We made it through winter, and Spring is upon us. Goodbye dangerous, icy roads!
And not only are plants springing up from the ground, but truckers are thinking, “Hey, why don’t I get rid of my old rig and buy a new one?”
And we’re right there with you, Trucking Nation. Sometimes it’s better to just say goodbye to that old truck and hit the road on something shiny and new (to you, at least).
But beware, there are mistakes you can make when you purchase a new vehicle!
So we’ve thrown together a few tips to help you avoid those new truck-buying mistakes.
Don’t Blow Your Budget
Factor in how you are using the truck, your distance traveled, and even what you will be hauling. The last thing you want is to drop all your cash on a beast of a truck and discover that you’re not even using it right.
And we know you don’t want to buy something that can barely haul an empty flatbed. So list out your truck requirements AND your expected uses on a sheet of paper, on your phone, or anywhere you can keep track.
From this list, create a BUDGET. Allow yourself time to look over it and figure out what you want to buy.
And don’t go into any purchase blind! Calculate the costs you’ll incur for the purchase, as well as your insurance, taxes, and all the accoutrement (that’s French for extra stuff).
You should probably aim your budget forward, too. You’ll need to factor in your cost of maintenance so that you don’t break the bank a few months down the road.
Don’t Pick a Lemon
While we say find something within your budget, make sure you also appeal to your better creature comforts.
You’re gonna be stuck in this rig on the road for who knows how long, so make sure you can live comfortably in the thing. Check the amenities, so that you don’t end up in a truck that is hard to live in.
We don’t know if you co-drive or bring pets with you, but factor in your comfort level, your partner’s, and your pet’s.
Don’t Bungle Your Taxes
Sometimes it sounds like we’re beating a dead horse, but we have to say it. No matter what, your 2290s don’t transfer!
That means you need to file for a new 2290 when you get that new truck. We’ve come across plenty of truckers who either don’t know this or think it doesn’t apply to them. It does!
And it’s an easy fix, too. You just need to e-file Form 8849 and claim a credit and you’re good!
Don’t Settle
There’s nothing worse than buyer’s remorse. Don’t settle for a new rig that doesn’t meet the quality standards you know you need. I mean a deal is a deal, but make sure you’re happy with it at the end of the day.
And don’t forget, there’s an IFTA deadline on May 2nd! Head over to ExpressIFTA for the easiest way to generate your fuel tax report.
As always, if you have any questions about e-filing your HVUT 2290s or generating your upcoming IFTA report, give us a call at 704.234.6005.