do teams make more money than solo drivers?

It all depends on the average miles each week.
A team running 5000 vs. a solo running 2500 is equal, discounting any bonus pay for being a team.

In the end it comes down to what each driver is willing to drive each week, and the loads that you have.


Keep in mind that if one team member is only doing 1/3 of the driving each week, and expecting to collect half the pay - that person won't be a part of that team for very long.

 

IF (big word, IF) both drivers pull their weight, the pay is decent.

If you have one slacking, pay sucks because the one not slacking is basically working for 2.

 

How much extra pay do they get for running team, generally speaking?

 

Short answer is yes. Teams are more in demand and therefore command higher pay. Freight run by teams gets there faster and commands higher rates. As manufactures move to just in time warehousing this will become more common.

The way most of it works is that the company will talk about a certain rate per mile. That rate is split between the two drivers. For example, the rate maybe 48 cpm. Each driver is paid 24 cpm for every mile the truck moves. Whether they are driving or not. If the same truck is running solo the company might pay the driver 45 cpm.

Also, team drivers usually get more miles per week and longer runs then do solo drivers. Ideally they drop and hook and are off to the races. Fed Ex and companies like that are big time team companies.

Owner Operators bid on jobs. Therefore there is no difference in pay to them but they can charge more if they can get the load someone sooner. Expedited freight is higher dollar freight normally. The best deal is to have a member of your household driving with you. That way your household has a double income. And if you partner is your wife you only have to pay women 70% of what a man makes. (that was humor gals. Sexist humor but still humor.)

You will have to ask yourself if teaming is worth the extra you make. Teaming is like being in prison. Small area shared between two people can put a lot of stress on relationships. It is very hard to sleep when you are in the back of a moving sleeper. No privacy. And smells from people you would not believe.

Some companies only team. Those companies do not pay as much as the companies that use more money to entice you into teaming. Shop around and don't team cheap.

 

Thanks Wooly. I appreciate the thorough answer. I could never consider teaming myself. I was reading the thread because it fascinates me that people could do such a thing - other than wife and hubby.

So I know if varies, but .03 per mile each is all they get? That is about 36 per day. huh...

If companies are saving the capitol and running expenses of a second truck, and charging more for the freight, it would appear on the surface that Drivers are not being compensated their share for running team.

 

You must be using different math than me. A team, running 5000 miles a week and making 50 cents a mile will split $2500.00. A single driver, running 2500 miles a week making 34 cents a mile will bring home $850.

 

Been there done that, got into arguments and almost got into a fight at a rest area in Missouri and nearly stranded

teaming only benefits the company, and your paycheck is the same going solo

 

Normally teams run more miles then solo drivers and are paid a wage 5-10 cents per mile higher then a solo driver. There are other added benefits from driving team also. If one driver is sick the other can pick up the slack! If you are backing into a real tight space the other driver can get out and spot for you.
Specialized hauling of Ammunition and Explosives also require teams to haul it and demand a premium wage.

Team driving isn't for everyone! My wife and I have been teaming for 8 years and love being together but if I had to team with someone else, I probably wouldn't want to do it!

 

Very good explanation, wooly. Nail on the head.