DRIVING FOR DOLLARS

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Keeping tires inflated to a pressure of 40 pounds (five pounds more than recommended) will prolong tire life substantially, at the cost of a slightly harder ride. Keep fluids topped up and the vehicle in good tune, replacing air and fuel filters, distributor caps/rotors, spark plugs and ignition wires, PCV valves, and other emission-control parts with about half the per-mile frequency suggested in your owner's manual. Keep front wheels and the front end in good balance; if your state lacks an annual inspection, have the front end checked periodically for worn bushings.

Honest Accounting

The Tax Code requires you to keep detailed records of miles driven and all legitimate business costs incurred; only then can you deduct expenses from income on Federal Income Tax Schedule C: "Business Income or Loss." Easiest is to use the vehicle for nothing but your route. You can take the IRS's standard 25¢/mile deduction for route-miles driven, or itemize and deduct what you spent on gas, oil, repairs, interest, taxes, registration, insurance, and other costs. You'll need proof of expenditures if you are ever audited; pay as much as you can by check or credit card and keep cash receipts for gas, etc.

Take every legitimate deduction you can. Money paid your substitute is deductible as "subcontractor" expenses. Any toll calls you make, any special garments you buy, any office machines and supplies you buy (used exclusively for business) are deductible. In particular, don't assume that all income left after you buy gas is free to spend. You'll come to vehicle-replacement time with no money. You are permitted a reasonable depreciation/amortization charge, and may deduct the full cost of the vehicle less salvage value in as few as three years even if you run it forever. It is wisest to save 1/156 (3 years x 52 weeks) of the vehicle's cost each week and accumulate the money—only $6.50/week for a $1,000 car—in an interest-bearing savings account for eventual vehicle replacement. If you aren't familiar with small-business accounting, read a text book and study an income tax guide.

Driving

You'll be given one or two rides over the route by your predecessor or supervisor, then you'll be on your own. Some circulation supervisors number their tubes and may insist that you drive a set route. But most drivers have a free hand in deciding where on the route to start and in what order to leave papers. Once you establish a pattern, stick to it. Getting the paper is a high point for many customers who will watch for you; others get used to walking out for the paper at a given time. They may complain if you vary much. Getting to know complainers is the best solution; hand-deliver late papers along with an apology, and stay for coffee if invited. If making friends doesn't work, talk with experienced drivers about how they handle it.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print