Running With Shipex

Dang driver facing cameras..see ya!

 

This is spot on. I gave them an honest shot. If I would’ve known how they included per diem into the 60k base salary I never would’ve applied. That reduces your annual salary to a paltry 48k. A YEAR. They tell you about all of it on the last day of orientation after you’ve gone through all their hoops and only as a slight mention when you are signing the office paperwork. There were several “Wait... what?!” At the computers when we were doing our signing. Very underhanded. I would start my own thread, but I don’t want to bash ShipEx. What they do and how they operate is just fine for many people. But... they do withhold some key details that you don’t learn of until you are there. They have great equipment. Fuel at nearly any pilot/flying J when you want. (Every day really) if they paid the legit 60k and let drivers sort out per diem on their own, it would’ve been fine for me. Doing 650 miles or more a day isn’t hard on certain runs, but others it’s tough to get 475 due to speed restrictions. All in all, the demand they put on you isn’t worth what they pay. A seasoned driver with clean record and good record can earn significantly more. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. I don’t have a bone to pick with them. No hate, no lies.

 

Its a problem for me because of two reasons; my wife and I itemize our expenses. Having them force per diem on me reduces what I could claim on my own. It also reduces your annual salary on paper which will affect your credit worthiness and credit score if your DTI ratio goes above say 30%. Just taking that job could’ve impacted my credit rating. Due to salary reduction and current debt. I’m over 700 now, but getting dinged all because of the company wanting the benefit of paying per diem vs me claiming it on my own. For simple tax situations and people that just want their money upfront, company paid is fine. For my situation it is a hose job in several ways. It should be an option that is mentioned before you even step foot in the door. Not what soda or food you like. SMH...

 

I’ve never had a problem a bank taking per diem as income. All they have asked is for a letter on company letterhead that they pay it.

 

I claim per diem as an OTR driver every year. All you need is your logs to prove it. The company keeps 6 months of them or more on hand. Just ask for them to be emailed. You can claim per diem expense for any day you are 50 or more miles from home and don’t make it him that night, and any night you sleep in the truck. I give it all to my tax guy with a summary of the days I was out and day home. He verifies and does the rest. It works out to several thousand dollars annually. With that, Im out. Peace ✌️ be safe.

 

You do realize the tax law changed and company drivers no longer can claim per diem.