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Trucking & Transportation Companies: Integrating Benefits with Payroll (2026)

Trucking Companies need payroll features that go beyond basic hourly and salary processing. The standard payroll software aimed at general businesses often lacks the specific configuration options that trucking companies require.
Here are the payroll features most critical for trucking companies.
Must-Have Payroll Features for Trucking Companies
- Multi-rate pay configuration. trucking companies often have OTR drivers and local drivers working at different rates or compensation structures. The payroll system must support multiple pay codes per employee with correct overtime blending.
- Per-diem pay for drivers support. This is a core requirement for trucking companies that generic payroll software often handles incorrectly or not at all.
- Multi-state tax filing. trucking companies with employees or locations in multiple states need automated state tax filing in each applicable state.
- Compliance updates. Tax tables, minimum wage rates, and state-specific rules change annually. The payroll system or provider must apply these updates before they take effect, not after you receive a penalty notice.
- Year-end W-2 and 1099 production. All employees receive W-2s. Some workers at trucking companies may receive 1099-NEC instead if properly classified as independent contractors. The system needs to produce both correctly.
- Direct deposit and pay schedule flexibility. Support for bi-weekly, semi-monthly, and off-cycle runs for bonuses, final paychecks, or mid-cycle adjustments.
What Most Payroll Software Misses for Trucking Companies
per-diem pay for drivers, owner-operator vs W-2 classification, DOT compliance, mileage reimbursement are rarely handled correctly out of the box in standard payroll software. These require configuration work -- and if you do not know the correct rules, you configure them wrong.
Managed payroll from BEG eliminates the configuration risk. We set up your pay codes based on what trucking companies actually need, not generic defaults.
BEG Managed Payroll for Trucking Companies: What Is Included
BEG provides all payroll features for trucking companies at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive:
- Payroll processing on your schedule (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly)
- Per-diem pay for drivers configured correctly
- Tax deposits and quarterly/annual filings in all applicable states
- New hire reporting, direct deposit, and pay stub access
- Year-end W-2 and 1099 production
- Ongoing compliance monitoring and rule updates
Managed Payroll, Handled.
BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 per employee per month, all-inclusive. Get an instant cost comparison for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you handle per-diem pay for OTR drivers?
Yes. Per-diem is set up as a non-taxable allowance at the IRS-approved transportation industry rate ($69/day in 2026 for CONUS). We track per-diem days separately and produce correct W-2 treatment.
How do you handle owner-operators vs. W-2 drivers?
Owner-operators are processed as 1099 independent contractors; W-2 drivers run through regular payroll. We maintain correct classification documentation to withstand an IRS or DOL audit.
Can you handle payroll for drivers in multiple states?
Yes. Multi-state driver payroll, including resident state income tax withholding, is handled automatically. We file in each applicable state.
What does BEG charge for trucking company payroll?
Trucking payroll runs at $25-$45 per employee per month. For a 20-truck fleet with 25 W-2 employees, that is approximately $625-$1,125 per month covering payroll, tax filing, per-diem administration, and W-2s.
Related Resources
Anthony leads payroll solutions at Business Executive Group, a national managed payroll firm serving businesses across industries including Trucking & Transportation Companies. BEG manages payroll at $25-$45 PEPM, all-inclusive, with deep expertise in compliance, multi-state filing, and industry-specific payroll requirements. Get instant pricing at beghr.com.
Authoritative source: IRS: Affordable Care Act for Employers
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