The Shocking Truth About E-Logs: What They Don't Want You to Know

OK, so with all the recent (and not-so-recent) coverage on ELDs, you’re probably sick and tired of hearing about them by now.

And you’re also probably well aware that these ELDs are set to become mandatory by 2017.

But there’s something you probably haven’t heard much about, and it’s because they don’t want you to know. What is it and who are they? Keep reading and we’ll explain.

What’s wrong with the new ELD mandate?

Well, the main issue is that it violates your 4th amendment rights. Don’t believe me? Take a look.

“The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.”

Yep, sounds like a violation to me, too. It’s pretty clear the e-logs don’t advance highway safety and also clearly violate your constitutional rights as an American.

What about driver harassment from e-logs?

Another worry from drivers is that they’ll be harassed by their carriers. Is that a valid complaint?

OOIDA sure thinks so, and that’s why they’ve been fighting the e-log mandate since it was announced, claiming that the law didn’t contain adequate safeguards to be sure that trucking companies are not going to be able to use these logs to harass their drivers.

So while we can’t say for certain if these logs are going to be used to harass you, there sure are a lot of folks out there that think they will be. 

And even if they aren't, they still violate your constitutional rights as both a trucker and an American. But hey, on a positive note, OOIDA was able to push back the last e-log mandate, so let's see if they can do it again!

And don’t forget Trucking Nation, IFTA is right around the corner and we can complete your IFTA return for you! That’s right, no adding up miles and worrying about all those annoying calculations. Just give us a call at 803.386.0320 and see how easy it is!

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IFTA: How to Get Ready for the End of the 1st Quarter

Well just like that, another IFTA quarter has come and gone, and it’s about ready to be put in the books (so to speak).

But the real question is, have you been keeping up with this quarter’s IFTA information correctly in your books?

If you haven’t been keeping track of anything other than the mileage you’ve driven in your logbook, then the answer is probably not.

But don’t worry, your friends at TSNAmerica are here to save the day yet again, and we can help you get ready for the end of the 1st quarter. How? Keep reading and find out!

The IFTA 1st Quarter is Coming to a Close

If you'd like to avoid running around in a frenzied panic before the deadline like last quarter, you'll need to have all your information ready beforehand.

The first thing you'll need to have is an accurate breakdown of your mileage. This could be kept through log books, E-logs, or even with trip sheets.

The second thing you’ll need to have is your fuel receipts, and those receipts will need to have the following information:

• Place/state of purchase
• Address of purchase
• Type of fuel
• Amount of fuel 
• Amount of sale 

Note: These do not have to be the original copies of your receipts, you can make your own copies! Although the original copies do need to be kept in a safe place in your records, just in case you do ever face an IFTA audit.

And if you aren’t sure of the best way to keep copies of your receipts, check out TruckLogics! With TruckLogics' trucking management program, you can easily upload pictures of your fuel receipts straight from your phone with their mobile application.

Sure sounds better than keeping a pile of wadded-up receipts on your dashboard, huh?

How Can I Get Someone to File my IFTA Return for Me?

Now there’s the million-dollar question. Well, maybe not a million-dollar question; we sure hope your IFTA taxes aren’t that much! But anyway, you get the gist -- it’s a great question. And the answer is easier than you might think. Just call us! That’s right, if you need an IFTA specialist to help you get your IFTA return taken care of, just give us a ring.

We’re just one ring away. Or maybe two -- but either way we’re pretty quick about picking up the phone. Try us and see!

All you’ll need to do is collect your mileage records and fuel records, then send them all over to us and we’ll get to work! Just give us a call today to get started or you can simply fill out our service request form.

So don’t let the end of the IFTA quarter get you down. Start getting your information together and give us a call at 803.386.0320! Sure beats doing it yourself, right?

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Penalties For Late IFTA Filing

IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement between the 48 contiguous States and 10 Canadian Provinces, where the member jurisdictions act cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes.

Under IFTA, you are required to file Quarterly Fuel Tax Returns.  A quarterly fuel tax return must be filed even if the no fuel was used.  You submit a “zero” report. IFTA Returns are due on the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. 2nd Quarter IFTA Returns are due July 31, 2013.

To avoid penalty for late filing, the tax reports must be postmarked no later than midnight on the date indicated. If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be considered as filed timely.

At Truck Services of North America, we make it even simpler by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you. TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way.  Check out all our services at TSNAmerica.com and fill out the Service Request Form, email us at support@TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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California is Transitioning to Mandatory IFTA E-Filing

Board of Equalization is going paperless and transitioning IFTA license holders into mandatory E-Filing of their Quarterly IFTA Returns.  Many carrier already E-File their returns and all are encouraged to.  The BOE plans to require all IFTA carrier to E-File by the end of 2013.

In addition to filing online, you can also register for a new account, register for California Fuel Trip Permits and coming soon you will be able to renew and request additional decals, and pay your IFTA taxes among other services.

Feeling a little overwhelmed or intimidated by the computer?  No worries, just give TSNA a call and we’ll take care of your IFTA Quarterly Return, obtaining your IFTA license, renewing, ordering additional decal and more for you.

Find more information in the Board of Equalization Motor Carrier Office Newsletter or contact us.  As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America can assist with renewing and filing your Quarterly IFTA Returns.  TSNA takes the paperwork out of your way. For more details contact us at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320.

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Penalties For Late IFTA Filing

IFTA is the International Fuel Tax Agreement between the 48 contiguous States and 10 Canadian Provinces, where the member jurisdictions act cooperatively to administer and collect motor fuel use taxes.

Under IFTA, you are required to file Quarterly Fuel Tax Returns.  IFTA Returns are due on the last day of the month following the end of each calendar quarter. To avoid penalty for late filing, the tax reports must be postmarked no later than midnight on the date indicated. If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be considered as filed timely.

A quarterly fuel tax return must be filed even if the no fuel was used.  You submit a “zero” report.

Penalties for Late/No Filing

A penalty of $50.00 or 10% of the net tax liability, whichever is greater, will be assessed on late-filed reports, failure to file, or for underpayment of tax due. If the net tax liability is zero or a credit, the late filing penalty will still be $50.00. To avoid penalty for late filing, the tax reports must be postmarked no later than midnight on the date indicated. If the last day of the month falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the next business day will be considered as filed timely.

Interest is assessed on all delinquent taxes due each jurisdiction. The interest rate is 1% per month. Interest will be calculated from the date the tax was due for each month or fraction of a month until paid.

As a premier processing agency, Truck Services of North America, makes it simple by preparing and filing your quarterly returns for you. Avoid penalties for filing late by letting TSNA take the paperwork out of your way! Contact us today at TSNAmerica.com or call 803.386.0320 to get your account set up.

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