There’s plenty of debate in the trucking industry about whether solo or team driving is the way to go. If you’re new to the debate or are considering team driving, then it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before making a decision. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Team Driving
In a team truck driving scenario, there are two drivers in one vehicle. It could be two coworkers, a husband and wife, or even drivers from different states. They share hauls as well as bills and often split pay. Both drivers also take turns driving the trucks. That’s all there is to it.
The Pros
There are numerous advantages to driving as a team. While both drivers split the pay, they’re capable of taking on longer hauls. This evens out their earnings in most cases. Expenses are also split, which creates less of a burden on drivers.
If the truck breaks down, for instance, the cost to repair it is now divided between two individuals instead of just a single driver. If there were a fine dealing with Colorado commercial trucking weight regulations, the bill is split yet again. The same applies to any other expenses like food, gas, or lodging at rest stops.
For partners, team truck driving is an ideal way at combatting long hours spent on the road. Instead of a married couple rarely seeing one another due to the job, they can now partner up and spend their time together working while seeing the country.
Finally, having two individuals in the cabin allows each driver to take a break and get some sleep without having to stop the truck. Drivers can take turns behind the wheel, creating a safer environment on the highway.
The Cons
While teams of two can be the best of friends, they can also be each other’s worst nightmare. Pairing the wrong people together leads to fighting and plenty of other issues for any company. The partner a driver chooses needs to be someone they know and trust.
Small spaces can be another downside. Even partners that get along can find themselves irritated with one another while sharing cabin space. This creates an “on-edge” feeling that isn’t ideal for trucker safety.
Finally, knowing when to take shifts driving can quickly become an issue. Alternating sleep schedules is an excellent idea, but it needs to be fair for the team to work. Even worse, getting quality sleep in a moving truck is difficult. This can also cause tensions to rise.
Is Team Truck Driving Right for You and Your Company?
Ultimately, it’s up to the company to adopt a team trucking model. If there are managers who can pick quality pairings or let their employees decide what pairs work best, then it has a higher chance of being the best move. Training courses on teamwork are also highly beneficial in ensuring drivers make the most of their pairings, netting the company more revenue and keeping the roads safer.