Your "GO Palin" remark almost makes me not feel like replying...but, politics are politics, and typically annoying...so i won't let bygones be bygones.

There are two types of perdiem, Taxable and Non-Taxable. It's odd, say you're doing day trips, the perdiem is taxed,however, if you've left for a 3 day trip, you perdiem isn't taxed.It's all based on where you end up that night, if you end up somewhere that's not your domicile, then you don't pay taxes on it. How it's paid out depends on the company policies, here, we get two checks a month (direct deposited) the 1st is made up of half guarantee. Which equates to 37.5 Hrs for block holders. At first year pay of 22.00/hr you're looking at $825 before taxes . You're second check is made up of the rest of your credit for the month,so, say you credited 90 hrs, the second check will be 90-37.5 = 52.5 Hrs x 22.00 = $1155.00, They then include your perdiem on your check (on the second check) so, say 300hrs away from base which you're getting paid 1.5 for, so, $450 in perdiem. They're then nice enough to take your insurance, uniform payments, and union dues out this check. Not gonna get rich on year one pay, but that's how it breaks down.

As far as getting on with cargo operators after getting your CFI/MEI. Yes, it can be done. Don't expect fedex or UPS, but small cargo outfits are a definite possibility. Some (many) will have questionable maintenance and practices though, but, it does give you very practical experience in real world flying, in Instrument weather. You'll earn your stripes, and most likely be a better pilot for it...or you'll be dead. One or the other.