team driving

Based on what I've read both here and on company websites, if you want to team you will be welcomed by almost any OTR company. Don't think you both being new would be an issue once you have completed orientation and time with a trainer at whatever company you go to.

Good Luck!

 

If you can, go to a private truck driving school, you would be a lot better off. The companies own you if you go to their schools. I have heard some horror stories about not making enough money to pay back the money you will owe them. If you have to go through a company, stay away from Swift. If you can go to a private school, there are several good companies for teams. US Xpress is pretty good, along Covenant. People complain about Covenant, but we worked for them for 3 years and were treated very good. They have some good dedicated runs for teams, but you have to drive for them for a year before they will put you on one. We went to Sage for training, then went to work for Watkins Shepard. They have a 10 day orientation, then you go out on your own without a trainer. We liked that. After getting some experience with Watkins Shepard we went over to Covenant. If you are going to succeed as a team, make sure you both get your sleep. That is the most important thing you can do, in my opinion, to be safe. Good luck to you, whichever way you guys decide to go!

 

There isn't a company that is going to let 2 newbies drive together right away.
You're going to both have to drive with trainers for at least a couple months. Then, they usually put you with a veteran who is needing a team. You're probably not going to be able to drive with your brother until you both have about a year experience.

 

I don't think it would take a year. I realize that others have already said to stay away from Swift but my husband and I team drive for Swift. They've done well by us in many ways. Yes they'll train you and you'll each go with a mentor for about 6 weeks, then yes they'll allow you to team together.

I wish you the best in whatever you and your bother decide to do.

 

This is just absolutely not true. With US Xpress, you would each go out separately with a trainer for 3 to 4 weeks and then you would drive team together. They also have a $2500 (each) team sign on bonus if you have your Hazmat endorsement. Also, I know Watkins Shepard and Covenant would put you together right away also.

 

chares7782, Watkins Shepard will let you two go out team without a trainer after completing their 10 day orientation. Some drivers don't feel comfortable doing this, so this might not be for you. My husband and I did this in 1999 when we got out of truck driving school, but we also had driven tour buses for many years previously. Go to their website and click the "Get Moving" button under "Rewarding Careers" . Then, under "Recent Graduates" click the "Get Moving" button. Scroll down to where it says "10 day Advanced Training - No Driver Trainer". They do pay you for the 10 days, but not sure how much. As for Swift, I just meant to suggest that you stay away from the commitment of letting them put you through their school, then owing them around $3000 each. This forces you to stay with them until it is paid back, and I have known drivers who have had very bad experiences doing this, but they have been solo drivers. Maybe it would be different for a team. Companies do usually treat teams better than solo drivers because they make more money on the teams. Remember, there will be the good and bad with all companies. We stayed with Covenant for 3 years and were happy. Good luck to you guys!

 

Sorry, Swaps, but Watkins Shepard does indeed let a newbie go out with another newbie straight-away. Two members of my class went out together after orientation and two others were considering it. I chose to go out with an experienced driver because I came into this business to be with my better half.

But, I do know from other threads that most companies require trainer time for both parts of a team.

 

what he said is right. my wife & i both went out wither trainers (5 weeks back then) and then right into a new truck as a team. alot of companies will do it this way