Why a new expense app matters now

Paper receipts, scattered spreadsheets, and last‑minute IFTA catch‑up remain costly pain points for many small carriers. A new iOS app, RIGLOG: Trucking Expense Log, aims to compress those chores into a single, low-cost tool. The app’s pitch is straightforward: three‑tap expense entry mapped to IRS Schedule C categories, camera-based receipt capture, trip profitability analytics, fuel logging with per‑state tracking for IFTA, plus DVIR checklists and maintenance reminders—all for a one‑time $4.99, no subscriptions.

Key features at a glance

Expense tracking mapped to IRS Schedule C, with snap-and-store receipt images and optional voice logging to speed up entry.
Trip profitability tools (net per mile/hour) and income pacing to keep tabs on whether current loads are beating your cost baseline.
Fuel log + IFTA: records fuel stops by state, computes MPG, and exports CSV/PDF summaries for quarterly filings.
DVIR: pre‑, post‑, and en‑route inspections with photo documentation and driver signature; checklists aligned to FMCSA §§396.11 and 396.13.
Maintenance planner: due‑soon alerts and cost history for key items like brakes, tires, oil, DPF, and annual DOT.
Detention timer with GPS timestamps, grace‑period countdown, and exportable claim PDFs.
Privacy and portability: works offline, stores data on device, and lists “Data Not Collected” under App Privacy; optional iCloud backup.

Compliance context: receipts, DVIR, and IFTA

For taxes, the IRS expects contemporaneous records. Publication 463 notes you generally need documentary evidence (receipts, bills, canceled checks) for business expenses; there’s an exception for non‑lodging expenses under $75 and for some transportation charges without readily available receipts. That makes consistent, image‑based receipt capture inside an expense app more than convenience—it’s audit defense.

On vehicle inspections, FMCSA rules require drivers to perform inspections and, depending on circumstances, prepare and review driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIR). The e‑CFR sections §396.11 (driver vehicle inspection report[s]) and §396.13 (driver inspection) spell out the core obligations, including review of the prior DVIR before driving if one was required. An app that timestamps photos, stores signatures, and generates PDFs can streamline that paper trail.

For fuel tax, IFTA quarterly returns rely on accurate distance and fuel purchases by jurisdiction. State DOT guidance emphasizes tracking all miles (loaded, empty, business or personal) and keeping purchase documentation to preserve tax‑paid credits. RIGLOG’s per‑state fuel log and MPG calculation are designed to support those recordkeeping needs and simplify quarter‑end exports.

First impressions for owner-operators and small fleets

The value proposition hinges on speed and consolidation. If RIGLOG’s three‑tap workflow and voice logging keep you from deferring data entry, you’re less likely to miss deductible expenses or scramble at tax time. And by mapping every expense to Schedule C categories and generating a tax‑summary PDF, the app could reduce back‑and‑forth with a bookkeeper. Keep in mind: even with digital logs, you should still retain clear receipt images and note the business purpose—best practices the IRS explicitly calls out.

The DVIR and maintenance modules add operational upside. Tighter inspection documentation can help with internal safety management and customer requirements, while due‑soon alerts on maintenance items can reduce roadside surprises. For IFTA, having jurisdictional fuel and mileage ready in a CSV/PDF format means fewer late nights before deadlines and potentially cleaner audits, provided your inputs (odometer readings, state line crossings, gallons) are complete.

Practical notes and caveats

Pricing and trial: RIGLOG is listed as a one‑time $4.99 purchase with a 7‑day trial and no ads or in‑app purchases—appealing for drivers wary of monthly software fees.
Platform and privacy: iPhone and iPad support with offline operation; the developer declares no data collection under App Privacy, though Apple notes such disclosures are developer‑reported.
Adoption curve: As of publication, Apple shows no ratings yet. Early adopters should kick the tires on exports and reports to ensure they match your accountant’s workflows and your base jurisdiction’s IFTA portal format.

Bottom line

RIGLOG tries to give owner‑operators large‑fleet discipline—clean receipts, defensible DVIRs, IFTA‑ready fuel logs, and profitability math—without a subscription. For many one‑truck businesses, that combination at this price point is worth a road test, especially if it replaces a handful of separate apps and pad-and-pen routines. Just remember: the tool only pays off if you use it consistently and retain documentation that meets IRS and FMCSA standards.

Sources Consulted: Apple App Store (RIGLOG: Trucking Expense Log); Internal Revenue Service, Publication 463 (2025); Electronic Code of Federal Regulations, 49 CFR §§396.11 and 396.13; Iowa DOT, IFTA Record-Keeping Requirements.

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