Office Work

You may want to buy software to help you keep files straight. www.foglinesoftware.com (Trucknpro) just came out with a new program called Trucknpro Business Manager. It will help you to keep things organized and to know whether you are profitable. There are several versions, but the new one will more easily grow with your business. The last two versions of their software will also help you to go paperless, if that is the direction you want to go. You can scan everything into the program including bills of lading, fuel receipts, maintenance expenses and any other bills or paperwork. You can print report out on each item and then use the reports to help organize a paper file. Personally, I prefer having a paper file, but more and more people are going paperless. If you put your fuel information into the program, you can print out a report at the end of the quarter and use it to file your IFTA fuel taxes. I think a number of forum members are using their software. I have owned or looked at other programs for the trucking industry and not found another that I like as well as Trucknpro (foglinesoftware).

One thing I have done for many years is use a large envelope for each load. I put in the bill of lading, fuel receipts and any other expenses associated with that particular load. I write my mileage, fuel purchases, etc., on the outside of each envelope. I can then transfer that information into the program. I can put the envelopes into a file and save it for later, should the need arise. Putting all paperwork into an envelope helps to keep everything together and there is less chance of losing anything. If you scan in all these pieces of paperwork, you could print out a hard copy any time you need it. Dont forget to set up a driver qualifications file on yourself. You are required to have a driver qualifications file on every driver in your company, even if you are the only driver. This software enables you to scan in your CDL, medical card and any other pertinent information to create a permanent file. It has a feature that will prompt you when it is time to renew your medical card or CDL. It willl also do the same for your maintenance such as pm's.