What are the pros and cons of team driving?
Before diving into team truck driving you should first have an understanding of what you’re signing up for. We’ve made that decision a little easier for you by giving you the scoop on what teaming up on the road looks like.
Having a partner means longer hours and fewer stops, aside from the time regulations issued by the FMCSA. There is a quicker turnaround time with team drivers, making them high in demand. The demand for team driver is so high, there are some companies who will fully pay for CDL training (Link to How to find the perfect fit to all your CDL Training Needs) if a driver agrees to be a part of a team.
Significantly Higher Pay
There are a lot of incentives that come with team driving associated with pay. Majority of the time team drivers make more per mile. There are a few companies who offer a 5,000 mile-per-week guarantee. No matter if you actually drive that many hours per week you’ll always get paid for driving 5,000 miles. If you happen to exceed those 5,000 miles your pay-per-mile may increase. Keep in mind that the 5,0000 miles will be split between you and your partner.
Example: If a company is offering a 6 figure salary for team truck drivers it means that the bottom line pay per mile is at least .39 per mile, for each driver. This could mean $1,200 more a month per driver compared to drivers who make .28 per mile. (*based on 5,000 miles driven per week)
Stress Less
Cut down on the amount of time it takes to do your pre-trip inspection with a companion to divide the timely duty with. With team driving, comes safety. There is always a slight fear that something may get stolen or worse that you may become a victim of some sort. This may be a stretch, but hey, things happen. With a partner on the road, you also have some extra security and backup, just-in-case.
Quality Time
Choosing the right driving partner is the main piece of having a positive team driving career. Choosing a companion you can trust takes time, but you could go a quicker route and choose someone you already have a bond with. Whether it’s your best friend, your child, or your spouse this could be how you choose to spend your quality time. There are plenty of truckers who miss their
family and friends when traveling for long periods of time, but it doesn’t have to be the case. Choosing a teammate who you already trust makes going to sleep in the sleeper berth while cruising down a steep hill, a little easier.
It is okay to not find team driving attractive, some people enjoy the peace and quiet trucking can bring. If you are interested in trying team driving be sure to go through the partner selection process thoroughly. This will make the biggest difference in whether or not you are a team driving advocate.
