{"id":9719,"date":"2025-12-02T21:13:56","date_gmt":"2025-12-03T01:13:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/?p=9719"},"modified":"2025-12-05T20:10:21","modified_gmt":"2025-12-06T00:10:21","slug":"end-of-year-planning-for-company-drivers-2025-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/end-of-year-planning-for-company-drivers-2025-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"End-of-Year Planning for Company Drivers: 2025 Edition"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"617\">Please note: This is not legal or accounting advice and should be used for entertainment purposes only. You absolutely will need to do a deeper dive research on each step and consult with an attorney [or multiple ones] to do this legally and safely. Consider a <a href=\"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/legalshield-information\/\">LegalShield Small Business<\/a> plan as an option to save on your legal expenses.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"299\" data-end=\"617\">As 2025 rolls toward its final stretch, it\u2019s a smart time for company drivers to hit the brakes and check their mirrors\u2014not just on the road, but on their personal and financial goals. A little planning now can lead to a smoother ride in 2026. Here\u2019s your year-end checklist to make sure nothing gets left in the dust.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"619\" data-end=\"622\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"624\" data-end=\"668\">? 1. Review Your Pay Stubs and Earnings<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"670\" data-end=\"826\">Before the final paycheck of the year hits, make sure your earnings, mileage, bonuses, and deductions have been accurately recorded. Pay close attention to:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"979\">\n<li data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"860\">\n<p data-start=\"830\" data-end=\"860\">Total gross income vs. net pay<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"899\">\n<p data-start=\"863\" data-end=\"899\">Per diem adjustments (if applicable)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"900\" data-end=\"925\">\n<p data-start=\"902\" data-end=\"925\">Any reimbursements owed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"926\" data-end=\"979\">\n<p data-start=\"928\" data-end=\"979\">Benefits contributions (health, dental, retirement)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1091\">You don\u2019t want to discover a missing safety bonus or fuel reimbursement in February when it\u2019s too late to fix.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1093\" data-end=\"1096\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1098\" data-end=\"1127\">? 2. Prep for Tax Season<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1129\" data-end=\"1189\">Even as a company driver, there are still tax moves to make:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1506\">\n<li data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1240\">\n<p data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1240\"><strong data-start=\"1193\" data-end=\"1221\">Confirm your W-2 address<\/strong> with payroll or HR<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1241\" data-end=\"1340\">\n<p data-start=\"1243\" data-end=\"1340\">Gather receipts for any <strong data-start=\"1267\" data-end=\"1293\">out-of-pocket expenses<\/strong> not reimbursed (e.g., work gear, parking fees)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1341\" data-end=\"1416\">\n<p data-start=\"1343\" data-end=\"1416\">Consider pre-paying certain expenses (like union dues) before December 31<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1417\" data-end=\"1506\">\n<p data-start=\"1419\" data-end=\"1506\">If you received a <strong data-start=\"1437\" data-end=\"1466\">sign-on or referral bonus<\/strong>, make sure taxes were properly withheld<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1508\" data-end=\"1568\">Start a 2025 tax folder now\u2014it\u2019ll save you a headache later.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"1570\" data-end=\"1573\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"1575\" data-end=\"1611\">? 3. Use or Boost Your Benefits<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1613\" data-end=\"1679\">Many company driver benefits reset at year-end. Now\u2019s the time to:<\/p><div class=\"truck-blog-post-inline-1 truck-entity-placement\" id=\"truck-1080367408\"><div id=\"truck-1795650404\"><script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-5320405995350504\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- NewTSR 01 -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-5320405995350504\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"6952386423\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\r\n<br \/><br \/><\/div><\/div>\n<ul data-start=\"1681\" data-end=\"1950\">\n<li data-start=\"1681\" data-end=\"1735\">\n<p data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1735\"><strong data-start=\"1683\" data-end=\"1735\">Use remaining health, dental, or vision benefits<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1798\">\n<p data-start=\"1738\" data-end=\"1798\">Book that eye exam or dental cleaning before benefits expire<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1862\">\n<p data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1862\"><strong data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1823\">Check FSA balances<\/strong> and spend what&#8217;s left before it\u2019s lost<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1863\" data-end=\"1950\">\n<p data-start=\"1865\" data-end=\"1950\">Review 401(k) or retirement contributions\u2014can you afford to contribute a little more?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1952\" data-end=\"2030\">Even small increases now could help you retire a little earlier down the road.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2032\" data-end=\"2035\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2037\" data-end=\"2079\">? 4. Evaluate Your Equipment and Gear<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2081\" data-end=\"2128\">Take inventory of your truck and personal gear:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2300\">\n<li data-start=\"2130\" data-end=\"2187\">\n<p data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2187\">Is your <strong data-start=\"2140\" data-end=\"2163\">CB, GPS, or headset<\/strong> ready for another year?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2188\" data-end=\"2230\">\n<p data-start=\"2190\" data-end=\"2230\">Need new <strong data-start=\"2199\" data-end=\"2220\">cold-weather gear<\/strong> or boots?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2231\" data-end=\"2300\">\n<p data-start=\"2233\" data-end=\"2300\">Are you running low on logbooks, cleaning supplies, or safety gear?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2302\" data-end=\"2423\">Some employers may let you order replacement items before the end of the year\u2014especially if it helps with tax write-offs.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2425\" data-end=\"2428\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2430\" data-end=\"2477\">? 5. Review Your Route and Home Time Goals<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2479\" data-end=\"2528\">The end of the year is a perfect time to reflect:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2530\" data-end=\"2715\">\n<li data-start=\"2530\" data-end=\"2596\">\n<p data-start=\"2532\" data-end=\"2596\">Are you happy with your current <strong data-start=\"2564\" data-end=\"2587\">home time vs. miles<\/strong> balance?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2597\" data-end=\"2649\">\n<p data-start=\"2599\" data-end=\"2649\">Want to switch from OTR to regional or vice versa?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2650\" data-end=\"2715\">\n<p data-start=\"2652\" data-end=\"2715\">Looking to change terminals, fleet managers, or equipment type?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2717\" data-end=\"2839\">Speak with your dispatcher or driver manager now. Changes may take time to process but can be effective with the new year.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2841\" data-end=\"2844\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"2846\" data-end=\"2870\">? 6. Set 2026 Goals<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2872\" data-end=\"2885\">Ask yourself:<\/p><div class=\"truck-blog-post-inline-2 truck-entity-placement\" id=\"truck-3599190700\"><div id=\"truck-510796301\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/know-your-tire-problems.jpg\" alt=\"\"  width=\"480\" height=\"470\"   \/><\/div><\/div>\n<ul data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"3038\">\n<li data-start=\"2887\" data-end=\"2939\">\n<p data-start=\"2889\" data-end=\"2939\">Want to save for a new truck or go owner-operator?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2940\" data-end=\"2987\">\n<p data-start=\"2942\" data-end=\"2987\">Need to improve your credit or pay down debt?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"2988\" data-end=\"3038\">\n<p data-start=\"2990\" data-end=\"3038\">Planning to move, go local, or change companies?<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3040\" data-end=\"3146\">Write down 1\u20133 clear goals for 2026 and the first steps toward each. A goal without a plan is just a wish.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3148\" data-end=\"3151\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3153\" data-end=\"3182\">? 7. Learn Something New<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3184\" data-end=\"3252\">Consider using the slower winter months to invest in your knowledge:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3404\">\n<li data-start=\"3254\" data-end=\"3285\">\n<p data-start=\"3256\" data-end=\"3285\">Watch trucking finance videos<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3286\" data-end=\"3340\">\n<p data-start=\"3288\" data-end=\"3340\">Learn about IFTA, ELD troubleshooting, or DOT audits<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3341\" data-end=\"3404\">\n<p data-start=\"3343\" data-end=\"3404\">Start researching what it takes to <strong data-start=\"3378\" data-end=\"3404\">get your own authority<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3463\">Even one good tip can save you money or hassle next year.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3465\" data-end=\"3468\" \/>\n<h3 data-start=\"3470\" data-end=\"3494\">\u2705 Wrapping It All Up<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3496\" data-end=\"3676\">End-of-year planning isn\u2019t about adding stress\u2014it\u2019s about taking control. Whether you\u2019re a rookie driver or a road veteran, finishing 2025 strong sets you up for a successful 2026.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3678\" data-end=\"3785\">From all of us at <strong data-start=\"3696\" data-end=\"3719\">TruckStopReport.com<\/strong>, stay safe out there, and roll into the new year with confidence!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Please note: This is not legal or accounting advice and should be used for entertainment purposes only. You absolutely will need to do a deeper dive research on each step and consult with an attorney [or multiple ones] to do this legally and safely. Consider a LegalShield Small Business plan as an option to save [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3399,5144],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9719","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-employment","category-money-and-financial"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9719","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9719"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9719\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10540,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9719\/revisions\/10540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9719"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9719"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckstopreport.com\/newtsr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9719"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}