w-9 as a company driver

Hello drivers. im thinking of taking a driving job for a company that transports new trailers from the manufacturer to buyers. When filing out the application, the packet had a w-9 form to fill out. I asked the owner what this was all about since I am a company driver, not I/C. He told me that I would be responsible for deducting my own taxes and figuring SS taxes and medicare also. Im wondering if this is legal and if it is how to use this to my advantage come tax time next year? If I get a 1099, can I use my standard deductions plus per diem and other deductions. Can I use this to my advantage, or is this employer trying to get out paying those other taxes and unemployment insurance and workers comp. insurance? Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks