Does anyone go straight into team driving as a new driver?

One of my classmates from CDL school stepped right into a coast to coast team driving job. NC to CA and back, home every 10 days. Problem is, pay was $1500 to the truck, and split between the drivers. The plus side was that they were driving 2012 KWs, and they just upgraded to 2013s.

 

It's possible. Surely you've heard if CRST Van Expedited? Though it's not the example I'd use of success stories.

 

That's not to knock team driving so much as a cheap a $ $ truck owner not paying the driving component a reasonable wage. that translates to roughly 31 cents a mile which is barely a fit wage for driver new into the industry. Also, teams typically command a somewhat higher driver rate then a solo due to the greatly enhanced profit potential of a team truck vs a solo truck, and 31 cents aint it.

 

I fully agree with you. But the drivers seem to think otherwise. There's a long line of drivers at their door waiting for their turn in the seats. I guess the new equipment and regular hometime are the selling points.

 

Since most of the large carriers have bought into the "team training" scam.. most newbies are well versed in teaming,

 

I did it for five years. I hired on with Emerson Electric straight out of school. It's ok if you don't have a short fuse. You just have to stay calm and don't get into heated arguments.

The good thing is you rarely wait for a load or unload. They keep you moving. Emerson was a great company. They paid top wages and paid for everything. When I started (1998) they paid 35 miles for a live load or unload. 25 miles for a trailer spot or move and 25 miles for sweeping the trailer.

If you are easy to get along with you can make it work. Most teams are hauling JIT freight so you won't have wait long anywhere. You almost never have to fingerprint the freight so you don't get any exercise. That is the real downside. You are in the truck at least 22 hours a day.

 

Tri state motor transport will team you they haul munitions and explosives they teamed me in '95 with a wacko that popped raw garlic like they were m&m's man did his body and breath reek. But we split a healthy paycheck for 3 months thats all I could take of him and his odor.lol

 

Know very little about the company, but Buel Inc. runs teams from the Northwest to Southeast & Florida on quick turnarounds. You can make some good money running teams on coast-to-coast operations & many companies hire new drivers for this.

 

For a truck driver who is by nature a loner, solo is the best way to go.