W2 Truck Drivers: No Per Diem? You’re Losing Up to $5,000/Year
Are you a W2 truck driver who feels like too much of your paycheck is going to taxes?
Have you heard about per diem but don’t know what it is — or how it helps you?
If you’re not getting per diem through your company’s payroll, you could be losing up to $5,000 every year — not because of tax season, but because of how your paycheck is set up.
In this article, you’ll learn what per diem really means, how it works for W2 drivers, and why it can only be paid through your regular check. You’ll also learn how to talk to your employer about it — and how both of you can save money when it’s done the right way.
What Is Per Diem Pay for W2 Truck Drivers – and How Does It Work?
Per diem means “per day.” The IRS allows truck drivers to receive $80 per day tax-free to cover food and daily expenses while on the road.
If you drive 250 days in a year, that’s $20,000 of your income that should not be taxed.
But here’s the problem: If your company doesn’t calculate per diem through payroll, you get taxed on the full $20,000 — and lose up to $5,000 a year.
Why W2 Truck Drivers Can’t Claim Per Diem at Tax Time Anymore
Years ago, all drivers could claim per diem at tax time. But that changed in 2018. Now, if you’re a W2 employee, you can’t write it off yourself. If you are a 1099 contractor (owner-operator), you are still allowed to take the write-off at the end of the year.
That means, for W2 truck drivers, the only way to get per diem is through your paycheck. If your company doesn’t do this, you’re paying more taxes than you should.
Per Diem Isn’t Extra — It’s Money W2 Truck Drivers Already Earned
Let’s break it down simply:
If your company isn’t calculating per diem in your pay, they are letting the IRS take a bigger bite out of your check. And that’s not right.
How W2 Drivers Can Ask Their Company to Start Per Diem Payroll
Some trucking companies don’t know they’re doing it wrong. Some think it’s too hard. Others don’t understand the rules.
But here’s what they need to hear from you:
You have the power to bring this up. And when you do, everyone wins — including your company.
Why Trucking Companies Also Save Money with Per Diem Payroll
When companies calculate per diem on drivers’ wages, they save money too.
They pay less in payroll taxes for every driver that qualifies. That means they:
Right now, there are companies out there struggling to keep their doors open, and they’re leaving money on the table because no one told them about this.
Next Step for W2 Truck Drivers Missing Per Diem Pay
At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we help companies set up per diem the right way.
We don’t just run payroll — we protect trucking families.
Don’t Let Another Paycheck Slip Away
If you’re a W2 truck driver and not getting per diem through payroll, you now know what it’s costing you — and that you can do something about it.
You’re not asking for a bonus or a handout. You’re simply asking to keep more of the money you’ve already earned. If your company isn’t calculating per diem in your paycheck, you’re likely losing up to $5,000 a year in extra taxes — and that’s not right.
The good news? It can be fixed. Talk to your employer. Ask if per diem is being paid through payroll. If the answer is no — or they’re not sure — send them to us.
We help trucking companies set up per diem the right way — legally, easily, and in a way that benefits everyone. We’re Superior Trucking Payroll Service, and we make sure W2 drivers and their employers stop overpaying and start saving.
Next step: Send your company to www.truckingpayroll.com so they can learn how per diem can protect both your paycheck and their bottom line.
Written by Melisa Bush
With over 15 years of experience in the trucking industry, Melisa is well-versed in the complexities of trucking payroll and adept at navigating special circumstances. Before joining Superior Trucking Payroll Service, Melisa worked at a trucking company, where she managed driver miles and expenses for a fleet of 50 trucks. This hands-on experience gives her unique insight into the challenges our clients face when preparing their payroll data.
Melisa’s top priority is customer service. She strives to treat each client as an individual with genuine needs, rather than just another number in the system. Her goal is to alleviate the burdens of our clients and make their daily operations smoother.