W2 vs. 1099 The Difference: Truck Driver Guide
Being a truck driver recruiting agency (amongst working with other talents in trucking such as mechanics, safety, accountants etc.) often we are asked what are the differences between W2 and 1099 for truck drivers.
Buckle up as it’s time to address the topic and list out the major differences between W2 and 1099 employment.
What is a W2 employee?
This [W2] represents a driving job with a set salary and in trucking, with a W2 usually a company driver with a steady paycheck that is based on a contractual wage. This wage is subject to applicable federal and state taxes.
Unlike other industries, W2 in trucking allows the driver to have more control over the working hours, however the employer determines your on and off days.
As a W2 truck driver your employer will take all of these settings in consideration as you are their employee and they are responsible for deducting taxes from your paycheck.
W2 Benefits for Truck Driver
Tax Administration
Being a W2 employee, you don’t have to worry about tax deductions from your paycheck, which saves a lot of time and headache when the tax season hits.
Employment Benefits
Working as a W2 truck driver you receive company benefits, they do however depend on what the company offers. Some will provide you with medical, vision and dental insurance while others may also offer 401k and paid vacation. What a dream job right?
Job Stability and Security
W2 does offer a more secure and stable job compared to independent contractors with a 1099 employment. In certain cases, you can also count on consistent income even when there is no work for you, depending on how your pay is structured. For example, if you are contractually paid by the hour and not by the mile, and there is no load to drive, you still get that sweet deposit on Friday.
Legal Rights
Driving a truck as a W2 employee gives you better legal rights compared to independent contractors. For example, truckers in California have a right to fair wages, safe workspace, redundancy payments and much more. Some of these depend on the state where you are employed, but in general, you have better protection than 1099 employees.
The Downsides on W2 Employment
While you can count some serious advantages of W2 employment there are certainly downsides too. Some owner-operators protested the California Assembly Bill 5 that was pushing 1099 classified truckers to W2 employees. Let’s take a look at some W2 downsides.
Lower Pay
W2 truck drivers get employment benefits, job security and all the advantages we stated above, however, W2 truck drivers are usually paid lower hourly or per mile based wages than independent contractors classified under 1099 who can negotiate and set their own salaries.
Less Control Over Job
One of the bigger factors in the difference between W2 and 1099 is the fact that W2 drivers have less control over their job. As a W2 employee, your employer will decide what loads you drive, which route to take and how long you stay on the road.
What is a 1099 independent contractor worker?
Working under 1099 classifieds you as an independent contractors, meaning you are working for yourself rather than an employer. Simply stated – truck drivers think of 1099 as owning their own business and choose contract work over permanent employment.
A 1099 worker, unlike W2 employee, you are not considered a company employee resulting in you having more control over how you work and what job you accept.
Flexibility
Choose how many miles or hours you want to drive, your days on and off the road. Pick loads and routes and set your own prices and rates. Ten ninety-nine is the type of work that comes with a lot of flexibility.
Higher Earnings
One of the biggest upsides of driving as a 1099 worker is the fact that you will get paid more than W2. Set your own per mile or hourly rate. Think of 1099 as being an entrepreneur and not an employee. There is a potential to earn much more.
Tax Deductions
Ten ninety-nine is considered as self-employment by the IRS, allowing you to claim higher tax deductions compared to W2. Truck repairs, business mileage, meal deductions etc. All tax deductions.
Downsides of 1099?
So now that you know what are the benefits of 1099, let’s take a look at the downsides of 1099.
No Employee Benefits
Working 1099 gets you no benefits a W2 employee would get. No health insurance, retirement benefits, dental etc. You pay for these yourself.
Less Stable Income
No fixed salary, also meaning no work – no salary, you are only paid for the miles or the hours you drive.
Tax Management
You will have to manage all of your finances and taxes, tax withholdings, payments and run your career as a business.
W2 Vs 1099: Which is Better for Truck Drivers
There is no definitive answer and it really depends on more than one factor.
If you are looking for a more stable career to support your family, the fixed but steady salary and benefits W2 could be the better choice for you, not to forget the paid vacation time.
On the other hand if you are starting out or you want to build up a business rather than to be an employee 1099 would be your way.
Some truck drivers start with W2 and switch to 1099 after a while and vice versa. You might find that freedom to pick your time on the road and more pay is better than benefits and vacation.
Put everything down to paper and figure out what’s right for you.
We hope that this was enough information to help you make the right choice.
Keep your mental and physical health in shape, stay safe and keep trucking!
Looking for work? Join Employality today and let us take care of your driving career.
