Katapult

Expert Blogger Bio

Heather Dunn - Digital Marketing Manager - ATBS

Topics: Finances  Fleet Operations  Maintenance

Heather Dunn is the Digital Marketing Manager at ATBS, a company that develops and provides affordable business solutions to select industries, helping improve their profitability, grow their businesses and adapt to changes in their industry. Heather has first-hand knowledge, experience and passion for social media marketing.

E-mail: hdunn@atbsshow.com | Website: www.ATBSshow.com

Prolonging Tire Life

Tires are one of the top four business expenses for owner-operators. To succeed in the business of trucking, it is crucial to cut expenses down to a minimum, which means prolonging the life of your tires. Tried and true methods of getting good mileage out of your steer tires have always been: proper inflation, one three-axle alignment a year, constant inspections of your truck for worn steering components, and correct tire balance.... Read More

Choosing Wide-Base Single Technology

New generation wide-base singles continue to gain popularity, as well as drive and trailer wheel positions in the industry. More and more fleets and owner-operators are seeing the benefits this new wave of technology provides, and the number of tire manufacturers now producing and delivering wide-base singles to the trucking market has increased dramatically over the past 12 years.... Read More

Lighting the Way with Simple and Effective Budgeting Systems

Budgeting is one of the most important things any Owner-Operator can do to ensure financial stability. Operating without a budget is like driving your 80,000-pound rig down the highway at night with no lights on. It might be a straight shot to your destination, but what about unforeseen obstacles, speed bumps, and construction zones? It’s the exact same idea when handling your business and personal cash flows. It’s time to get out of the “I’m living paycheck to paycheck” mentality and start planning for the future and the unexpected with a financial road map—your budget.... Read More

7 Trucking Business Uses for your Smartphone

Smartphones are extremely useful for Owner-Operators, who spend a lot of time on the road and away from an office. Your smartphone enables you to have access to a wide range of useful tools and information. Utilize these tools to make your life easier while on the go:

1. Access the Internet:
• Access your settlement information at your carrier’s website ... Read More

Preventative Maintenance for Your Most Valuable Asset…Your Body

Owner-Operators know that Preventative Maintenance (PM) on your truck pays off in the long run. Industry estimates say PM can cut your breakdown costs in half. Maintaining the health of your truck is important, but taking care of yourself is an invaluable part of being a successful Owner-Operator. ... Read More

Top 5 Must Have Trucking Apps

Make Your Smart Phone Work Smarter with these MUST HAVE APPS.

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Cost Control, Waste Control

Wasteful expensesInstead of just controlling costs, owner-operators should be focusing on “waste control.” The things you need to run a trucking business, such as fuel and equipment, often get used inefficiently. The resulting waste hits where it hurts the most—in the pocketbook. Remember, every dollar saved goes directly into your pocket.... Read More

Using your Profit & Loss Statement

Your P & L statement is a useful tool, giving you a snapshot of how you're doing for a specific period of time. However, you can increase the value of the statement as an analytical tool by comparing it to your budget, your past performance and other drivers at your carrier, or in the industry.... Read More

Who Prepared Your Tax Return?

The April 15th deadline for filing taxes has just passed. Many of you got your taxes submitted on time and some of you probably filed extensions giving you until October 15th to file your return. A lot of you had someone else prepare your tax returns for you. Because we all hate paying taxes, there is often the temptation to use a preparer that promises higher refunds, sometimes suggesting deductions that may not be legitimate. Making the choice to use a dishonest tax preparer can put you and your business at risk.... Read More

Your Financial Scorecard

How much money am I making? How are certain actions affecting my business? How much do I owe in taxes? What are my problem areas? Is my budget accurate?

The Profit and Loss Statement (P & L), also called the Income Statement or Earnings Statement, is one of the most valuable financial reports for viewing the status of your business. It measures your revenue and expenses during a specified period of time and shows your financial progress for that time period. The massive amount of numbers listed on the P & L statement can often be confusing and intimidating but understanding what they all mean can help you answer the important questions listed above.... Read More