Truck Driving Information

Pros & Cons of Team Truck Driving

Image of a semi truck in a Trux parking lot

The Short Answer: Team truck driving pairs two qualified drivers who operate a single truck by taking turns behind the wheel. In this arrangement, while one team member drives, the other can rest, allowing the truck to cover more miles and meet tighter delivery deadlines. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations, drivers can be on duty for 11 hours followed by 10 hours of rest – with team driving, this means the truck keeps moving while drivers alternate their schedules.

For drivers considering this work style, team driving offers unique advantages but also comes with distinct challenges. Many independent contractors choose team driving to boost their earning potential through increased miles and priority loads. Some find that shared driving duties make long routes more manageable, while others value having a driving partner for safety and companionship on the road.

Whether you’re a new driver exploring career options or an experienced driver thinking about switching to team driving, this guide breaks down everything you need to know. We’ll explore how team truck driving works, dive into real pros and cons, and look at alternatives to help you make an informed decision about your driving career.

What is Team Truck Driving?

The Basics of Team Driving

Team truck driving is a strategic approach where two professional drivers share responsibility for a single tractor-trailer. This setup allows for nearly continuous movement of the truck while staying within the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) strict regulations. When one team member takes their required rest break, the other driver can take over driving duties, maximizing the truck’s time on the road.

Qualification Requirements

For drivers to qualify as a team, both must hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and meet all standard requirements for operating commercial vehicles. Many successful team drivers start as solo drivers before transitioning to team driving, bringing valuable experience to the partnership. Teams often consist of spouses, family members, or carefully matched driving partners who share compatible work habits and goals.

Types of Freight and Routes

Team drivers typically handle time-sensitive freight and long-haul routes that benefit from continuous movement. These priority loads might include:

  • Fresh produce requiring quick delivery
  • Just-in-time manufacturing components
  • Express consumer goods
  • High-value items needing constant supervision

How the Schedule Works

The driving schedule usually follows a rotating pattern. For example, Driver A might drive for 10-11 hours while Driver B rests in the sleeper berth. Then they switch, with Driver B taking the wheel while Driver A gets their required rest. This rotation continues throughout the trip, allowing the team to cover significantly more miles than a solo driver could legally achieve. For more flexibility, you can leverage the Split Sleeper Berth Rule to your advantage.

Pros & Cons of Team Truck Driving

The Pros of Team Driving

Infographic explains the pros of team truck driving

Benefit #1: Increased Earning Potential

As a team truck driver, you can cover more miles and handle priority loads that pay premium rates. Since the truck keeps moving while one driver rests, teams often complete deliveries faster than solo drivers. For independent contractors, this efficiency can lead to higher pay and more profitable routes.

Benefit #2: Priority Load Access

Team drivers often get first choice on time-sensitive freight. Shippers prefer teams for valuable or urgent cargo because the constant movement means faster delivery times. This access to premium loads can boost your income and provide steady work opportunities.

Benefit #3: Enhanced Safety and Support

Having a driving partner means shared responsibilities and an extra set of eyes on the road. When one team member feels tired or faces challenging conditions, the other can take over. You’ll also have someone to help with navigation, paperwork, and emergency situations.

The Cons of Team Driving

Infographic explains the cons of team truck driving

Downside #1: Living in Close Quarters

Life in a small space requires significant adjustment. The cab of a truck becomes your shared home, requiring both drivers to be organized and respectful of each other’s space. Simple tasks like changing clothes or storing personal items need careful coordination.

Downside #2: Sleep Quality Issues

Getting quality rest while the truck is moving can be challenging. Road noise, movement, and different sleep schedules can impact your rest. Some drivers struggle to adapt to sleeping during daylight hours or when the truck is in motion.

Downside #3: Schedule Coordination

Both drivers must sync their routines, from meal times to rest breaks. This takes planning and flexibility. Something as simple as stopping for food requires agreement between partners about timing and location.

Considering Personal Preference

It is important to consider that what works for one driver might not work for another. Some drivers thrive on the social aspects of team driving, enjoying constant companionship and shared experiences. Others may find they miss the solitude and independence of solo driving. Your personality, work habits, and lifestyle preferences play a crucial role in determining if team driving suits you.

Alternatives to Team Truck Driving

Solo Driving: The Traditional Route

Independence & Control

As a solo driver, you have complete control over your schedule and decisions. You choose when to drive, when to rest, and where to stop without consulting a partner. This independence allows you to develop a rhythm that perfectly matches your personal preferences.

Space & Solitude

The entire cab is your space to organize and maintain as you see fit. Many drivers value this personal space and the quiet time it provides for listening to audiobooks, and podcasts, or simply enjoying peaceful drives. For independent contractors who appreciate alone time, solo driving offers an ideal work environment.

Different Pace

While solo drivers can’t cover as many miles as teams due to HOS regulations, many find the pace more sustainable. You can build your routes and client base around single-driver delivery times, often developing strong relationships with regular customers who don’t require team-speed deliveries.

Company Driving: The Structured Option

Predictable Benefits

Team company drivers typically receive standard benefit packages including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. This stability appeals to drivers who prefer a more traditional employment structure rather than the variables of independent contracting.

Reduced Business Responsibilities

When driving for a company, you’re freed from many business management tasks. The company handles load scheduling, truck maintenance, and business paperwork. This allows you to focus solely on driving duties rather than running a business.

Equipment & Support

Company drivers usually operate newer equipment maintained by their employer. Most companies also provide breakdown support, fuel cards, and other resources that independent contractors must manage themselves. This support network can make team driving less stressful for some professionals.

Quick Comparison Guide: Choosing Your Path

Infographic compares the 3 different options for truck drivers

Team Driving

  • Perfect for: Drivers seeking maximum earning potential through increased miles
  • Ideal if you: Work well with others and prioritize higher-paying, time-sensitive loads
  • Key benefit: Ability to keep the truck moving almost continuously

Solo Driving

  • Perfect for: Independent drivers who value autonomy and personal space
  • Ideal if you: Prefer complete control over your schedule and environment
  • Key benefit: Freedom to set your own pace and routines

Company Driving

  • Perfect for: Drivers seeking stability and structured employment
  • Ideal if you: Want guaranteed benefits and prefer less business management
  • Key benefit: Built-in support system and predictable income

How TRUX Helps Owner-Operator Truck Drivers

Whether you choose team driving, or solo driving, or plan to try both approaches during your career, having reliable parking and support services is crucial for success as an independent contractor. TRUX understands the unique challenges drivers face and provides solutions that work for all driving styles.

Our nationwide network of secure parking locations means you’ll find safe, accessible spots along your routes. For team drivers, this means dependable places to switch driving duties and handle any necessary maintenance between runs. Solo drivers benefit from our 24/7 gate access, allowing flexible arrival times that match their schedules.

Every TRUX location features high fences, security cameras, and industrial lighting, giving drivers peace of mind whether they’re stopping for a quick rest or leaving their truck while between loads. Many locations also offer on-site diesel mechanics, helping both team and solo drivers keep their equipment in top condition and minimize downtime.

As independent contractors, your success depends on efficiently managing your time and resources. TRUX’s online payment system and straightforward access procedures eliminate the hassle of dealing with multiple parking providers. Plus, as we continue expanding our network across every major industrial hub in the United States, you’ll have even more options for secure parking along your routes.

Ready to learn more about how TRUX can support your driving career? Contact us today or check one of our locations to see if we have a spot available for you:

 

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