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Being Prepared for a Fuel Tax Audit
March 09, 2026
Think that your company is safe from a fuel tax audit? You may want to think again! Fuel tax audits can be triggered for many reasons, sometimes for specific discrepancies, and other times simply through random selection. Each year, jurisdictions are required to audit at least three (3) percent of their registered accounts. During a fuel tax audit, reviewers will be looking in depth at your fuel tax filings, mileage records, and tax payments to ensure everything is being reported correctly. If for any reason an auditor finds any errors within your records, your location could face fines, penalties, or even a blocked or canceled account profile....
Be Prepared: CVSA Operation Safe Driver is Coming July 13th – 19th
June 06, 2025
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has officially announced that Operation Safe Driver Week will occur from July 13th to the 19th. This initiative is designed to promote safe driving practices and improve driver behavior through targeted enforcement and outreach....
Navigating Fuel Tax
March 11, 2025
Navigating fuel taxes can be overwhelming for business owners or fleet managers. If you have a third-party preparer handling your fuel taxes, that's great. To ensure your company capitalizes on potential fuel tax credits, your tax preparer may ask specific questions. Understanding these questions can help you communicate effectively....
Unlocking Fuel Savings: How Fuel Card Programs Benefit Your Fleet
December 04, 2024
Fuel costs can make up a significant portion of a fleet's operating budget. In fact, fuel costs usually account for a substantial percentage of a fleet's overall expenses. According to the 2024 National Private Truck Council (NPTC) Benchmarking Survey Report, fuel costs were rated as the 6th leading challenge by fleets. This indicates that fuel costs continue to be a significant concern for fleet operators, emphasizing the importance of finding effective strategies to manage and reduce fuel expenses....
Managing Tolls in the Face of Rising Toll Booth Rates
October 31, 2024
Toll roads have a long history, but in recent years, they have gone through significant and rapid changes. The primary purpose of toll roads is to facilitate the rapid and efficient transportation of a significant volume of people and goods. However, their construction and maintenance costs are substantial, requiring charges for travelers before they can utilize the road. The revenue generated from these tolls is then utilized for road repairs and enhancements. According to World Population Review, the following 15 out of 50 states do not have toll roads and currently have no plans to build them in 2024: Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming....
Prioritizing Driver Wellness: Creating a Healthy Fleet Utilizing a Driver Wellness Program
October 01, 2024
Driver wellness is critical for any fleet. Maintaining the health and well-being of drivers not only benefits them personally but also has positive impacts on the business and boosts customer satisfaction. It's encouraging to see the growing adoption of wellness programs within fleets has increased over the years. According to the NPTC Benchmarking Survey Report, 74% of surveyed fleets had a wellness program in 2023, up from 63% in 2015....
A Letter from The Daughter of a Truck Driver – Happy Driver Appreciation Week
September 12, 2024
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is set to take place from September 15th to the 21st. This week-long event is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the hard work of professional truck drivers across the United States. As we celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, I would like to take a moment to recognize and commend the relentless dedication of our truck drivers. They are essential to our economy, making sure store shelves are stocked, manufacturing operations are supported, products for essential services are provided, and contributing to our infrastructure growth....
How to Mitigate Driver Trip Record Errors
August 23, 2024
Efficiently managing fuel taxes is vital for commercial fleets and requires strategies to accurately complete reporting and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. One effective method fleets can adopt to ensure compliance and prioritize accurate fuel tax reporting is through the use of Driver Trip Records (DTR)....
Upcoming Emission Changes – Is Your Fleet Prepared?
July 03, 2024
In 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced strict new emissions standard for heavy-duty trucks as part of their efforts to combat climate change. These new regulations are affecting all drivers, particularly those who operate fleets. Fleet operators are proactively seeking out ways to ensure they comply with the new regulations....
Fuel Fraud Security Tips for Trucking Companies
June 14, 2024
The price of diesel has been on the decline in May, but it is still well above pre-pandemic norms. The substantial value of diesel relative to 2021 has led to an alarming increase in fuel card fraud. For trucking companies that are already operating on narrow profit margins, fuel fraud can be a devastating financial blow....
CVSA’s International Roadcheck Is Scheduled for May 14-16
April 30, 2024
Mark your calendar, as the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck has been announced for May 14th to May 16th. The International Roadcheck is a rigorous initiative focused on inspecting and enforcing regulatory compliance for commercial motor vehicles. Is your fleet ready for the challenge? This high-visibility operation spans three days and includes inspections in Canada, Mexico, and the United States to ensure compliance with regulations and safety in all three countries....
Improving Driver Retention Through Quality Trucks with PacLease
December 14, 2023
Millions of truck drivers across the country spend up to 11 hours a day transporting freight and delivering goods. With 72.6% of the nation’s freight transported by trucks, truck drivers hold a vital job, moving $940.8 billion in gross freight revenue last year, and paying $29.12 billion in federal and state fuel taxes. The trucking industry is crucial to our economy. Without truck drivers, the flow of goods across the country would be impossible. Yet, we find ourselves amidst a shortage....
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
September 07, 2023
Every day, millions of Americans drive on the road on their way to work. But for over 3.5 million Americans, the road is their workplace. They are the professional truck drivers who deliver the goods that keep our country moving....
The Importance of Pre- and Post-Trip Inspections
August 18, 2023
Truck drivers face numerous challenges on the road. The unforgiving schedules, the physical demands of the job, and the rigors of the road, place enormous pressure on the drivers as they work to deliver product timely and often....
What to Know About the Advanced Clean Fleets Ruling in California
July 27, 2023
California, in its latest move to combat climate change, has implemented the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) ruling, aimed at transforming the transportation sector and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions....
CVSA Operation Safe Driver July 9-15th With a Focus on Speeding
June 30, 2023
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has announced the dates for the annual Operation Safe Driver Week. This year, from July 9th-15th, law enforcement officers throughout North America will be looking out for commercial motor vehicle drivers that are engaging in unsafe driving behavior....
Who’s IFTA Account is Being Used?
June 21, 2023
There are many ways of acquiring a truck; Buying new or used, leasing, or even long-term rentals. But with all these variations who’s responsible for reporting and ultimately filing appropriate fuel taxes? The registered owner of the truck will need to determine if the truck should be reported under the registered owners’ International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) or if the truck will be reported under the Lease Partners’ IFTA....
Your EV Charging Solution
March 31, 2023
PACCAR and its subsidiaries, PacLease, Kenworth, Peterbilt, and PACCAR Parts, have joined the global initiative for emission free vehicles in our industry. PacLease offers a full EV Solution with EV trucks from Kenworth and Peterbilt with a lineup of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) solutions to support the launch of electric vehicles globally from PACCAR Parts....
Say Thanks to a Truck Driver - It's National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
September 12, 2022
You name it, and someone delivers it. Every day, millions of Americans rely on the trucking industry to deliver the goods they need on time. September 11th – 17th is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, and there are many ways you can show your appreciation. Keep reading to learn more about the industry and how you can show your appreciation....
The Case for Leasing During Unprecedented Times
July 19, 2022
Parts shortages, inflation, labor shortages, fuel prices, and now rising interest rates have all contributed to creating the perfect storm for all of us working in the supply chain. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, no one could have imagined the onslaught of challenges the industry would face and continue to face. But here we are....
July 10th-16th is CVSA Operation Safe Driver Week
July 07, 2022
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Operation Safe Driver Week has been announced for July 10th-16th, 2022. Law enforcement will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicles adhering to risky driving behavior. Unsafe drivers will be pulled over and cited or given a warning....
Used Trucks Are Still Booming. Is ‘Used’ The New Normal?
June 30, 2022
Still booming. That's a phrase I never thought I'd be writing again when it comes to the global used truck market, but that's exactly what's happening. We've had an unprecedented boom in the second-hand market in recent years. Even with the supply challenges on diesels and the latest surge in oil prices, we're seeing nothing short of a record year for used trucks....
Keep Your Drivers Current on Safety and Regulatory Compliance Training
May 13, 2022
With an average of 300 billion miles logged every year, Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) drivers must pass stringent skills and knowledge testing by the State governments responsible for issuing Commercial Drivers Licenses (CDLs). Once a CDL is obtained, a driver must continue to maintain it. A serious traffic violation can affect a CDL holder’s ability to maintain their CDL certification, in addition to disruption of business operations. Nonetheless, Commercial Driving remains a lucrative and in-demand occupation....
What to Look Out for When Buying a Used Truck
April 27, 2022
The market for used commercial trucks is moving quickly. You’re broadening your search and working with a number of vendors, but are there other things you can do to find the right used trucks for your business needs? Here are the top things to look out for while you are shopping for your next used truck....
Four Things to Consider When Buying a Used Truck in a Hot Market
March 15, 2022
These are new and strange times that have led us to where we are now. With the onset of the pandemic, followed by the challenges of microchips and parts for vehicles, a large pent-up demand for trucks was inevitable. A scramble to find alternatives to keep business moving is underway… quickly turning used trucks into an even hotter commodity....
What Does the Infrastructure Deal Really Mean?
February 28, 2022
On November 15th, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law – a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill that reauthorizes federal surface transportation programs and provides an additional $550 billion in funding for our nation’s infrastructure. From rebuilding roads and bridges, modernizing ports, expanding broadband, and providing funding for states to install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, the bill covers a lot of ground....
Last Mile Delivery – The Last Stop in A Product’s Journey
December 14, 2021
In the race to finish the last mile, the winners will be the most efficient and those who take advantage of emerging technologies. It is the last stop in a product’s journey through the supply chain, but also the most expensive and most time-consuming. With the rise of e-commerce retail sales over the last several years, the final mile of a product’s journey is becoming the most important part. Maximizing this last mile of delivery is now creating a competitive advantage for organizations who can get it right....
Grant Money to Jump-Start Electric Vehicles
October 11, 2021
As environmental impact has become a staple consideration of fleets across North America, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are now the leading solution for zero emission deliveries. Federal and state organizations are using grants to help incentivize early adopters of these zero emission technologies....
Thank a Driver! It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week
September 09, 2021
Thank a Driver! It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week...
Five Things to Consider When Building a Fuel Management Program
July 16, 2021
Putting a fuel management program in place can save you money and help your business grow. One of the leading operational expenses of a business that operates fleet vehicles is purchasing fuel. Fuel prices vary widely depending on where your fleet operates and the type of fuel that your fleet consumes. Fleet managers are constantly looking for ways to optimize fuel spend as they realize shaving a penny or two per gallon can offer the business tremendous savings quarter to quarter. Here are five things to consider when thinking about a quality fuel management program....
PacLease Driver Retention Best Practices
June 10, 2021
For any company that operates a fleet in today’s environment, truck drivers are typically one of the most important resource that allows them to grow their business. However, finding drivers – which account for nearly 3.5 million jobs in the US – was listed as the top challenge in the National Private Truck Council (NPTC ) Benchmarking Survey Report....
PacLease Location Spotlight - PacLease Rental Trucks Keep Peak Season Sugarcane Harvest Rolling
December 16, 2020
Louisiana’s economy is a melting pot of different industries. Tourism in New Orleans, the Mississippi River and its many ports, oil and gas production throughout the state, plus the chemical plants are familiar to many across the country. However, one vital aspect of our state’s economy remains relatively unknown: sugar....
PacLease Location Spotlight - Spec’ing for Ag in the “Salad Bowl of the World”
November 17, 2020
The United States Department of Agriculture states that the agricultural sector accounts for an estimated 1% of the nation’s GDP. The Salinas Valley is the largest region in Monterey County and one of the most productive agriculture valleys in California. Considered the “Salad Bowl of the World”, it is estimated that roughly 70% of the U.S. produce is grown in the Salinas Valley. To keep the world’s largest “salad bowl” moving, we at PacLease help to run and maintain the transportation and logistics of the agriculture industry in Salinas – partnering with our customers to help them maximize their uptime and meet deadlines. Coast Counties Peterbilt PacLease in the Salinas Valley is home to one of our flagship franchises that has been in business since 1949. Coast Counties Peterbilt PacLease has been able to assist companies in the Salinas Valley agriculture industry to feed America....
Productivity: It’s all in the Specs
November 05, 2020
We have a saying at PacLease, and it’s pretty straightforward: “We’re focused on improving your service to your customer.” If we do that, we know we’re doing our job. The simplicity in that statement says a lot. It says we understand that in order for us to be successful as a service partner we have to make our customers successful. And, we do that by understanding your company and understanding your transportation ‘pain points.' We also outline your payloads and routes and see how specs can reduce weight, improve fuel economy, and increase driver satisfaction. Once we have a clear picture of your operation, we go to work to properly spec a truck that can improve your operation....
Electric Fleets are Coming, and the Time to Prepare is Now
October 13, 2020
While development and manufacture of modern electric vehicles (EVs) has been ongoing for several years, it wasn’t until fairly recently that widespread adoption has become a matter of ‘when’ rather than ‘if.’ A recent article in the Wall Street Journal notes that businesses across the U.S. are now beginning to seriously consider electrifying their fleets. Public commitments are serving as an announcement to the rest of the U.S. economy, and fleet owners in particular: EVs are here, and the time to get ready is now....
CVSA Brake Safety Week Has Been Announced for August 23-29th
August 03, 2020
Brake Safety Week is coming up. To help your fleet prepare, here are a few points on brake system safety. Starting August 23rd, law enforcement agencies across North America will be conducting focused Brake System Inspections for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Brake Safety Week....
Truck Spec’ing – Get the Most Out of Your Liquid Haul
June 30, 2020
Spec’ing vehicles is a very complicated process, especially in a liquid bulk application. With new and improved products being introduced on a regular basis it is important to look at your spec with a fresh eye. Repeating the same spec year after year will not allow you to be as efficient as you should be. Whenever the conversation turns to specs for liquid bulk carriers - weight is the hot topic. Every pound of payload is added profitability. The more you move – the more you make. However, it is important to spec a balance of lightweight, performance, drivability and durability. PACCAR products are designed and built with the ability spec customized lightweight applications with durability in mind....
New FMCSA Clearinghouse Rules Take Effect January 2020: Are You Prepared?
December 17, 2019
There's a new “Clearinghouse” you need to know about. And, it’s not magazines or million dollar sweepstakes. This one is specific to the trucking industry, and it’s huge. It’s the Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse and it will support the DOT Strategic Goal of Safety when it goes live this January by ensuring drivers are qualified to operate trucks and buses. The new database, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), will contain information pertaining to violations of the DOT’s controlled substances drug and alcohol testing program for holders of CDLs....
Superior Quality through Continuous Improvement
March 12, 2019
Quality. That’s the first word PACCAR uses to describe its products, services, and processes. The main tool PACCAR utilizes to accomplish this superior quality is Six Sigma, its continuous improvement program. PACCAR just celebrated the 20th anniversary of Six Sigma; so there is no better time to take a deep dive into PacLease’s drive for unsurpassed customer satisfaction, superior quality, and premium value through continuous improvement....
Are You Sure Your Fleet is Adequately Insured?
February 26, 2019
Whether we like it or hate it, insurance coverage is a crucial component of operating a commercial fleet of trucks. Insurance regulations exist to protect you, your business, your assets, your customers, your drivers, and anyone else involved in any potential incident. PacLease knows that having proper insurance coverage is a measure of security for your fleet and a small part of the cost of keeping your business running....
Where Are We Going? Trends in Tolling for Commercial Fleets
February 12, 2019
Most trucking industry professionals and infrastructure experts agree that tolling isn’t going anywhere and will have an ongoing impact on commercial fleet operations across the country....
America's Infrastructure: Funding via Proposed Fuel Tax
October 23, 2018
As the need to repair the ageing infrastructure in the U.S. becomes imminent, legislators are proposing new bills and reforms to fund much needed projects. One potential source for funding is increased state fuel taxes. Many business groups support the proposed tax, as the funds will finance projects that will improve road conditions; making driving more comfortable, improving driving time, and reducing service costs caused by adverse road conditions....
The Changing Landscape of International Trade
October 09, 2018
What are all the trade actions taken by the Trump administration and our trading partners, and how will they impact the heavy-duty truck industry?...
Be Prepared For Lease Accounting Changes
September 05, 2018
When it comes to companies that lease trucks, the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) have been that those “operational” leases effectively received off-balance sheet treatment. That’s about to change. New standards unveiled by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) will soon require that all leases — financed and operational — with terms longer than 12 months be reported on a company’s balance sheet....
How Will Increased Tolling Affect Fleet Stability?
August 29, 2018
If you’re reading the trade journals – even newspapers – you’re no doubt noticing articles about the infrastructure. What will happen? And, what about toll roads -- will they be privatized? What does this mean for the transportation industry?...