Reasons to Get Enough Sleep

Posted in The Healthy Trucker, Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

The commercial transport industry is one that never really stops.  Although the time clock may show an office closed for business, truck drivers drive at all hours of the day and night to be sure to get their loads to where they’re going.  Despite having great reasons to get enough sleep, truck drivers are often physically, emotionally, and mentally tired.

Unfortunately a driver’s desire to get their job done by pushing themselves to the point of sheer exhaustion isn’t uncommon.  In fact, statistics state that nearly two-thirds of all fatigue-related accidents can be attributed to truck drivers that should have gotten off the road.

Is it that truck drivers don’t care about the risks they face when they get behind the wheel while tired?  Of course not!  Truck drivers know the risks and the dangers, but they may also feel pressured to make their run no matter how they feel especially if they have bills to pay and a family to provide for.

Some sleep experts feel that driving while sleepy or fatigued is as dangerous as driving while under the influence.  In fact, remaining awake for 18 hours or more produces the same level of impairment as a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .05.  If you stay up over 24 hours, the impairment is the same as .10 BAC.  Anyone with a BAC of .08 is considered to be legally drunk and would be taken off the road.

What can you, as a truck driver, do?  Start by realizing that the human body needs a minimum amount of sleep in order to function properly.  You may not need eight hours of sleep a night, but it’s rare that a person needs less than six.  If you push yourself too far by forcing yourself to remain awake, either through artificial means or pushing through sleepiness, your body will eventually get to a point that sleep can’t be put off any longer.

Try to get as close to eight hours of sleep a night if possible.  If not, when you start getting fatigued, pull your truck off the road and take a nap of no more than 45 minutes.  Even a 15-30 minute break can make a difference in the amount of fatigue you deal with, and that short break shouldn’t keep you from arriving at your destination on time.

Another way to fight fatigue is to drink plenty of water.  If you’re dehydrated your body will slow down.  Stay away from too much caffeine.  Drinking more than two cups of coffee, tea or other caffeinated drinks doesn’t help you remain awake any better. 

Eat foods such as fresh fruits and whole grain breads to give your body the energy it needs.  Don’t skip meals because it will cause your blood sugar levels to fall.  Overeating will drain your energy, so eat six small meals instead to keep your blood sugar levels in check. 

If you find yourself getting sleepy but really can’t afford to take the time for a nap, pull into a truck stop, and stretch your legs.  Physical activity can help wake you up and will probably take less time than it would for a nap.  Besides helping you stay awake, being physically active could also help with blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

We all know the many reasons to get enough sleep at night.  When it’s not possible to get the recommended eight hours, recognize when you’re getting tired and use one of the ideas above to help stay awake.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Is Security an Issue at Overnight Truck Stops?

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Truck drivers have to sleep just like everyone else.  They don’t have the luxury of sleeping in their own beds at night, though.  Instead, they have to find a truck stop where they can park their rigs.  Since they spend the night in their rigs, some new drivers wonder if security is an issue at overnight truck stops.

Every truck driver wants to be safe; however women drivers may want to be more cautious when pulling into a truck stop to get some sleep.  While you’re out of your truck, be confident, don’t wear jewelry, or carry a purse.  It’s also a good idea to always wear comfortable shoes so you can run if necessary.

Don’t talk about your load with other drivers or others at a truck stop.  Unfortunately almost everything can be sold on the street, even things that most people wouldn’t think of.  By not talking about your load, you won’t have to be concerned that someone will be interested.

If you’re concerned about safety, put your safety belt through the door handle and then lock them.  This will hold the doors closed while you’re sleeping so no one can break in without first waking you up.  Doing this will also give you ample time to use mace or pepper spray to deter a would-be thief.

Truck stops want their patrons to feel safe.  Many have plenty of lighting so there are no dark areas to park in.  If there are darker areas on the parking lot, always try to park near the front of the lot and in the light.  This will make anyone doing wrong think twice because they may be seen.

Video surveillance is another way truck stops help keep drivers on their lots safe.  Cameras protect the building, employees, and provide additional assurances to the driver that someone is looking out for them.  Having surveillance cameras also aids law enforcement should there be break-ins or other illegal activities from going on.  All-in-all they are a good deterrent.

No one wants to have crimes committed on their property and that includes truck stops.  Many are doing everything they can to protect their own property as well as the trucks and loads of the truck drivers who choose to stay overnight. 

While there may still be smaller truck stops, or those not on a major interstate, that aren’t considered safe, you have the choice as a driver where you stop.  Plan your route so you will stop for the night near a truck stop you know has safety measures in place and you won’t have to wonder if security is an issue when you stay overnight at a truck stop.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below…

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

 

Trucker Buddy Program Connects Drivers and Children

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Children are fascinated by eighteen wheel trucks.  They see the trucks on the roads as they travel from place to place.  The Trucker Buddy program connects drivers and children by allowing the children to be “pen pals” with the driver as they travel the country.

Started in 1992 by Gary King, a professional truck driver in Wisconsin, the Trucker Buddy program benefits both driver and student.  The students, in writing letters and postcards to the driver, do better in reading, writing, and even geography.  The drivers look forward to receiving mail from their buddies.

To be a Trucker Buddy, one must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL).  They are expected to show integrity and professionalism in all of their dealings with the children.  Drivers are also expected to follow the rules set forth by the program.

If chosen to participate, you would be expected to write to your class as often as you can during the entire school year which is usually from September to May, but it may be different in your state.  You may write individual letters or send postcards from various places you drive to or write one letter to the entire class; the choice is up to you.

Teachers are will open in charge of all correspondence with students.  Individual letters will be sent in an envelope to the entire class and will be opened by the teacher.  After the teacher has read and reviewed the correspondence it is given to the students. Students are not allowed to give out personal information such as home address or telephone numbers. Students would then answer their letters at least once a month.

Truck drivers are matched with classes at grade schools to write and mentor in an area close to their home base, but not in the same city.  Second to eighth grade classes are chosen from all over the country.  Currently there are over 3,000 drivers involved in this worthwhile program. 

One of the benefits of the Trucker Buddy program is that children will learn and understand something about the truck driver, their life, and how drivers or smaller vehicles can affect their work.  Since children are the future motorists of the country, can you imagine how much of an impact your relationship with them could make to helping them know how to drive safely with eighteen wheelers?

Does this appeal to you?  If so, you may want to consider being a part of the Trucker Buddy program.  Get online and go to the Trucker Buddy website http://www.truckerbuddy.com/tbihomepage.asp?c=signup.asp to sign up.  This website gives you the history of the program, information about your responsibilities if you choose to participate, and an application.  Why not check it out today and see if it’s something you might be interested in?

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below…

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Health Issues that Make Truck Drivers Unfit to Drive

Posted in The Healthy Trucker by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Every two years truck drivers have to pass Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examinations.  Not all truck drivers pass their physicals.  Blood pressure, blood sugar, and body weights that are too high are health issues that make truck drivers unfit to drive.

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, high blood sugar, or morbid obesity and have lost your CDL you know things need to change.  The DOT will soon approve only registered physicians will likely make standards for passing the physical more difficult. You can start now working to get healthier and work toward getting your CDL back.

How do you get healthy?  What lifestyle changes do you need to make to get your life back on track?

First and foremost, get your family to help.  If you’ve had your CDL pulled because of a health issue like high blood pressure or diabetes, your family will undoubtedly want you to get healthier, too.  Anything they can do encourage you to eat better or exercise more will get you that much closer to getting your license back.

Get the junk out of your house.  Everyone in your family will benefit from getting rid of the unhealthy foods you may have lurking in your cabinets and refrigerator.  Chips, cookies, and soft drinks could be replaced with fresh fruits and vegetables and water or 100% juice.  Be sure to eat a variety of foods in their natural, raw form in a rainbow of colors to get the best nutritional value. 

Exercise is also important if you’re trying to get healthier.  If you’re at home, you really have no excuse for not taking the opportunity to exercise.  Get off your favorite chair, put on some athletic shoes, and if nothing else go outside and walk around the block.  Find a sport that you can enjoy and don’t forget to start out slow.  You don’t want to injure yourself by trying to do too much too soon.

Your health is important, not only to be able to do your job, but also so you’ll be around to watch your children grow up.  Being healthy can also help reduce your medical costs.  You’ll be more alert and more productive when you do go back to work.

Maybe you haven’t had your CDL pulled yet.  You may be concerned about your next physical if you have health issues that make you unfit to drive.  Don’t let DOT take your license, do something about it.  Now is the time to start working at losing weight and getting fit so you can keep your job and do it better.

Diabetes or elevated blood sugar, obesity, and high blood pressure are serious health conditions.  They can end your driving career as well as end your life.  You may want to start taking responsibility for your health now before it’s too late.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below…

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Trucker Boys and Their Toys, Radio Toys That Is

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · 1 Comment 

Since truck drivers spend so much time in their rigs, they may feel the need for something to amuse themselves.  And since truckers use CB radios as a means of communication, combining the two seemed like the perfect match.  Boys and their toys are inseparable, and now there are “girl” drivers that enjoy these noise toys just as much.

CB sound toys can be heard across the airwaves by truck drivers who have them installed on their CB radios. The sounds, which can vary depending upon the sound toy manufacturer, are only for entertainment purposes.  And they can be fun to use and to listen to.

Noise toys are short snippets of audio, either 20 or 60 seconds in length that can be installed in CB radios.  They are connected to an external switch that is already on the radio and that’s what triggers the toy.  The noise toy is played whenever the switch is toggled and can be changed, depending upon the manufacturer.

You can select a part of your favorite movie’s dialogue, jokes you’ve heard, music, parts of an advertisement, or whatever it is that appeals to you. If you can find it on a cassette (do you remember those?), CD, or computer .wav file, it can be added to most noise toys.

When you find a reputable noise toy dealer, you may pick one of the sounds they have available.  Choose from such clips as Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek the original series, Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, any of the Austin Powers movies, as well as clips from Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck cartoons.

Prices for the noise toys vary by manufacturer and the length of the sound module. Expect to pay around $30 for the noise toy itself, $45 for the noise toy with a 20-second module, and $55 for a 60-second module.  You may be able to find prices that are different from these if you research the various manufacturers and compare their costs.

Other toys for the CB include a voice changer which will disguise the speaker’s voice.  If you’re concerned that your gender may lead to problems, this may be the toy you need.  It can generally be purchased for around $70.

The CB radio can be such a useful tool for truck drivers. It is used to communicate, to “talk trash,” and to pass along much-needed information.  No one should wonder why they’re also used as a means of entertainment while on the road.

As long as the noise toys aren’t obscene or offensive, there shouldn’t be any problems.  Boys and their toys aren’t easily separated.  Maybe this is one type of toy that everyone who uses a CB radio can enjoy.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Can Truckers Home School Their Kids on the Road?

Posted in Women Truckers by Brian · 1 Comment 

Homeschooling is an option that over 1.5 million families choose rather than sending their children to public school.  If you’re a truck driver and your spouse also drives, you may want to consider homeschooling your children.

Families around the world have homeschooled longer than structured private schools have been in business. In fact, prior to the 1800s most children were homeschooled and learned the basics such as reading, writing, and arithmetic. Students who excelled in academics were then given the option to apply for higher education.

There are many benefits to homeschooling.  Children do not have to deal with peer pressure like their public school counterparts; they won’t be bullied, or have to run for their lives as another student opens fire in their school.  One of the biggest benefits to homeschooling is that it can be done at home or on the road.

Before you take your child out of school and take them with you on your next delivery, you may want to do some research. Check online to find the homeschooling laws for your home state.  When you’ve had a chance to read and understand them, you will know if homeschooling on the road is an option for your family.

Once you determine this is the path for you, begin to find the educational materials that your child will need.  There are several computer-based curricula that you can choose from.  They provide coursework for each subject and a means for either parent to track how their child is doing.  This option may be easier than trying to write in a workbook or notebook while the truck is moving.

Use your travels as part of your homeschooling. What could be better for teaching your child about history and geography than for them to actually visit each state?  Ask your child to complete a report or notebook for each state you travel through.  For math, teach your child to fill out a logbook, keep track of mileage, and determine how much money is spent each day.  These are practical things that will enable them to remember math easier than repeating problems out of a math book.

Depending upon how long you’ll be on the road, your child should be able to check out books that will teach them other subjects they’re interested in.  As long as your child knows how to read, their ability to learn is only limited by the resources they have available.  Help them learn by providing the best tools you can.

Truck drivers across the nation have to leave their families on a regular basis, often up to three weeks or more at a time. Wouldn’t it be great to be able to take your family with you, especially if your spouse is interested in driving a truck as well?  Check into the possibility of homeschooling on the road so that you can keep your family together instead of apart.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

How to Keep Lot Lizards at Bay

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Truck drivers, particularly those that are married, may find the sexual advances of truck stop or rest area prostitutes (male or female), or “lot lizards,” unwanted.  They may wonder how to keep lot lizards at bay while they get much-needed rest.  After being on the road for 10-12 hours, fooling around is the last thing on their mind.

If you haven’t run across any lot lizards yet, count yourself as being lucky.  They may make themselves known by “advertising” their services over the CB radio as offering “commercial company.”  Others have no inhibitions; they’ll wander back and forth among the parked trucks knocking on doors to see if there are any takers.

Other names you may have heard them called are “pavement princess,” “sleeper leaper,” and “mattress maiden.” Whatever they’re called, most truck drivers try to steer clear of them and have devised ways to let people know they’re just not interested.

While these methods are not guaranteed to keep lot lizards at bay, they may be enough to get you a decent night’s sleep.

• If there’s a knock on your door, don’t answer, don’t even acknowledge that anyone knocked
• Hang a pair of undies or a bra off the rear-view mirror of your cab. It doesn’t matter if you have anyone in the truck with you or not; if it buys you some peace and quiet it won’t matter.
• Crumple up some paper towels and leave them on the step to your truck.
• Park near the front of the truck stop where there is the most light.
• Look online to find companies that sell “No Lot Lizard” stickers and decals that you can place on your truck.
• Fill up your truck at the larger truck stops to get the best price on diesel fuel but park at smaller “mom and pop” size stops to sleep. Smaller truck stops are frequented by this type of person less often.
• Get a dog that makes lots of noise when the door is knocked on.  The sound of the dog should be enough to drive off anyone interested in partying.
• Put a Bible in the window of your cab or a lighted cross.

If someone refuses to take any of the above hints and leave you alone, you have the right to tell them “no” and ask them to leave.  What do you do if they continue to bother you?  Most truck stops have a CB radio in the store that they can use to call the police.  Don’t be afraid to ask them to call if someone is being too persistent.

Use any of the above methods and your chances of being left alone so you can rest or sleep is more likely to happen. Learn how to keep lot lizards at bay when you stop for the night and you’ll sleep more peacefully.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

How to Maintain Your CB Radio

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Truck drivers would be lost without their CB radio.  In fact, most have at least one spare just in case the inevitable happens and their radio gives up the ghost.  Learning how to maintain your CB radio isn’t difficult, and could give you some peace of mind if your radio goes on the fritz.

Citizen Band (CB) radios, like all other electronics, are great to have while they’re working. When they stop, it’s frustrating and irksome.  For a truck driver, the CB radio is important because talking on them keeps them in contact with other truckers.  They can find out what the road conditions and weather are like by talking to drivers going in the opposite direction, and they can be used to contact authorities in case of an emergency. All in all, they’re handy to have around.

They’ve been popular for over 30 years and even enjoyed a time where more than truckers used them. It seemed everyone from housewives to high school students had CB handles and many of them actually owned a radio.  When the CB craze ended in the 1980s, truck drivers continued to use the radio as a means to communicate on a budget.

The CB radio, a short-range receiver and transmitter, runs on the power from the battery.  The battery or cord may become damaged and may need to be replaced.  There may also be fuses inside the back of the radio to be replaced.  Contacts can become corroded or bent to the point they no longer work.  The antenna can also become damaged or disconnected.  These are the most common problems a CB radio may have.

To get the best use of your CB, let a certified technician handle big problems. To maintain your radio, you won’t need specialized tools to work on it.  Screwdrivers, wrenches, canned air, and electrical contact cleaner will generally do the trick!

Check the electrical cord on the base unit first if the radio won’t work.  The radio may have been unplugged without your realizing it.  This is the quickest fix.  If the radio works but the sound is fuzzy, try removing all of the components and then spray electrical contact cleaner into the volume control.  Slide the control back and forth to be sure the mechanism is properly lubricated.

Keep the owner’s manual with other important papers.  You’ll be able to find locations for parts and information on which parts of your radio you should be able to work on without damaging it further.  You’ll also find warranty information in the owner’s manual.

If you notice your radio beginning to act up, check the areas you can to ensure they are properly connected or plugged in. Find a reputable technician to take a look at the radio.  Since your CB is your means of communication with the outside world, learn how to maintain it and then what you can’t do, let someone who knows what they’re doing work on it.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner…Click Here To Enter Now!

Is Team Driving for You?

Posted in Trucker Lifestyle by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Any truck driver knows how lonely it can be out on the road.  You spend time talking on the CB radio, but it’s not the same as having a flesh and blood person sitting next to you in the rig.  You may be considering getting a partner, but is team driving for you?

How do you decide if driving with a partner is a good idea?  This may seem like a silly question, but how well do you get along with your spouse?  The reason for asking is because in a lot of ways team driving is similar to marriage.

Some drivers choose to team drive with their spouse or significant other because it helps them to kill two birds with one stone – they can get the job done and maintain their relationship at the same time.  Other benefits include being able to rest more, both drivers get paid, and loneliness isn’t a problem.  If your spouse is on the road with you, you don’t have to worry about hurrying to get home but can take advantage of the time to enjoy sightseeing a bit.

Driving with a partner can be a problem for some, however.  They have a hard time sleeping while the truck is moving or at least can’t get good quality sleep.  The other driver may like to talk on the radio while you’re trying to sleep.  You also have to be able to agree on things such as where to eat, how often to take restroom breaks, and which music you listen to.

Of course, drivers will appreciate not having to push themselves so hard to get the job done. They have help in dealing with daily responsibilities rather than having to do everything themselves.  It is also much easier to keep logbooks up-to-date and keeping receipts in order.

Some trucking companies offer extra benefits to drivers who prefer to drive with a partner.  Drivers may be given bonuses and may get longer stays at home over individual drivers.  They usually get more miles per week which translates to higher pay.

With the perks and benefits to driving with a partner, it’s a wonder more drivers don’t drive in teams. It could be that solo drivers like the freedom that comes with riding the highways and byways across the country without having to worry about another person.  It could also be that they just don’t like people and that’s one of the benefits of being a truck driver.

If it’s something you’ve considered doing, you may want to think about it again. Is team driving for you?  That’s a decision you’ll have to make.  If your spouse is eager to learn to drive a big rig it’ll make the decision easier, but then you have to wonder if you’re ready to spend that much time with them in such close quarters.
Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Keeping Up With Your Receipts… Secrets Every Truck Driver Can Use To Keep More Of Their Hard Earned Cash

Posted in Money Saving Tips by Brian · Leave a Comment 

Professional truck drivers have paperwork they must fill out and keep as well as maintaining logbooks, mileage reports, and expense reports.  They have to keep track of how much they spend so they are ready for taxes each year.  If you have problems keeping up with your receipts it could mean you’re cheating yourself out of money.

Record keeping is important for any person who spends their own money to do their job.  If you have certain tools you need that you aren’t reimbursed for, knowing how much you spend each year is important when tax season rolls around.  There are a couple of methods you can use to keep up with your receipts.

1. Categorized Envelopes – Purchase some 8 x 10 manila envelopes and label them according to the types of receipts you need to keep.  You’ll need one envelope per category:  Toll fees, fuel, food, repairs, insurance, lodging, office supplies, repairs, etc.  After you spend any money, put the receipt in the proper envelope.  This will make pulling together receipts for tax purposes much easier.
2. Monthly Envelopes – This idea is similar to categorized envelopes.  Instead of putting receipts together according to kind, you only need twelve envelopes, one for each month of the year.  You label the envelopes with the month and then place all receipts in the envelope until the next month.
3. Software programs – Several companies manufacture software especially for truck drivers that can help you keep track of expenses.  These types of programs can save you a great deal of frustration at the end of the year.

Meals can be claimed in one of two ways. You can keep each receipt and file with exact costs, or you can use a per diem rate for each day you’re away from home for 24 hours.  Claiming the per diem rate will save you from having to keep receipts for your meals, which could make your record keeping not so stressful.

Don’t forget about receipts that aren’t specifically related to driving your truck. Medical expenses, whether at home or on the road, are also important to keep.  In fact, if you’re in doubt about whether or not to keep a receipt, call a Certified Public Accountant.  They will be able to give you the best advice about what is deductible or not.

Why do you need to worry about keeping up with your receipts? If you’re like most truck drivers, you get at least six receipts per day.  By keeping track of them each day rather than allowing them to stack up, you’re less likely to lose one and less likely to miss a valid deduction.  You may be gypping yourself out of money, so keeping up with receipts is to your advantage.

Know of a friend , family member or other road dog that might benefit from this article? Hit the forward  to a friend button below..

We value your thoughts and comments so take a second and hit the comment button below now.

Do you have a crazy story from the road.. I’m sure you do … No matter how long you’ve been driving  you either seen or had a crazy tale to tell.

Leave yours now and enter to win a $500.00 gas card. We give away one each month and you can be our next winner… Click Here To Enter Now!

Want to  Watch those  extra pounds drop off while you sit ? Go to www.thetruckersedge.com

Next Page »

• Polls

  Do you think the speed limit should be changed to 55 MPH?

  • Yes
  • No

  View Results

   Loading ...

• Recent Articles

  • The Taxman Cometh
  • Trim the Trucking Expense Fat
  • What to do While Stuck in Traffic
  • What’s a Trucker to Do for Retirement?
  • Biodiesel: All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
  • GPS and Other Routing Software
  • Help for Truck Drivers with Sleep Apnea
  • No Rest for the Sick DRIVER
  • On-Board Safety
  • Start Planning Mother’s Day for Women Truckers Now

• Categories

  • Money Saving Tips
  • Resources
  • Secrets To Fuel Savings
  • The Healthy Trucker
  • Trucker Lifestyle
  • Women Truckers

• Archives

  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008

• Links

  • The Truckers Edge