per diem??

I suggest you do take it your first year.

1. You will take home more money
2. You will get more vacation time

All of what was said above is true but in your first year you will need the additional take home and with less than 1 year employment there you are not likely to get a loan anyway. Also, if you don't like it you can change.

BTW, do take the practical miles option.

 

Not taking it is like having a savings account . You will get the money refunded by IRS at the end of the year . The per diem amount reduces the amount credited toward Social Security . When you retire or if you are disabled you will get smaller checks if you've been paid per diem .

 

RickG,
I hear your points but I would still do the per diem in the first year. Any way, If I thought there was enough extra to save I would put it in an interest bearing account and not give it to the IRS interest free. As for Social Security, I surly wouldn't give more than I'm forced to into that rip off.
Bob

 

OK guys please forgive me if i'm a little slow in understanding all this, and thank you for your patience as well as advice. How does per diem pay more if it only pays 29cpm and non per diem pays 34 cpm? What is the difference between an hhg route and a practical route? In fact, what does hhg and practical even mean? BTW I already own a house and have two descent vehicles plus a fish/ski boat. So, Lord willing I shouldn't be needing any loans any time soon. I just need the funds to pay for the loans I currently have lol...
Again, thank you very much for your patience and all the great info.

 

Forget all of what RickG said if you want. But at least consider this. If you are hurt, workmens comp is based on the lower gross achieved under the per diem plan. Not the real deal.

 

I have a friend who has been in trucking for years. His advice is DO NOT Take the per diem pay.