by Forward Arrow Solutions
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Linehaul driver pay calculator

Compare per-mile, percentage, and flat-rate pay side by side for a typical week — with per diem layered on top. See what each structure actually costs you and pays the driver.

// A TYPICAL DRIVER WEEK

Rates to compare

Per diem (optional)

// WEEKLY GROSS, SIDE BY SIDE

Per mile — 60¢/mi $1,500 $1,776 with per diem
Percentage — 27% of revenue $1,620 $1,896 with per diem
Flat — $300 × 5 runs $1,500 $1,776 with per diem
Per diem total (non-taxable allowance) $276 4 nights × $69

Gross pay comparison only — payroll taxes apply to wages (not properly administered per diem), and real plans often mix structures per driver.

Run every structure automatically

Which pay structure should you use?

Per-mile is the linehaul default — predictable and easy to communicate. Percentage automatically shares revenue upside and downside with the driver. Flat rates fit repeatable shuttles where effort is uniform. Many fleets mix structures across drivers, add tiered spot rates for specific runs, and layer per diem for nights away — the full comparison is in the guide: How linehaul contractors pay drivers.

Whatever you choose, the inputs come from the weekly settlement — which is why FAST calculates driver pay directly from the parsed settlement and gives every driver a transparent weekly breakdown.

Frequently asked questions

How is per-mile driver pay calculated?

Dispatched (or actual, per your policy) miles for the week multiplied by the cents-per-mile rate. Consistency about which miles count matters more than the exact number — drivers notice discrepancies immediately.

How does percentage pay handle fuel surcharges?

Best practice separates fuel components from linehaul revenue before applying the percentage, so the driver share tracks true trip revenue rather than fuel-price swings. This is a common source of spreadsheet payroll errors.

Is per diem taxable?

Properly administered per diem (eligible nights away, within IRS rates) is a non-taxable expense allowance — it is not wages. Administration details matter, so confirm your setup with a tax professional.

Can I pay different drivers with different structures?

Yes, and most growing fleets do — a per-mile veteran, a percentage team, and a flat-rate shuttle driver can coexist. The constraint is usually the payroll tooling, not the plan.