Recruiters

Running 8k a week is not realistic for any team, especially at starter companies and starting out. You should not figure more then 6k, then the rest is gravy when you do it.

There are starter companies (company driver) that have team fleets and allow pets, but I can't name any names at this time. But understand you'll both likely have to go through the much of the training phase separately.

Yes, don't let anybody tell you "leasing" is where the money is. Anywhere you're paid typical mileage pay, you're getting screwed as a "lease contractor". You can make better money running your own truck but you have to be fully committed for the duration and at the right outfit, that's a good fit for you. But while learning the ins and outs of trucking and truck driving, go in as a company driver at the best possible fit you can find. Give it a year or two, then consider other options outside of being "an employee".

If you're going to maintain a residence or common home location and want to get home somewhat regularly, this should play a big part on who you decide to go with. Where you will call home will have a large bearing on what options will work for you and what will likely be a problem.

But as a "joint team" (husband/wife), trucking can be the source for good revenue as long as you find a good place and will commit to 6+ years of hard work and commitment

 

I ran team shortly with Swift and we were averaging between 6500-7000 miles a week but it was a dedicated account and didn't have to worry about being stacked with loads. Always had 2-3 or more loads preplanned even coming off of home time.

You can make very good money working for Swift as a company driver running team. I would wager more than you would as lease operators running team.

 

They haul lots of carpet, but don't know what else they haul. I've hauled some carpet and it's easy because the customer unloads with a forklift. The forklift has a spear like attachment and picks up one roll at a time. Unload the whole truck in 30 minutes and you're on the way. Probably ok for a dry van company.