Questions?

Topic 15113 | Page 1

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Robert M. (Opey)'s Comment
member avatar

In orientation today was shown a couple of things to partake of and was wondering what the consensus was on the two subjects.

1) CDL Defender from US Legal...

2) Per Diem?

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Per Diem:

Getting paid per diem means getting a portion of your salary paid to you without taxes taken out. It's technically classified as a meal and expense reimbursement.

Truck drivers and others who travel for a living get large tax deductions for meal expenses. The Government set up per diem pay as a way to reimburse some of the taxes you pay with each paycheck instead of making you wait until tax filing season.

Getting per diem pay means a driver will get a larger paycheck each week but a smaller tax return at tax time.

We have a ton of information on our wiki page on per diem pay

Tractor Man's Comment
member avatar

I signed up for CDL Defender. It is a pre paid legal plan. IMHO 7 dollars and change per week is a no brainer. Less than the cost of a Fast Food meal per week.

I also opted in to the PER DIEM. 10 cents per mile paid not taxed as income. IRS allows 80% of $59.00 per 24 hour period away from home on business. Swift gives you the option to take it weekly. Just results in a bigger take home check. Whether you take it weekly or at tax time it does not really matter. Take it at tax time and you will get a bigger refund. There are other things to consider as well. FICA and Medicare payroll taxes etc. Talk to an accountant if you have any special circumstances.

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.

Per Diem:

Getting paid per diem means getting a portion of your salary paid to you without taxes taken out. It's technically classified as a meal and expense reimbursement.

Truck drivers and others who travel for a living get large tax deductions for meal expenses. The Government set up per diem pay as a way to reimburse some of the taxes you pay with each paycheck instead of making you wait until tax filing season.

Getting per diem pay means a driver will get a larger paycheck each week but a smaller tax return at tax time.

We have a ton of information on our wiki page on per diem pay

Tractor Man's Comment
member avatar

BTW...... that 10 cents turns into 8.5 cents on your check. 1.5 cent administrative fee from Swift.

Dm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
Robert M. (Opey)'s Comment
member avatar

Thanks TM.

I was looking at both and they sounded like a no brainier, was just curious if anyone had any personal experience with either.

The PerDiem I'll take weekly as that would benefit me the most. Nothing special on tax returns just the standard form and deductions.

Rob S.'s Comment
member avatar

I passed on both. I generally avoid signing up for things though.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

BTW...... that 10 cents turns into 8.5 cents on your check. 1.5 cent administrative fee from Swift.

Not an "administrative fee". 8.5¢ tax free is usually more than 10¢ less income tax @ 15% rate. Also, I believe you don't have to do deductions, since your company does the separation on each paycheck and on your W-2.

Dm:

Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager

The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.
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