2020: The Year of The Electric Semi?

Electric semi-trucks are coming soon.

Volvo and Peterbilt have already rolled out fully electric semi-trucks. Daimler and Tesla have plans to release theirs sometime in 2020.

Tesla has generated significant buzz and pre-orders from large trucking companies. Could this be the beginning of the end for fossil-fueled semi-trucks?

Some experts aren’t so sure.

The future of electric trucks: Tesla semis

For starters, Tesla has made bold claims of fully electric semi-trucks with a 500-750 mile range.

Tesla's statements about their semi-trucks have been controversial, to say the least. Competitors like Daimler say it's impossible. Martin Daum of Daimler said:

"If Tesla really delivers on this promise, we'll obviously buy two trucks: one to take apart and one to test, because if that happens, something has passed us by. But for now, the same laws of physics apply in Germany and in California."

Microsoft founder and billionaire Bill Gates also weighed in on the issue saying, “Eventually batteries might work for a truck, but it’s a far more difficult problem because the weight is a lot higher there.”

Daimler, Peterbilt, and Volvo meanwhile are all promoting day cab models with expected ranges well under 500 miles.

Daimler quotes about 250 miles, Peterbilt about 133 miles, Volvo about 186 miles.

Startups: Nikola semis & Xos Trucks

There are a number of other companies with plans extending farther into the future.

For instance, newcomer Nikola is planning both fully electric and hydrogen fuel cell semi-trucks for the near future.

The release date projected for Nikola semis is around 2022.

Xos Trucks (formerly Thor Trucks) also had plans to push out electric trucks with a 100-mile range this year, but so far there is no word on when that will actually happen.

Will Tesla semis overtake diesel?

What do you think? Will diesel ever be phased out? Will trucking become entirely autonomous?

One thing is for sure. Until that happens, you’ll still need a trucking dispatch system. Have you heard about our sister product TruckLogics?

They offer dispatching, invoicing, IFTA compliance and so much more. You can get a 15-day free trial with no obligation!

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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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Your Ultimate Guide To The Jake Brake

A Jake Brake is a separate component installed on diesel engines. When engaged, it releases compressed air, using kinetic energy to slow the vehicle.

This is why truck drivers also refer to it as the “compression release brake”.

Basically, it puts resistance or drag on the crankshaft, and therefore on the tires, to slow the vehicle down.

It is not the same system as the service (foot) brakes, and will slow the truck when it is in gear and both throttle and clutch are released.

There are certain situations in which one should not use the Jake Brake. Understanding how to use a Jake Brake is critical for truck driver safety.

Truck Driver Safety

How To Use a Jake Brake

With winter approaching, it’s more important than ever to adhere to these truck driving tips regarding the Jake Brake.

Each truck’s Jake Brake and engine combination can be different, so check with your mechanic for the safe operating ranges of your truck.

Jake Brakes are great for controlling truck speed when descending a steep grade. This saves the foot brakes from wear. Many drivers also keep it on most of the time.

It’s a good idea to use them in the mountains, as it can add years of life to your foot brakes and save from wear and tear on tires.

If you choose to keep it on all of the time, slow your speed relative to road conditions to maintain traction.

The Jake Brake is incredibly helpful, and can be used in conjunction with foot brakes. 

Jake Brake Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

However, although the Jake Brake is a great tool, there are many situations when you should avoid using it, or use it with caution to maintain truck driver safety.

Most importantly, the Jake Brake is not designed to be used on ice or other slippery conditions.

Using the Jake Brake on slippery surfaces could cause your wheels to lock up and lead to a jackknife. This is due to the fact that the anti-lock braking system has no effect on the Jake Brake.

If you must use it in these conditions, be sure that the tractor-trailer unit is lined up before engaging.

Also, keep an eye out for road signs, as some municipalities and jurisdictions will have laws against the use of the Jake Brake for certain areas.

Here are some other safety tips for truck drivers:

-  Don't use your Jake Brake when shifting gears

-  Make sure you're not low on oil before using it

-  Don't use it when the engine is cold - give it time to warm up!

-  Before descending a long grade, briefly lift your foot off the throttle to check Jake Brake functionality

Road Safety

Truck driver safety and the safety of those around you depend on your ability to make good decisions on the road.

That’s why it’s important to stay educated on how to use a Jake Brake, and other truck driving tips.

TSNAmerica is here for you. For more trucking resources and information, check out our blog.

Stay safe out there!

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The Latest on the DOT and Automated Trucking

A big point of conflict in trucking industry news today is trucking driving automation.

You may have heard that less than a month ago, on September 18th, the Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that they were funding research groups and state transport departments who are exploring vehicle automation projects.

This funding, in the amount of $60 million, was made possible through the Department of Transportation Automated Driving System Demonstration grant program.

This program supports the development of automated driving systems.

For truckers, it means the possible advent of automated trucks. Here’s what you need to know about automated trucks and the trucking industry.

Trucking Industry News

Automated Trucking

Truck drivers around the world have mixed feelings about automated semi-trucks, making it a huge topic at GATS this year, where there were a variety of educational sessions addressing automated trucking, including a session called “The Driver’s Role with Driverless Trucks”.

The truth of the matter is that truck driving automation offers a huge opportunity to increase roadway safety, which is the main focus of the DOT.

While many truck drivers express fear regarding AI and automated semi-trucks, the more immediate impact of automated trucks on the industry is positive.

Automated trucking increases efficiency on the back end and decreases human error.

The DOT

This goal is made apparent by how the DOT chose to delegate its money.

Of the $60 million of DOT grant money, the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute received the most at $15 million split between two grants.

The first will support the development of Fleet Concept of Operations, intended to provide the trucking industry with guidelines on how to implement and benefit from automated trucking systems.

The second will support a project for demonstrating scenarios for the safe interaction of automated vehicles in northern Virginia.

What Does Truck Driving Automation Mean For You?

A report by MarketsandMarkets estimates that the AI market for transportation is projected to grow nearly 18% from 2017 - 2030.

With this increased focus on truck driving automation comes increased value for human skills.

As more jobs or activities become automated, people are freed from routine and predictable tasks, and the attention shifts to things that are uniquely human.

This is a positive change, involving the extinction of boring mundane tasks and the addition of challenging processes like managing new technologies and exercising greater critical thinking skills on a regular basis.

Growing truck driving automation in the trucking industry means growing human skills like communication, empathy, trust, and judgement.

TSNAmerica knows trucking. We’re here for you in every aspect of the industry you love.

Check out our other blogs to stay up to date with the latest trucking industry news. 

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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 October 31, 2019.

Check out this article for information on the 941 federal tax form to determine whether or not you need to file before the October 31st 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 2019 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 2019.

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 2019, 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 2019
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 2019. 

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Hurricane Season: The Best Tips for Trucking Through Storms

Hurricane season is here, but the trucking industry doesn’t stop.

Our nation relies on truck drivers to transport necessary goods 24/7.

That being said, if you’re caught driving during hurricane season, you’ll need to be aware of safety regulations for truck drivers to help you stay safe while trucking through storms.

Here are some safety tips for truck drivers to help promote safety in trucking industry.

Truck Driver Safety

Hurricane Season

With Hurricane Dorian roaring up the East Coast recently, it’s clear that hurricane season is in full effect.

It’s important to understand that hurricane season is incredibly unpredictable. Safety in trucking industry depends on you. Be prepared.

Strong winds can be a side-effect of hurricane conditions, reaching far beyond where the hurricane’s eye is.

If at any moment you feel you have lost control of your vehicle, pull off of the road and seek shelter immediately. 

At the end of the day, this is #1 on our list of safety tips for truck drivers: 

Your life and the lives of those around you are more important than delivering your load in a timely manner. 

Trucking Safety Tips

Be sure to watch out for weather warnings. Trucking through storms is easier when you’re aware of them.

In addition, hurricane season can cause many pop-up storms far from the actual hurricane. Prioritize truck driver safety over efficiency. Take note of these trucking safety tips.

First, avoid high water on the road. It may seem obvious, but don’t drive through high water or that small pile of debris.

You don’t know what dangerous objects may be covered by the water or hidden amongst the pile of tree branches. Don’t risk it.

Most importantly, bring emergency equipment. Here are some important truck driver safety items to include:

Remember, if you bring canned food, don’t forget a can opener!

Also, pack a waterproof jacket, and dry clothes in case you get stuck in the rain. If you have an electric blanket, consider bringing that as your extra blanket.

Safety in the Trucking Industry

Truck driver safety is incredibly important to us at TSNAmerica.

We strive each day to make life easier for you, and we know the huge role you play in American economy.

Be safe out there drivers!

Stay on top of maintenance this hurricane season, and don’t leave anything to chance.

If you’re an owner-operator, fleet owner, or leased operator, check out our sister product TruckLogics.

TruckLogics is a trucking business management software designed to keep you on top in the trucking industry.

Manage invoices, dispatches, maintenance, and more, all from one place. Try it free for 15 days.

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Starting a Trucking Company? Here's What You Need to Know

Trucking is a huge industry in America today.

You’ve decided to take advantage of that.

Are you set on starting a trucking company, but don’t know where to start?

You’ve come to the right place.

Check out this guide for everything you need on how to start a trucking company.

How to Start a Trucking Company

Paperwork

When starting a trucking company, the first step is to form an LLC.

Owning a trucking company as an LLC will protect you as a business owner and offer tax advantages.

To form an LLC, most states require that you appoint a registered agent. This person will accept and send legal documents on your behalf and act as the direct point of contact with the state.

You’ll also need an EIN, or Employee Identification Number, for your LLC. This number is unique to your business and required for many aspects of operation, such as submitting certain tax forms.

After that, there’s more paperwork coming your way. Obtain necessary business licenses and permits, including USDOT Number, MC (Motor Carrier Operating Authority) Number, and IRP (International Registration Plan).

How to Run a Trucking Company

Once you’ve gotten started owning a trucking company and have a truck, maintenance and growth are the name of the game!

Above all else, the best answer for how to run a trucking company is consistency.

Owning a trucking company requires awareness at all times. Track your expenses, stay tax compliant, and understand your finances.

Missing deadlines or expiration dates can cause you to lose good standing with the IRS. Plus, you’ll accrue penalties and affect your cash flow.

At this point, you may have mastered how to open a trucking company, but maintaining one is a whole new beast.

Let’s talk about the tools, such as owner-operator trucking software, that can help get you there.

Trucking Business Software

The best way to stay on top of your trucking company is with trucking business software.

Take advantage of technology when you’re starting a trucking company. There are many things to keep track of and monitor.

Utilizing a trucking business software makes it easy to keep it all in one place.

TruckLogics is a trucking business management software designed for leased operators, owner-operators, small fleet managers, mid-size fleet managers, and large fleet managers.

No matter where you fall in the trucking business world, TruckLogics is here to help you succeed.

Independent owner-operators can utilize this owner-operator trucking software to control their entire business from one place by managing dispatches, tracking income & expenses, scheduling maintenance, sending invoices, and more.

Plus, leased operators can take advantage of recordkeeping features like profit & loss reports or compliance records for maintenance and trip details.

On top of all of that, fleet managers have the added benefit of accessing TruckZone, which keeps fleet details organized and accessible.

Track maintenance, stay on top of finances, and so much more. Get started with a trucking business software solution right away when starting a trucking company. It can make or break your business.

Take TruckLogics for a test drive with a 15-day free trial.

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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 product does.

Owning a trucking business 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, or online with ExpressTruckTax to stop the 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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Here's Exactly What To Do If You Missed The 2290 Deadline

Did you miss the Form 2290 deadline?? It was yesterday, September 3rd, 2019.

If you dropped the ball on your heavy highway tax this year, act fast!

IRS 2290 penalties will only increase as time goes on. Online 2290 filing helps you file and pay your HVUT 2290 fast to minimize additional costs.

Here’s how.

Filing After The Form 2290 Due Date

IRS 2290 Penalties

First, here are the penalties you’ll face for filing IRS Form 2290 after the Form 2290 due date.

Filing your heavy highway tax after the Form 2290 deadline results in a penalty of 4.5% of your total HVUT 2290 tax amount. This penalty will increase monthly for up to 5 months.

If you filed IRS Form 2290 but did not pay your HVUT 2290 amount by the 2290 tax due date, you’ll have a penalty of only 0.5% of your HVUT 2290 tax amount, plus additional interest of 0.54% per month.

Keep in mind that the IRS may not penalize you if you can give them a reasonable explanation for filing your heavy highway tax after the 2290 tax due date. 

Filing IRS Form 2290 Over The Phone

No matter where you are right now, you need to make IRS 2290 filing your priority.

If you’re on the road, give TSNAmerica a call at 803.386.0320. All you’ll need is simple IRS 2290 filing information, such as business information, EIN, VIN, gross taxable weight, and authorized signatory details. 

Once you’ve given us this information, we’ll file your IRS Form 2290 over the phone for you.

Filing HVUT 2290 Online

Another quick option for IRS Form 2290 filing is ExpressTruckTax.

ExpressTruckTax, our sister product, is the industry-leading IRS-authorized e-file provider.

Despite missing the Form 2290 due date, you can still file online within minutes and receive an updated Schedule 1 Form 2290.

You’ll need a current Schedule 1 Form 2290 for operation, so it is critical that you file IRS 2290 as soon as possible to get one.

Take a deep breath. The Form 2290 deadline is passed, but it’s not a huge deal. 

Take 10-20 minutes and sort it out with TSNAmerica phone filing or ExpressTruckTax online filing.

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

The Form 2290 due date 2019 is today!!

That’s right… Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is due on September 3rd, 2019.

Filing 2290 Form 2019-2020 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 2019 for filing before the 2290 due date. 

Form 2290 Due Date 2019

The 2290 Form 2019-2290 Rundown

The Form 2290 due date 2019 was pushed back to September 3rd this year because the usual August 31st date falls on a weekend and the next business day is Labor Day.

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 2290 Form 2019-2020, 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 2290 Form 2019-2020 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 2290 Form 2019-2020 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 803.386.0320 and we'll file for you!

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

To file 2290 Form 2019-2020 online quickly before the 2290 due date, follow these simple Form 2290 instructions 2019:

1.  Gather Your Information

Speed up your 2290 Form 2019-2020 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.  Create Your Account

It’s free! Create or log in to your account at ExpressTruckTax.com.

3.  Add Your Business Information

Add business name, address, and EIN. You must have an EIN to file.

4.  Choose Your Tax Year & First Used Month

Your tax year is 2019-2020. 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.  Add 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.

That’s it!

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

When you file with ExpressTruckTax, you save time by filing quickly and correctly.

ExpressTruckTax is an IRS-authorized e-file provider offering instant error checks, bulk upload, and other time-saving features in a safe and secure filing process.

They'll even store and retrieve your vehicle information to make your next filing even quicker than the last.

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

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