Accounting for Trucking Business and Truck Drivers Full Guide

accounting for trucking companies

Rigbooks is a great option for small companies who don’t have much accounting manpower but want to keep their accounting in-house. As a trucking business owner, you should keep records of all your expenses and the documents that support them, such as receipts and account statements. For example, that includes data from your ELD, invoices, bills of lading, payroll statements, and tax payment receipts. Trucking companies needing to track income and expenses and manage trucking operations in one platform should use trucking accounting software. While Tailwind TMS isn’t a complete bookkeeping solution, it’s great for invoicing and bill payment, which are two major needs of a trucking company. The Invoice List and Bill Posting modules are intuitive and comprehensive, and they help you review and track bills and invoices easily.

accounting for trucking companies

Trucking businesses should seek professional advice from a tax accountant and ensure they are compliant with all relevant tax regulations. Accounting is perhaps one of the most crucial departments of any business, including trucking and transportation. A good and efficient accounting department helps retain customers and keep your employees happy. Tax season is here which means it’s time to start thinking about filing your 2023 taxes.

Why is accounting important for the trucking business?

This means the platform can be purchased directly from the QuickBooks App Store, and you can launch it from your QuickBooks account. Other QuickBooks trucking integrations require complicated setup and third-party connectors. Prior to founding NorthOne, Justin worked in product and marketing at SourceKnowledge and Frank and Oak. FreightWaves Ratings reference a list of approved sources for use of research to support editorial research and drafting.

accounting for trucking companies

Over the past several years, trucking companies have dealt with rapid and impactful changes. They bring with them new opportunities but also challenges, making understanding and managing finances to cut costs and maximize profits more crucial than ever. You need more than basic transportation bookkeeping services and tax services.

About Trucking Accounting Services

Communication and collaboration skills are also important when choosing a trucking accountant. You want to work with someone who is responsive, easy to communicate with, and who will work collaboratively with you to achieve your financial goals. Always ensure that you adjust your monthly budget to reflect the expenses of your software as well. With a single-entry system, you can enter the order information and easily manage all the other accounting functions off that order, like tracking miles and invoice customers. An efficient software will not only ensure your accounts are accurate and up to date but also help lessen the workload of your accountants. From bookkeeping services to dispatch, there are a lot of moving parts that need to be coordinated.

A Trucking CPA analyzes your financial statements, uncovers insights, and helps you make financially informed decisions that keep your company on the road to success. Get the personalized accounting services you need by DHJJ, your CPA redefined. These programs can help business owners keep track of fuel costs, maintenance and repair expenses, and even driver payroll. In addition, many of these programs come with a range of features that can make managing a business trucking easier, such as GPS integration and online invoicing. NorthOne has designed business banking services for small business owners across America. Our services help small business owners manage their finances, save for expenses, monitor cash flow, and more.

These tools can help you create financial reports, manage invoices, and monitor your cash flow. Before delving deeper into trucking accounting, it’s important to familiarize yourself with some key financial terms and concepts. Gross revenue is the total amount of money generated by the business before accounting for expenses. Costs include operating expenses like fuel, repairs, insurance, and taxes. Trucking businesses need to maintain accurate and timely financial records, given the complex nature of the industry.

Understanding Financial Statements

Classifying expenses in this way can also help business owners to save money by identifying areas where they can cut costs. The expert you hire does not have to work full-time but can be on call to help with specialized services and questions, keeping down on the total cost. Remember to work only with those individuals familiar with trucking accounting features and your specific line of work. In addition to saving time, a trucking accountant can also help you minimize expenses. They can identify areas where you may be overspending and provide advice on how to reduce costs. This can be especially important in the trucking industry, where expenses such as fuel and maintenance can be significant.

  • There are several accounting software options available for trucking businesses.
  • The first step is to set up a separate bank account for your business trucking.
  • Founded in 1969, Riviera Finance is nationally recognized as a leader in business financing.

ATBS has helped our business run smoothly by inputting our receipts every month and keeping our business between the lines. Whether you’re just starting out, an experienced owner-operator, or anywhere in between, we have a service package that’s just right for you. To comply with IFTA, you must report your trips and fuel purchases quarterly.

Why You Should Work with a Professional Trucking Accountant

Here’s what you need to know about trucking accounting, including how to set up an effective system and some common mistakes to avoid. Accounting is one of the least exciting aspects describe how credit cards affect the following: your personal budget of small business ownership for many owner-operators. However, you can’t afford to neglect it since your responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming if you fall behind.

QuickBooks is a popular choice, offering a range of features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and tax preparation. Xero is another popular option, offering similar features to QuickBooks, but with a more user-friendly interface. FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting software that is designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. It offers features such as invoicing, expense tracking, and time tracking.

NorthOne is proudly made for small businesses, startups, and freelancers. We believe that better banking products can make the whole financial system more inclusive. Setting clear expectations for deadlines and output is also important when working with a trucking accountant. Make sure that you both understand what is expected in terms of deliverables and timelines so that you can work together effectively to achieve your financial goals. Collaborating effectively with your accountant is key to establishing a productive partnership. Establish clear communication channels, provide accurate financial data, and set clear expectations for deadlines and output to ensure a productive working relationship.

Owner-operators can use accounting software to track expenses and income, as well as manage invoices and billings. As a business trucking owner, it’s essential to understand both systems so that you can make informed decisions about how to run your business. By keeping track of all income and expenses, you can get a clear picture of your business’s financial health. Fortunately, some accounting firms specialize in trucking businesses and truck drivers. This can make it difficult to find an accounting solution that meets all of the needs of both trucking companies and truck drivers. Owners of trucking companies may not have a background in finance, but it’s important to have a  basic understanding of accounting.