What to Do When a Truck Driver Doesn’t Want Per Diem Pay

Why would a driver say no to something that puts more money in their pocket?

What do you do if a driver refuses per diem even after you explain the benefits?

At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we’ve helped fleets of all sizes set up and manage per diem pay, and we understand the common challenges that come up, especially when drivers have concerns or misunderstandings.

In this article, you’ll learn how to handle this situation the right way—without creating conflict or losing a good driver. We will also show you a respectful, practical way to handle driver opt-outs and what steps to take behind the scenes in payroll.

Why a Truck Driver Might Say No to Per Diem

It can be surprising when a driver turns down per diem. After all, per diem lowers their taxable income, giving them a bigger take-home paycheck. But many drivers are still unsure about it. Some may have heard rumors or received bad advice from other drivers or online forums. Others may just not understand how it works.

Here are a few common reasons a driver may say “no” to per diem:

They think it will hurt them at tax time.

They’re worried about lower reported income for loans or Social Security.

A friend or family member told them it’s “not a good idea.”

They don’t trust anything that changes how they’re used to getting paid.

First Step: Listen and Respect Their Concerns

If a driver says they don’t want per diem, your first step should be to talk to them—not argue, just talk.
Ask them what their concerns are. Really listen. Sometimes drivers just need to feel heard. It shows you respect them and value their input.

If their concerns are based on facts, like loan applications or Social Security income, you can explain the pros and cons of per diem. If they’re based on myths or misunderstandings, this is your chance to clear those up with simple, honest answers.

For example, you could show them a sample paycheck with and without per diem to explain how it affects take-home pay, taxes, and benefits.

Don’t Force It—Let the Driver Decide

Even after a good conversation, the driver may still choose to opt out. That’s okay.

It’s not worth risking your relationship with a good driver just to push per diem. Forcing someone to accept a pay method they don’t trust can lead to frustration, tension, or even losing that driver.
the handshake between a blue-collar worker and a corporate officer dressed in a dark blue suit.

Instead, thank them for being open with you. Let them know you’re happy to explain things anytime, but you respect their decision. That respect goes a long way and builds trust for the future.

How to Handle Per Diem Opt-Outs in Payroll

Now let’s talk about the payroll side.

If a driver chooses not to receive per diem, your payroll system should have a clear way to handle that. Here are two simple ways:

Mark them as “opted out” in their employee profile
This makes it easy to track and avoid mistakes in future pay runs. We recommend you have an Opt-Out form for them to sign. Keep this form in their driver file.

Set the driver’s per diem days to zero each pay period
This works well if your system uses per diem days as the calculation method.

No matter how you do it, be sure to double-check that the opt-out is processed correctly. And let the driver know to check their first few pay stubs to make sure it shows up right.

Why Clear Communication Matters

Here’s the truth: Most drivers aren’t against per diem—they just don’t fully understand it. By keeping the conversation calm and respectful, you leave the door open for them to come back later with more questions.

Some drivers who opt out at first may change their mind down the road once they see other drivers taking home more money each week. And when that happens, they’ll come to you—because you respected their choice and gave them space.

Final Thoughts: Per Diem Should Help, Not Hurt

Per diem is a great benefit for most truck drivers, but only if they choose it freely and understand how it works. Not everyone will say “yes” right away—and that’s okay.

At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we help trucking companies roll out per diem programs that work for both the business and the driver. We also help you build in easy ways to track opt-outs and avoid end-of-year surprises.

The key is to stay professional, stay respectful, and make it easy for drivers to come to you with questions.

Simplify Per Diem Payments with Superior Trucking Payroll Service

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.