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Wednesday, January 30, 2019

It's Crunch Time! The IRS Deadline is Tomorrow

Time to File Your Tax Forms!

You only have one day left!
Trucker filing IFTA Report and IRS 1099 misc

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! 


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Wednesday, September 5, 2018

How You Can Prepare For Hurricane Season

Trucker avoiding hurricane Florence with trucker emergency kit
Every road veteran knows that it’s easy to find yourself stuck in inclement weather. Pop-up storms, blizzards, tornado warnings, and more can strike without a moment’s notice.

When you start the day a few states away in an area with perfect weather, it can be difficult to know what to expect along your route. Unfortunately, you can’t predict mother nature’s actions, but you can be prepared for when she strikes.

Hurricane Safety Tips For Truckers

Whether you are an over-the-road or a local driver, you should be prepared for any situation.

1. Prepare For High Winds

Before a hurricane hits, there will most likely be lots of strong winds, which is dangerous for drivers. Strong winds can pull and sometimes even flip your rig. If you are pulling dry vans or reefers, you are at a higher risk when it comes to high winds. Keep in mind that your rig can still be damaged even when parked.

2. Watch Out For Weather Warnings

Check weather conditions before and during your journey. Also, pay attention to weather warnings. If there is a state of emergency, you will want to take a different route or delaying shipment to affected areas. The U.S. Department of Transportations keeps track of road conditions and closing, so we highly recommend that you check there before pulling out.

3. Avoid High Water

This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, however, avoid driving through high water and don't assume that piles of debris are only branches. Hurricanes blow and float things around, so keep an eye on the oncoming road for any possible hazards. If you can’t see the road or you are unsure, stop your vehicles. The worst thing you can do it play through it. 

4. Bring Emergency Equipment

Whether you’re an over-the-road or local driver, you should carry emergency items in case you’re caught in a dire situation where these tools could save your life. Also if you find yourself stuck for a few hours or even a few days, these items could make a significant difference for your level of comfort.

Having bottles of water and non-perishable food items is essential. Canned food and packages of crackers will do the trick, just don’t forget your can opener. A fork may come in handy as well.

Bring an extra change of clothes and make sure you are switching out your change of clothes depending on the season. Always have a reflective vest so when you exit your truck others will see you.

With winter on its way, remember to have a hat that covers your ears, waterproof gloves, extra socks, and warm boots. Extra blankets are also great to have, including an electric one.

Other emergency items you should bring include:
  • Utility knives 
  • Flashlights 
  • Batteries
  • Extra phone battery or portable charger 
  • Hand-crank radio
  • Matches or a lighter
  • Fully stocked first-aid kit
  • Auxiliary power unit
  • Portable heater
  • Extra Fuel

Stay Safe Out There

Winter is coming, along with it hurricanes, storms, snow, and more! Be sure to be safe and prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store for us this season. Know what weather to expect during your routes and have the right tools in your cabin in the event of an emergency.

If you have more safety items to include or tips on how to drive a semi-truck sagely during inclement weather, please share them in the comment section below. For more trucking blogs click here and be sure to follow us on social for the latest news and trucking tips and tricks.




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Friday, August 31, 2018

Attention! Today is the IRS Form 2290 Deadline

trucker filing 2290 tax due
ATTENTION ALL TRUCKERS! ATTENTION! Your Form 2290 for the 2018-19 is due by MIDNIGHT! Yes...MIDNIGHT TONIGHT! If you or a fellow driver has a rig registered in your name and haven’t filed Form 2290 yet, TSNAmerica is the perfect solution for last-minute filing. So trust me when I say you don’t have any time to waste, so for faster filing here is how to easily file Form 2290 for 2018 over the phone now.

How To Easily File Form 2290 for 2018 Over the Phone

The fastest way to complete your Form 2290 filing is by filing over the phone with one of our bilingual support representatives. Who knew that one phone call could stand in the way of you getting run over by IRS penalties and interest? Give us a call and receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matter of minutes via email. Here is how to get started:

To file IRS Form 2290 over the phone successfully you will need the following information. We suggest having your information on hand before calling: 
  • Business Name & Address
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number 
  • Gross Taxable Weight
  • Authorized signatory details

Once you have this information on hand, give us a call at 803.386.0320 to handle your Form 2290 filing. Once you file your Form 2290 you will receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email in minutes. You will need your stamped Schedule 1 to register vehicles and to renew your rig’s tags. Trust me when I say you don’t want to be caught off guard with expired tags.

Note: Be sure to always keep a copy of Schedule 1 Form 2290. Without it, you will be unable to renew your tags at the DMV or register for IFTA, IRP, or UCR.


IRS Form 2290 Deadline Countdown



As you can see, there’s not much time left to file! Take a few minutes to find your information and file IRS Form 2290 over the phone with TSNAmerica.


File My Form 2290 for 2018 Now



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Thursday, August 30, 2018

You Need To Know How To File 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st

Trucker filing 2290 tax due

The August 31st deadline for filing 2290 Form 2018 is coming at us full force. We have fastened our seatbelts and are ready for the race to deadline day but want to make sure you are prepared to file by the Form 2290 due date. Failing to file IRS Form 2290 will result in some pretty hefty penalties from the IRS that can easily be avoided when you file using TSNAmerica and obtain your Schedule 1 Form 2290. Today, we will provide you with a quick IRS Form 2290 crash course because, at the end of the day, you need to know how to file 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st.


You Need To Know How To File 2290 Form 2018 by August 31st

Filing IRS Form 2290 is not as hard as you may think, especially when you file over the phone with TSNAmerica. Before you rush to pick up the phone to call us, it is essential to know if you are required to file and what information is needed to successfully transmit your 2290 Form 2018 to the IRS. 

Who is Required to File

Owner-operators who have a vehicle with more than 55,000 pounds in gross weight must file a 2290 Form 2018. Filing this form and paying your heavy highway use taxes will also result in you receiving a Schedule 1 Form 2290. You must have this document to renew your tags with the DMV or register for IFTA, IRP, or UCR.

File IRS Form 2290 Today!


What is the Form 2290 Due Date?

IRS Form 2290 is due on *drumroll please*... THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 31ST! Yes, you read correctly. You have until midnight on Friday to file.


IRS Form 2290 DeadlineCountdown

Information Needed To File

You’re going to love this part. You will only need five pieces of information to file a 2290 Form 2018. Take a few moments to gather the following information before giving us a call: 
  1. Business Name & Address
  2. EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  3. VIN (Vehicle Identification Number
  4. Gross Taxable Weight
  5. Authorized Signatory Details

How To File Your 2290 Form 2018

Filing 2290 Form 2018 at the last minute is super easy. Why? Because when you give us a call at TSNAmerica, we file for you over the phone. After being greeted by one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members, you will be prompted to provide the information need to file (listed above), and in just 5-10 minutes you will complete your annual filing requirements and receive a digital copy of your stamped Schedule 1 Form 2290 via email. It really is that simple!

Now that you know how to file 2290 Form 2018 give us a call today while you still have time! Our team is standing by ready to assist you so you can get back to what you enjoy most!





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Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Warning! The IRS Form 2290 Due Date is Friday

Trucker using express truck tax for HVUT form 2290

Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax is due Friday, August 31st! If you want to avoid severe IRS penalties and interest, you will need to file before midnight.

Whether you are having some trouble filing or simply don’t wanna visit the IRS office, give us a call and file over the phone! Don’t wait until the last moment. Get your Form 2290 filing out of the way with a quick 5-minute phone call.



File My 2290 Today


What is a 2290 Form in Trucking?

IRS Form 2290 is a federal tax form used to file Heavy Vehicle Use Tax, also known as HVUT. If your taxable motor vehicle weights more than 55,000 Ibs, is registered in your name, and travels on public highways you must file Form 2290.

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. You will also need a current stamped Schedule 1 to renew your vehicle tags. Trust me you don’t want to be caught off guard by DOT.


Your 2017-2018 stamped Schedule 1 expired on June 30th. 

Filing Your HVUT Form 2290 Has Never Been Easier!

File it All Over The Phone Today!

Make the 5-minute phone call and receive your stamped Schedule 1 via email in a matter of minutes.

Before you hop on the phone here’s what you will need to make the process quick and easy:

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

Our outstanding bilingual US-based support team will help you quickly file Form 2290 over the phone. The process is straightforward and will take less than 5 minutes. Give us the necessary information, and we will do the work for you. Once they have submitted your information to the IRS, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.



TSNAmerica: 803.386.0320


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Thursday, August 16, 2018

What You Need to Know About Vehicle Type For Form 2290

Trucker using TSNA for HVUT form 2290
Heads up! Your Form 2290 due date is coming up fast, with no sign of slowing down. But have no fear – TSNAmerica is here to help with Form 2290 tips that will save you time and money. We don’t want you paying more than you have to.

Today we are looking at the different vehicle types for IRS Form 2290. Some vehicle types are eligible for extra credits, lower tax rates, or you could be exempt from the heavy use tax altogether.

Vehicle Types: Form 2290 For 2018

Before we get into the different 2290 vehicle types, let’s review who must file the heavy use tax.

If you own and operate a heavy vehicle with a gross weight or 55,000 Ibs or more you are required to file Form 2290 and receive a stamped Schedule 1. You can find your gross weight labeled at GVW on your Cab Card or inside the driver's side door jamb. This is the weight of your vehicle when it is unloaded. However, this will include any equipment or accessories you typically use on a haul.

Logging Vehicle

You might confuse the term “logging vehicle” with an ELD, however, for Form 2290 filing purposes these vehicles are used to…. Well… haul logs. So if your vehicle is used to haul wood or other products from the forest, it could classify, and this important because you can receive a reduced tax rate.

Ensure you are paying the correct tax amount by checking the IRS criteria for logging vehicles:
Your truck is exclusively used to transport material harvested from a forested site, or your vehicle is used solely to transport harvested materials from one forested location to another forested place. If your truck runs between forested sites, it can use public highways in between those sites and still be considered a logging vehicle.

AND

Your vehicle is registered in your base state (or any other state in which it is required to be registered) as a highway motor vehicle used exclusively for the transport of harvested materials from a forested site. Although the truck must be registered as a “logging vehicle” in your state, no special tag or license plate is required to identify the vehicle as a logging vehicle.

Harvested Material: According to the IRS guidelines, harvested products can include any raw timber taken from a forest OR any timber that has been processed on the forested site for commercial processes, meaning the timber has already been sawed into lumber, chipped, or milled in some way.

Agricultural Vehicles

Vehicles typically required to file the road tax 2290 are those with a taxable gross weight of 55,000 Ibs and travel over 5,000 miles on public highways through the current tax period. However, to give farmers and suppliers a break, the IRS requirements are slightly more lenient for vehicles used to transport agricultural products. Those vehicles that qualify regardless of their weight are allowed to drive up to 7,500 miles on public highways each tax period before having to pay the heavy highway use tax.

However, this does not exempt any vehicles from Form 2290 filing. If your vehicle's gross weight exceeds 55,000 lbs, you will still need to receive a stamped Schedule 1 Form 2290.

Ensure you are paying the correct tax amount by checking the IRS criteria for agricultural vehicles:
The vehicle is used primarily for farming purposes throughout the tax year. However, what does the IRS consider “primarily for farming purposes?” It’s quite simple. More than half of the vehicle’s total mileage for the year must be used for farming purposes. Also, a farming purpose, according to the IRS, is any activity that contributes to the conduct of a farm. This can include activities such as transporting goods to and from a farm (goods like livestock, produce, animal feed, fertilizer, etc.), direct use in agricultural production, or just performing work around the farm like repairing fences, building irrigation ditches, clearing land, etc.

AND

The vehicle is registered as an agricultural vehicle in your state. Although your vehicle must be registered as such, no special license plates or tags marked “agriculture” are required to maintain your status as an agricultural vehicle. If your vehicle meets both of these requirements above, then you can file as an agricultural vehicle with a higher mileage limit.

If you file your agricultural vehicle as a Suspended (Category W) at the beginning of the tax period but then exceed the 7,500-mile limit, you will need to submit a Form 2290 Amendment for a Milage Increase. The Form 2290 Amendment is due by the end of the month following the month you exceeded the mileage limit. After filing the Amendment, the IRS will prorate your heavy highway use tax for the remaining months of the tax year. This means that even though you will owe some tax, it will not be for the full amount you would have owed.

Suspended Vehicles

A suspended or credit vehicle is a highway motor vehicle that is expected to travel 5,000 miles or less (7,500 miles or less for agricultural vehicles) during the tax period. This mileage limit applies to the total amount of miles it’s driven on the road, regardless of the number of owners.

Other suspended or credited vehicles include those that were sold, destroyed, or stolen and they must all be reported on your 2290. If they exceed the mileage limit during the tax period, then you’ll owe HVUT for them.


Exempt Vehicles

Vehicles that are exempt from the HVUT don’t need to be filed for, regardless of how many miles they travel. They’re 100% exempt from the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax! A few HVUT exempt vehicles include qualified blood collector vehicles, mobile machinery used for non-transportation purposes, heavy vehicles used by the federal government, and more

When is The Form 2290 Due Date?

You must complete your Form 2290 filing by the last day of the month following the first use month during the current tax year. The typical trucking tax year is July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. If your tax period stated in July of last year your Schedule 1 Form 2290 will be due on August 31st.

Form 2290 Filing Made Easy

Give us a call at 803.386.0320 for the easiest way to file your IRS Form 2290. Our outstanding bilingual support team will file Form 2290 while you are on the phone. The process is a straightforward 5-minute phone call, and as a result, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.



Start My Form 2290 Filing





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Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Form 2290 Penalties You Need to Know About

Trucker avoiding penalties by using TSNA for HVUT form 2290
Your Heavy Vehicle Use Tax (HVUT) IRS Form 2290 is due this month! This means you are officially running out of time to file by the August 31st deadline. If you fail to file and/or pay your owed HVUT tax amount, you will wind up with severe IRS penalties and interest.

However, don’t hit the panic button quite yet– TSNAmerica is here to help you file over the phone and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in minutes.
 

Form 2290 Filing Penalties You Can Expect

If you fail to file your IRS Form 2290 by the deadline or not at all, you will be penalized 4.5% of your total 2290 tax amount. After that, your penalty amount will increase on a monthly basis for up to five months.

If you fail to pay your 2290 tax by the deadline you’ll face a monthly fee of 0.5%. On top of all of that, you will face an additional interest charge of .54%. These penalties will make the amount you owe the IRS skyrocket!

If you don’t file by the deadline, or if you fail to file at all, then you won’t have a copy of your stamped Schedule 1, which serves as proof of payment. You need your stamped Schedule 1 to register new vehicles and to renew your vehicle tags with the DMV. Without it, you’ll be operating illegally. If pulled over, your vehicle will be placed out of service, ticketed, and your registration may be suspended.


Now if you forget to file your HVUT, don’t panic. You may not be penalized if you can show reasonable cause for filing late, or why your payment is late. Simply file as soon as you can and attach an explanation for filing late to your return. The IRS will then either accept or reject your explanation as a reasonable cause. There are also penalties for filing fraudulent or false returns.
Thankfully all of this can be avoided when you file over the phone with TSNAmerica!

When you choose TSNAmerica, we will file your IRS Form 2290 over the phone for you. Give us a call at 803.386.0320 and talk to one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members.

Once we have your business and truck information, we will file your IRS Form 2290 on your behalf. You will then receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matter of minutes via email.



Call TSNAmerica and File My IRS Form 2290:

803.386.0320





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Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Upcoming Truck Inspection Dates You Need To Know

Trucker using CDL pre trip inspection CVSA
Just when you think we are out of the woods, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announces another inspection. If your rig is still operational, it is safe to assume you survived the CVSA Roadcheck 2018 last month. Here are the upcoming truck inspection dates you need to know.


Upcoming Truck Inspection Dates You Need To Know


CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week

July 15-21, 2018
During this weeklong trucking blitz, enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for unsafe commercial and passenger vehicle drivers. Meaning the focus this year will be on traffic violations, seat belt enforcement, driver roadside inspections, and driver regulatory compliance.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) “Large Truck Crash Causation Study” states that “driver behavior is the critical reason for more than 88 percent of large truck crashes and 93 percent of passenger vehicle crashes.”

Driving behaviors that will be targeted during this blitz will include speeding, distracted driving, texting, failure to wear a seat belt, following too closely, lane change violations, failure to obey traffic lights, and more.

Last year 39,000 citations and warnings were issued to drivers during the Operation Safe Driver Week.



CVSA’s Brake Safety Week 

Sept 16-22, 2018

CVSA enforcement officers will conduct roadside Level I inspections on commercial motor vehicles during this weeklong blitz. Inspectors will focus on brake components, including loose or missing parts; air or hydraulic fluid leaks, rotor conditions, pushrod travel, air chamber sizes, air reservoirs, and other brake components. If the officer finds critical brake violations, your rig will be placed out of service immediately.


The CVSA stated in a press release, “Properly functioning brake systems are crucial to safe CMV operation. Brakes must be routinely inspected and carefully and consistently maintained, so they operate and perform to the manufacturer’s specifications throughout the life of the vehicle. Improperly installed or poorly maintained brake systems can reduce braking efficiency, posing a serious risk to public safety on our roadways.”

Last year 14% of trucks inspected during the one-day brake safety blitz were placed out of service for critical brake violations.


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Monday, July 2, 2018

The IRS Form 2290 Filing Season is Here!

Trucker in yellow truck using TSNA for HVUT 2290 tax filing
If you are an owner-operator with a registered heavy highway use vehicle in your name, you are required to file IRS Form HVUT to receive your stamped Schedule 1. July 1st marks the start of the IRS Form 2290 filing season. You can now submit your IRS Form 2290 and receive your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matter of minutes.

The IRS Form 2290 Filing Season is Here!

You will need to enter the following information to start your Form 2290 filing:
  • Business Name & Address
  • EIN (Employer Identification Number)
  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number 
  • Gross Taxable Weight
  • Authorized signatory details

If you are going to pay the IRS via direct debit, be sure to have your routing and account number ready.

Please Note: Even though it is titled the Employer Identification Number, you must have one for Form 2290 filing. You will not be able to use your SSN (Social Security Number) to file your road tax 2290.
When you choose TSNAmerica to file your IRS Form 2290, we will file over the phone for you. Give us a call at 803.386.0320 and talk to one of our friendly US-based bilingual support team members.

Once we have your business and truck information, we will file your IRS Form 2290 on your behalf. You will then receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in just a matter of minutes via email.


Call TSNAmerica and File My IRS Form 2290:

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Thursday, June 21, 2018

Everything You Need to Know About Form 2290 Filing

Tax season is barreling down the highway, so buckle up, because it’s not stopping. If your vehicle’s first used month was July then your HVUT Form 2290 due date is coming up. Don’t let this major deadline pass you by! Here is everything you need to know about Form 2290 filing.

Everything You Need to Know About Form 2290 Filing

Before we get into your Form 2290 filing, let’s go over what your heavy highway use tax is for those new to the industry. So who is required to file IRS Form 2290? If you are an Owner-Operator with a vehicle with more than 55,000 Ibs in gross weight, then Form 2290 filing applies to you.

You will need to file HVUT Form 2290 and pay taxes to receive your stamped Schedule 1. But why is this important? Well, without this little piece of paper you will be unable to renew your tags at the DMV or registration for IFTA, IRP, or UCR.



Your stamped Schedule 1 is your proof of payment for the heavy highway use tax. Once the IRS receives and approves your IRS Form 2290, you will get your stamped Schedule 1. When you file over the phone with TSNAmerica, the IRS will email your Schedule 1 with a digital watermark.

You will want to keep a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 in your truck at all times. If you are crossing international borders (Canada), the border patrol will check that you have a current stamped Schedule 1 before allowing you back into the US.

TSNAmerica: 803.386.0320


Form 2290 Filing Made Easy

Give us a call at 803.386.0320 for the easiest way to file your IRS Form 2290. Our outstanding bilingual support team will file Form 2290 while you are on the phone. The process is a straightforward 5-minute phone call, and as a result, you will receive a copy of your stamped Schedule 1 via email.


Start My Form 2290 Filing




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Wednesday, June 13, 2018

You Need to Know What The Senate DOT Bill Contained

The DOT bill released by the U.S. Appropriations Committee did not contain any trucking policy reform such as the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate and Denham Amendment. The bill passed but the Senate Appropriations Committee differs from its counterpart passed by the House Committee. So what was included? You need to know what the Senate DOT bill contained.


You Need to Know What The Senate DOT Bill Contained

The bill passed by the U.S. House included the proposed changes to the ELD mandate for livestock haulers. It also prevented the Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) rule without the implementation of the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program.

Unlike the House bill, the Senates does not heavily impact the trucking industry. It mainly focuses on general litigation and FMCSA mandated deadlines.

The Senate Appropriations Committee did direct the DOT to evaluate the needs of livestock drivers in relations to the ELD mandate further. The plan passed by the U.S. House extended the ELD exemption for both livestock and insect haulers to September 2019. The Senate committee stated that lawmakers should “consult with stakeholders, the Department of Agriculture and Congress on legislative solutions for drivers with unique working conditions.”

The current DOT funding expires at the end of September, however, the Senate has not set a date for considering the bill. Once consideration begins in the Senate, legislatures can add trucking reforms during the amendment process. The U.S. House has yet to bring the DOT appropriations bill to the floor as well.


If the two governing bodies pass a different version of the bill, the lawmakers will enter a conference committee to produce a finalized bill. This will then be passed again by the respective governing bodies. Any trucking reform that is attached would be subject to intense review during the committee process. 

We want to hear from you! Click here to share. Let us know your thoughts on the DOT bill!

For more trucking news and information click here.




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