This week on the Oakley Podcast, Jeremy Kellett sits down with Todd Amen, president of ATBS, to break down the 2026 trucking market, how recent tax law changes (including the Big, Beautiful Bill Act) impact owner operators, and what truck drivers should be doing right now in tax season. They cover extensions, quarterly estimated taxes, the power of the qualified business income deduction, and how per diem really works in simple, practical terms. Todd explains common, often-overlooked deductions specific to truckers, how the ATBS app helps track income, expenses, and per diem, and why maintaining reserves and smart money management separate profitable owner-operators from those who struggle. The episode closes with guidance for drivers who are behind on taxes, free tools available from ATBS, and how Oakley owner operators compare financially to the broader industry.
Key topics in today’s conversation include:
- Welcome to Today’s Episode with ATBS (0:42)
- Episode Overview, Guests, Sponsors, and Bulk Loads Video Series (3:16)
- Introducing Todd Amen and Current Trucking Market Outlook for 2026 (6:51)
- Tax Season Strategy, Extensions, and Paying Quarterly Estimated Taxes (10:01)
- Impact of Big Beautiful Bill Act on Truckers’ Taxes and Deductions (13:15)
- Per Diem Rules for Truck Drivers and How to Track Days on the Road (17:03)
- ATBS Mobile App Features for Capturing Receipts and Managing P and L (20:02)
- What Separates Profitable Owner Operators from Those Who Struggle (23:19)
- Maintenance Costs, Reserve Accounts, and Equipment Breakdowns (26:11)
- Handling Back Taxes, Unfiled Returns, and Working with the IRS (29:30)
- Free Owner Operator Tools on ATBS Website and Deduction Lists (32:19)
- How Oakley Owner Operators Compare on Net Income and Performance (35:49)
- Owner Operator Model as Win-Win for Carriers and Drivers (0:37:42)
Oakley Trucking is a family-owned and operated trucking company headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas. For more information, check out our show website: podcast.bruceoakley.com.