Pros and Cons of TEAMING, for Newbies

Okay, so I've noticed that there is a lot of interest in teaming by new drivers, and that most of the responses are by people who have either never teamed, or have zero idea of what they are talking about.

So Im creating this thread for EXPERIENCED TEAM DRIVERS to answer questions from students interested in teaming. Im an experienced Werner trainer, team driver, and oversize flatbed driver. I also have experience hauling ammunition and explosives. I would appreciate if some of the other teams would help answer questions, as well.

So what are the general benefits of teaming?

The most obvious reason is the money. $1000 a week or more, starting. Receive the same seniority pay as your co-driver in many cases. Pay per mile is higher. Much higher in come cases, up to 30-40 percent over solo drivers. And then add on the extra miles. So checks of over $1000 after taxes and insurance are fairly common. A bad week will usually still end by getting an average solo paycheck. So the income is far far far more reliable.

I grabbed this for another thread, but it probably belongs here as well. This is my pay stub from the first half of this year. Around $34,000 by halfway through the year. And as any experienced trucker can tell you, the first half of the year is the slow half.



Better trucks. Teams are usually given first priority on trucks. This is pretty self explanatory.

Better routes. You get the long runs, and get to see the parts of the country that are simply too long for solo drivers to traverse on time. This means entire days driving along open stretches of road, instead of the constant driving between industrial centers. Loads of 1500-2000 miles are routine for teams. They are becoming nearly non-existent for solo drivers.

LESS WASTED TIME. Which is a big thing for drivers who just cant stand incompetence. You spend far less of your clock doing line 4 (on duty-not driving). Since you both have limited clocks, this means more time actually making money, and less time working for nothing.

Fewer delays. And delays dont cause such large losses of time and money. If something goes wrong and uses up half your clock, its a non-issue. You get to the end of your shift, the other driver wakes up, and takes the load the rest of the way. There is no more pulling hair about completely wasted days.

Less stress. Yes, you have another person in a close space, but sharing responsibility helps to make stupid situations a lot less stressful. A problem that would ruin your entire day or your sleep schedule is a non-issue with teams. Because one driver can always hand off a load for the other to complete.

More predictable sleep. Teaming allows drivers to stay on a set shift, which helps greatly to stay rested. Nearly everybody learns how to sleep on a moving truck by the time they are done training. Teaming allows you to keep a set sleep schedule, and to avoid constantly switching shifts because of loading or repairs.

And lastly, IT HELPS OUT YOUR FELLOW DRIVERS. Not only do you receive the benefits of teaming, but for every team... there are TWO fewer trucks in the truck stop at night. This frees up valuable room for drivers who really need a spot and have no other choice.

Im sure everybody else will have plenty of negatives, but there is very little information for new drivers who are actually interested in teaming.

If you have not teamed, please refrain from making any assumptions or giving advice. The point of this thread is to help people interested in teaming get accurate information from team drivers with actual team experience and real world advice.

If you are a student or driver, feel free to ask ANY question. No question is too stupid or too complex.

 

This can be a huge issue if they force team people. Because its very important for a night owl to matched with a morning person. Forced teaming with rotating schedules lead to a lot of very very tired and unmotivated drivers. My Uncle was one of them.

I think the industry is wising up to this, and some companies are even requiring set 12 hour shifts to make sure sleep schedules dont leave the drivers all sorts of tired and unmotivated.

Ive not really experienced any problems with unmotivated drivers, despite teaming or training with about 30 something people. Only three have had any safety or motivation issues, so there is a pretty good chance of getting a well motivated individual. Especially if you explain your goals. People react well to goals.

And red bull. Lots of Cranberry red bull. That always helps. Maybe not because of the drinks themselves, but the other team driver knowing they are welcome and cared for in the truck.

Because for a team to be successful, the drivers must treat the other driver as an extension of themselves. If they are hungry, or tired, or sick, they depend on you. But you also can depend on them. And it takes far less effort to care than it does to be solo. I can tell you that much.

 

Which is just a normal part of the job. And there are far more drop and hooks instead of live loads and unloads. I would usually just pack myself a shower bag before going to bed, and use it the next time I felt like taking a shower. Eat when I need to eat, shower when I need to shower.

Nobody was trying to claim normal aspects of the job dont exist any more. And it absolutely does not somehow make the benefits go away.

 

Many solo drivers dont even get 2500 at 30cpm, especially new guys. But a new team driver can make 40 cpm on half of 6000 miles fairly easily. I have never had an issue with slow freight while team or training.

My pay is generally 30% more, and 30% more miles. My first 6 months teaming income was $34,000. For the first half of the year. The slow part.

Of course, thats with a little experience. But many companies are willing to guarantee $1000 a week, and I do not feel the need to use it. Because most teams will easily average more.

Which is substantially more than most new drivers would receive being solo.