Team Truck Driving
Are you wondering if team truck driving is for you? Just as any other trucking position, being a team truck driver has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to note that you want to think team driving through to see if it can be beneficial to you. In this article, we’re going to explore the pros and cons of team driving. In the end, you’ll have a much better understand of what it takes to be a team driver and if team driving is for you. Let’s get started.
What Is A Team Truck Driver?
If you don’t know what a team truck driver is, it actually refers to two truck drivers driving the same truck. Team truck drivers can consist of a husband and wife team, or two truck drivers from different states. Team truck drivers form a partnership, equally sharing hauls, bills, the truck and pay. When on hauls, team truck drivers will equally drive. In basic terms, team truck driving is a partnership between truck drivers that share everything equally.
Pros Of Being A Team Truck Driver
There’s several great pros when it comes to being a team truck driver. One of the biggest advantages of being a team truck driver is the pay. Although you equally share your money as a team truck driver, you’re going to be able to drive longer. This means more time on the road and that equals more money in your pockets. With two truck drivers, you’ll always be able to spend more time on the road making money.
Another advantage of being a team truck driver is less expenses. Of course, this depends if you’re driving for a company or independently. If the truck would break down, then the cost would be equally split. This actually saves both team drivers 50 percent. In fact, all expenses save team drivers 50 percent because you share the expenses equally. When your a truck driver, expenses can add up quick. Having two truck drivers equally sharing the expenses is a big benefit.
One pro of being a team truck driver is that your spouse or partner can be your team driver. If you’re married, this can become a huge benefit to you. You’ll be able to spend time together on the road and both of you can make some great money. This could be a disadvantage if you have children though. If not, team truck driving is a great way to bring in some big income for you and your partner.
Some people choose to become team truck drivers to spend more time at home. This can’t work for everyone but some team truck drivers make it work. I’ve known team truck drivers that lived in separate regions of the U.S. One truck driver would do half the route and the other would come from home to finish the haul. This only works if you’re located in the right locations but it’s certainly a perk.
Cons Of Being a Team Truck Driver
There’s a lot of different things that can go wrong as a team truck driver. If you choose the wrong team truck driver, your life on the road can become a living hell. I’ve seen it happen a lot. If you ever see two truck drivers fighting, chances are they may be team truck drivers. You have to be careful who you choose to team up with. When it’s going great, it goes great. When it goes bad, it can get out of control. It’s critical to choose a team truck driver you know and trust.
Another downfall of team truck driving is having to share a small space with another trucker. For some truck drivers, this may be hard. Again, it refers back to the person you choose to team up with. If you work for a company, you may not have the luxury of choosing. As a team truck drivers, you’re going to have to go to truck stops together, unload together, so there may be times when the other truck driver acts out. Have a team truck driver on the edge will cause you stress.
One common complaint that I hear team truck drivers talking about is sleep. If you are going to be a team truck driver, you’re going to have to find time to sleep. Sleeping in a moving truck can be tough. It’s one of the biggest issues that I had with team driving. You have to sleep so you’re going to have to find a way to make it work if you’re going to be a team truck driver. All you can really do is try to make it work. It does get easier as time goes but it’s still difficult.
How To Make Team Driving Work
In order to make team driving work, you have to be able to work together as team truck drivers. Arguing and fighting isn’t going to help you both. Take the time to get to learn your partner. Learn what he/she likes and dislikes. Take the time to learn their needs and wants, their background and story. This will help you relate with your partner better. Remember, you’re a team driver that wants to make money. Having a great partnership is key.
Again, you have to make sure to choose the best partner that you can if you have that choice. Some team truck drivers feel working with strangers is better. I’ve seen best friends hate each other and I’ve seen partners get divorced. It’s not a joking matter. You’re going to spend a lot of time with your partner, you have to have a good relationship with them to make it work.
You should consider where you are at this point in your life. Is being a team truck driver going to benefit your lifestyle. Do you have children or a partner at home? How much will I earn being a team truck driver? Is this the best move for my business. Think everything through and sleep on it. It’s a big decision and it’s your career. You know what a team truck driver is and how it works. If you feel that being a team truck driver is for you, then great. If you don’t, you may want to consider another trucking job.