what's the advantages of team driving

we ran for Fed Ex CC...sometimes we sat a week at a time....the trk in my sig line....that was what we drove....yeah the pay was great...when we ran....we left in 09...couldnt afford it anymore to be there and sit so much....but yeah if you get a good gig going on....its great...we hauled Pharms....and when the recession hit...we got WAY slow..cuz ppl started using Panther to ship cuz they cut the rates....(underbid Fed EX)

 

Way too much shortsightedness in worrying only about making more money when you're just starting out.

Listen to Giggles....it's more than money. It's sleeping with all the disadvantages she discussed, along with the whole package. The value received for the investment made is in the eyes of driver. Ultimately, you have to make the decision that befits you. But don't make it just "for the bucks".

Good luck.

 

I run expedite solo. Did the team thing and got tired of someone sitting on my lap 24/7. I have no problem sleeping in a moving truck but co-drivers did. You CAN make money solo but have to earn the opportunity. There's real good $ in teaming, but who of you really want to know a stranger in an intimate manner just to make money?

 

That's exactly why I drive the 14/7 rotation where I am.

It hasn't been about the money for quiet awhile.

 

Running with a bottom feeder trainer who is asleep in the sleeper while you drive so you can run 5,000 miles a week is not making safety a priority . Newbies won't make much money solo or team . There's a lot of newbie teams not getting 3,000 miles a week . If the money was there there wouldn't be such a high turnover .
It doesn't matter how many miles theoretically could be run . Ask around and see how many miles MOST teams are getting .
We know you asked the benefits . The reason your aren't seeing many posted is because there aren't many . The ones benefiting are husband/wife O/O teams that are experienced and knowledgeable .

 

What we're all trying to point out.

If you're that dedicated. You don't need to put yourself into a position you may regret later, if you live through it.

Many top notch solos out here knocking down some serious money.

And when the economy comes back. There will be even bigger slices of the pie.

Team for a bit if you want. Nothing wrong with it if you have the right partner.

You're just going to have difficulty finding that partner.

Even if you do. He/She may live in a completely different part of the country. Then what?

 

with the experience that you two have i didn't think you would, but i do see that for newbie pay in a lot of adds and such

 

I tried it once back in the 80's with FFE. I lasted about 3 weeks the PIG I was teamed with. I can think of at least a hundred reasons NOT to team (unless with your wife) but I can't think of ONE reason to team.

 

The "preference to teams" is when hot loads and dedicated accounts are dependent on timely deliveries. Just because you get a hot load from the starting point, does not mean you get a hot load going back. Remember, the company will have several teams to handle the account. But they WILL get you back ASAP so the next time you are up you get the load.

The advantages of a team is having someone to talk with while on the road, but you BOTH have better be compatible, in many ways, like smokers or non-smokers, cleaning fanatics, or slobs.

The disadvantages are in many ways the very same that are advantages. Meaning, one may be "cleaner" then the other, and always complaining something is dirty or smelly.

Money can be an issue, as you split the pay. No matter how much YOU Drive, you will always see where your co-driver DOES NOT drive as much as you, or vice-versa, then the complaints start that one is working MORE THAN the other.

I would suggest that you go to school look for a team operation that will be a part of your learning when hired. If from that point, you and your co-worker get along, then fine, team up permanently.

But be forewarned, just because YOU want to stay out several weeks at a time, is NOT an indication your co-driver wants to.

Your co-driver WILL WANT home time. When this happens, one of two things will take place.

You WILL SPEND time at his house, or a truck stop.

or

you WILL bring the truck back to the terminal or drop yard.

from there, you WILL go solo until your co-driver is ready

or

YOU WILL GET some other co-driver for a while.

Teams really do WORK BEST for married or living together couples. NOT FOR TWO different households.

Your pay will NOT BE as big as YOU THINK it will be.