In the trucking industry, team truck driving jobs has become an increasingly popular method of transporting goods over long distances. Instead of a single driver, team truck driving jobs involves two drivers sharing the responsibilities of driving, navigating, and maintaining the truck.
While team truck driving has its advantages, there are also several disadvantages that must be considered. In this article, we will discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and best practices for team drivers.
Companies that Hire Team Drivers
Schneider National: This large trucking company has been in business for over 80 years and has a team driving program in place. Schneider National offers competitive pay, benefits, and training programs for team drivers.
Swift Transportation: With over 50 years of experience in the trucking industry, Swift Transportation is one of the largest trucking companies in the United States. The company has a team driving program that offers competitive pay, benefits, and safety training for team drivers.
CR England: This trucking company has been in business for over 100 years and has a team driving program in place. CR England offers paid training, competitive pay, and benefits packages for team drivers.
FedEx Custom Critical: This specialized freight transportation company hires team drivers to transport high-value or time-sensitive shipments. FedEx Custom Critical offers competitive pay, benefits, and training programs for team drivers.
Landstar: This logistics company offers a variety of transportation services, including team driving. Landstar hires owner-operators and offers competitive pay, benefits, and safety training for team drivers.
Panther Premium Logistics: This logistics company specializes in expedited shipping and hires team drivers to transport time-sensitive shipments. Panther Premium Logistics offers competitive pay, benefits, and safety training for team drivers.
Werner Enterprises: With over 60 years of experience in the trucking industry, Werner Enterprises is a large trucking company that offers team driving opportunities. Werner Enterprises offers competitive pay, benefits, and safety training for team drivers.
Advantages of Team Driving Companies
Increased Efficiency
Team truck drivers are able to cover more miles of ground in less time compared to a single driver. This means that goods can be transported faster, leading to shorter delivery times and higher customer satisfaction with the same truck.
Additionally, with two drivers in the truck, there is no need for extended breaks, which can reduce downtime and increase efficiency.
Reduced Stress
Driving for long periods of time can be physically and mentally exhausting. By sharing driving duties, team drivers can reduce the amount of time they spend behind the wheel, which can help prevent fatigue and reduce stress.
This can lead to better overall health and safety for drivers.
Improved Safety
Improved safety is one of the main advantages of team driving companies.
With two drivers in the trucking company, there is always someone available to take over driving duties in case of an emergency or if one driver becomes fatigued. This can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the road.
Fatigue is a major concern in the trucking industry, as drivers can spend long hours on the road without breaks.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatigue-related crashes are a leading cause of accidents in the trucking industry. By sharing driving duties, team drivers can get the rest they need to stay alert and focused on the road, reducing the risk of accidents.
In addition to reducing the risk of accidents, team driving companies also promote safer driving practices.
Drivers are more likely to follow speed limits, avoid distractions, and maintain proper distance from other vehicles when there are two people in the truck.
Additionally, team drivers can provide each other with feedback on their driving, helping each other improve their skills and stay safe on the road.
Disadvantages of Team Truck Driving Jobs
Reduced Comfort
Sharing a small space with another person for extended periods of time can be uncomfortable. Drivers may have different sleep schedules, eating habits, and preferences, which can lead to conflict and discomfort on the road.
Additionally, team drivers may have to sacrifice some of their personal space and comfort to accommodate the other driver.
Increased Costs
While team driving companies have their advantages, they also come with increased costs. One of the main reasons for this is that truck driving requires two drivers, which can increase labor costs for the company.
Additionally, the company may have to pay for additional insurance coverage and maintenance costs to keep the truck running safely with two drivers.
In terms of labor costs, team driving companies have to pay two drivers for their time on the road each week, which can be more expensive than paying a single driver. Additionally, some team driving arrangements involve paying both drivers for the entire duration of the trip, even if one driver is resting or off duty.
This can increase labor costs even further.
Insurance costs can also be higher for team driver. This is because the risk of accidents or injuries may be higher with two drivers in the truck, which can lead to higher insurance premiums.
Additionally, the company may have to purchase additional insurance coverage to ensure that both drivers are covered in case of an accident or injury.
Maintenance costs can also be higher for team driver. With two drivers in the truck, there is more wear and tear on the vehicle, which can lead to higher maintenance costs over time.
Additionally, team drivers may have different driving styles or preferences, which can require more frequent maintenance or repairs to keep the truck running safely.
Despite these increased costs, many trucking companies still opt for team truck driver due to its potential efficiency and safety benefits.
By carefully managing labor, insurance, and maintenance costs, freight companies can ensure that team driver remains a cost-effective and safe option for transporting goods over long distances.
Limited Flexibility
Team drivers must be able to work well together and coordinate their schedules. This means that as drivers earn more they may have less flexibility in terms of when and where they can take breaks, which can lead to reduced autonomy on the road.
Best Practices for Team Drivers
Set Clear Expectations
To avoid misunderstandings and conflict, team drivers should have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities.
This may involve setting expectations for driving shifts, navigation, and maintenance tasks.
Prioritize Safety
Truck drivers should prioritize safety in all aspects of their operations.
This may involve implementing safety protocols, providing regular maintenance for the truck, and scheduling regular breaks for drivers to prevent fatigue.
Maintain Communication
Effective communication is key to success in team driving.
Drivers should be encouraged to communicate openly and honestly with each other to avoid misunderstandings and promote a positive work environment.
Team Truck Drivers Overview
Team driving companies have their advantages and disadvantages.
While they can increase efficiency, reduce stress, and improve safety, they also come with increased costs, reduced comfort, and limited flexibility.
To be successful, team drivers should prioritize joining the best companies and right drivers, providing adequate training, setting clear expectations, prioritizing safety, and maintaining communication.
Trucking companies are always looking for team drivers, especially companies that have lease programs. Team truck drivers are able to split truck rent and keep more money.
This type of position requires hard work and committed teams, most common teams have friends or life partner.
We also help lease drivers find companies to work for, get in touch and we can talk more.
You can apply by clicking here.
