At the Academy, questions on joining a truck driving team or partnership are common, and a team truck driver is often the most frequently requested question. Team truck drivers are precisely what you would expect them to be. It entails sharing one truck and cargo with two distinct drivers. Team truck driving is not for everyone, although it may seem that working with other CDL team drivers would make your job more pleasurable. Nevertheless, being aware of the benefits and drawbacks of team truck driving will enable you to make a more informed decision.
Team Truck Driving: The Grey Area
Many team-driving features will have benefits for certain drivers and drawbacks for others. For instance, some drivers enjoy driving alone, while others are more comfortable with people inside the vehicle. Additionally, if you and your partner wind up not getting along, neither of you will likely like their experience of team truck driving. Picking the correct partner is essential for effective team truck driving since. Unfortunately, numerous drawbacks will outweigh the pros if you do not get along with your colleague. Thankfully, some businesses assist drivers seeking a team driver. We will suppose here that you and your teammate have a good working relationship and mutually want proximity, and then discuss the pros and cons of team truck driving.
Pros of Team Truck Driving
- Sign-On Bonus – Team drivers are more beneficial to an organisation than solo drivers. The crew may travel further in a week with less downtime. One business that provides a substantial sign-on incentive is Schneider. Additionally, getting guaranteed miles upon sign-up is typical, which helps in budget and scheduling planning. With the support of a significant bonus that you would not get as a single driver, this is a fantastic chance to launch your trucking career with a bang.
- More Jobs Available – Teams that can log the miles are preferred by freight corporations since they are more lucrative. What the average weekly mileage for team drivers is a topic that is often asked. Team drivers are capable of travelling 5,000–6,000 miles each week. Compared to solitary drivers, this is a significant benefit. Additionally, you may choose carefully who you join and get your foot in the door at a fantastic organisation since there is a high need for team drivers.
- Higher Pay – Employing team drivers saves companies money. In contrast to paying a solitary driver well, they may offer high compensation per mile. Regarding how many kilometres you may drive, team truck driving regulations are largely the same as for solo drivers, although the increase in income per mile can be helpful. Further incentives, such as weekly performance, yearly guarantee, and hazardous endorsements, are available. Therefore, locating a partner, creating a team-driving schedule, and using bonus opportunities may all help you earn more money.
Cons of Team Truck Driving
- Tight Quarters – Sharing a vehicle may be difficult, even with a trusted friend or coworker. There are now both the other driver’s possessions and yours. For the cabin and the sleeping areas, this is true. Finding a way to maintain the cabin as clean as you can assist with the additional items because you will be putting in a lot of time.
- Poor sleep quality – Because people’s bodies are made to sleep at night, many will find it challenging to sleep throughout the day. Some of you night owls are used to driving at night to profit from the advantages of doing so and will not have any issues with this. Even if this describes you, you have probably had enough practice staying awake in moving trucks. It will take some getting accustomed to being comfortable in a moving vehicle while closing your eyes. It will be difficult to change, yet staying awake has kept you alive.
- Splitting Pay – Another issue regularly is the pay for team truck drivers. Although it is nice that you could be paid more per mile, you will still have to split the money. Although the incentives and additional miles can help you win, it might be frustrating to see the pay per mile and not get the whole amount. This explains the rise in married couples working together to maintain everything in one household.
- Longer Away from Home – Due to your team’s capacity for productivity, you could be requested to go farther than you would if you were a lone driver. Family time is crucial, and being away from them may be challenging. Homecoming might be alleviated with the appropriate companion or even by travelling with pets.
Conclusion
As mentioned, team truck driving has significant financial advantages due to a greater production rate. You provide your business with a premium service, which not only entitles you to more income but also gives you greater stability and the chance to work with the top businesses. Team truck driving has certain downsides but may be minimised with the correct partner and timetable. We will love to hear from you if you have any questions regarding team truck driving or CDL training.