Once you have earned your commercial driver’s license (CDL) you might be wondering what to do next if you don’t already have a job lined up. You could consider team driving. Team driving is when two qualified drivers share a truck so that when one driver is behind the wheel the other driver could be resting in the sleeping berth or riding in the passenger seat. Drivers are required to have at least 10 hours of rest when they are not behind the steering wheel. Of course, there are pros and cons to team driving.
PROS
Since team driving is such an efficient way to move freight, many companies will offer incentives to drivers who are interested in team driving. Examples of incentives could be a sign-on bonus or more money per mile.
Another pro to consider is that if you have a family member, friend or spouse that has the skills to drive a truck it might be a good opportunity to work together to earn money and spend time together. For a married couple who want to travel together while earning money this could be a good option.
If you want to try team driving but do not have anyone in your life that could do it with you, most companies do offer team matching where they will match you with someone who they believe you would be compatible with considering such things as your personality, location and earning goals.
When you are team driving you don’t have to worry about the truck and your belongings ever being left alone. If one driver goes to take a shower or grab food the other driver can stay with the truck. Along with that, you will spend less hours at truck stops that can be dangerous. So, in a lot of ways, team driving is safer.
Often when there are priority loads, team drivers get the call first to look after them. Since the transportation time can be cut in half in most cases it makes sense to call a team of drivers before a single driver.
CONS
If you are team driving, you will not have a lot of alone time while you share a small space with another adult. So, if you like to hit the open road and have time alone, team driving would not be for you.
You won’t have full control of your own schedule. You will have to work with your driving partner to come up with a schedule that works for both of you. Team driving provides slightly less flexibility.
Conclusion
Whoever your driving partner is, you have to trust them. Every day that you are on the road with them you should feel secure and confident in their driving abilities. If you can find a driving partner who is a good fit for you and you find a system that works well for both drivers there is potential to earn more money, get priority loads or travel with a special person in your life.
https://www.primeinc.com/trucking-blogs/what-is-team-driving-like-pros-cons-of-team-driving/.