Choosing a Team Truck Driving Partner

There are plenty of reasons for a long haul trucker to look to team up with a driving partner, but the most significant is the increase in pay. Team trucks can stay on the road nearly 24 hours a day, minus gas ups and inspections, making them a much sought after asset for shipping companies. Teams ‘hot seat’ behind the wheel, taking regulated down time while their partner is doing the driving. It can be a great way to boost income, but before choosing this style of driving, there’s a few things you should concern yourself with before shaking on a partnership.

Compatibility

A good driving team is on the road for long stretches of time together, kept close by the confines of the cab. Before picking a partner for the road, make sure you are compatible with them. Driving with someone who shares the same interests and you can get along with is a must, as conflicts between drivers can cause more headaches than just being late with a load.

Try out a run or two with a potential partner before forming a long term partnership to get a feel for how your other half acts on the road. It may be completely different than when they’re not driving, so don’t rely on having known them before a partnership begins.

Consideration

It goes a long way toward building a steady team partnership. Keeping to schedules, agreeing on meal times, and even driving style speaks volumes when it comes to being an equal partner and having consideration for them. When driving, good partners understand that their other half is sleeping in the back, and that sharp turns, hard breaking, and distracting personal behavior can cause a bad night’s sleep. Take time to learn your potential partner’s driving habits and get a feel for whether they are considerate of you and your needs.

Hygiene

A cab is about as close as you can get to someone, and a good driving partner will keep good hygiene. Showers, eating habits, and smoking are all factors to consider. If you’re a non-smoker, you might not want to be in a cab with a smoker. If body odor bothers you from other people, make sure your partner keeps clean and fresh. Eating in the cab is a necessity at times, and a partner who liters the floor with wrappers and food tidbits won’t easily change their habits.

If team driving sounds like a good plan for you, be sure to consider you partner wisely. Making the wrong choice could make the aggravation not worth the extra pay.