Apr 12, 2024

The Most Desirable Truck Stop Amenities

We asked our community of nearly 1 million truck drivers to give us their top choices of truck stop amenities.

Legal Things to Include Within a Truck Driver’s Contract Truck drivers play an important role in making sure there is a smooth flow of products and goods that move across the country. As such, truck drivers and the companies they work for should both have a clear understanding of what makes a contract enforceable. When drafting a truck driver’s contract, there are legal and other aspects that both parties should be aware of. What to Think About When Making a Truck Driver's Contract Both parties should thoroughly understand their responsibilities and expectations. What are the delivery schedules and routes, and what additional duties should the driver be aware of? Understanding the compensation package is crucial for the driver and their trucking company. What is the hourly wage or commission structure? Are there mileage rates to apply? Is there a bonus package? A clear understanding can help prevent future problems. There are labor laws that address working hours and break times. To comply with labor laws, a driver’s contract must state the maximum hours for driving without a break. The contract should also include mandatory rest periods. Is there a payment for overtime work, and if so, how much overtime is allowed? A clear understanding is important for a driver’s well-being and safety. They become aware of their work parameters. A well-written contract can also help a trucking company, or truck driver, avoid any legal risks for breaking labor laws. Legal Things to Include Within a Truck Driver's Contract The driver’s contract should contain a provision explaining insurance coverage, and clearly explain the amounts and types. Coverage can include cargo, liability, and comprehensive insurance. If there is an unfortunate <a href="https://www.manfredlaw.com/personal-injury/truck-accidents">accident</a>, the driver and their company can expect protection. There should also be a clear method for reporting an accident, and every driver should know the reporting steps. These steps can include contacting emergency services, informing the company, and documenting how the accident occurred. Such actions are important for any legal proceedings or insurance claims that might arise. The truck driver’s contract should also explain the process for accountability and responsibility. The outline can define who is legally responsible for injuries or property damage. Clear contract clauses can help simplify things and prevent legal disputes that might arise. What Else to Know About a Truck Driver Contract? There are additional elements that a truck driver’s contract should state. How long will the employment contract last? Is the employment for an indefinite amount of time, or is there a fixed term? Are there provisions for renewing the contract? What are the conditions for terminating a driver? This degree of clarity can help to avoid misunderstandings. It is also important to outline maintenance responsibilities for the truck and any other equipment in use. What are the maintenance schedules and expectations for keeping the vehicle clean? Is the process for reporting and repairing mechanical problems clear? A non-compete and confidentiality clause in contracts aims to protect a company’s interests. These clauses prevent drivers from working for a competing company for a specified time after the driver’s contract ends. Commercial drivers have rights, and the scope of those rights can protect against anything from coercion and driving an unsafe vehicle, to ignoring operating laws. Of course, there are Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines set forth to protect drivers. These guidelines include rules for reporting coercion and other similar incidents. The guidelines are found in state and federal labor laws. Additional Considerations for Truck Driver Contracts A driver’s contract can also include processes for resolving disputes that may include litigation, mediation, and arbitration. Does the company offer safety and training programs? What are the consequences for drivers who violate compliance or safety standards? What are the provisions for alcohol and drug testing, and what happens if there is a positive result? There are also clauses that can address unforeseen events that affect a contract’s provisions. Truck drivers and trucking companies have the freedom to consult with legal professionals to ensure that contracts are within legal guidelines. Conclusion It is crucial to create contracts that are clear and thorough for drivers and companies. Working relationships do matter. By addressing elements like job responsibility, compensation, and the conditions that can surround an accident, everyone involved can help establish a successful working relationship. When terms are clear, it helps to provide clarity for enforcing a contract. The transportation industry, like all things, evolves over time. This is why it is so important for drivers and companies to stay on top of best practices and legal requirements for every aspect of their industry. Transparency protects each party’s rights and helps to prevent future disputes or misunderstandings. A clear contract can establish expectations for performance for truck drivers and companies. Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for <a href="https://www.manfredlaw.com/">Manfred Law.</a>

Feb 28, 2024

The Dangers of Ignoring Tax Filing Obligations for Truckers For self-employed truckers, many things are top of mind for them, such as being away from home, staying healthy on the road, and keeping up with the demanding aspects of the job. With all this, it’s easy for these truck drivers to overlook the less glamorous aspect of tax filing. However, especially for independent truckers, neglecting your tax obligations can lead to many financial and legal troubles that could derail your successful careers on the road. Let’s look at some of the potential consequences of failing to file tax returns on time or at all for truck drivers, as well as how you can rectify your tax mistakes and become compliant. Consequences of Not Paying Taxes Failure to file tax returns on time, or worse, not filing at all, can have severe repercussions for truck drivers. The IRS imposes some serious penalties and interest charges for late or non-filing of tax returns. These penalties can quickly accumulate, compounding the financial burden on these truckers who are already grappling with the unique demands of the industry. One of the immediate consequences of non-compliance is the accumulation of penalties and interest. The IRS charges a late filing penalty, which <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/failure-to-file-penalty" target="_blank">amounts to 5%</a> of the unpaid taxes of each month that a tax return is late. For truck drivers, who often operate on thin profit margins, these additional financial burdens can be crippling to their or their family’s livelihoods. On another note, failing to file your taxes also means that truckers miss out on potential refunds. Truckers can get tax deductions for their businesses, including truck payments, fuel, accounting fees, maintenance fees, insurance, and other business expenses. By not filing your taxes, you could be losing money! Furthermore, failure to file tax returns for a long time, such as three years, can lead to more serious consequences. This could be wage or bank account levies, federal tax liens, property liens, potential tax evasion charges, passport revocation, or even seizure of tax refunds. Aside from the financial consequences, non-compliance with tax filing obligations can damage a truck driver's reputation and business relationships. Clients, other truckers, and business partners may view non-compliance with tax laws as a sign of irresponsibility or untrustworthiness, potentially leading to loss of contracts or employment opportunities. What To Do To Be Compliant? So, what should truck drivers do if they find themselves in a situation where they haven't filed taxes in the past or are struggling to meet their tax obligations? The first step is to start proactive measures to address it. It can be difficult for truck drivers to dive headfirst into possible years of tax forms and receipts; this is where seeking the help of a professional can be beneficial. A qualified tax professional or accountant who understands the trucking industry will also understand the unique challenges faced by truck drivers. They can provide guidance on how to gather necessary documentation, handle the various tax laws, and help truckers develop a strategy to become compliant with filing requirements. It is also important for truck drivers to, going forward, be proactive in addressing their tax filing obligations and to prioritize compliance in future tax payments. This can look like having better record-keeping practices to track income and expenses throughout the year, setting aside funds for tax payments, and staying informed about changes to tax laws. Get Help With Your Taxes At the end of the day, ignoring tax filing obligations can have serious consequences for truck drivers, both financially and legally. However, it’s not too late for truckers to start getting compliance and filing their taxes today. Trucker Path has partnered with ATBS to give Trucker Path users special discounts on tax and accounting services from professionals who specialize in helping truck drivers. Looking to get your taxes done right? Reach out to <a href="https://www.atbs.com/trucker-path" target="_blank">get help from ATBS today!</a>

Mar 13, 2024

Financial and Business Structure Tips for Truck Drivers Truck drivers are used to hauling heavy loads for their clients. However, many professional drivers are also hauling heavy financial loads of their own just to stay operating. Like all professionals, truck drivers need to plan for the future. This is done through a careful strategy of setting up their business structure appropriately and saving money to reduce costs while also finding ways to boost income potential today. Here's a look at some business and financial planning tips for truck drivers. 1. Use Budgeting Tools Sloppy receipts cost truck drivers money. Truck drivers need to have systems for internal bookkeeping and external billing. By using budgeting tools that allow you to scan or upload receipts, you'll be ready to bill properly during each billing cycle. Charting your expenses accurately is vital to being properly compensated. That includes per-diem expenses that cover food, toiletries, and digital usage. What's more, organized records make it easier to claim deductions at tax time that can reduce your annual tax liability. 2. Cut Costs Where You Can Dollars add up quickly on the road because there's no "stopping home" for a quick bite or some essentials. That's why truck drivers need to watch their spending much more closely than people in other professions. Set a budget for food and entertainment while on the road to be able to anticipate costs instead of being surprised by large bills at the end of the month. Consider using meal-planning apps that give you ideas for how to prepare simple meals in your truck. Even just pivoting to having cereal in your truck instead of getting breakfast at a restaurant or truck stop can save thousands of dollars per year that could serve you much better when reinvested back into your business instead! 3. Start an LLC If you're an independent truck driver, establishing an LLC is a great way to protect your personal financial interests. LLCs give individuals the same legal and financial protections provided to traditional business structures. That means that you can protect your home, car, bank accounts, and other personal assets from being affected by what happens in your professional life. Any lawsuits filed against you in your trucking career will be limited solely to business-related assets. 4. Consider Purchasing a Franchise Consistency is one of the keys to making money as a truck driver. That's exactly why <a href="https://www.franchisedirect.com/ultimate-guide-to-franchising/">franchising</a> can be such an appealing option for truck drivers who want greater financial security. With franchising, you're purchasing the rights to operate under a well-known brand name in trucking. That means that people who depend on truck drivers will already know and trust your business from the first day it opens. Franchisees receive support for setting up their franchises, handling marketing, training drivers, and managing the financial aspects of running a trucking branch. In many cases, trucking franchise companies also provide franchisees with systems for getting free or discounted uniforms, equipment, benefits, and more. The way to begin the process of purchasing a franchise is to research trucking franchise opportunities. It's important to compare different opportunities because initial investment costs for franchisees can range from $15,000 to $200,000. Potential franchisees also need to do their homework on franchise royalty fees to get an idea of how much they will be paying to the parent company each year. Franchisees who find the right fit can look forward to plugging into a model that's been built for success while also being their own boss! Final Thoughts Business and financial planning gives truck drivers peace of mind over the fact that every mile they're covering is truly worth it. By considering different business structure and growth options, budgeting plans and savings tips, truckers can create or modify a real business that makes real money and sets them up for real success.

Mar 27, 2024