What does Per Diem cover?

Question

I am in charge of dispersing per diem at my work place for drivers that are sent out of town on short special projects. They receive $35a day if they are not staying over night and $100 if they are. Typically when they stay over night they are sleeping in the truck's bunk. They are not having to pay for a hotel etc. What I am finding happening is that they go out of town and pocket the $100 and then come back to us and ask us to cover their cabs, toll fees, scale tickets etc. In my opinion this per diem is to be used to cover the expenses. Am I wrong for thinking this?

Answer 1

Per diem is food and lodging.  Other legitimate expenses should be covered as necessary.  A lot depends on what they're doing for your company.  You shouldn't expect employees to sleep in their trucks.  My wife travels a lot for her job.  She gets per diem for food but lodging is paid for at actual cost.  Taxi's and other costs directly related to the job are also paid for with a copy of the receipt.  This includes taxi fares or other transportation costs, tolls, etc.  If you price out hotels and motels these days, and meal costs, $100 a day is very boarderline.  You shouldn't expect people to eat at fast food places.  A breakfast can easily cost $10.00 in a family type restaurant without being fancy at all.  Lunch and dinner is even more.  You've easily got $40.00 right there.  A hotel or motel for $60.00 a night could be hard or even impossible to find.  

But your company should have a set policy as to how expenses are covered, what is covered, and what the limits are.  If the reimbursement doesn't cover actual costs you could find yourself with people who don't want to travel.  If forced to travel you'll have people representing the company who are unhappy and it might show.

Answer 2

no per diem is food & lodging. If the driver chooses to sleep in his cab to save money, thats up to him. you are still responsible for expenses

Answer 3

per diem is for food and lodging, and normally $3 for incidentals...not knowing your company policy on cabs, toll fees, and scale tickets, can't really comment on that...but if they work for the company then the cost should be paid by the company...A policy should be set on that $100 a day perdiem.....receipts for hotels should be requested when they do a travel voucher for expenses...seems the company is losing alot of money pocketed by their employees...bring this up to someone above you...