What’s new: a one-time-purchase trucking back-office app

RIGLOG: Trucking Expense Log has appeared on the App Store with a pitch tailored to independent owner-operators and small fleets: fast expense capture, profitability analytics, compliance checklists, and exportable reports—bundled in a single mobile app. The developer positions it as an “all-in-one business companion” with a one-time price of $4.99 after a free 7‑day trial, noting no subscriptions or ads. The listing highlights on-device data storage, optional iCloud backup, and a privacy label indicating “no data collected,” plus offline functionality designed for the realities of the road.

Key features truckers will care about

Expense tracking and taxes: Log expenses in a few taps across 15 IRS-aligned categories, snap receipt photos, and map transactions to Schedule C line items; an AI voice logger speeds data entry. Monthly P&L and Schedule C summaries can be exported for your tax pro.
Trip profitability: Track net profit, revenue per hour, net per mile/per hour, and deadhead ratio to flag unprofitable lanes—useful for go/no‑go load decisions.
Fuel log and IFTA: Record fuel stops with state tracking, calculate MPG from fill‑ups, and export state‑by‑state fuel tax reports as CSV or PDF.
DVIR and maintenance: Pre‑, post‑, and en‑route inspection checklists with photo documentation and driver e‑signature; maintenance schedules with due/overdue alerts and a full service history.
Detention documentation: A start/stop detention clock uses GPS time stamps and can generate claim-ready PDFs—helpful when negotiating with brokers and shippers.

Why it matters at tax time

For owner-operators, clean records are half the battle. IRS Publication 463 emphasizes contemporaneous logs and documentary evidence, with an exception that receipts under $75 (other than lodging) typically aren’t required—though details like amount, date, place, and business purpose still need to be substantiated. An app that timestamps, categorizes to Schedule C, and stores images of receipts can reduce scramble time and audit risk. Drivers subject to DOT hours-of-service rules may also qualify for the transportation-industry meals deduction rules (often discussed as an 80% meals/M&IE deduction for eligible travel), so having meals recorded clearly—whether actuals or per diem policy—can make year-end easier. Always confirm specifics with your tax advisor.

Compliance touchpoints: DVIR and IFTA

On inspections, RIGLOG’s DVIR module aligns to federal rules that require drivers to be satisfied the vehicle is safe before operation and, where applicable, to review and sign the previous report; these requirements live in 49 CFR §§396.13 and 396.11. Digitally capturing inspection items, photos, and signatures—and exporting a PDF—can help standardize what’s often a paper-and-clipboard process.

On fuel tax, the app’s state-by-state fuel and distance capture aims at the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) reality: IFTA licensees file a single quarterly return through their base state, reporting miles traveled and fuel purchased in each jurisdiction. If your miles and gallons aren’t reconciled by state, expect headaches—or assessments—during an audit. Apps that reliably log state miles and retain fuel documentation can cut time and errors each quarter.

Early takeaways for owner-ops and small fleets

Low barrier to test: A one-time $4.99 price with a 7‑day trial and no subscription pressure is attractive for single-truck operators who don’t want another monthly SaaS commitment.
Workflow depth: Expense capture tied to Schedule C, DVIR PDFs, maintenance intervals, and IFTA-ready exports cover most of the “paperwork stack” a small carrier touches weekly.
Data control: On-device storage and an App Store privacy label indicating no data collection may appeal to drivers who are wary of telemetry-heavy tools. Confirm your own backup strategy (e.g., iCloud) so nothing is lost with a phone swap.
Reality check: As with any new app, kick the tires before peak season—verify that CSV/PDF exports drop cleanly into your accountant’s workflow and that DVIR and IFTA outputs match your safety and tax requirements. IRS and FMCSA rules evolve; rely on the app to organize evidence, not to replace regulatory guidance.

Bottom line

If you’re still juggling envelopes of receipts, ad‑hoc inspection sheets, and quarterly IFTA spreadsheets, RIGLOG’s promise is straightforward: faster capture, better categorization, and audit-friendly exports inside a single mobile app. For $4.99 and no recurring fee, it’s a low‑risk trial for owner-operators who want to professionalize their back office without adopting a full-blown fleet platform.

Sources Consulted: Apple App Store (RIGLOG: Trucking Expense Log); Internal Revenue Service (Publication 463); Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and e‑CFR (49 CFR §§396.11 and 396.13); Arizona Department of Transportation (IFTA Reporting Requirements).

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This article was prepared exclusively for truckstopinsider.com. For professional tax advice, consult a qualified professional.