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How To Set Up Your Trucking Business For Success

Starting a trucking company is a great step into the ever-growing trucking industry.

Truck drivers account for about 6% of full-time jobs in the US, which will only grow as consumer demand for products does.

Owning a truck might be nice, but owning a successful trucking business is where you really want to focus.

Here are 3 tips for success as an owner-operator, leased operator, or fleet manager in the trucking industry.

Tips for Owning a Trucking Business

Understanding the Industry

Keep up with the latest news regarding the trucking industry. Stay on top of trends.

Plus, it’s important to have an understanding of what your future customers want and know how to take care of them better than your competitors.

Consider how you find customers who will give you repeat business, and determine what you need to do to keep them.

Understanding Business

Business is all about maximizing profit and minimizing expenses.

The trucking business is the same.

For starters, be sure you’re finding the best-paying loads. You can do this by knowing the current lane rates, researching which freight markets are hot, and always looking ahead to your next load.

Focus on cutting costs where you can, but more importantly, know where to step ahead and grab profit.

Stop throwing money away on unnecessary things. For instance, did you file your Form 2290 yet this year? If not, you’ve missed the 2290 due date and will face severe IRS penalties that only get worse with time. 

File now over the phone with TSNAmerica at 803.386.0320 to keep your money in your pocket.

Managing Time and Paperwork

Most importantly, your trucking business’s success depends on your ability to juggle all things at once.

Luckily, we know of the perfect tool to help you.

TruckLogics is a trucking company software program designed to take the paperwork out of trucking business for owner-operators, leased operators, and fleet managers.

With tons of unique features, you won’t believe how easy it makes your day-to-day tasks.

Owner-operators can use TruckLogics to manage their entire business. 

From managing dispatches and tracking income & expenses, to scheduling maintenance and sending invoices, it’s the one-stop-shop for your trucking business to make it happen.

Plus, leased operators can use TruckLogics to streamline record-keeping. Track income, run profit & loss reports and keep compliance records for your maintenance and trip details.

TruckLogics even has tools for fleet managers, including access to TruckZone, which keeps fleet details organized and accessible. You can even set automatic reminders for vehicle maintenance.

It truly is an all-inclusive trucking company software program.

Owning a trucking business can be hard, but it doesn’t have to be! Sign up for a free 15-day trial and give TruckLogics a test drive today.

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What to Do in the Event of an IFTA Audit

Even though the 3rd quarter IFTA deadline is still over a month away, don’t think you can put IFTA out of your mind entirely. Even though you filed your 2nd quarter return, paid the necessary fees, and even registered for your new license and stickers, unfortunately, there’s still the chance of an audit!

Now we know you’re a responsible trucker; you tracked your mileage properly and kept all of your fuel receipts nice, neat, and organized. But what you may not know, is that even if you do everything right, there’s still a chance you're going to get audited. Each base jurisdiction is required to audit three percent of its filers, just to make sure that truckers across our nation are keeping their logs and receipts properly.

So what can you do if you’re one of the unfortunate truckers that gets audited?

Get Your IFTA Information Ready

The first step (and only step, really) in a routine audit is for the auditor to go through and verify all of the information on your return. So you’ll need to have the following information ready to go:

Basic Information About Your Vehicle: 

• Driver’s Name and Signature
• VIN (vehicle identification number) 
• Trailer Number
• Registrant’s Name 
• Make, Model, and Gross Weight of the Vehicle 

Trip Log Information:

• Beginning and End Dates of the Trip 
• The Route(s) of travel 
• The Origin Point and Destination Point of each Trip 
• Odometer Readings Before and After Each Trip 
• Total Trip Miles
• Miles Traveled in Each IFTA Jurisdiction 

Fuel Record Information: 

• Receipts for Each Purchase (Please note that copied or scanned receipts are not acceptable.)
• Date of Each Purchase (If it’s not listed on the receipt) 
• Seller’s Name and Address 
• Price Per Gallon/Liter 
• Fuel Type

So just make sure you have all of the following pieces of information together, and you'll have nothing to worry about in the event of an audit.

And if you think maybe you got audited because you threw your return together yourself at the last minute, then next time, try using ExpressIFTA to generate your report. All you have to do is enter your fuel and mileage information and they'll calculate everything for you!

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Waited Until Last Minute? How to File by the 2290 Due Date

The 2020 Form 2290 due date is today!!

That’s right… Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is due on August 31, 2020.

Filing the 2020-21 Form 2290 by the 2290 due date is critical to avoid penalties and receive an updated 2290 Schedule 1.

Still need to file?

Here’s a comprehensive list of Form 2290 instructions 2020 for filing before the 2290 due date. 

Form 2290 Due Date 2020

The 2020 Form 2290 Rundown

Federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is an annual truck tax that covers the damage that heavy vehicles do to public highways.

In return for filing Form 2290 for 2020, you’ll receive an updated 2290 Schedule 1, which is necessary for truck operation.

Your 2290 Schedule 1 acts as a receipt of federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax payment, and must be presented when renewing tags, traveling internationally, and more.

IRS Late Filing Penalties

Failing to file 2020 Form 2290 before the Form 2290 due date will result in penalties.

The IRS enacts a late filing penalty of 4.5% of the total federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax amount for these filers, with an added 0.54% interest each month.

In contrast, those who file Form 2290 for 2020 but do not pay their federal Heavy Vehicle Use Tax will face a penalty of 0.5% of the tax amount, with 0.54% interest each month.

Failing to file will also cost you an updated 2290 Schedule 1, which you’ll need on the road.

Don’t risk it. Filing on time is simple.

Filing On Time

The fastest way to file is over the phone or online.

To file over the phone, simply call TSNA at 877.520.8640 and we'll file for you!

You also have the option to file IRS 2290 online with our sister product, ExpressTruckTax.

To file 2020 Form 2290 online quickly before the 2290 due date, follow these simple Form 2290 instructions 2020:

1.  Gather Your Information

Speed up your Form 2290 for 2020 filing process by gathering your information ahead of time. You’ll need business information, EIN (Employer Identification Number), VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), gross taxable weight, and authorized signatory details.

2.  Call TSNAmerica

Simply call 877.520.8640.

3.  Tell Them Your Business Information

Simply give your business name, address, and EIN. You must have an EIN to file.

4.  Choose Your Tax Year & First Used Month

Your tax year is 2020-21. If your vehicle has been in service in previous years and will continue to be in service this year, your first use month is July.

5.  Tell Them Your Vehicle Information

This includes VIN and gross taxable weight, which is the weight of your vehicle when fully equipped for service, minus the weight of you and the load. Find this number on your cab card or a sticker inside the door of your cab.

6. Decide how to pay your HVUT tax.

You can pay by Check or Money Order, EFTPS, or EFW.

That’s it!

Follow these IRS 2290 instructions and you’ll be finished in no time.

Never miss another 2290 due date. File now with TSNAmerica.

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Here is the Easiest Way To File 2290 Form 2020

There’s a little over two days left in the race to the 2290 Form 2020 due date finish line. If you weren’t aware, your Heavy Highway Use Tax must be filed by Friday, August 31st.

You can quickly handle your Form 2290 filing with the help of TSNAmerica. We understand that filing taxes is not the most exciting thing to do while on the road, so here is why you need to know about the easiest way to file 2290 Form for 2020.

Here is the Easiest Way To File 2290 Form for 2020

With the 2290 tax due date quickly approaching it is important to mark “Form 2290 Filing” off your to-do list. Unsure of what Form 2290 for 2020 is and if you are even required to file? Here’s a quick Form 2290 filing course to bring you up to speed–no need to worry, there won’t be a quiz at the end.

What is Form 2290?

IRS Form 2290 is used each year by truckers to file Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, also known as HVUT. You must file this form and get a stamped copy of your Schedule 1 Form 2290 for taxable highway motor vehicles that are registered, or required to be registered in your name under state, District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law at the time of its first use during the tax period, and will travel over 5,000 miles during the tax year.

Information Needed for Form 2290 Filing

Phone filing with TSNAmerica is super easy and can be done in minutes! Here is the information you will need to provide when we file for you:

• Business Contact Information- Including your business name, phone number, and address (must match IRS records)
• EIN- Employer Identification Number
• VIN- Vehicle Identification Numbers for all of your taxable vehicles
• Gross Vehicle Weight
• Payment Information- Have your routing and account number ready if you plan to pay the IRS via Direct Debit.

Easiest Way to File Form 2290 for 2020

We’ve made you wait long enough. The easiest way to handle Form 2290 filing is to let us do it on your behalf over the phone! Simply pick up the phone when you have a few minutes to spare and give us a call at 803.386.0320.

Our friendly US-based bilingual support team is standing by ready to assist you. Provide them with the information needed for Form 2290 filing and we will file on your behalf in just five minutes. After your Form 2290 filing has been submitted you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.

Call Us Today to File Form 2290 for 2020

877.520.8640

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We're Days Away From the 2290 Deadline–Here's What You Need to Know

The countdown for the 2290 deadline is coming for you!

Owner-operators must e-file IRS 2290 by Monday, August 31, 2020. If not, expensive IRS penalties for failing to file will be headed your way.

The clock is ticking and time is running out, so here’s what you need to know before calling in to file.

Am I Required To File a 2290 Form?

If you’re reading this then we're 99.9% sure you are required to file by the upcoming 2290 deadline!

Owner-operators that have a vehicle with more than 55,000 pounds in gross weight must file Form 2290 for 2020 to receive their stamped Schedule 1.

You must have a Schedule 1 Form 2290 to renew your tags with the DMV or register for IRP.

File My 2290

What Information Do I Need When FIling?

Guess what?! You only need five pieces of information when you call for us to file your 2290 Form:

• Business Name & Address
• EIN (Employer Identification Number)
• VIN (Vehicle Identification Number
• Gross Taxable Weight
• Authorized Signatory Details

Wait, TSNAmerica Will File My 2290 Form for Me?

Yep, you read correctly! Filing your Form 2290 for 2020 is as simple as giving us a call.

Simply call 877.520.8640 and you’ll be greeted by one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members ready to file your 2290 Form.

You’ll be prompted to provide the information listed below and in just 5-10 minutes your annual filing requirements will be complete! Best of all, a digital copy of your stamped Schedule 1 will be sent via email!

Call TSNAmerica Now
877.520.8640

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