For those new to the trucking industry, the concept of team driving is when two drivers take turns driving. Seems simple enough but this requires that both of you be driving together in the cab. While one of you is driving, the other one sleeps. This constant driving allows you and your teammate to get through deliveries faster by making fewer stops and therefore drive up your profits.
How Does It Work?
There are some rules and regulations you need to follow. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has guidelines that limit the amount of time a driver is allowed to drive. It also regulates the amount of time allocated for sleep and breaks. For example, there is an 11-Hour Driving Limit if you are coming off of a 10 hour sleep or break (this can also include days off). These guidelines extend to how many hours you can drive in a week.
Who is My Teammate?
Well, anyone who has a CDL can become your teammate. Often times, this is a family member or spouse but it can also be someone who you met in during a training program. Remember, you are going to be spending long hours in tight quarters so you should choose your teammate wisely.
What is My Earning Potential?
According to ZipRecruiter, the average team payout is about $62,000. This is higher than the national average for a solo driver at $40-50,000 per year. For some drivers, this may mean spending less time on the road to earn more money.
Team driving provides more flexibility to take on long-haul routes. As a team, you can spend less time on the road while covering greater distances and making yourselves more money in the end.
Learn more about how you can earn your CDL and get on the road, call us today to get started…maybe you’ll meet your teammate! 1-800-551-8900
