Blogs and Insights
Stay Informed With the Latest Updates
At Motor Transport Alliance, we’re committed to keeping our clients and partners informed about the latest developments in the trucking industry and updates from our own organization. From new partnerships and service offerings to industry trends and regulatory changes, our Blog page is your source for timely and relevant information.
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Trucker’s Guide to the Best Missouri Rest Stops
Missouri Rest Area Locations Welcome Centers There are 7 welcome centers in Missouri, located along interstates I-29, I-44, I-55 and I-270. These locations are fully staffed and contain information about the state, including travel guides and maps. They’re ideal for those enjoying a road trip or for truckers who want to rest at a roomier…
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Smart Fleet Maintenance Tips to Optimize Fleet Performance
10 Cost-Effective Maintenance Tips for Fleet Managers 1. Create a Preventive Maintenance Schedule Prevent avoidable vehicle breakdowns and costly repairs by taking a proactive approach to fleet maintenance: prioritize preventive maintenance. By being proactive, you can stay ahead of normal vehicle wear and tear while minimizing downtime due to extensive repairs. Furthermore, some warranties require…
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How to Create an LLC for a Trucking Company
What is an LLC? LLC stands for limited liability company. It’s a common business structure for those in the trucking industry. It establishes the business entity itself and the business owner as two completely separate legal entities. This setup means that any business assets—like the trucking fleet—are not considered personal property, by law. It’s a…
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What’s the Difference Between a Fleet Card and Credit Card?
About Business Credit Cards “Cash is king” isn’t always true. Sometimes specialty payment cards, like credit cards for businesses, make more sense. Business credit cards offer a simple solution for trucking businesses to get rebates and cashback offers on fuel costs and other eligible purchases. While this payment option can be incredibly easy to use…
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2290 Heavy Road Use Tax and How to Navigate It
What is the 2290 Heavy Use Fuel Tax? Also known as: IRS Form 2290, Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return is a form that owner-operators have to file with the IRS if they use a highway motor vehicle weighing 55,000+ lbs. on public highways. This tax helps fund roadway infrastructure. Who Has to Pay the…
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Trucking Apps Best for Truck Drivers
8 Best Apps for Truckers The following apps are all available on Google Play Store/Android devices and Apple App Store/iOS devices. 8. Truckstop Go™ Load Board App This mobile app is designed with owner-operators shipping freight in mind. The app makes it easy to find new loads, compare rates, find fuel stations, and much more.…
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How Do I Get My CDL?
What is a CDL and Why Do You Need One? A CDL is a commercial driver’s license. It is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to operate commercial motor vehicles of a certain size transporting goods across state lines. What Driving Jobs Require a CDL? Many jobs that require the operation of…
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How to Start a Trucking Company
1. Determine Your Business Type Determine that type of business you are going to have and how you will manage it. The type of company and business model you choose will determine how you file your legal documents, complete taxes, obtain insurance, and get all necessary certifications to stay in complete compliance with all state…
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How to Start as an Owner-Operator
What is an Owner-Operator? An owner-operator is a self-employed trucker that is also a business owner who manages their own fleet of semi-trucks. A lease-purchase owner-operator is a truck driver who leases or rents their vehicles from another commercial vehicle company. The trucker may or may not outright purchase their vehicle down the line. The…
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How Does a Fuel Card Work?
What are Trucking Fuel Cards? Fleet fuel cards, also known as trucking fuel cards or simply fuel cards, are specialty cards that offer real-time discounts on fuel purchases along with other potential savings, such as discounts on vehicle maintenance, tires, and truck washes. How Do Fuel Cards Work? Signing Up for Owner-Operators Getting Discounts at…