newbs teaming..?

Wow, after reading this, I can't help but chime in. I agree with others here that two rookies teaming together is not the best idea. That being said, I can offer some ideas that might help.

1st: if you are not familiar with a TRUCKER'S road atlas, invest in a laptop and CoPilot Truck 11 Laptop edition. You can get in a heap of trouble in a hurry if you don't know where the truck routes are on your way to a pick or drop.

2. at every truck stop you see for the 1st while (ie TA, Pilot, Loves, QuikTrip, Flying J, etc) pull in and get a rewards card. At least then you can get a shower when you fuel.

3. have a REAL thick skin... he will say/do things that tick you off, and so will you.

If anyone wants to add to the list, feel free.

 

I agree with the Capt'n about getting the atlas. But don't stop there. You should have the little green book FMCSR pocketbook and the Hazardous Materials compliance pocketbook.

Either way you look at it both of you are going to be on the road with very little experience either team or single. I think that team would be better than just by yourself. I've run team but had a different driver all the time. It's not easy. I would suggest NOT signing any contract that would lock the both of you into the truck together. You might be the best of friends now but after a few weeks in the box you might hate each other. So leave yourself an out.

Don't for one minute think that you'll ever know all there is to know about trucking. I kept learning up to the day I retired. With the both of you there you can go out and do a great job if both of you keep learning. Alot of questions can be answered by the FMCSR pocketbook and the other driver can research or write down problems while the other is driving. If you keep safety first then the both of you can make some good money after awhile. Just don't hold your school as the only place you can gain knowledge. Once you're on the road the real schooling starts. Good luck and don't kill each other.

 

1 other thing to consider. Team trucks are usually moving 20 plus hours a day and the rest you get will be poor and fragmented. A solo driver may not get those long coast to coast trips but at least he will have a good nights sleep each night and doesnt have to consider his partners music, food, or showering habits. Being cooped up in a truck can really begin to wear on yor nerves. Lets say your partner has an over active sweat gland or is fat. No amount of deodarant will save your sense of smell. Do you or him like spicy foods? beans? better get some beano then otherwise the other fella will be gasping for air once you cut the cheese. Got a snoring issue? Like to scratch your butt or balls? Like to pick your nose? How about clearing your throat all the time?

Then lets consider the fact your going to split the pay with this fella regardless of how many miles you or he drove. It might create animosity if 1 of you doesnt do his fair share.

My suggestion is run solo for a while. Get to know yourself and at least you do not have to worry about the other guy crashing while your trying to sleep.

 

Please, keep posting. I am all ears too and very interested in your opinions.