cpm on diem

That is not at all the truth! For the record the "company" Does not force anyone to take the per diem! It is optional for those that benefit from the program. That all depends on your TAX situation, some won't benefeit at all and others will greatly benefit. AGAIN, I will say this "program" is not forced or pressed in any kind of a way, just a option, not something you have to opt out of rather opt into if so desired.

 

Gross yes, Net NO! I don''t care at all how much money I make!!! What I care about is HOW MUCH MONEY I KEEP! What you give to uncle Sam is not your money to begin with.

 

You don't understand... yes, per diem will provide you with more money in your pocket (at the expense of gross, SS accounting, etc) as long as your carrier isn't dipping into it. If you are GIVING your employer 1 cpm... then it's a wash. If you are GIVING your employer 2 cpm for the privilege of receiving YOUR MONEY, then you are being ripped-off my friend.

Lets say you run 130,000 miles per year, and you loose 2 cpm on the per diem scam...

That's $2600 per year you have to make up in tax savings. That ain't happenning. Get a tax form and run it both ways - with and without per diem. I'll bet you money right now that the only one making out on this deal is your carrier.

 

I think its good that they show in black and white weather or not per diem is something that would work out for you. Some places just make you take it regardless.

 

FWIW, I MAXED OUT my per diem last month with May...

 

Great professional response. That is one of a handfull of reasons I am moving to May.

 

Hate to tell you, but in some companies per diem is "mandatory" - as in, "forced" by the company...there is no opting out of the program.

My SO has never had to deal with per diem for a company previously, and is almost through his 2nd week with a company where per diem is mandatory. Waiting on that first check to see how bad he's being screwed - that along with low miles (for 21-yrs experience) will determine if he'll be staying with current company.

 

What trucker Steve was pointing is that May Trucking does not force per diem. They offer it as a choice. You can take it or not.

 

I did not elect to take the per diem, I am going to have lots of write offs!

 

Some reasons I opted out of the per diem program:

1. Your future Social Security benefits are based on your gross income. Per diem cuts your gross income down by about 1\2.

2. Workers comp benefits (if you are hurt) are based on gross income.

3. Unemployment benefits (God forbid) are based on gross income.

4. If you ever need to qualify for a loan, your loan will be qualified on your gross income. The days of stated income (especially for mortgages) are over. There is not an underwriter around that is going to consider per diem payments as part of your income.

5. I would much rather take the $59 per diem write-off myself. It's equivilent to an average of $3,000 back on my return each year. I treat it like money in the bank because I know if I were receiving the money doled out a little at a time on my weekly check, I would probably spend it.