Trucking’s #1 Money-Saving Strategy in 2026: Per Diem

The #1 Way Trucking Companies Cut Costs and Keep More Money

Updated: April 22, 2026

Trusted by 300+ trucking companies across the U.S.

Per diem is the single fastest way to reduce your payroll tax bill — without changing what you pay drivers. If you’re not using it, you’re leaving money on the table every single week.

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Many trucking companies overpay in taxes and workers’ comp costs without realizing it. Per diem is a special tax benefit that reduces payroll taxes and puts more money in drivers’ pockets—without costing your company extra.

2026 Rate: The current IRS per diem rate is $80 per day for truck drivers — and $86 per day for travel outside the continental U.S. This rate is confirmed through September 30, 2026.

Watch the video to learn how per diem works and how much you could be saving.

Stop Leaving Money on the Table.
Per Diem saves $2,500 Per Truck.

More savings, more retention, less tax liability.

If you’re not using per diem, you’re overpaying in taxes and workers’ comp premiums.

Truck drivers take home more pay with per diem.

Trucking companies save $2,500 per truck per year by lowering payroll taxes and reducing workers’ comp costs.

Have questions?

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How One Trucking Company Saved Big with Per Diem

Big Wheels Transport didn’t realize they were leaving money on the table by not using a Per Diem program. They paid drivers full wages, leading to higher taxes and workers’ comp costs.

After switching to Per Diem with Superior Trucking Payroll Service:

Taxable wages dropped by $500,000, saving $38,250 in payroll taxes
Workers’ comp costs fell by 15%, saving another $25,000
Total yearly savings: $63,250

That’s money they reinvested in their business and drivers.

Want to see how much you could save?

Could Per Diem Saving Cover Your Payroll Costs? – Take the Quiz Now

Example based on a typical client scenario.

Simplifying Per Diem with Superior Trucking Payroll Service

At Superior Trucking Payroll Service, we offer flexible, IRS-compliant Per Diem solutions that reduce taxes, cut costs, and boost driver pay.

3 Ways to Structure Per Diem:

Fixed Daily Rate – A set amount paid per day away from home.

Rate Per Mile – Per diem based on miles driven.

Percentage of Pay – A percentage of total earnings.

Each method offers flexibility, but IRS compliance is key to avoiding tax issues for both your company and drivers.
Let us help you structure a legally sound and profitable Per Diem program.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

What if we’re used to doing things a certain way and don’t want to change?

Sticking with the old way may feel easier, but it’s costing you. Without per diem, you’re likely paying more in payroll taxes than you need to. Choosing not to use per diem is essentially letting the IRS win—and giving up savings you could be keeping in your business.

What is per diem pay in trucking?

Per diem is a non-taxable reimbursement for meals and incidental expenses drivers incur while away from home, reducing their taxable income.

How does per diem save money for my trucking company?

It lowers payroll taxes for b o th the company and the driver by reducing the taxable portion of driver wages.

Are all drivers eligible for per diem?

No. Only drivers who meet the IRS “away from home overnight” requirement and are classified correctly (usually W-2) are eligible.

How do I convince my drivers that per diem is good for them?

Most drivers will understand that having more money in their pocket is good. But here are 4 simple tips that work.