5 Truck Registration Renewal Deadlines You Need To Know About

We know you’ve got a lot on your plate. There are so many things to keep track when you’re trucking.

But to remain compliant in 2020, you need to be sure you’ve kept up with renewing all your registration.

Here are five important registration renewal deadlines you need to be aware of.

Registration Renewal Deadlines

IFTA

The deadline to file for IFTA license renewal is December 31st.

All of your quarterly IFTA taxes for 2019 need to be filed before you can be eligible for IFTA license renewal.

This is a good reason to get ahead of the curve on filing for this quarter.

IRP

The IRP renewal deadline is staggered. It will, however, always be 30 days before the date you originally registered. 

So if you originally registered on March 1, your filing deadline will be February 1.

Typically you will receive an IRP renewal notice 45-90 days before that date.

UCR

The Unified Carrier Registration deadline for 2020 was originally set for but has been delayed “until further notice” while the FMCSA completes final rulemaking. 

When this has happened in previous years, the due date has been pushed back into March.

NM WDT

If you will be driving in New Mexico a lot in 2020, you need to register for their Weight Distance Tax (WDT). The WDT tax in New Mexico is calculated based on mileage. The deadline for license renewal is December 31.

Similar to IFTA, the NM WDT requires quarterly reporting in addition to yearly registration.

Oregon

Similar to New Mexico, Oregon charges taxes per-mile in addition to IFTA that must be reported either monthly or quarterly. The deadline for license renewal is December 31 with no grace period.

How to make keeping track easier in 2020

With TruckLogics, you can track expenses, records, maintenance, and much more from anywhere you are.

Get a 15-day free trial and give TruckLogics a try in 2020! There’s no obligation and no credit card information required.

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Want to Start Hauling Interstate Loads? Here’s What You Need To Know

There are two types of trucking: intrastate and interstate. Intrastate refers to hauling loads only within one state. Interstate, refers to moving freight between multiple states.

In order to start hauling interstate, you’re going to need a lot more registration than before. Let’s cover everything you need to legally operate interstate trucks.

Interstate operation requirements

USDOT Number:

Issued by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), USDOT Numbers are required for vehicles that haul cargo or transport passengers interstate and that meet one or more of the following requirements:

1. Has a gross or combined weight of 10,001 lbs or more
2. Transports 8 or more passengers for compensation
3. Transports 15 or more passengers not for compensation
4. Transports hazardous materials.

The USDOT Number serves as your identification during inspections, compliance reviews and more.
*If you solely travel intrastate within one of the 33 states that require a USDOT Number or transport hazardous materials in any state, you will still be required to obtain a USDOT Number.

MC Number: 

The MC Number serves as your interstate authority, or your right to travel between states. In addition to your USDOT Number, you may be required to obtain one or more types of authority through the FMCSA based upon your business and the type of cargo you carry. The type of authority obtained will determine the type and level of insurance coverage needed.

BOC-3: 

The BOC-3 is a federal form that designates legal agents upon which process may be served in each state. BOC stands for “blanket of coverage,” and is often required before federal operating authorities can be granted within the United States.

A BOC-3 is typically filed after an MC# has been issued. The BOC-3 form is submitted to the FMCSA, and is used to designate process agents in each state where your business operates.

Process agents act as your representative for particular states and accept all legal documents or court papers that may be served to your business. The agent then forwards those documents to you and can advise you on how to proceed according to the laws in your state.

Process service agencies are third-party companies capable of granting BOC-3 filings. All process agencies must employ or lease the services of individuals or entities in each state and must be registered with the FMCSA in order to grant a BOC-3.

UCR: 

The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR) requires anyone operating interstate or international commercial vehicles that weigh at least 10,001 lbs to register annually and pay fees based on the number of vehicles used. 

Even if a business is not based in a participating state, interstate carriers are still required to register with the UCR and will be assigned a base jurisdiction in a nearby state.

IRP: 

The International Registration Plan (IRP) is required for commercial motor carriers operating in multiple jurisdictions across the contiguous United States or provinces of Canada. Vehicles that require IRP have a gross weight in excess of 26,000 lbs and/or have three or more axles. 

IRP fees are determined by the number of miles driven in each jurisdiction, but all fees are paid to the base jurisdiction only. This jurisdiction then apportions the funds accordingly, which are used to improve highways and safety programs.

IFTA: 

The International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), like the IRP, applies to commercial motor carriers traveling in more than one jurisdiction (state or province). 

Fuel use must be accurately recorded and filed with one’s base jurisdiction four times a year. Taxes are then distributed to other jurisdictions according to the amount of fuel burned in each.

How to file IFTA

The quarterly IFTA deadline is January 31, 2020. Our sister product Express IFTA is the best way to file your IFTA taxes! 

Enter your mileage and fuel consumption and they do all the complicated calculations for you!

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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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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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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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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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Step on the Gas! It's Time For The Truckers Jamboree

All the talk this summer has been about IRS Form 2290. Well, we think you’ve earned a break.

If you’re around Walcott, Iowa this weekend, check out the 40th annual Truckers Jamboree! And if you’re not, you better start driving because it looks like a fantastic event.

With over 175 exhibits, carnival games, fireworks, food and more, there’s plenty to do. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet others in the truck transport industry. It’s the perfect chance to network and exchange industry secrets.

Event admission and parking are completely free, so go check it out!

Step on the Gas! It's time for the Truckers Jamboree

What is the Truckers Jamboree?

Every year, the folks at the Iowa 90 Truckstop host the Truckers Jamboree. They’re located off Exit 284 on I-80 in Walcott, Iowa.

Now, this isn’t just any truck stop. In fact, it’s the largest truck stop in America!

Since 1979, this event has been a huge celebration of America’s Truckers. The Truckers Jamboree is a much-needed chance to show appreciation to the drivers who keep America running by delivering things we consume daily.

It’s also an opportunity for truckers to relax and connect with others in the truck transport industry, and a great place for families to come together and celebrate their livelihood. 

Events Happening at the Largest Truck Stop

The Truckers Jamboree started yesterday, July 11, but the festivities will continue today, July 12 and tomorrow, July 13.

Friday’s events start at 10 AM with various exhibits and Super Truck/Antique Truck displays. At 10:30 there will be a Pet Contest, followed by an Iowa Pork Chop cookout at 11!

Events continue into the night with music performances and more, ending with a fireworks display at 9 PM.

On Saturday, events kick off at 9AM. The highlights of Saturday’s Truckers Jamboree festivities include a donut wall, Trucker Olympics, and Truck Contest Awards!

Get Your IRS Form 2290 Out of the Way Before You Go!

Now hold on just one second... it’s not the weekend quite yet! There’s still some work to be done.

Don’t start your weekend worrying about paperwork.

Do it now, BEFORE you head to the truckers jamboree. Call us today and let us file your Form 2290 for you.

We’re here to help make your IRS 2290 filing process as easy as possible and take the paperwork out of your way.

If in this tax period, you first used your vehicle in June of 2018, you must file IRS Form 2290 and make your payment by July 31, 2019.

Avoid the temptation to save your IRS 2290 Form until the last minute. Get it done NOW in minutes.

File Form 2290 by phone with TSNAmerica and move on with your life.

Tel:+1803.386.0320

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What To Expect From Upcoming Truck Inspections

One thing we like to say around here is "stay ready, so you don't have to get ready".

We are halfway through 2019 and there are still a couple truck inspections and important dates, like the 2019 Form 2290 filing deadline, you have to make it through.

The CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week 2019 and the CVSA's Brake Safety Week are approaching.

If you're still operating your rig, it is safe to say you survived the CVSA Roadcheck 2019.

If you have been in the industry you know that the truck inspections don't stop there. Here are a few upcoming truck inspection dates you need to be aware of.

Upcoming Truck Inspection Dates

CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week 2019 (July 14-20, 2019)

The first truck inspection date you should remember is the CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week 2019. This inspection will last from July 14th to July 20th.

 Each year this inspection focusses on some form of dangerous driver behavior and this year there is an emphasis on speeding. 

During this week, North American jurisdictions will be promoting and endorsing the message: "Late won't kill you, speeding will"

Speeding is the one thing we have all been found guilty of from time to time, so this comes as a forewarning to every trucker with a led foot, who may get stopped.

The CVSA will partner with law enforcement personnel to issue warnings and/or citations to drivers operating a commercial vehicle or passenger vehicle, driving at unlawful speeds.

Previous Operation Safe Driver Week Results
During the CVSA's Operation Safe Driver Week last year, there was nearly 17,000 passenger vehicle pulled over alone for speeding and almost 2,000 commercial vehicles. In addition to those, 17 commercial vehicles were given a citation for driving too fast for the weather conditions.


CVSA's Brake Safety Week 2019: (September 15-21, 2019)

The CVSA's Brake Safety Week will be taking place from September 15th through 201th. Roadside safety truck inspections will be conducted on commercial vehicles throughout North American jurisdictions. 

During this truck inspection, any vehicle found with critical brake violations, or other critical violations, will not be able to travel until they are up to protocol.  

Any commercial vehicle that passes the truck inspection during the CVSA Brake Safety Week 2019 will receive a CVSA decal to identify them as such. 

Alongside the truck inspection, law enforcement will also be doing outreach and bringing awareness to the importance of proper brake safety.

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Do You Need To File a Form 8849?

If you’re new to trucking the numbers used for necessary forms may be a bit overwhelming. There’s 2290s, 8849s, 4868s, 1099s, and 123s, we might be exaggerating with the 123s, but you get the gist, it’s a lot of forms and a lot of numbers to remember. We won’t bore you and got through each form 1 by 1, but we will tell you about the two most relevant ones for this filing period.

What is Form 2290?

The form that you have probably heard the most about, as of late is Form 2290. So what is Form 2290, and how does it relate to you, if at all.

Form 2290 is used to figure and pay the tax due on highway motor vehicles used. Your next question

is probably does it even apply to you, and the answer is it might. All vehicles with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 pounds or more that travel by highway is required to file a Form 2290.

After paying taxes you will be given a Stamped Schedule 1 that serves as proof of payment from the IRS. This document is important, as it is needed in order to register your commercial vehicle.

Do You Need to File Form 8849?

There are exemptions and claim suspensions that apply to some vehicles meeting certain requirements. The requirements are as follows:

• The vehicle used 5,000 highway miles or less during the period. 
• The vehicle is an agricultural vehicle and used 7,500 miles or less during the period.
• The Vehicle was stolen during the period
• The vehicle was destroyed during the period
• The vehicle was sold during the period 

The above list leads us to the importance of Form 8849. If any of the above are true about a vehicle you owned then you must first file a Form 2290 and pay the correct amount of Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) and then complete Form 8849.

Claims and Refunds

In order to claim credits or refunds for vehicles stolen, destroyed, sold, or only used for 5,000 miles or less and 7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles, the Form 8849 is required. The things you’ll need to file a Form 8849 are your name, address, details on the vehicle you are seeking a claim/refund for and your Employee Identification Number (EIN). Be sure to double-check that the EIN you are using is consistent with what the IRS has on file.

*If an EIN is needed you are able to apply for one online with the IRS.

File With Truck Services of North America

Truck Services of North America (TSNA) is offering pre-filing! File as early as today, with one phone call. Support team members are standing by to assist you with all of your Form 2290 needs.

File With ExpressTruckTax

The great thing about our sister company, ExpressTruckTax is that it makes all of your Form 2290 filing simpler. It even gives you a chance to auto-generate a Form 8849 if you are in need of one for the current filing period.

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It's Crunch Time! The IRS Deadline is Tomorrow

Time to File Your Tax Forms!

You only have one day left!

Tomorrow, January 31st is the deadline for your IRS Form 1099, IRS Form W-2, and IRS Form 940 or 941! As a trucking business owner, you have to make sure your employee and contractor tax forms are filed on time. The differences can be confusing, but TSNAmerica has parented with our sister product Taxbandits to provide you with everything you need to file on time!

Before we jump into it let’s review the basics.

What You Need to Know About the 2018 1099-Misc Form, W-2, & More

Knowing what tax forms you are required to file and how to submit them on time is important for you as a business owner, your employees, subcontractors, and anyone else you paid during the previous tax season. However, depending on various factors, they may require different or even multiple forms.

IRS Form W-2 is for reporting your employees’ wages and other compensation.

IRS Form 1099-MISC is for reporting payments made freelance drivers, leased owner-operators, or other contracted workers in your trucking fleet.

IRS Form 941 is used to report employment taxes for those who own and operate a business with employees, including adjustments for tips, sick pay, and any overpayment or underpayment made during the tax season. Like your IFTA report, IRS Form 941 is a quarterly Federal Tax Return and must be filed as such.

IRS Form 940 is an annual federal tax report form used to document and pay unemployment taxes. The form calculates the employer's federal unemployment tax liability, adjusts for any state unemployment taxes paid, and calculates any due unemployment taxes from there. The form also compares unemployment tax due for the year to the taxes already paid.

Don't forget, you may need to file one or more of these forms by the deadline tomorrow! Also, remember to file your 4th Quarter IFTA report with your base jurisdiction! 

Start Your Free Account Today!

Pay Only When You Transmit!

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