In the trucking industry, many drivers face long hours alone, on the road, with limited time to rest. One solution that many truckers turn to is team truck driving — when two drivers share one truck. Also known as TDS (or team driver service), this strategy is often employed to expedite the timeline for time-sensitive freight. With team truck driving, drivers take turns on their shifts, allowing their driving partner to take a break in the cabin.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets regulations for truck drivers. It has been determined that drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after ten consecutive hours. In the case of team truck drivers, one driver can go for 11 straight hours while the other driver rests.
Seven Things To Know About Team Truck Driving: Overview
Keep reading to learn about team truck driving and whether it is the right option for you.
- How Much Do Team Drivers Make?
- What Are the Benefits of Team Truck Driving?
- What Are the Drawbacks of Team Truck Driving?
- Do You Trust Your Driving Partner?
- Are You Willing To Share Space?
- Can You Compromise?
- Are You Better Off Alone on the Road?
How Much Do Team Drivers Make?
Team drivers typically split their pay and distribute equally to each driving partner. Solo drivers usually need approximately 10 hours of downtime between driving. Still, when two drivers share one truck, there is no downtime required as there will always be a driver on duty.
Teams typically drive an average of 4,500 to 5,000 miles per week. Solar drivers typically drive approximately 2,400 to 2,800 miles per week. Team drivers make about 26 cents for every mile split when driving more than 3,000 miles weekly.
If team drivers travel 4,000 per week, they may make up to 31 cents for every mile split.
- Tanker drivers typically make a $0.57 per mile split
- Flatbed drivers usually make a $0.54 per mile split
- Tanker drivers usually make a $0.57 per mile split
What Are the Benefits of Team Truck Driving?
- More Money
- More Priority Loads
- Efficiency and Security
- You Don't Drive Alone
More Money
Although their pay is split, team truck drivers typically make a higher total revenue than solo drivers because they can drive a much more significant amount for a further distance than if they were by themselves.
More Priority Loads
Because team truck drivers can cover more mileage in a shorter period, they are more likely to be given priority loads if freight needs to be expedited. Team driving can open up driving opportunities that are not as available to solo drivers, such as additional trucking jobs, tractor-trailer transit, and jobs with off-the-road (OTR) vehicles.
Efficiency and Security
Partnering up with another driver can help maintain driver safety and promote efficiency. Not only does team truck driving allow for productivity even when one driver is resting, but it also helps to ensure safety precautions are taken throughout long hours on the road. In addition, when one driver needs to step away from the truck, the other can remain for added security.
You Don’t Drive Alone
Unlike solo driving, team truck driving provides the comfort of having someone with you throughout lengthy trips. It is common for close friends or husband and wife duos to share a truck to spend time together and provide each other with companionship as they work.
First, both members of the partnership will need to obtain a commercial trucking license (CTL) or a commercial driving license (CDL) and full commercial driver's license (CDL) training to begin driving together.
What Are the Drawbacks of Team Truck Driving?
Team truck driving can provide additional pay, companionship, efficiency, and security. That said, it is not always the right option for every driver.
Keep reading to learn about the drawbacks of team truck driving, which can include less control and limited time alone.
- You Don't Drive Alone
- Less Control
You Don’t Drive Alone
For some, driving alone may benefit their job as a trucker. Solo driving can provide freedom, independence, and alone time.
Although it may be enjoyable to drive with a partner, this isn’t for some. While not the only thing to base your decision upon, having a partner is essential to TDS. Team truck driving is not the right solution for every driver, and if you prefer being alone, maybe it isn’t for you.
Less Control
When driving with a partner, company drivers do not have the entirety of the cabin to themselves. They will also not have complete control over when they move and when they rest, as their schedule will need to be discussed and determined with their teammate.
Do You Trust Your Driving Partner?
Before beginning a partnership on the road, discussing living habits and communication methods is a good idea to avoid potential personality clashes.
Most importantly, you will need to select a co-driver that you trust, as you will rely on them to keep you both safe on the road, and it will be up to you both to maintain shared commitments.
Are You Willing To Share Space?
Trucking team members will share long hours in tight quarters. Therefore, you will want to select a partner you will get along well with, who has a similar lifestyle and set of values to yours, and who will maintain a respectful and communicative partnership with you for the duration of your professional relationship.
Can You Compromise?
When it comes to team driving, there will be many instances where both drivers will need to be able to compromise. Partners must arrange a schedule that will work for them and be willing to adapt to create a productive, efficient, and happy living and working environment.
Are You Better Off Alone on the Road?
Before becoming a team driver, evaluating if a partnership is a right option for you, is essential. Suppose you are someone who values their alone time, who does not want to share space with another driver, and who is perfectly content with complete control, freedom, and independence. In that case, team driving may not be the right option for you.
However, team truck driving may be the best choice if you prefer having a partner to split driving time with, enjoy spending time with another person, and are willing to create and maintain a healthy driving partnership.
Bottom Line
If you decide to begin your journey as a team truck driver, it is a good idea to work with a freight transportation provider, such as RPM. Joining a logistics carrier network can advance your trucking career by providing access to additional loads, increasing your support system, and providing you with advanced technology.
Are you interested in team truck driving? Visit our website to learn more.
Sources:
5 Things to Know About Team Truck Driving | CSS
What is Team Driving Like? Pros & Cons of Team Driving | Prime Inc.
Summary of Hours of Service Regulations | FMCSA
