Overcoming Challenges in Team Truck Driving for Owner Operators

Team truck driving involves two drivers sharing the responsibilities of operating a single truck. This arrangement allows for continuous operation, as one driver rests while the other drives.

Team truck driving is a popular concept in the trucking industry. Despite the potential benefits such as added productivity, convenience, and companionship, it comes with challenges that can prove daunting, especially for owner-operators.

However, being forewarned is forearmed – understanding these challenges is the first step towards overcoming them and maximizing the advantages.

Team Truck Driving for Owner-Operators

The importance of team driving increases for the owner-operators. As they own their own tractor-trailers and work as independent contractors, they must ensure maximum productivity to generate adequate ROIs. With team driving, owner-operators can provide services across wider regions within the United States and even limit downtime by strategically balancing driving duties. 

The key is to create strategies for making the most of team driving, despite its obvious hurdles. This involves finding a suitable driving partner, adjusting work style, managing personal space, and more.

The Pros and Cons of Team Truck Driving

As with any work style, team truck driving has its benefits and downsides, and understanding these is important for any driver, new or experienced.

The Benefits of Team Truck Driving

On the upside, team driving allows for more productivity. Because two drivers share driving responsibilities, the truck spends less time parked and more time on the open road. This can result in higher pay, enabling you to earn more in a shorter amount of time.

Additionally, team driving helps mitigate the risk of fatigue-related accidents, as drivers can take turns resting. This continuous operation ensures that a well-rested driver is always behind the wheel, adhering to regulatory guidelines on driving hours.

Team driving can also provide additional earning potential through productivity incentives that many companies offer, which reward team drivers for covering more miles.

However, the most notable for owner-operators is the complete control they retain over their business.

Challenges of Team Truck Driving

The shift from solo driving to becoming a team truck driver requires a significant adjustment.

Shared driving duties mean that you are not alone in the truck for extended periods, leading to concerns about personal space. Living and working in a small space for weeks can be challenging, and it’s important to create a good relationship with your driving partner.

Differing sleep patterns, preferences, and driving styles can also lead to significant and uncomfortable challenges between drivers.

The ability to communicate effectively, compromise when necessary, and respect each other’s space are keys to succeeding in this setup.

Overcoming the Challenges of Team Driving

Choose a Compatible Teammate

It cannot be overemphasized that choosing the right driving partner is critical for a successful team driving experience. You need a partner who shares your work style and with whom you can share the responsibility of driving a truck. Not just any truck, your very own truck. This would entail open and honest communication, a shared understanding of duties to be performed, and respect for each other’s personal space- a critical requirement considering the small space of the cab.

Clear Division of Responsibilities

Before hitting the road, have a clear discussion about each team member’s responsibilities. Establishing who handles tasks such as pre-trip inspections, fueling, meal preparation, paperwork, vehicle maintenance, freight loading, and route planning can prevent conflicts and ensure smooth operations.

Draw Inspiration from Experienced Drivers

It is important to draw inspiration from the experiences of professional drivers who have been there and done that. Engaging with experienced drivers can provide valuable insights into what works and what does not in team driving. As newer drivers gain expertise, their transition from being an inexperienced driver to a seasoned one will be much smoother.

Perform CDL Training

CDL training is another tool you can use to improve your experience. Not only does it make you a more adept driver on the road, but it also helps you better understand the framework of shared driving duties, ensuring safety along your journeys.

Take Necessary Rest

When one person is behind the wheel, the other can take care of necessary rest, ensuring that your truck is always moving and loads are delivered on time. Finding a rhythm that works best for your team and abiding by the mandated Hours of Service rules while ensuring you cover the desired mile is essential.

Respecting Privacy

Privacy is a major challenge in team driving due to the limited space. Agree on ways to improve privacy, such as taking turns at truck stops or establishing rules for the sleeper area curtain. Respecting each other’s personal space can help maintain a positive working relationship.

Achieving Success as an Owner Operator in Team Truck Driving

The elevated driving responsibility of the team trucking method paired with shared driving duties equates to more miles covered, leading to a surge in earning potential.

The higher pay from covering more miles, alongside productivity incentives from quicker freights, can make a huge difference to your earnings.

In addition, competitive pay can be a powerful motivator to hustle harder for that extra mile, pushing you to accomplish more within your working day. 

One of the biggest advantages of team driving for owner-operators is the ability to keep their truck moving for a considerable percentage of the day, leading to more freights and better earnings.

This keep-the-wheels-moving approach reduces downtime, resulting in a more efficient way to operate as an independent contractor.

Choosing the Right Company for Team Truck Driving

One of the key factors that can make or break your experience as an owner-operator team driver is the company you choose to connect with.

Enter Mercer Transportation – a company that truly values the strength of team driving. What sets Mercer apart is our dedication to giving owner-operators complete control over their own trucking business while providing resources and support to ensure their success.

So grab your partner or spouse and take the first steps towards a successful and rewarding career as an owner-operator team driver with Mercer.

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