In the world of trucking, team driving is an exciting opportunity for many drivers looking to increase their earnings and cover more miles. However, team driving isn’t always glamorous or easy. There are unique challenges that can cause even the most experienced drivers to struggle and, at times, quit. If you’re considering team driving, or you’re a current team driver, it’s essential to understand the common struggles and how to overcome them.
Here are the top 5 reasons why team drivers struggle and tips for making team driving more successful.
1. Lack of Personal Space and Privacy
One of the most common challenges team drivers face is the lack of personal space. Unlike solo drivers who have the whole truck to themselves, team drivers are sharing a small space 24/7. This can lead to tension, especially if personalities clash or if one driver needs more space than the other.
How to Overcome This:
- Set Clear Boundaries: Before hitting the road, establish guidelines with your co-driver about personal space, downtime, and communication. Respecting each other’s privacy can help minimize stress.
- Maximize the Truck’s Space: Consider how to make the most out of the truck’s limited space by personalizing areas for each driver, using storage solutions, and keeping the truck organized.
2. Fatigue and Disrupted Sleep Patterns
While team drivers can keep the wheels turning around the clock, it’s not always as simple as it seems. With one driver typically resting while the other drives, sleep patterns are often disrupted, leading to fatigue. Lack of quality sleep can affect focus, reaction times, and overall health.
How to Overcome This:
- Maintain a Consistent Sleep Schedule: Even with the team dynamic, it’s essential to establish and stick to a regular sleep routine. Use noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, and other tools to improve the quality of rest.
- Stay Active and Healthy: Regular breaks to stretch and exercise will help combat the physical strain of long hours on the road.
3. Personality Conflicts and Miscommunication
Team driving often means sharing a truck with someone for extended periods. Personality differences can easily lead to conflicts, which can quickly impact the efficiency and morale of the team. Miscommunication can also create issues around driving schedules and duties.
How to Overcome This:
- Clear Communication is Key: Set up regular check-ins to discuss the driving schedule, chores, and any issues that arise. Open communication helps maintain mutual respect and understanding.
- Choose a Compatible Co-Driver: Team driving works best when both drivers are on the same page. Whether you’re teaming up with a friend, spouse, or colleague, ensure you have a similar work ethic, communication style, and approach to driving.
4. Increased Stress and Pressure
The pressure to keep the truck moving without interruption can lead to increased stress. Team drivers are often expected to maintain a fast pace, which can be mentally and physically exhausting, especially during busy seasons or tight delivery schedules.
How to Overcome This:
- Work Together as a Team: The best team drivers support each other. Share the responsibilities and ensure you’re both taking equal turns at driving and resting. A successful team approach will help alleviate pressure.
- Focus on the Long-Term Goal: Remind yourself why you’re choosing team driving — faster delivery times, higher pay, and better job stability. Having a clear focus on the benefits of the job will help keep stress in perspective.
5. Difficulty Adjusting to a Different Pace
While solo driving is about managing your own pace, team driving involves a constant rhythm where one driver is always working while the other rests. This dynamic can be difficult for drivers who are used to managing their own schedules, particularly if there’s a mismatch in energy levels.
How to Overcome This:
- Adapt to Flexibility: Team driving requires flexibility and patience. Adjust to the pace by setting up efficient routines and maintaining awareness of your co-driver’s needs and limits.
- Stay Coordinated: Ensure that each driver knows when they need to switch off, take breaks, and when they can rest. This helps keep operations smooth and minimizes disruption.
How Far Can Team Drivers Go in a Day?
Team driving offers a significant advantage in terms of distance traveled per day. Because one driver is typically resting while the other is on the road, team trucks can stay in motion almost around the clock. On average, team drivers can cover anywhere from 600 to 700 miles per day, depending on the route, road conditions, and truck specifications. Some experienced teams can push this number even further, especially on well-maintained highways with minimal stops.
This constant driving schedule makes team driving ideal for long-haul routes that require rapid delivery times or for companies that need to cover more ground in a shorter period. With two drivers, the truck can keep moving while one sleeps, which greatly improves productivity and efficiency compared to solo driving.
Is Team Truck Driving Worth It?
After reading this, you may be wondering if team truck driving is worth the challenges. The answer depends on what you’re looking for in your career. Team driving offers higher earning potential because you can drive longer hours with continuous shifts, which means more miles and more pay. Team drivers also enjoy more consistent work and the ability to cover large distances more efficiently. However, the lifestyle may not be for everyone.
If you value greater independence, personal space, and a less socially demanding environment, solo driving might be a better fit. But for those willing to navigate the unique challenges, team driving offers significant rewards, both in terms of pay and job opportunities.
What Type of Driver is Best Suited for Team Driving?
The best drivers for team driving tend to be those who are flexible, adaptable, and communicative. Ideally, team drivers should be able to share the workload without letting differences in personality or work habits interfere with the job. Whether teaming up with a spouse, friend, or someone from the same company, the key is having a strong mutual understanding and the ability to respect and support each other.
Conclusion
While team driving can be an excellent opportunity to boost earnings and reduce downtime, it’s not without its challenges. From sleep disruptions and personality conflicts to the stress of maintaining a fast pace, team driving requires a specific skill set and mindset to be successful. However, if you are well-suited to the role and take the necessary steps to foster good communication, cooperation, and self-care, team truck driving can be an incredibly rewarding career choice.
Whether you’re considering the shift from solo to team driving or already in a team, understanding these challenges can help you plan ahead, avoid common pitfalls, and maximize the benefits of this unique trucking model.
For more insights on truck driving, pay structures, and career advice in the trucking industry, check out our other articles!
