Understanding Team Truck Driving
See the Pros and Cons + How to Begin
Brakebush Transportation offers a comprehensive look into team truck driving. Explore the pros and cons of this collaborative approach and learn how to get started. Whether you're a seasoned driver or new to the road, we'll guide you through the process. Join us as we navigate the world of team trucking together.
What is Team Truck Driving?
Team driving involves two licensed commercial truck drivers alternating operation of a single tractor-trailer. This practice allows the drivers to cover longer distances in a shorter timeframe by maximizing their allotted driving hours. It also leads to higher productivity and increased earnings for both drivers.
The shared experience fosters camaraderie, providing companionship and an extra set of eyes for enhanced safety during challenging driving conditions.
Solo vs Team Driving
Team driving allows uninterrupted operation, quicker deliveries, heightened productivity and a supportive environment where camaraderie is fostered through shared responsibilities.
In contrast, solo driving caters to those who thrive on independence and solitude. While it may lack the companionship and shared duties inherent in team driving, solo driving allows operators to tailor their experiences through personal entertainment choices.
Team driving offers continuous operation, ensuring faster deliveries and increased efficiency compared to solo driving. With team driving, there's built-in support and camaraderie, making long journeys more manageable and enjoyable. Solo driving may lead to fatigue and isolation, while team driving provides shared responsibility and companionship on the road.
Common Team Driving Partners
Spouses or partners often choose team driving to leverage trust and familiarity, by friends or colleagues to share the workload and adventure and by companies to promote teamwork, support, productivity and safety through strategic pairings.
- Spouses or partners often choose team driving, leveraging trust and familiarity to enhance communication and coordination.
- Friends or colleagues may team up to share the workload and experience the adventure of the open road together.
- Companies often pair drivers strategically, promoting teamwork and mutual support while maximizing productivity and safety.
4 Benefits of Team Truck Driving
1. Higher Earning Potential
By combining efforts, team truck drivers can log significantly more miles compared to solo operators, potentially translating to higher earnings. Despite splitting the pay, teams typically cover 5,000 to 6,000 miles per week, far surpassing the 2,400 - 2,800 mile average of individual drivers. With more miles covered in less time, team drivers often secure priority loads and consistent work, further boosting their earning prospects. Additionally, the increased efficiency of team driving can lead to more job opportunities and associated compensation.
2. Increased Companionship & Collaboration
Team driving fosters a sense of camaraderie and shared experiences on the road, alleviating the isolation often associated with solitary trucking. This arrangement can be particularly advantageous for couples seeking quality time together or colleagues who appreciate engaging conversations and collaborative efforts during their journeys. The constant presence of a companion can make the long hauls more enjoyable and help pass the time more quickly. Furthermore, having a partner to share the driving responsibilities can enhance safety by providing an extra set of eyes on the road.
3. Reduced Risk of Burnout
The ability to alternate between driving and resting periods mitigates the risk of burnout and fatigue, promoting safer operations and a healthier work-life balance for team members. By sharing the workload, drivers can take adequate breaks and avoid the physical and mental strain of prolonged solo driving. This can lead to improved focus, reaction times and overall well-being on the road. The reduced stress levels associated with team driving can contribute to a more positive and productive working environment.
4. More Secure
With at least one driver present at all times, team trucking enhances cargo security, eliminating the need to leave the truck unattended during breaks or personal activities, thereby reducing the risk of theft or mishandling. The constant presence of a team member can deter potential threats and ensure the safety of the cargo and equipment. Furthermore, in case of emergencies or breakdowns, having a co-driver can expedite the resolution process and minimize delays. Team driving also allows for increased situational awareness, as one driver can monitor the surroundings while the other focuses on operating the vehicle.
Factors to Consider Before Teaming Up
How Much Are You Willing to Compromise?
Team driving requires a significant amount of compromise and adaptation from both parties involved. The confined space of a truck cab can strain personal boundaries and differing habits or preferences may lead to tensions. Compatibility in terms of driving styles, hygiene routines and communication styles is crucial for a successful team dynamic. You must be prepared to navigate potential disagreements and find common ground on various aspects of the job and living conditions. The lack of privacy and the need to coordinate rest periods may prove challenging, especially for those who value their personal space and autonomy.
Do You Love Your Space?
Team driving can strain personal boundaries and compatibility between drivers due to the confined space of a truck cab. It can lead to tensions arising from differing driving styles, hygiene habits or personality clashes. The lack of privacy and the need to coordinate rest periods also taxes the drivers. Team driving increases overall earnings, but the additional expenses of accommodating two drivers, such as meals and lodging, may affect financial gains.
How to Become a Team Truck Driver at Brakebush Transportation
Become a team truck driver at Brakebush Transportation, a family-owned company since 1925 specializing in poultry product transportation. As a private fleet, Brakebush offers top benefits, added savings, regular home time and comfort-focused trucks for team drivers. Enjoy the advantages of a century-old, privately-held business committed to driver well-being in this unique team driving opportunity.
How Much Team Drivers Make
- Team Base Rate: $.33 per Practical Mile
- Plus Performance Incentive: $.05 per Practical Mile
- Plus Per Diem: $.05 per Practical Mile
- Team East Coast Premium: $.05 per Practical Mile
- Paid Weekly