Team Truck Driver Jobs - How Do They Work?
What Are Team Truck Driver Jobs?
Simply put - team truck drivers are truck drivers who share their truck with someone else, a co-driver/teammate. While solo truck driving jobs are great for those who don't mind spending some time alone, team driving jobs are ideal for someone who prefers the company of others. In addition to having someone to drive with you, there are most certainly some advantages to team truck driving jobs when it comes to pay. The biggest advantage being that they earn higher miles and bigger paychecks because they're able to keep the truck rolling when solo drivers would have to stop.
How Do Team Truck Drivers Make It Work?
But, what does it take to make a team driving setup work? I mean, the fact is that sharing a small space with someone (regardless of how much you like that person) takes some effort if you are going to be successful.
Trucker Wayne recently had a run with a co-driver which had him wondering this very thing. While he has over 3+ years of driving experience, most of it has been in a solo truck driver job vs. a team driving job. Take a look at the video below and read on for 3 quick tips for success in team truck driving jobs...
Watch: Trucker Wayne's Question for Team Drivers
3 Tips for Team Truck Driver Jobs
1. Establish "Rules of the Truck" On Day #1
It's much easier to share a space with someone when simple "rules" are set and understood. The sooner you do this, the better off you both will be in the long run. We recommend one of the rules be "have fun" because team truck driver jobs can truly be a lot of fun if you make it a point to create a fun atmosphere. While you both have a job to do, traveling this beautiful country with someone else can be a blast. Never lose sight of that.
2. Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
You'd think it would be easy to communicate when you're sharing a small space with someone. But, like all relationships, communication takes work and it takes time. Don't overlook the importance of effective communication. Make it a point to understand the best way to communication with your co-driver and recognize that it's not always in the same fashion you prefer to communicate.
3. Help Your Co-Driver Out
The saying, "there's no 'I' in team" couldn't be more true when it comes to team truck driver jobs. Remember, you are both on the truck for the same reason - to make money and provide for yourself/your family. At one point or another, you're going to need help. And at some point, your co-driver will need help as well. Being there for each other during these times of need is the definition of teamwork and will ultimately bring you both success.
Get Your Career Started Now
Whether it's a team truck driver job or solo trucking job you're ultimately after - it all starts with the same first step. That first step is getting your CDL license. Driver Solutions can help you get free CDL training so you can obtain a Commercial Driver's License and even find you a truck driving job opportunity to get your career started.
Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application to get started!