Per Diem
Per Diem is a daily allowance paid to truck drivers to cover meals, lodging, and other expenses while they're on the road. It's Latin for "per day" and is a common payment method in the trucking industry. This payment is usually tax-free and is separate from the driver's regular wages. Companies offer Per Diem as a benefit to help drivers manage their daily living expenses during long-haul trips without requiring detailed expense reports. This term often appears in job postings as a key benefit, showing that the company helps cover a driver's travel expenses.
Examples in Resumes
Earned competitive base pay plus Per Diem benefits while completing cross-country routes
Managed expenses efficiently using company Per Diem allowance system
Operated as an OTR driver with generous Per Diem compensation package
Typical job title: "Truck Drivers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Truck Drivers
Online Communities
Job Boards
Professional Resources
Example Interview Questions
Experienced Driver Questions
Q: How do you manage your Per Diem allowance to ensure it covers all your expenses on long trips?
Expected Answer: An experienced driver should explain their budgeting system, mention how they plan meals and lodging costs, and discuss strategies for making their Per Diem last through their entire route.
Q: What's the difference between Per Diem pay and regular wages?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding that Per Diem is tax-free, specifically for travel expenses, and how it differs from taxable base pay. Should also mention record-keeping practices.
Mid-Level Driver Questions
Q: How do you track your Per Diem eligible days?
Expected Answer: Should explain their system for logging overnight stays, understanding which trips qualify for Per Diem, and basic documentation methods.
Q: What expenses are typically covered by Per Diem?
Expected Answer: Should list common expenses like meals, lodging, and incidental expenses, and explain basic Per Diem rates and guidelines.
Entry-Level Driver Questions
Q: What is Per Diem and why is it important for truck drivers?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it's a daily allowance for food and living expenses while on the road, and understand it's a tax-free benefit.
Q: How often is Per Diem typically paid out?
Expected Answer: Should know that Per Diem is usually included with regular paycheck and can explain the basic payment schedule used by trucking companies.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-1 years)
- Basic understanding of Per Diem rules
- Ability to track basic expenses
- Knowledge of qualifying stays
- Basic trip planning
Mid (1-3 years)
- Efficient expense management
- Understanding of tax implications
- Route optimization for Per Diem qualification
- Proper documentation practices
Senior (3+ years)
- Advanced budgeting strategies
- Maximizing Per Diem benefits
- Training other drivers on Per Diem rules
- Long-term financial planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of basic Per Diem rules
- Poor record-keeping habits
- Inability to manage personal expenses
- Lack of knowledge about tax implications
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