prime trucking

Yeah... jumper cables, thermometer, maps, truckstop guide too. Most of this is available either at the company store or driver's lineup. Everyone goes, "Huh?!!! I gotta buy stuff for (insert company name here) truck?!!" I wasn't too thrilled by that either, but if you're careful you buy it once and it's water under the bridge after awhile. It's not just Prime who does that, but it's most companies. The idea is if you put YOUR money into that kind of stuff, it's more likely that you'll take care of it. I can't tell you how many times I see locks left on trailers because the one of the previous drivers was lazy or inattentive. Lose enough of that stuff, and eventually the hit to your wallet will remind you not to lose it!

That being said, they will allow you to charge it against your truck, and take it out of your paychecks over the course of say a month. When you get this stuff, it needs to be during the hours your FM works (so they can confirm it with him,) and you need to arrange it previously so your FM can let payroll know about the payment arrangement. So don't be blindsiding the guy with this!

Anything you purchase for your truck that isn't paid for by Prime - make sure you keep the receipts!!! Maps, CB, cell phone bill - everything!!! Matter of fact keep all of your receipts - you never know which one's are important for taxes. They're deductable - just like keeping track of the days you are away from your home for calculating the per diem deduction!

Which is another thing... doing your taxes as a driver is different than a "normal" job. Its a good idea to arrange the use of a CPA - at least for your first year - so you have an example of how it's done. Its also a good idea to use a CPA who is familiar with trucking as well - because it's different than a "normal" job. Lots of horror stories about how H & R Block (for example) screw it up because they don't have a clue about how the IRS treats us. No recommendations, but the guy who keeps an office at Prime HQ is a good place to start.

 

Thats a lot of helpful info. Thanks a bunch!