Sometimes Ya Just Gotta Say NO!

Just Say No

by Sandy Long

OTR Truck Driver

Truck drivers are some of the most dedicated workers in the world, they know the importance of the job they do.  They take pride in a job well done and making that delivery on time.  Companies have figured this out about drivers and use all sorts of psychological tricks to take advantage of the driver.  Drivers fall for it all of the time too, over and over.  I am guilty of falling for it also.

How many times have you overheard a tired driver with blood shot eyes say, "Man, I am so tired, but dispatch said the load is hot, so I gotta go."  Doesn't matter if there is two foot of snow on the ground or ice an inch thick, there is always some driver that 'just has to get going.'

Several years ago, I ran across Utah with a driver who had his wife and little girl on his truck with him.  You know how it is, when you see a ittle kid in the jump seat, you just have to say, "Hey, that sure is a cute co-driver ya got there."  When i asked if the ittle girl was enjoying her vacation on the truck with dad, he told me that she was never off the truck, as a matter of fact had been born in the truck five years prior in the sleeper, backed into a receiver's dock and how he had gone and loaded before taking mother and baby to the hospital to be checked out!  When I voiced my surprise at this, he simply said, "Dispatch said the load HAD to get picked up right away."

When working for a small company, the A/C went out in the truck one very hot and muggy July in Ohio.  I called the boss and told him of the problem, he stated that he just couldn't afford to have it fixed on the road, so would I bring it on into the yard in Missouri.  800 miles.  Of course, being the good company driver I am, and wanting to help the boss save money, I agreed.  Made it in, but I was one sick driver believe me.  I made the boss get me a motel at a Ramada Inn no less so I could rehydrate and cool down while the repairs were made.

There are regulations to protect a driver against a company pushing them beyond safe limits:

392.6  Schedules to conform with speed limits.

No motor carrier shall schedule a run nor permit nor require the operation of any commercial motor vehicle between points in such period of time as would necessitate the commercial motor vehicle being operated at speeds greater than those prescribed by the jurisdictions in or through which the commercial motor vehicle is being operated.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.3 Ill or fatigued operator.

No driver shall operate a motor vehicle, and a commercial motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver's ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.  However, in a case of grave emergency where the hazard to occupants of the commercial motor vehicle or other users of the highway would be increased by compliance with this section, the driver may continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle to the nearest place at which that hazard is removed. 

[35 FR 7800, May 21, 1970, as amended at 60FR 38746, July 28, 1995].

392.14 Hazardous conditions; extreme caution.

Extreme caution in the operation of a commercial motor vehicle shall be exercised when hazardous conditions, such as those caused by snow, ice, sleet, fog, mist, rain, dust, or smoke, adversely affect visibility or traction.  Speed shall be reduced when such conditions exist.  If conditions become sufficiently dangerous, the operation of the commercial motor vehicle shall be discontinued and shall not be resumed until the commercial motor vehicle can be safely operated.  Whenever compliance with the foregoing provisions of this rule increases hazard to passengers, the commercial motor vehicle may be operated to the nearest point at which the safety of passengers is assured.

[33 FR 19732, Dec. 25, 1968, as amended at 60 FR 38747, July 28, 1995].

We all know the HOS regulations and those too can be used to protect one's self from being pushed too far.

No load is worth your life or jeopardizing the equipment.  No one in your company is going to give you a medal for going that extra mile to make impossible deliveries or get through that bad weather.  If you wreck and are over hours, or have gone over too bad of roads, you will most likely get fired anyway, no matter that dispatch told you how "hot the load was" or "you have the hours to make it" even though you have been up for hours waiting to load.  Part of being a professional driver is knowing when to say 'NO' and protecting yourself, the truck and the load.

OTR Truckers Have Chance for National Exposure at First Annual Truck Driver Convention

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

To Be Recorded and Covered by
BusinessWeek Magazine * Truckers News
Overdrive Magazine & More !

Allen & Donna Smith
First Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention

A huge opportunity for all those within the trucking industry is taking place on October 15th in Tunica, MS, 25 miles from Memphis, TN.

Drivers and their supporters are uniting to share their stories, experiences, opinions, and their voices.

There has never been so many truck driver advocates, speakers, and supporters gathered together in one place before.

First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention:

People who are helping one another !
People supporting drivers and students !
People discussing the trial within the trucking industry and their SOLUTIONS
People standing up and desiring to be heard !

SPEAKERS:

Paul Taylor - Trucking Employment Law
Rich Wilson - Compliance and Regulations Specialist
Eddie Gichuhi - Owner Operator Business Management
James McCormack - CDL Training and Jobs Career Finder
Landon Middleton - The Power of Social Media

After the presentations, there will be an open forum for all those who have questions or statements.  They may present them to the audience and panel.

The entire event will be recorded and will be covered by BusinessWeek Magazine, Truckers News, and Overdrive Magazine (as well as a National Newspaper which hasn't been disclosed). 

Drivers finally will have the chance for national exposure to share your concerns with the general public.

There are 2 days left to RSVP to this event.

Unite ... Be honored ... Be heard !  Be a part of history.  Have a wonderful time networking and enjoying yourself too !

All meals are included as well as live entertainment in the evening.  Gift and cash prize drawings, and award presentations.  A full day and evening beginning at 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Saturday, October 15th, at the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino.

Please read this article by another truck driver advocate, Sandy Long.  It will make you realize how important this event is to you and others within the industry.

We look forward to meeting you there ... in 12 days !

Sometimes Less Is Indeed More...

Bigger is not always better ... sometimes a smaller trucking company is a better option over a bigger, more well known trucking company.  There are many trucking companies out thre that in comparison are smaller by nature - and prefer to remain that way.  They may be family owned, or run by a sole proprietor.  They stand apart from the mainstream.  They have their own way of operating, have their own set of hiring standards and can afford to be selective.  Many do not use the DAC Report of a potential driver as the last word, but rely more on their personal interview and interaction with that applicant before making a final decision.  QM83E7BBZ7GN

These companies generally have much less turn over, know all of their otr drivers', many by their first names, pay well, offer more home-time, and more miles.  Some offer select regional opportunies.  Some run in 48 states, with minimal runs in New York.

Some even offer a pet policy and rider policy and other perks.

But where are they and how does a driver learn more about these companies? 

Tell me more ...

One of the problems is that these companies keep a relatively low profile .... they don't spend a lot of money on advertising or marketing - they don't need to.  They  hire a few select recruiters and that's all they need.  They interview potential drivers personally by phone and are looking for a specific type of candidate, one who will fit in with their company and appreciate the opportunity.  Unlike many of the larger and more well-known trucking companies, these smaller companies are not interested in driver turn over.

Working with a smaller trucking company is a great opportunity.  This is a case where bigger is not always better, less is more, and so on .....

Trucking Careers of America prides itself in directing otr drivers to select, reputable trucking companies, including some of these smaller, less-known-but-better companies.

If you are an experienced otr driver with at least one year (12 months) of otr truck driving, and you are looking for a different company, consider this .... Sometimes Less Is indeed More....especially in the trucking industry.

All the best......

James S. McCormack

Trucking Careers of America

The First Annual Truckers' Convention-An Unforgettable Career Experience

Where Will You Be On Octber 15th?
If You Haven't Made Plans Yet To Be At
The First Annual Truck Drivers' Convention
Make Your Plans Now !

1st Annual Truck Driver Convention

This event is to honor the professional truck driver; the men and women who keep America moving and know what the real issues are that today's truck drivers face.  Whether you are a veteran driver or a recent CDL training school graduate, this event is for you.  A ground breaking event; this is the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention at the Gold Strike Resort and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, October 15th, 2011.  QM83E7BBZ7GN

A Working Convention ...
An Unparallelled Networking Opportunity ...

This will be a working convention between our nation's truck drivers, those involved with trucking, and for all who wish to work together towards making a positive impact.  Truckers will have the perfect opportunity to actively participate by sharing your thoughts, concerns, ideas and solutions to what you see as the most pressing issues facing today's American driver.



And a key benefit from this gathering is that everyone can then take what we have all shared, and through the tools of social media, your voices can and will be heard - everywhere.

This is the first of its kind event - a full day and evening from 8 AM - midnight is scheduled for everyone to meet and gather together in a common interest: open panel discussions, debates, question and answer sessions, strategizing, and learning from industry leaders and experts.  

Gold Strike Casino

There's a lot of fun stuff too, so let's not overlook the fine dining, entertainment and all that the Gold Strike Casino in Tunica, Mississippi, has to offer us all.  But we'll get to that in a moment....

Speakers and Open Panel Discussions ... ask these industry experts your questions:

LEGAL:  Trucking Employment Law Paul Taylor (known as "the whistleblower") of Truckers Justice Center has helped thousands of drivers in many diverse situations.

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:  Eddie Gichuhi of Trip Sheet Central, a software engineer who decided to go OTR and then analyzed what owner Owner Operators needed to make their business successful, and then designed a program to do it !

CAREER PLANNING AND TRUCKING JOBS:  James McCormack of Trucking Careers of America, the "trucking job wizard" who has helped thousands of drivers find employment, and matching them with the "right" CDL school or trucking company.  James is an advocate for career planning being a definite advantage and almost a necessity for a successful professional driving career in today's trucking climate.

REGULATORY:  Richard Wilson, Regulatory Manager of TransProducts, a regulatory specialist who has helped drivers and carriers understand the new government regulations, petitions and proposals being introduced and how they can effect you; CSA, your PSP report, EOBR's, speed limiters, HOS, OBMS, and more. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:  Landon Middleton, famous throughout the social media world, teaching people how to spread their message to thousands of others.

Fun Stuff ... Live Entertainment ... Great Music ... Food



Jan and Jim McCarter-KeysTruckers



Jan McCarter of the KeysTruckers, John DiBattista and Tony Justice will all be entertaining us with great live music performed by excellent well-known musicians.  Jan McCarter is a songwriter and recording artist for Truckers Tracks and her cds are available in truck stops and other locations all across America.  Jim McCarter is well known among the Trucking Social Media and is known all over the Internet for his offbeat and humorous character "Bobby Boofay".

Get ready to rock with Truckers Tracks band with Johnny Neel.  As a Grammy award nominee recognized in the music world for his work with the Allman Brothers Band, Lonnie Mack and Gov't Mule, among others, Johnny Neel is an accomplished songwriter whose tunes have been recorded by many well known artists, among them the Allman Brothers, the Oak Ridge Boys and Travis Tritt. 

And now for the food and some other goodies:

• Full Breakfast Buffet
• Full Dinner Buffet
• $6,250 in Driver CASH Give-A-Ways

Allen and Donna Smith

Says Allen Smith of Truth About Trucking and AskTheTrucker.com, who together with his wife Donna, have put this major event together,  "As far as I can remember, there has never been an event specifically for truck drivers and those supporting them to gather, unite, have fun, and BE HEARD!  Yes, there are truck shows (and they're fun) and trucking expos (which I've presented at myself), but NEVER a full day and evening of organized speakers addressing all your concerns combined with extensive buffets, awards, cash give aways, and live  entertainment!  NEVER!  In other words, Donna and I are putting on an event that people have many times spoken about, and even wished for, but has never happened."

All Of This For Only $89.00 Per Person

Reservations must be received no later than Wednesday, October 5th, 2011.  Seating is limited and only 550 seats were originally available. 

Plan on attending; this convention is for you - the professional truck driver - and for industry supporters.  Share conversations and exchange ideas with other truckers and industry experts, and experience an unparallelled networking opportunity.

Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and Fully Paid CDL Training at Trainco Truck Driving Schools

Great News for Veterans Who Have Been Waiting
To Get Their CDL Class A License Training Costs
Fully Funded At An Independent CDL
Truck Driver Training School !

If you are a veteran who has been waiting for just the right time to get your CDL Class A license and begin your career as a professional otr truck driver, Trainco Truck Driving Schools has some great news for you !

Effective October 1, 2011, The Veteran Administration's just-revised "Post-9/11 G.I. Bill" will provide full funding for training costs for those military men and women who have served three years or more.  This is so important and such great news, it bears repeating:  if you are a veteran who has served three years or more, and you have been considering a career as an otr trucker, the Veteran's Administration, through its revised Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, will fund the full costs of your CDL training. 

The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill gives veterans the opportunity to get government paid cdl training through an independent cdl training school rather than through a company sponsored cdl training program which has contract obligations and other restrictions.  

What Does This Mean To You?

Essentially, your entire training is paid for at Trainco's Perrysburg, Ohio and Findlay, Ohio campuses !  And making this even better, additional costs, such as short-term housing, gas and food allowance, may be partially or even completely covered. 

Even those veterans with less than three years of service will see a significant increase in the funding of their training compared to what was previously offered through the government's G.I. Bill.

"If you are a veteran from farther back, we're just as grateful for your service - and want you to know you may still be eligible for benefit programs" says Blackie Blackwell, Sales Manager at the Perrysburg, Ohio Trainco Truck Driving School Campus.  "We'll fill you in on our numerous training options and campuses, get you settled into our outstanding housing facilities for those involved in "Train & Stay" programs, and put you on the road to your new career in next to no time."

He adds, "Thanks for the freedoms your service has granted us.  Allow us the chance to serve you in return!"

Department of Veterans Affairs



Find out what funding assistance may be available by going online at http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application and then phone Trainco at (419) 837-5730.  For further information about Trainco's programs, locations and contact information, please visit Trainco Inc.

Professional Truck Drivers Will Have TruckerJustice October 15th

... To Acknowledge and Honor
The Professional CDL Truck Driver
From AskTheTrucker.com by Allen Smith

With a population of approximately 1,100 residents, the tiny town of Tunica, Mississippi will grow by a few hundred or so this coming October 15th, 2011.  As professional drivers and industry experts gather for the 1st Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention, the event’s main objective is to acknowledge and honor the professional CDL truck driver.

Professional Trucker, Tony Justice to Perform at Convention

Tony Justice

Tony Justice was born in Visalia, California and moved to L.A. until the age of three.  In the fall of 1974, his parents moved his family to Pikeville, Kentucky where his love of racing began.

Tony finally ended up in East Tennessee in July of 1983, playing the bass and singing in gospel groups. At age 23, Tony was living out a childhood dream of becoming a race car driver.

Then his mother talked him into selling his race car and trailer and pursuing his music.  She told him that if it did not pay off within five years, she would buy it all back.  That was 18 years ago.

Today, he is a single father raising his wonderful children.  In doing so, he is driving his Peterbilt truck over the road, a trade handed down to him by his father. Tony takes a lot of pride in being a second generation driver. One of the benefits to driving over the road are the “endless hours to write, and the highway provides endless inspirations to write about.”

In 2002, Tony was endorsed by NASCAR legends Rusty Wallace and Roger Penski, with Miller Beer choosing him to record his second album titled, “Rockin’ Rusty”.

Rockin' Rusty Album

He performed pre-race concerts to promote the popular album at tracks such as Daytona International Speedway, Lowes Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Tony also appeared on the John Boy and Billy Show, Rick and Bubba Show, Good Morning Las Vegas, Dollar Bill and Patti show, at the BULL in Birmingham, Alabama where he also headlined their listener appreciation show, and The Evening Ride show with his cowboy pal,  Gunner on the radio station, WIVK based in Knoxville, TN.

He has just completed his third album titled “On the Road”, written by Kenny Chesney, Kim Williams and Randy Boudreaux.  He feels honored and extremely fortunate to have recorded a song written by three of the best songwriters in Nashville.

Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers will be distributing and promoting the much anticipated album in their stores Nationwide.

Tony is currently on the road hauling freight to cities all over the country and anxiously awaiting the release of the “On the Road Album” and we are very grateful to have Tony performing at the first-ever Truck Driver Convention.

The event is RSVP only and reservations will be taken until October 5th, 2011.

Source:  AskTheTrucker.com by Allen Smith

Assessing The True Cost of 'Free' CDL Training

There Is No Such Thing As 'Free' CDL Training !

 At Trucking Careers of America we talk with individuals every day that are interested in becoming an otr trucker.  Most of the time they are looking for company paid cdl training and often they refer to this type of training as "free training".  Uh-uh....no such thing.....



'Free CDL Training?"

The idea of 'free training' sounds great; actually it's almost too good to be true...and that's because it is too good to be true.  You need to know that in all cases, your "free training" will obligate you, under contract, to work for the trucking company who is providing you with that 'free cdl training' for a specified period of time.  That obligation can vary from 8 months to more than 12 months, with 12 months being the typical time frame.

You will be required to sign a contract agreeing to work for that company regardless of pay or working conditions.  Let's repeat that:  regardless of pay or working conditions, which can be poor in both cases.

If you quit or are fired before your contract is up, you owe the company for your alleged "free training" - plus interest.  And the penalties for breaking that contract are huge.  The worst part is that you will have a Class A CDL License, but you will have no physical certificate or diploma and no verifiable actual real world driving experience.

Few, if any, trucking companies will hire you at that point.  So now you are stuck with a HUGE student loan bill, you have no job, you have no income to pay off that debt, and your CDL Class A License at this point is pretty much worthless.

If You Fail Your Training Period ....
You Owe The Company The Entire Tuition And You
Have To Fund Your Own Way Home !

A large trucking company that offers paid cdl training (and most of the few remaining companies offering paid cdl training are large companies) has no interest, vested or otherwise, in your career.  They are training as many as 50 or 60 students in each class.  If you fall behind because you are not getting enough one on one time with the instructor, or enough seat time behind the wheel, you can count on being cut from the class and sent home with a large bill for all your time, effort and troubles.  Not only will you owe the tuition and various other related expenses, but you will have to fund your own way home.

Trucking companies are very aggressive in their attempts to collect on a loan, and your loan may be turned over to a collection agency.  Sadly, there are many trucking companies that rely on high profit margins from just this type of business practice. 

Your credit may be wrecked, you may find a lien placed on your home and that company may even seek to garnish your wages from any future job if you do not pay the loan for their "free training" class that they failed you from.

How Much Did Your  CDL Training Really Cost .....
A Non Contract Driver Can Make As Much As
$15,000 To $20,000 A Year More

How much did
your CDL paid training
really cost you ?

Most people new to the industry don't realize how much less money you will make when you are under a contract.  Most student drivers who have graduated from a private CDL school with a clean driving record and no criminal history can make anywhere from .31 to .34 cents per mile, approximately $850.00 to $1,000.00 a week and even more.  Hard working drivers that work for top tier carriers, while not under contract, can make as much as $60,000 in their first year.

Compare that to a contract driver making .22 to .24 cents per mile and making $600.00 to $700.00 a week.  That's only $32,000 to $35,000 per year.

A non contract driver can make as much as $15,000 to $20,000 a year more than if he had trained for "free" and worked for a contract carrier. 

Another very important difference between private cdl training and company sponsored cdl training is home time.  Typically, contract drivers get less home time because the company works them harder.  It is not uncommon for a contract driver to not be home for week after week at a time.  The same driver working for a quality carrier NOT under contract will be home 3 to 4 times more often.  And, the driver not under contract still has the freedom of choice to move to another carrier that pays more money.

Most private CDL training schools have job placement assistance. And usually the trucking companies that these schools place you with offer tuition reimbursement. The company will usually reimburse you for the money you spent for your private cdl training over the course of one year of employment.

Many schools accept WIA Grants or other types of federal or state Grants.  Some offer in-house financing but that is the exception and not the rule.  An extensive listing of reputable cdl training schools is available in .pdf form in our Truck Driving School Guide.

It's important to remember that before you enter into any agreement do so with your eyes wide open, and read your contracts before you sign anything. Often the need for a job can cloud your judgment but you need to be careful what you are committing to.  There are other options.  Check into getting your CDL license from an independent cdl driver training school.

Remember .... if you are planning on getting your CDL training through a company paid cdl program, you will go under a contract.  Take responsibility for knowing your facts.  Protect yourself as much as you can and read those contracts carefully.  Because ....

There Is No Such Thing As Free CDL Training !!!

OTR Truck Drivers-Planning for Your Financial Security

Accurate Record Keeping of Expenses and Deductions
Is Critical in Helping Truckers Reduce Your Tax Burden

The trucking industry provides a great opportunity for men and women who want to be self-employed as over-the-road truck drivers as well as truckers who want to be company drivers.  And it takes a special person to be able to handle the stress of the lifestyle of a tractor trailer driver.

But whether you are self-employed and own your own rig, or you are a company driver, learning to manage your money is crucial to your success.  As with any business you will have to deal with taxes, and accurate record keeping of your income, expenses, and tax deductions is critical in helping to reduce your tax burden and plan for your future financial security.

Keeping track of your costs and learning where you can reduce spending is essential.  Take the time to prepare and write down a budget and a system for keeping track of your income and expenses.  Use a pre-planned itemized worksheet listing tax deductions for otr truckers or design your own.  Determining your minimum cost to operate is the first step;  know your expenses so that you:

• avoid being caught off guard and can plan for emergencies
• put 10% of your gross income aside for emergencies
• remember to allow for planned and unplanned maintenance

Tax deductions are defined as ordinary and necessary expenses incurred during the conducting of business.  Simply translated, this means that extravagant or useless expenses will not qualify as being a legitimate deduction.

Your Tractor Trailer ....

The most obvious class of deductible expenses includes:

• maintains, fuels or otherwise directly keeps the truck and its accessory equipment operational
• diesel, oil, coolant, tires, replacement parts
• fees or charges relating to servicing installation or delivery of these

You ... The Tractor Trailer Driver ...



Tractor Trailer
Driver



Many costs associated with traveling away from home are also deductible.  Per diem rates for meals can vary from state to state.  As of October 1, 2009, the federal standard per diem meal rate for over-the-road truckers was $59 per day.  If you were home for part of the day that you started or finished a haul, this amount can be prorated.  Other deductible costs directly related to you include:

• paying for shower facilities, laundry
• work clothing boots, gloves and other safety equipment
• equipment and supplies geared towards the business side of trucking than the driving side such as laptops, staples, forms, pens, log books and other office supplies
• maintaining an office in your home to meets the requirements of the IRS as a designated area, equipped with a desk, computer, phone, etc.  Discuss this with your tax preparer.

Other Deductions ...

Some deductions are contingent on whether you are employed as a company driver or you are an owner-operator. As an example, if you are an employee and receive per diem for meals, you cannot claim a per diem deduction for meals.  As an owner-operator, you can deduct any expense for repairs to your rig.  However, if you perform repairs yourself, you can deduct the expense for parts but not for your time.

Owner-Operators cannot deduct:

• the time you incur from working on your own equipment
• the income lost as a result of unpaid mileage
• downtime

Any expense incurred from the use of lumpers (workers who load/unload the truck) is deductible.  However, only the person or company incurring the expense can deduct it.  You can deduct the entire pay of lumpers directly employed by you, but only the portion of their pay that you cover if their wages are jointly paid by you and a client.

A word of caution:  don't fall into the trap of trying to claim too much and unfortunately triggering an audit.  Here are some non-deductible expenses that most truckers need to leave off:

• expenses that were or will be reimbursed by your employer
• clothing that is adaptable for everyday wear
• commuting costs such as tolls, gas, parking
• home phone line
• interest on personal loans
• personal vacations
• student loan interest or student loan principal

Keeping Your Records ...

A good record keeping system doesn't have to be complicated.  It just has to be accurate and reflect what you spend and what you take in.  Bookkeeping is nothing more than grouping and summarizing all your income and expenses.

To help you record your income and expenses you can make your own Worksheet.  All you will really need is an accountant's pad available in any office supply store.  (Remember, this purchase is a tax deduction!).   Simply list each month across the top of your Worksheet and all your costs.

First list "fixed costs" that remain the same month to month or year to year, such as:

• truck payment, truck insurance, medical insurance
• licenses, permits
• highway use tax
• preventative maintenance, etc. 

Next, list your "variable costs" such as:

• fuel, fuel taxes,
• tools, supplies
• telephone, repairs
• parts, etc. 

Project out for a year what you think your costs will be then keep a second worksheet with your actual costs each month.  Then compare the difference to see if you can rely on your projections.  Being able to accurately project your future income and expenses is a tremendous help for tax planning and business management purposes.  Next, you should record your monthly income on the worksheet.

Calculating Your Cost Per Mile ...

Knowing your cost per mile (cpm) is very important.  Be sure to keep track of your miles each month and calculate your cpm by dividing your costs by your number of miles.  Determining the cpm is a good way to keeping track of how well you are doing.  Proper realistic planning can and does make the difference between success and failure.

Once you have your system set up you should send your records to your tax preparer on a regular basis.  Sending them to your preparer on a Quarterly basis is the best way.  By sending your records regularly you will be informed of your current tax situation and get help with planning.  This will also help guide you through your financial questions.  Another reason is that by having your quarterly estimated taxes adjusted you can avoid penalties.  Whether you do your own bookkeeping or have a tax preparer do it, you should always use someone familiar with the trucking industry.

The trucking industry has become more and more complex.  And tax laws have become more complex.  An expert who knows trucking can provide the best advice concerning methods of depreciating equipment, options concerning equipment purchase and/or lease, as well as keeping up to date on changes in the tax laws that affect the trucking industry.

Sources of Information for this Article:

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/

http://www.layover.com/

PBS Tax and Bookkeeping

The Honor of A Lifetime

Coming Home ....

During National Truckers Appreciation Week And
On the 10th Anniversary of the Tragedy of 9/11 We Are
Sharing This Article From Land Line Magazine with Our Readers
in Honor of Our Country's Truckers and Americans Everywhere

By Clarissa Kell-Holland, Land Line staff writer and Reed Black, Land Line Now staff reporter

A year ago in June 2010, Land Line Magazine wrote about a convoy of 28 trucks loaded with steel salvaged from the World Trade Center as it made its way back home to Coatesville, PA.  We are proud to share their story again on the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

For town residents, it was an emotional occasion watching a convoy of 28 trucks loaded with 500 tons of steel make its way through Coatesville, PA, in April 2010.  For the truckers, it was the honor of a lifetime.

After all, the steel on those flatbed trailers was never supposed to return to Coatsville.  It had been forged at the local Lukens Steel Co. more than 40 years ago and was shipped off to New York City to provide the exterior columns for the World Trade Center. 

Then 9/11 changed everything.

As a nation watched the twin towers collapse on Sept. 11, 2001, the Lukens custom steel structures withstood the destruction.  Known as steel "trees," the only U.S.  steel used in building the World Trade Center remained standing, resolute amid the massive devastation.

Solemn journey homeLeading the convoy were two OOIDA members, Rudy Acevedo of Cantonment, FL, and Tim Philmon of Middleburg, FL, who both said that being part of the 206-mile journey was the highlight of their professional driving careers.

Two fire department ladder trucks formed an arch displaying an American flag for the truckers to drive under as they entered Coatesville.  Both Acevedo and Philmon said that sight made the journey worthwhile.

The Graystone Society of Coatesville arranged for the steel to return home for a planned 9/11 memorial and selected Acevedo, a native New Yorker, to be the lead truck in the convoy.  His childhood friend's son, a firefighter, was killed when the buildings collapsed.

"It was really touching for me," he said.  "I am a product of New York.  It was an honor to do this." 

He said as the convoy drew closer to its destination, the larger the "welcoming committees" grew.

"People were just cheering ... It was great; it was fantastic that the spirit of America still lives," Avecedo said.

Our Beautiful
American Flag

Philmon told Land Line that while he was physically prepared for the journey to Pennsylvania, he wasn't emotionally prepared for how the public would react to seeing these loads of steel from the WTC draped with American flags.

"We parked a couple of times in these small country towns in Pennsylvania, and people would just empty out of the buildings and converge all around us," he said.  "They just wanted to touch the loads, say a prayer and walk away.  It was our way to honor all of those that died."

Eric Flynn, an agent with Landstar Global, handled all the logistics involved in returning the steel to Coatesville.

Flynn said all of the drivers who were a part of the convoy were "very sensitive" about what they were hauling.  He added that a number of truckers expressed concerns about "scratching the steel" when securing their loads after all it had been through.

Both Acevedo and Philmon said it was therapeutic for them, as well as for the public, to see the steel return home.

"Over and over again, we heard from the public 'we respect you truckers for doing this for us' and 'thanks for bringing this home,' " Philmon said.  "For us, we were just so honored to be a part of it."

Eugene DiOrio,, executive director of The Graystone Society, said returning the loads of steel to Coatesville was important to so many people because they became "sort of the icons to the tragedy."

DiOrio and Scott Huston, Graystone's president, personally traveled to New York City to watch the loading of the steel and to meet with some of the drivers who would later be hauling it.

"The truckers wanted to do this," DiOrio told Land Line Now.  "These aren't just hunks of steel.  There's an emotional attachment because of the tragedy in New York and that thousands of people were killed on that morning.  We were told they (truckers) were honored to bring this home."