Whomever said that truth never hurts never had to fill out a form 1040

By Pamela Nygaard, Partner, JP Accounting,
Exclusively for Trucking Professionals

Generally all money spent to realize your income and to operate your truck is deductible. Being aware of all your deductions is a major way to reduce your taxes. Here is a list of Trucking Industry specific deductions:

Administrative Fees: Credit card, Bank, ComData, ComCheck, Accounting, Legal
Advertising
Agent/ Broker Fees
Communication:  Internet, Fax, Qualcomm, Telephone, Satellite
Equipment Operation/Maintenance: Fuel, Oil, Parts, Repairs, Tires, Truck Wash
Insurance: Bobtail, Cargo, Disability, Medical, Physical Damage
Interest: Truck, Trailer, Other Business Equipment
Labor: Contract, Loading/Unloading, Lumpers
Lease/Rent Equipment: Truck, Trailer, Other Business Equipment
License: Base Pales, CDL Fee, Permits, Registration
Meals: Actual or Per Diem based on no. of overnights
Medical Expense: DOT Physicals, Drug Testing
Office Expense: Supplies and Equipment
Postage: Mail Box, UPS, Courier Fee, TripPak
Professional Dues, Subscriptions and Publications Related to Trucking
Safety Tools and Equipment : Alarm, Batteries, Chains, First Aid, Gloves, Boots
Taxes: Estimated Fed & State, Fuel Tax, Heavy Vehicle Use, Personal Property
Tolls, Parking, Scale Fees
Travel: Hotel, Showers, Laundry, Auto Rental, Cab, Airline Tickets
Truck Supplies: Logbook, Tools, Tie Downs, CB, GPS, Satellite, Sleeper Supplies
Uniforms: Any clothing required by company
Wages: Payroll
Company Drivers:

Company drivers are limited to non-reimbursed expenses required or necessary in the performance of your operation of the truck. These include uniforms, gloves, logbooks, maps, cell phones, CB, tools, supplies, showers etc. You are entitled to per diem for overnights and motel expenses. These deductions are available only if you itemize, and are not available if you take the standard deduction.