Free Live Training Session: IFTA Recordkeeping

When you’re on the road for a living, how on earth does anyone expect you to keep proper records? Do they expect you to keep a giant file cabinet in the cabin of your truck instead of a bed? Well of course not, because that would be ridiculous. But as you already know, just because something is ridiculous, doesn’t mean IFTA won’t require you do it.

If you haven’t already experienced an audit from your base jurisdiction you’ll have to take our word for it; they aren’t fun. Luckily though, there is one clear-cut way proven to help avoid audits and also to speed up the audit process if you do ever find yourself in that scenario. Wanna take a guess what is is? If you guessed that it’s keeping records based off the not-so-inconspicuous blog title, then you’d be right! So keep on reading, and we’ll tell you about how your friends at TSNAmerica can help you find better ways to keep your records and stay organized.

Live Training Session

If you’ve ever done a quarterly IFTA report, you already know that there’s a lot you have to keep up with. Between tracking your mileage traveled in every state, keeping up with all of your fuel purchased, and trying to manage all of your fuel receipts, it can get a little confusing and messy.

Luckily for you, we’ve got a sure-fire way to help you hone your skills; just watch our live training session! I mean seriously, what better way to learn some new recordkeeping skills than to watch our team of trucking service and recordkeeping professionals give you the best tips, tricks, and methods to keep yourself organized.

The session will be held Thursday, September 3 at 4:00 p.m. ET, and will cover the art of IFTA recordkeeping. We’ll also go over some examples of good reports and bad reports that have been sent to us over the years, so you can get a better feel of what to do and not to do.

How Do I Sign-up?

To sign-up, just follow the link here, and enter in your email address and name to register. Once registered, you will be able to attend the training session for free!

We take great pride in knowing our stuff, and our trucking service professionals always stay up-to-date on the latest industry standards. Since it’s our job to make sure that your operations run smoothly, we’ll also be hosting several other upcoming sessions, and we’ll be announcing the dates of each during the IFTA recordkeeping session. Plus, we’ll save all of our other training sessions, so you’ll be able to access them at any time!

At TSNAmerica, we take the problems of our customers and make them our own. Want someone to solve yours? Then just give us a call at 803.386.0320, or email us at support@tsnamerica.com, and we’ll make sure we get you taken care of.

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Breaking News: New Trucking Regulations

So far this summer has been an uncharacteristically busy one for the trucking industry. It seems like just about every week the Senate is passing a new transportation bill, and it can be a daunting task to keep up with all the new rules and regulations.

But that’s what your friends at TSNAmerica are here for, so take a look below and we’ll go over all the new mandates and bills that have been passed recently or will be coming soon.

Trucking Updates

So far this summer, these are the new mandates and bills that have been either passed or proposed.

Speed Regulator Law:

A newly proposed bill would require the use of speed limiters on heavy trucks is set to be published by the Department of Transportation this week. Details of the bill have not been made public yet, but the bill is expected to pass through the White House and be published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration later this week. However, the bill is expected to include the proposed speed limit and also whether or not the rule will be applied to trucks that are already in use.

E-log Mandate:

Also this week, the final version of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rule that would make the use of electronic logging devices mandatory is supposed to be finished. The rule will not actually take effect until two years after its publication in the Federal Register, but it will require all drivers that must keep duty records to use an electronic logging device.

The rule is currently under review by the Office of Management and Budget, although it is expected to be cleared next month on September 21 and published by September 30. in addition to this rule, a corresponding rule.

DRIVE Act:

Also within the last month, the DRIVE Act, which stands for Developing a Reliable and Innovative Vision for the Economy, was approved by the US Senate with a vote of 65 to 34. This is big news for trucking because let’s face it, we all know the highways across our country could use some work. The bill comes at a big time for the industry, as over the last several years 34 short-term extensions have been passed to extend the current method for highway funding, which has proven to be ineffective. The new bill will put over $350 billion into the funding of our nation’s highways, railroads, and public transit systems. While the sponsors of the bill were only able to guarantee the bill’s first three years, the bill is still a huge step forward for the industry.

New Transportation Bill:

In addition to the aforementioned DRIVE Act, the Senate has also been working on another transportation-related bill. Although it’s been 22 years since the last time taxes were raised as an act of Congress, it’s looking more and more likely that those 22 years will be coming to an end soon.

Senator Tom Carper from Delaware announced the TRAFFIC Relief Act of 2015, which would increase fuel taxes by four cents each year for the next four years in order to offset years of inflation. The money would go towards the highway trust fund, and the proposal would index taxes to the rate of inflation after four years and would make a pair of earned income tax credits permanent.

Thanks for reading Trucking Nation, we hope you enjoyed the trucking update. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates from TSNAmerica.

And remember, if you ever have any questions about new trucking regulations or registration requirements, don’t hesitate to give us a call at 803.386.0320, or email us at support@tsnamerica.com.

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IRP Registration: Everything You Need to Know

With the end of the second quarter in the books and 2290 season in full swing, it can be a
hassle to have to remember exactly what permit, tax form, and registration you need to complete or renew. That’s why your friends at TSNAmerica are here to remind you that with the end of August and September comes renewal deadlines for IRP registration in several states.

Now you may be thinking, “What exactly is IRP registration, and how do I do I register?” Just look below, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about IRP, and even how to get your registration done or renewed today!

What is IRP Registration?

IRP stands for the International Registration Plan, and is an agreement among US states, the District of Columbia, and provinces of Canada for payment of commercial motor carrier registration fees. If you operate in multiple states or provinces, you must register with your base jurisdiction.

The registration is mandatory for all commercial vehicles that weigh over 26,000 pounds or have three or more axles that operate in multiple jurisdictions across the United States/Canada.

How Do I Register for IRP?

To obtain and maintain your IRP registration, there are several steps you will need to follow including:

Choosing Your Base Jurisdiction: The first and most important step is choosing your base jurisdiction. Typically, this is just the state or province where your business is located. In order to choose a state/province as your base jurisdiction, you will need to have documentation to prove that your business is headquartered there.

Apply For Registration From Your Base Jurisdiction: In order to do this, you will have to prove your right to use the state as a base jurisdiction, complete an application, and pay the required fees. You will also need to make sure that you are current on all of your HVUT/Form 2290 payments, and that you have supporting documentation. Supporting documentation includes, but is not limited to, IFTA registration, vehicle title, and proof of insurance. If you are unsure what documents you need, check the requirements by contacting your base jurisdiction.

Display Vehicle Registration Credentials: This one is kind of self explanatory, but after you get receipt stating that you’ve paid for your registration and received your decals, make sure that you display them properly on your vehicle. The exact spot to display the decals varies by jurisdiction, so again, if you have any questions at all, contact them to ensure that you’re doing everything correctly.

Maintain Your Distance Records: After you have obtained your registration, just like with IFTA, you’ll need to be sure that you’re keeping proper distance records. Records must be kept for all mileage traveled in each jurisdiction, so the fees you paid are distributed properly to any states you operate in. In case you are ever audited, be sure that you keep records for at least three years after the close of the registration period.

If all of this sounds a little confusing, don’t worry, that’s where we come in. Not only will we help you obtain your IRP registration, but we’ll do it for you! Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 or email us at support@tsnamerica.com, and our team of trucking specialists will get you all taken care of. Not to mention, we also offer tons of other trucking services, so don’t hesitate to contact us if you ever need anything!

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It's Official: Our Parent Company Has Made the Inc. 5000!

At TSNAmerica, we’re thrilled to announce that SPAN Enterprises, our parent company, has made the Inc. 5000! The Inc. 5000 is composed annually and contains the fastest-growing privately-held companies in the United States. SPAN officially checked in at number 1150 on the list, making it the 11th largest company in the Charlotte metro area and the fastest-growing software company in South Carolina!

TSNAmerica and the Company Behind the Scenes

Truck Services of North America was launched in 2012, and our team and agency is one of many services provided by SPAN Enterprises. As you may or may not already know, we are a registration and processing agency providing solutions for the hard workers in America’s highly-regulated transportation industry.

With our customer service and professionalism, we’ve done all we can to become the nation’s premier processing agency. All of our transportation service experts work closely with federal and state agencies to ensure that our customers stay informed of constantly changing rules and regulations.

We take pride in being a true one-stop shop for all your trucking needs, so we have professionals that provide services including 2290 filing, IRP registration, HazMat Certification, IFTA filing, and much more.

Not to mention, we have a US-based support team that’s able to answer all of your questions, all year long. No having to talk to someone halfway across the world or getting stuck with a clueless customer service representative, our tax experts have your back!

More About SPAN Enterprises

SPAN Enterprises was created in 2010 by co-founders Agie Sundaram and Naga Palanisamy, who first created Unitwise, a business management program specifically crafted for Mary Kay sales professionals.

Since then, the company has grown from its original duo to over 200 employees spanning the globe. SPAN has launched over 14 different cloud based applications, and over 20 different software program. Most of the company’s work is in e-filing tax software platforms and business management programs, although it plans to launch more in new industries before the end of the year.

As SPAN has grown over the last few years, TSNAmerica has grown as well. We have done everything in our power to continue our growth, while doing it from the same small town where it all began, Rock Hill, South Carolina.

As a company, we’re continuing to grow and striving to reach new levels every year. We couldn’t have done it without you, our customers, so thanks to you all for helping us to create something special. Even as we continue to grow, our small-town mentality will never change, and neither will our service. We look forward to the years to come, Trucking Nation!

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2290 Phone Filing: Give Us a Call!

The Heavy Vehicle Use Tax season is in full swing, and you’ve got just under four weeks left to get those 2290’s filed.

If you’re having trouble getting it filed or don’t know if you’ll have the time to wait in line at the IRS office, give us a call. Not only are we experts with trucking permits and registration, but we’re licensed tax professionals!

So why wait until the August 31 deadline to get the 2290 out of your way, when you can call TSNAmerica and get your 2290 filed for you today!

What is a 2290?

Form 2290 is a federal tax form used to file Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, also known as HVUT. The form must be filed annually if a taxable motor vehicle weighing over 55,000 pounds is registered, or required to be registered in your name under District of Columbia, Canadian, or Mexican law at the time of its first use during the tax period, and that vehicle will travel 5,000 miles or more during the tax year. The HVUT season runs from July 1 every year to the following June 30. After filing, you will receive a stamped Schedule 1, which acts as your proof of payment and must be kept in your truck for records.

Need some help? File it all over the phone!

If you need any help filing your Form 2290, we offer phone filing! All you need to do is make a 5-minute phone call and give us your relevant information. Here’s what you’ll need to have ready when you call:

• Business Contact Information: You’ll need your business name, phone number, and address. Be sure that the information you give us matches exactly how it is registered with the IRS.
• EIN: Employer Identification Number
• VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
• Taxable Gross Weight of the Vehicle: This number is the weight of your truck, trailer, plus the maximum weight that can be hauled in the trailer. If you are unsure of the taxable gross weight of your vehicle, it should be listed on the vehicle’s registration.
• Payment Information: You’ll need to decide how you want to pay the tax fees, the IRS accepts payments via electronic funds withdrawal, EFTPS, or via check/money order. 

Once we have all that information, we’ll ask you if any of your vehicles are used for special purposes such as logging or agriculture, as it can affect your taxes. After we get all of your information, we’ll email you a copy of Form 8453 for you to sign and send back to us via email, fax, or postal mail, whichever is the most convenient method for you.

Once we receive the your signed copy of the 8453, that gives us the “good to go,” and we’ll get your 2290 filed that day and send you a copy of your Schedule 1 as soon as the IRS accepts your return.

So pick up the phone and make the 5-minute phone call to TSNAmerica today, and let us take the paperwork out of your way.

If you have any questions about our 2290 e-filing service, you can give us a call at 803.386.0320, email us at support@tsnamerica.com, or you can fill out service request. Remember, we also provide lots of other trucking services, so be sure to let us know if you need help with anything else so that you can keep trucking!

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