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.

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

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

Trucker Path Community Names Top Truck Stops Davenport, Iowa Kwik Star #1071 takes the top spot for second consecutive year PHOENIX – January 10, 2024 – Trucker Path, a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE: MTBL) and the most comprehensive and relied upon mobile app for North American truckers, today announced the results of its annual ranking of truck stops. Recognized by nearly 1 million drivers using the Trucker Path app, these truck stop chains and independent facilities are considered the top places for drivers to stop based on their offerings and customer service. “Being named to the list of Top Truck Stops means they are the best of the best,” said Chris Oliver, CMO at Trucker Path. “In addition to the 2024 winners, there were 11 locations that pulled off a hat trick and have ranked in the Top 100 for three consecutive years. With over 12,000 trucks stops and roughly 11,000 additional fueling locations on our app for drivers to rate, this is a huge accomplishment and those facilities should be exceptionally proud. Providing this recognition and highlighting these top truck stops is part of our mission to help make truckers’ lives on the road easier and more comfortable.” For its annual Top Truck Stops ranking, Trucker Path gathered over 34 million in-app ratings and reviews over the past 12 months to determine the Top 100. The Top 5 lists of truck stops include the chain and independent locations with the highest ratings in their respective categories. Drivers across the nation can look for Trucker Path Top 100 Truck Stops, which display a window decal honoring the locations for their place in the annual ranking. The Trucker Path Top 5 Top Trucks Stops Overall Top Truck Stops 1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa 2nd Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida 3rd Place – Workman's Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas 4th Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana 5th Place – Bert's Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas “We are humbled and grateful to be voted the number one truck stop in the nation for the second year in a row,” said Kathleen Ball, Store Leader for Kwik Star store #1071 in Davenport, Iowa. “Our team is committed to providing the best possible experience for all our guests. We will continue to work hard to give our drivers the best guest service that they rely on. Thank you for letting us serve you. See you next time!” Independent Truck Stops 1st Place – Discount Truck Parking, Pompano Beach, Florida 2nd Place – Workman's Travel Center, Ozark, Arkansas 3rd Place – Compass Travel Center, Demotte, Indiana 4th Place – Bert's Travel Plaza, Wellsville, Kansas 5th Place – Stones Truck Stop, Watertown, South Dakota “We are truly grateful for this acknowledgment by Trucker Path, as it is a direct testament to the satisfaction of our valued driver guests in our Pompano Beach, Florida location,” said Ariel Golan, managing partner at Discount Truck Parking. “Across our growing network of locations, we provide parking, fuel, showers, repairs and other services making Discount Truck Parking a fantastic place for drivers to stop. Your recognition means the world to us and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Trucker Path for offering us a platform that connects our locations with millions of drivers.” Chain Truck Stops 1st Place – Kwik Star #1071, Davenport, Iowa 2nd Place – Kwik Trip #202, Plover, Wisconsin 3rd Place – Kwik Trip #1048, West Salem, Wisconsin 4th Place – TA Ozarks #924, Mt. Vernon, Missouri 5th Place – Love’s Travel Stop #665, Angleton, Texas For a complete list of the 2024 Trucker Path Top 100 Truck Stops and the three year consecutive Top 100 companies, see below: <a href="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/01/V3-Listing.png"><img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2024/01/V3-Listing.png" alt="" width="820" height="2640" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-7384" /></a> About Trucker Path Phoenix-based Trucker Path, the provider of a wide range of truck driver-centric mobility products, is a subsidiary of leading global SaaS provider, Moatable, Inc. (NYSE:<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/moatable-announces-name-change-from-renren-inc-to-moatable-inc-301856263.html">MTBL</a>). The Trucker Path app is currently in use by nearly 1 million professional truck drivers. Offering best-in-class navigation with truck-optimized routing, the Trucker Path app also provides access to vital up-to-date information about truck stops, real-time parking availability, fuel prices, weigh station statuses, and truck scales and wash locations. The company also offers TruckLoads, a digital freight exchange that connects drivers, carriers and brokers; and COMMAND™, the industry’s first and only Operations & Driver Relationship (ODR) platform that provides small to mid-size fleets with the necessary driver and TMS technologies to successfully run a fleet. For more information, visit www.truckerpath.com. Media Contact: Susan Fall LaunchIt Public Relations 858-490-1050 susan@launchitpr.com

Jan 10, 2024