Comments By Yosemite Sam

Want to thank u PC for your story. Glad to hear you that nothing serious happened to you and glad you were given a 2nd chance. your story has taught me that safety is the key. Great to hear u are now feeling more comfortable driving after ur incident. Didn't really know how someone would feel after going through an experience like yours. You have shown me to never give up even after such a life changing experience. Thanks 🙏🏻 stay safe!

Just a quick update. My FM called me today saying that I will be going to Nashville TN on Friday. Leaving Ohio round 11 am should get there around 1 am. Got a long bus ride ahead of me. So ready to get started feel like screaming just to get all this excitement outta me lol.

Thanks G-Town

All the best Sam. Be safe.

Great blog Patrick ! Read it all. A bit jealous 😒 I can honestly say. I've been home for a week waiting on a mentor to become available and today was my lucky day as I found out I will be shipped out this week. Good luck with the rest of ur training! Drive safe ! ✌🏼️

Hey Lyght Like G-Town stated ur not alone. This happens a lot. when I went to take my CDL permit test I used the headphones when taking the test so I can have the questions read to me. Then I would read the question to myself after hearing it. Take your time no need to rush. There are definitely plenty of questions worded in strange ways that make u think again and again. Worst case scenario u can skip the question and leave it til the end when it comes back around at the end. Good luck with your test.

Never mind. I feel stupid now. I missed "except" I would delete the post if I could.

Just got some great news this afternoon from my FM. I will. E heading out this week with my mentor. OMG 😲! My mentor is coming off of home 🏡 time in NY. I will get the full details tomorrow tues 10/18/16. He hasn't gotten his load assignment yet so not sure exactly what day he will be by me to pick me up. Wow! what a feeling of relief. I thought I was gonna be sitting around the house for another week. So excited to get this ball rolling with my mentor and hands on training. Wish me luck !! Stay posted for more updates

Congrats! On completing ur first load. Hope to be in your position soon enough. Waiting on a mentor to ride out with. Can't wait to start seeing and learning what I will need in order to be on my own. Be safe out there OTR. ✌🏼️

OK OK OK I'm not a trucker yet. But it felt good to get my first miles behind me to see what I looked forward too.

Just think a week ago I had just got to prime and never driven ever. Now I'm on the open road shifting gears like I was trucker in my past life.

I catch on to things easy but this was something I thought would take time and give me hell. It didn't at all. By no means am I perfect but I am comfortable in the seat and I think that counts for something.

Sleeping at my first truck stop toni g t here in OKC while writing this and I can't sleep for excitement but I know I have to go soon just wanted to share my progress. TTYL Datguycole out

Rick good looking out u always come thru when I need an answer. ✌🏼️

This is a recent per diem discussion we had here: Recent Per Diem Discussion

To answer your questions directly: does a company ask the employee how they would like to accept this on a daily,weekly, monthly or yearly bases. Per diem is paid however the company does it's pay periods - weekly/bi-monthly. It is a certain CPM of your mileage pay. Is it best to take it upfront or to take it in a lump sum at end of year. See above answer - there's no "lump sum" - it's a portion of your CPM pay. If you don't say anything about does the company just do how they feel with it? Some companies make it mandatory - some give you the option. Read the responses on some of the other threads, and decide if you want to do so (if the company gives you the choice).

Rick

Thanks Sue! Really appreciate the info. ✌🏼️

I have "heatd" that some companies require it? But honestly unsure. My company will do either way and to do perdiem you simply fill out a form and turn it into payroll.

That said, my company calculates it by the load assignment on our pay settlement sheets. I did not initially choose perdiem however looking at my ytd tax withholding, i changed to perdiem a couple months ago because my withholding was already well above my income tax that would be required by years end. I opted to keep that excess in my pocket. I will switch back to "regular" withholding at the first of the year, rinse and repeat lol.

Perdiem is basically untaxed income to cover expenses (as allowed by the irs) when you work away from home. I will be unable to itemize my road expenses when i file my 2016 fedaral return, which wasnt a big deal to me but may be to some.

To calculate perdiem, my company figures my gross pay at 6 cpm LESS THAN what i actually earn (only 6 cpm less because i team and our normal perdiem of 13 cpm is split between my codriver) They then deduct any tax exempt insurance premiums, tax exempt 401k contributions, then calculates the tax withholding, deducts that amount as well as any non exempt insurance premiums and cash advances. Then they ADD back in any reimbursement receipts (like tolls, etc. that i spent any advance on, and last but not least, the 6 cpm that was exempt from tax withholding.

Perdiem WILL REDUCE your taxable income. Things to consider is it will also negatively affect your reportable income should you apply for a mortgage or vehicle loan as well as social security or unemployment benefits.

At this point in my life, with my children being grown and no longer eligible for a child tax crefit, as well as having no plans to apply for a mortgage or vehicle loans, I use perdiem and 401k to completrly eliminate my tax liability. Honestly, with this type of planning, i have not paid federal income taxes in over 10 years lol. I literally am refunded every penny plus other tax "credits" i qualify for each year when i file. I do incur state taxes and pay a small amount there. If you are unsure what would be best for your personal situation, speak to a tax professional who is preferably a CPA as well as a Certified Financial Planner.

I hope this helps you at least undetstand how it works. To utilize perdiem, you MUST MAINTAIN A RESIDENCE.

So it been a week now I have been. Ack home from orientation. Still waiting on a mentor to become available. Starting to get a bit frustrated. Didn't think it would take this long. Really am eager to get out there and starting learning and experiencing first hand the everyday things I will be dealing with. Called my DM the other day left him a message he didn't even call me back. I understand he is busy with all the drivers he must take care of. I feel left out in a sense. Since he didn't even bother to call me back and/or email me at least. Hope things will change soon and a mentor become available ASAP