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Trucking & Transportation Companies: Managed Payroll for Small Businesses (Under 25 Employees) (2026)
Managed payroll at $25-$45 PEPM all-inclusive makes economic sense at nearly every size for trucking companies, but the specific value drivers differ depending on headcount.
Payroll at Different Sizes for Trucking Companies
| Trucking Companies Size | Monthly Cost | vs. In-House Hire |
|---|---|---|
| 5-truck carrier | $125-$225/mo | Save $53K-$78K/yr |
| 20-truck fleet | $500-$900/mo | Save $48K-$72K/yr |
| 80-truck carrier | $2,000-$3,600/mo | Save $32K-$56K/yr |
The comparison is against an in-house hire at $55,000-$80,000 fully loaded to $57K-$83K per year.
Under 25 Employees: The Clearest ROI
For trucking companies under 25 employees, in-house payroll cannot be justified. A payroll coordinator costs $55,000-$80,000 fully loaded -- compared to $625-$1,125/month for managed payroll. The savings pay for a year of managed payroll in the first 2-3 months.
25-75 Employees: Complexity Drives the Case
In the 25-75 employee range, trucking companies are dealing with more per-diem pay for drivers, owner-operator vs W-2 classification, DOT compliance, mileage reimbursement. An in-house generalist is less likely to have the depth needed in these areas. Managed payroll provides specialist coverage that reduces exposure.
75-200 Employees: Hybrid Approaches Emerge
At 75+ employees, trucking companies often consider a hybrid approach: an HR generalist handles employee relations and benefits while a managed payroll provider handles the compliance-heavy payroll function. This keeps an internal HR presence while outsourcing the most technically complex piece.
How to Get a Quote for Your Trucking Companies
BEG quotes managed payroll based on your actual headcount and pay frequency. For most trucking companies, the first discovery call includes a custom cost comparison against your current setup.
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: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
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