When you’re a truck driver, your office may be the front of a semi—but you’ll still need to run your expenses like a brick-and-mortar business. That’s why, if you’re starting a career on the road, it’s worth learning the ins-and-outs of bookkeeping. To make sure you’re managing your cash flow correctly, here are three essential bookkeeping tips to practice when you drive a big rig.

3 Bookkeeping Tips for Truck Drivers

1. Record All Expenses & Save Receipts 

Any expense you encounter along a trip should be properly documented and supported with evidence. Smaller purchased—such as fuel, lodging, and food—can usually be supported with a copy or scan of the receipt. Major expenses—such as those related to truck repairs—should be backed with the original receipt. For quick and easy organization, keep an expandable file folder in your cab.

As an independent owner-operator, these receipts will allow you to accurately claim business deductions on your taxes. Or, if you work for a trucking company, you can use them to support any reimbursements you request.

2. Separate Personal & Business Accounts

When you’re on the road, your personal and professional life may overlap—but your expenses should stay separate.

By using a dedicated credit card or checking account for all business-related purchases, you can make sure you’re not bringing your personal funds into the mix—or using your business funds for personal purchases. And with all records tied to the account, validating expenses will be easy if you undergo a tax audit.

3. Report Consistently With Software

Accounting software—such as QuickBooks®—simplifies the bookkeeping process within a clean and organized platform. With these programs, you can keep track of every financial element related to each job. You can also back your records up to the cloud, so you won’t have to worry about lugging around paperwork with you everywhere you go.

But while accounting software makes bookkeeping easier, you should still aim to enter data daily and reconcile weekly. This extra effort will ensure you’re always up to date on your accounts, and if errors arise, you can correct them before they turn into big problems.

Bookkeeping as a truck driver is easy when you work with the professionals at Grayson Accounting. Based in St. Charles, MO, this team will adapt their accounting services to fit your specific needs within the shipping and freight industry. For example, they can provide QuickBooks help to support stress-free reporting on the road. They can also assist with tax preparation to ensure you’re claiming all the deductions you qualify for.  To learn more about their capabilities, visit this business accounting firm online or call (636) 233-7875.