Partner Up: The Benefits of Team Driving
With the high demand for truck drivers, it’s a great time to start a new career in the trucking industry. Most people think of a trucking career as driving solo, but what if you don’t want to do it alone?
Consider pairing up with a partner and driving as a team. When you drive as a team, two people share the responsibilities, the truck, and the drive time.
Team driving has pros and cons – it may work great for some people while others prefer to go it alone. Today we’re exploring the option – and looking at the benefits – of team driving.
The Benefits of Team Driving
One significant benefit of team driving is that you are given high-priority trucking jobs over solo truck drivers. Team drivers complete high-priority freight promptly and with extra care. Team drivers can split driving time, so you’ll average more miles in a day, making trips faster and earning more money. Because of these faster delivery times, some carriers even offer driver incentives to those who partner up. Team driver jobs split the pay 50/50 between the drivers. The average income for team drivers is $75,000 per driver.
Another benefit of team driving is that two drivers can help keep your equipment safe at all times. Team drivers can take turns keeping an eye on the truck if one driver needs to step out or needs to take a break. Team drivers also have more free time to connect with friends and family while their partners are driving.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Hours of Service still apply to teams. However, you can split up your hours and alternate driving shifts. This allows team drivers to stay within FMCSA guidelines and make those high-priority deliveries.
Tips for a Productive Partnership
Some drivers choose to partner with their spouse or classmate. Others find a partner through their carrier’s driver match program. These programs pair drivers that have similar interests and hobbies. Whether you get to pick your partner or not, you’ll be living and driving with them in very close quarters. For long distances. With a lot (24/7) of togetherness. So, you better make it work!
The Key To A Successful Partnership
Open Communication – Sometimes, more than one driver can cause confrontation between people stuck in the same truck for hours on end. Be open-minded and willing to compromise. Having a partner to keep you company is excellent when logging miles through relatively similar (and sometimes dull) landscapes. Talking things through from the beginning will build a perfect foundation for a successful team-driving career.
Trust and Respect – You and your driving partner will likely have some differences. There are bound to be some confrontations or power struggles between drivers. You’ll share a small space – respecting boundaries can go a long way.
Before hitting the road, you’ll need to come to a mutual understanding of how things will run. Set boundaries, discuss drive techniques, and be willing and open to compromise.
If you’re ready to kick your career in gear as a team driver, call us! We’ll provide the training you need to jumpstart your trucking career! Classes start regularly; register today! 303-848-8443
