How Do I Convince a Truck Driver that Per Diem is Good for Them?
Are you trying to explain per diem pay to your drivers — and getting pushback?
Do your drivers feel unsure about how it affects their paycheck or long-term finances?
Here’s how to help truck drivers clearly understand why per diem is a good deal for them — and how to overcome their common objections.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we’ve helped hundreds of carriers explain per diem to their drivers in simple terms. We understand the concerns that come up and can help you address them in a way that builds trust.
Let’s break it down.
Start With the Paycheck: Show Them the Difference
The fastest way to convince a truck driver that per diem is a benefit?
Show them two pay stubs.
Then ask a simple question:
“Which paycheck would you rather take home?”
Most drivers will notice that the check with per diem is $80 to $100 higher per week — sometimes more, depending on how much they’re on the road. When they see the difference in real numbers, it becomes clear that per diem means more money in their pocket.
What About Social Security? Here’s the Honest Answer
Some drivers worry that being paid per diem will lower their future Social Security benefits, because the taxable wages are lower.
That’s a valid concern — and it’s true that per diem pay is not included in the wages used to calculate Social Security.
But here’s a good way to explain it:
“You’re getting more money now. If you invest even half of the extra take-home pay into a retirement account, you’ll likely come out ahead in the long run.”
(And of course, always suggest that they talk to a financial advisor.)
Per diem doesn’t take away from your future — it gives you the option to build it yourself, possibly with even better results.
Concerned About Getting a Loan? Help Them Understand
Another common objection to per diem pay from truck drivers is this:
“If my wages look lower on paper, won’t that make it harder to get approved for a loan?”
This comes up often when drivers are applying for a home mortgage, auto loan, or credit card.
The truth is, many lenders already understand how per diem works — especially if the trucking company provides a simple letter explaining it.
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we can help you create this kind of explanation letter for banks and credit unions. It’s usually all that’s needed to help your driver qualify.
If you’re worried about lending or credit issues, just let us know. We’ve helped other trucking companies through this same conversation with success.
Summary: Keep It Simple, Show the Math
Per diem can be confusing at first, but when you explain it with real numbers and honest answers, most drivers come around quickly.
Need Help With a Sample Letter or Pay Stub Example?
If you’d like a sample lender letter or an example of a pay stub showing per diem, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us if you need more help. This small step can make a big difference in helping your drivers feel confident in choosing per diem.
Written by Mike Ritzema
With over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship, management, business planning, financial analysis, software engineering, operations, and decision analysis, Mike has the breadth and depth of experience needed to quickly understand entrepreneurs’ businesses and craft the most suitable solutions.