Jun 05, 2024

Highest-Rated Major US Trucking Corridors

We ranked the major US trucking corridors of 2023 based on parking availability, truck stop ratings, and fuel prices. Below is what we found.

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

Understanding and Combating Cargo Theft in the US 2023 was a year that saw a skyrocket in cargo theft across the United States, with a <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/business/article/15638346/cargo-theft-up-59-in-third-quarter">59% increase</a> in the third quarter of 2023 as compared to 2022. As we continue to witness this surge, cargo theft continues to pose a significant threat to the logistics and transportation industry. As cargo is being stolen at an alarming rate and is <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/home/article/15661462/2023-rewind-cargo-theft-exploded-last-year-expect-more-of-the-same-in-2024">forecasted to get worse in 2024</a>, it is important for truck drivers, brokers, and carriers alike to take precautionary measures against cargo theft. Let’s take a look at what cargo theft entails, the different ways it occurs, and some proactive measures to secure freight. What is Cargo Theft? Cargo theft, which refers to the act of stealing goods being transported by trucks, rail, or other means, can occur in a variety of ways. The stolen cargo can range from a variety of goods, although research has shown that the top targeted commodities are <a href="https://www.overdriveonline.com/business/article/15635411/cargo-theft-continues-to-skyrocket-in-2023">food and beverage and electronics.</a> Ways Cargo Can Be Stolen: 1. Hijacking and Forced Entry One of the most dangerous forms of cargo theft involves hijacking, where criminals force drivers to stop their trucks and surrender their cargo. This can occur on secluded stretches of highways or during scheduled stops. When cargo is hijacked, the drivers are often forced to open trailers and hand over the goods. 2. Break-ins During Driver Absence Unlike hijacking operations, cargo theft might not always be a high-stakes operation. Sometimes, thieves may opt for a less confrontational approach by breaking into trailers when drivers are away. This can happen during scheduled breaks or when trucks are parked overnight and unsuspecting drivers return to find their cargo missing. 3. Trailer Theft Some thieves go a step further by stealing the entire trailer and using their own trucks for a quick getaway. This method not only results in the financial loss of goods but also the significant setback of losing an entire trailer. <a href="https://www.ccjdigital.com/business/article/15448218/cargo-theft-up-41-so-far-this-year-expected-to-rise-for-memorial-day?__cf_chl_tk=ZlL6kCXke7QEJ3r6BK3zdD4ORAHF4pJspfblyNyBwdo-1706107383-0-gaNycGzNGNA">Full trailer theft</a> is becoming more common amidst heightened security measures. Now, stolen trailers are sometimes abandoned after the trailer has been unlocked and the cargo has been unloaded. 4. Fake Trucking Companies and Load Board Scams As on-the-road security has been increasing, criminals have become increasingly sophisticated by establishing fake trucking companies and engaging in <a href="https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/auto-motor/fraud-and-misdirection-schemes-drive-cargo-theft-surge-455858.aspx">misdirection fraud.</a> These thieves secure legitimate-looking contracts and loads, only to disappear with the cargo, leaving both companies and carriers in the lurch. An increase in this form of fraud has emphasized the need for enhanced verification and due diligence in the freight industry. Tips to Secure Freight 1. Cargo Insurance With a greater increase in the inherent risks associated with cargo transportation, many shippers are turning to <a href="https://www.mikargo247.com/truckerpath">spot cargo insurance.</a> This type of insurance provides coverage for specific shipments on the spot on an ad-hoc basis, offering financial protection against losses resulting from theft, damage, or other unforeseen events. With cargo insurance, drivers now have a valuable financial safety net and this can also offer them some peace of mind when delivering goods. 2. Invest in Advanced Security Systems There has also been a massive move towards enhancing cargo security. This is largely through modern security practices, such as <a href="https://www.a1.digital/blog/digital-asset-tracking-in-logistics-security-efficiency-and-future-trends/">asset tracking</a> through GPS technology, geofencing, and real-time monitoring. These technologies allow shippers and carriers to keep a vigilant eye on their shipments and respond promptly to any deviations from the planned route or recover stolen goods promptly. 3. Strategic Route Planning Lastly, planning routes strategically can minimize exposure to high-risk areas prone to cargo theft. Especially now with the increased use of artificial intelligence (AI),there are route optimization tools that can help identify safer and more secure paths, avoiding regions with a history of criminal activity. As the freight industry in the US tackles the escalating challenge of cargo theft, there needs to be a more proactive and collaborative approach to mitigating cargo theft risks and safeguarding the logistics industry.

Apr 18, 2024

How AI And CRM Are Revolutionizing The Logistics Industry. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI),we’ve entered a new societal frontier. Not since the dawn of high-speed internet has a technological advancement changed the world as we know it. Think about it—there was a time when we had to contact people by telephone instead of DMing them on Instagram. Before that, streaming platforms wiped out video rental stores like Blockbuster. Uber flipped the taxi business upside down, similar to what Airbnb did to the hospitality and travel industries. The internet also <a href="https://www.speednetlte.com/post/5-ways-the-internet-has-changed-the-way-we-work#:~:text=The%20rise%20of%20freelance%20and,work%20on%20their%20own%20terms.">evolved the workplace</a>, opening companies up to a broader range of customers and at-scale expansion, enabling remote employment, ramping up efficiency, and so on. AI is already yielding the next seismic shift in <a href="https://medium.com/60-leaders/the-impact-of-ai-on-society-and-everyday-life-711307e06b87#id_token=eyJhbGciOiJSUzI1NiIsImtpZCI6IjkzNGE1ODE2NDY4Yjk1NzAzOTUzZDE0ZTlmMTVkZjVkMDlhNDAxZTQiLCJ0eXAiOiJKV1QifQ.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.C28fO00unl8SVsGdMjTz3t373CZD_yGC-r3as4ydjv68EoGfyyaPMXmJuKZBz9uPmdLwB3CpB5-7MDK80ZtVUW0FQqGDEASrFKszqq4gtMFese4sb2pKeELvWIY1GTGjK894T9PKY1ELKydM0pg-OyqbLmdrZkfzWjECKeb5A8l8aL9mzsY4qbYTdVOyfT22B0J4QIs5pfdLjtE4UnKwd_V_ozZABpiZfj2DzL9RO4uKY9UnymXaopq6SWfdMx96mTZ6O6nUdGx5CSOJW8ty8PLGMwE5xaLM3nFgQmdCiKpIrKPEoukeSIeLqNES2VgCvUIph1sQwW95A1B-qmBlfQ">everyday life</a>. It’s also transforming the global economy. By 2030, the vast streamlining capabilities of AI-powered tools promise to disrupt—if not entirely alter—<a href="https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/articles/industries-ai-will-disrupt/">ten separate industries</a>, including logistics. Specifically, AI-based enhancements to CRM integrations are revolutionizing the logistics industry. Here’s a deep dive into how this revolution is playing out. How Will AI-Powered CRM Integrations Impact the Logistics Sector? This section will explain how CRM integrations have already impacted logistics and how AI integrations will take those improvements to the next level. The Effectiveness of CRMs in Logistics. Before even entering AI into the equation, CRMs offer the following advantages to the logistics industry: ● CRM platforms increase visibility for logistics companies, enhancing communications by simplifying them. All relevant data is readily available for all vital parties instead of kept in silos, leading to inefficiencies. ● These tools help companies grow at scale due to increased productivity, yielding significant ROIs. ● Since CRMs automate menial, repetitive work, employees can focus their energy and efforts on higher-level, growth-forward tasks. ● CRMs improve the rate of on-time shipments. Having all data in one place (e.g., warehouse operating times, fleet capacity, delays, and priorities) ensures a smooth, better-managed shipping schedule. CRMs can help <a href="https://www.webfx.com/blog/marketing/crm-statistics/#:~:text=Revenue%20can%20increase%20by%20as,drive%20more%20leads%20and%20sales.">generate 245% more revenue</a> for businesses leveraging them. Imagine what happens when you take this already impressive tool and improve it with AI. Powering CRMs With AI: Adding Strength-On-Strength. Introduce AI into the CRM equation, and you add strength-on-strength. With AI-powered CRM software, businesses benefit from features like predictive lead scoring and sales forecasting. AI streamlines CRM-based lead qualification analysis for marketers while accelerating the production of personalized reviews, client reports, emails, and other content. It can also make recommendations based on customer leads. Often, AI features in CRMs mean you can use a virtual assistant to manage simple in-office tasks, clearing them off your or your team members’ plates. More specifically for logistics, AI-powered CRMs can generate precise estimates for scheduling and organizing all transportation components. They often have algorithms that offer updates in real time. In doing so, customers remain informed about where their products are during delivery. In short, the AI-powered CRMs promise to spearhead a significant industry shift. Those adopting such tools will gain a substantial edge, leaving slow adopters in the dust. Is The Logistics Industry Prepared For Technological Disruption? As we investigate AI/CRMs in a logistics setting, one factor worth considering is the <a href="https://medium.com/coinmonks/the-learning-curve-of-trying-to-keep-up-with-new-tech-in-the-workplace-cb21f654d331">technology adoption learning curve in the workplace.</a> While excitement over these advanced tools is understandable, learning how to use them is a different story. It’s one thing to invest in an AI-powered CRM. It’s a decision reached (perhaps after some deliberation) and a transaction made. It's as simple as that. Conversely, optimizing and maximizing your company’s capabilities with those technologies requires ongoing effort and focus. Logistics companies must ensure their team buys into these tools and is willing to learn how to use and harness them to their full capabilities. With the last sentence in mind, nearly <a href="https://www.ciodive.com/news/saas-spend-control-enterprise-flexera/608257/">a third of Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)</a> spending goes to waste across all industries. While AI-powered CRMs promise to disrupt logistics, companies must implement such platforms successfully. Otherwise, not only will your business be strict with the inefficiencies of old, but it’ll also face new, more painful headaches. Another consideration is whether the industry, as a whole, is prepared to embrace these technological shifts. One study shows how over <a href="https://flashbox.co/blog/business/why-is-ai-development-in-logistics-slower-than-expected/#:~:text=The%20logistics%20industry%20is%20highly,be%20used%20in%20logistics%20operations.">70% of logistics executives</a> view AI and other modern tech as too costly to adopt. None of this is to rain on the parade of AI-powered CRMs. Logistics leaders' hesitancy to adopt AI only highlights how disruptive the technologies will be. Those implementing AI-powered CRMs will automatically assert themselves as industry trailblazers, outperforming competitors holding onto the misguided conventions of old. Data Extraction: A Crucial AI And CRM Innovation Driving Logistics Efficiency. One of the most crucial logistics components is processing supply chain-related documents, such as: ● Procurement/production documents. ● Invoice processing documents. ● Packing/distribution documents. ● Customer service documents. ● Inventory management documents. Many of these document-driven processes are paper-based, a massively <a href="https://www.connectpointz.com/blog/manual-data-entry-costing-you-money">human-error-prone practice.</a> AI-infused data extraction platforms enable logistics professionals to avoid time-wasting data copying into business applications. These tools reduce human involvement (and human error) during document scanning, relying on personnel only for data quality assurance and edge case resolutions. Logistics companies save money and time through AI-powered data extraction, allowing their teams to focus on more growth-based tasks. Team members without technical skills can automate PDF, Word, or image-based document data extraction. The advanced data parsing and user-friendly interface employed in these extraction technologies eliminates manual data entry. Your logistics company can integrate your data extraction platform with your CRM system, packing it with information mined from purchase orders, invoices, and other customer-facing documents. What would have taken days, weeks, or months and would be rife with errors takes mere minutes without costly mistakes. From there, AI algorithms within the CRM can detect patterns and trends within the data to help <a href="https://www.ozmoving.com/blog/improving-customer-experience-with-ai-technology">enhance your processes and customer relations.</a> The Future Of AI And CRM Solutions In Logistics. Those in the logistics sector willing to adopt AI-powered CRM solutions will enjoy a competitive edge in an industry filled with leaders hesitant to evolve. Crucial to this evolution is the transformation of logistics companies adopting AI-powered CRMs alongside these technologies. Leaders throughout these organizations must reexamine how they deploy and optimize their workforce in line with the AI/CRM-based advancements in their processes. In doing so, they’ll tap into the full power of these disruptive tools.

May 22, 2024