Truckers Helper Software Package

[Broompilot]

Wife purcahsed the above software package OOIDA advertised it. Has anyone else used this. Being new, some of the terminoligy is hard to understand the order in which to enter it into the computer. My real question is should I just do all of the paper work by hand for a month transfere it when I get home or is it really easier to just enter all the data. I am also new to computers, Boy talk about feeling overwhelmed! Thanks.

 

[Glen Rice]

Data is everything! If you are new to the computer and stay out as long as you say, I would use a ledger. You can pick up a 13 column one at any office supply store. If nothing else you will always have a back up in the event the info is lost on your computer. Good luck and the overwhelming thing will pass. I promise.

 

[redytrk]

What are some of the terms?Maybe some of us can help.

 

[chetjester]

I purchased the software, also. I thought it would help me. I am a bit disappointed with it.

I am a computer programmer and have been one for 17 years. I drive a truck now, but I can still write programs. I find the software not very intuitive. That is what makes software look and feel good. It should be written with the user in mind and make it easy to navigate between screens and data sets. I gave up on it.

I've been using Excel. I not only write everything on ledger sheets, I also enter it into Excel. The owner of my truck and I have a great Driver Log in Excel that tracks all pickups and deliveries. Loaded and unloaded miles. The spreadsheet tracks all purchases I make. I enter money going onto Comdata and fuel purchased from it. Also, since I frequent Flying J, it tracks all my PDCA TAB card purchases for fuel and maintenance. Tolls are also tracked. Each week, the spreadsheet tell my owner how much to send me to bring the balance of my PDCA card up to the desired level.

I get great statistics using Excel. It's pretty funny, cause I never like Excel. I program in Access, VB or Visual FoxPro. I love databases. But, the spreadsheet application has worked out great.

Regarding terminology, I would be glad to offer definitions or explanations for any esoteric phrases you don't understand.

 

[Broompilot]

"Begining hub" TERM

If I keep track of my odometer at every state line why do you need to put your odometer reading at every toll both on the reciept also. Or is just safe to keep all reciepts with the odometer reading on them?

Does anyone put both start and finish odometer readings on the toll receipts or just start.

I was thinking of using a small tape recorder for keeping track of these and then at the first break I take recording into the computer or for the first month onto a note book as you suggested.

This is what my wife designed onto an envelope for me.

Week of Begin Hub End Hub

Fuel Purchases Hub Reding Receipt# Fuel Gal Cost@gal State
Date

Same Line above four times

Toll Expense Beg Hub End Hub Toll Road/Route State
Date

Same Lines above four times or should this be more lines?


Ending Mileage

 

[redytrk]

Wherever the software calls for Hub mileage just use your odomerer reading. Hub reading means a odometer that is attached to the axle of a big truck. Dont know why mileage would be needed on every toll ticket. Seems like begining and ending at each state line would be enough.A call to OOIDA would prob.clear this up.They are most helpful.

 

[theoldprof]

Are hub miles, or odometer readings at state lines required for cargo vans? Is this something required for fuel taxes? Are cargo vans required to keep track of this for fuel taxes? Thanks :+ :+

 

[terryandrene]

Prof:

No odometer or hub readings for van except odometer at the beginning/end of year for your tax info. That's one of the van operator perks, not being considered a commercial vehicle for US DOT purposes unless carrying HAZMAT where you have to use log books only.

I've gotten into the habit of indicating odometer reading on all fuel/oil/repair receipts just as an element of proof that I was where, what and when I said for these instances. Might be useful if IRS decides to disallow mileage allowance for me and require the actual expense method for tax computation.

 

[theoldprof]

You mention mileage allowance vs actual expense method for tax comp. What is the mileage allowance, and how is it used? Thanks. :+ :+

 

[ATeam]

Before my wife and I entered expediting I worked as a software instructor for several years. If you are new to computers, time invested in learning the basics will repay itself over and over again. One of the best resources for doing so is the Step By Step book series published by Microsoft. Assuming your computer runs Microsoft Windows XP (the latest version of the Windows series), the Windows XP Step By Step book may be for you. CompUSA stores, a national chain, stocks this book. Your can find their locations on their web site: www.compusa.com , or order the book online from them or at www.amazon.com. CompUSA also offers one-day Introduction to Windows classes. Their training schedule will be on the web site.

If you send me an e-mail with your telephone number, I'd be pleased to answer your computer questions at no charge. Cell phone minutes are not an issue with us. We have robust plans with enough minutes to get us from here to retirement. I'll call you on my nickle.