Many questions may arise for people just starting out in the trucking industry. What kind of cargo do you wish to transport? Do you want to drive across the country, or do you want to concentrate your driving in a certain region? Another key thing to consider when you make these options is whether you want to drive alone or in a group. If you’re not sure which one to choose, we’ve highlighted some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. Let’s see between solo vs team truck driving, which career is right for you!

 

1. Why should you choose team truck driving?

 

1.1. Advantages of team truck driving 

 

More cash: You can operate your truck for twice as long as you could as a solo driver if you drive as a team. When one team member has finished driving for the day, the other usually switches off, allowing you to keep your vehicle running for a lot longer. You could be able to make more money as a result of the long run time. Even if your profits are divided in half, you can still make a larger profit overall since you’ll be delivering your freight in half the time it would take you to do so.

 

Never feel alone: It might be beneficial to have a companion on the road because it can feel lonely sometimes. Many people decide to bring their spouse as a husband and wife team trucking when they travel in order to avoid the days and nights that would otherwise be spent apart while working together to make money. You may also want to invite a buddy who works in trucking to join you; this might help you earn a handsome referral incentive as well.

 

1.2. Disadvantages of team truck driving

 

Disputes with the team driver: Driver matching is not a flawless procedure, and you may not always get along with your team driver. It’s no different from disagreeing with a coworker or roommate, but you’ll have to learn to manage each other’s expectations in order to complete your task. When driving, develop your conflict resolution skills and avoid starting conflict.

 

Mixed schedule: Because your vehicle is virtually constantly running, you may be sleeping while it is still light outside in a moving truck. While this is certainly achievable, it will require some adjustment. To avoid taking up double the time, you’ll need to collaborate with your team driver to organize pauses for showers or lunch. This is an excellent issue to talk with your team driver before getting into a truck to ensure you both agree on a driving plan. Things may always go wrong on the road, so it’s a good idea to plan out how you’ll approach each day together.

 

>> Read more: 4 Helpful Tips On Developing Team Truck Driving Relationship

 

solo vs team truck driving
How team truck driving look

2. Why you should choose solo driving? 

 

2.1. The pros of solo driving 

 

You may have it all to yourself: Because trucks aren’t exactly famed for their spaciousness, sharing might be difficult for some. If you like having your own space, solo driving is the way to go. You won’t have to worry about storing your personal stuff or leaving your bed unmade if you maintain your vehicle secure, professional, and neat.

 

Control your work: Team truck driving necessitates extensive collaboration with your team driver to arrange your schedules. For example, if you aren’t a morning person, you may find yourself having to drive from 3 AM to 11 AM, which may not be your favorite shift. When you drive alone, you get to choose when you wake up and when you go, as long as you deliver your cargo safely and on time.

 

2.2. The cons of solo driving 

 

Earning potential: While truck driving is still a rewarding career, your earnings potential may be less than that of a team driver. Team drivers may keep the vehicle running by rotating drivers, but solo drivers must stop for the night. If you appreciate seeing bigger numbers on your paycheck, team driving may be for you.

 

Isolation: When you’re alone in a truck all day, it’s natural to feel disconnected from the rest of the world. If you’re an outgoing person, you could feel bored quickly if you’re alone. Furthermore, having an extra set of eyes and hands to assist you in completing the activities required to keep your vehicle operating can be beneficial at times. Some people choose trucking with pets to ease the boring time.

 

cdl solo vs team truck driving
Driving alone can bring isolation

 

3. What is the difference between team trucking vs solo trucking?

In general, the most difference between solo vs team truck is the salary, also the most thing concerned. 

 

For solo drivers, 2500 miles a week can bring a wage of $75.000. Thus, we can easily estimate that a solo trucking driver can earn $300.000/month. 

 

Imagine, still this solo driver but he brings his wife as a teammate on the truck. They join a carrier that pays team drivers $40/mile. Even though their mileage is combined since they are both in the vehicle, team drivers divide the money equally. So, each driver receives $20/mile. They now have a weekly income of $90.000 if they travel 4,500 miles per week together. They would add up to $180.000, but that amount is shared equally between the two.

 

That’s an example of solo vs team truck driving. When you figure out how much a carrier pays for solo and team driving, you may put that value into a calculator to assess your prospective profits. Because you will receive bonuses and other incentives, the figures will not be exact, but you will have a decent indication of your earning potential.

 

cdl trucking with pet
Some people often bring pet

 

4. What are the tips for truck drivers when choosing a driving career?

You might suppose that now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of team versus solo driving, it’s all a matter of personal taste. However, before you choose one, there are a few things you should consider.

To begin, keep in mind that it is pretty normal for all truckers to begin with team driving. In fact, after purchasing their own truck, the majority of them progress to solo driving.

Furthermore, while team trucking, it is strongly recommended to have a partner you know. Otherwise, you may be partnered with a complete stranger as your companion, which may be taxing.

Another issue to be aware of is split leasing arrangements. In many circumstances, these contracts might be bothersome because you’re also confirming that you’ll always work with the same person. Without the contract, you may both work together while not being concerned that the team would fail.

Finally, when it comes to team transportation, avoid making the voyage all about expectations. Many truckers are unhappy when they receive a nice payout after a trip and the following payment isn’t as high as the previous one. Every journey will be different since you never know what will happen.

 

Truck drivers, whether working alone or in groups, are critical to a country’s economic health. If you’re searching for a new job, a career move, or a change of scenery, being a truck driver might be the employment for you. Do your homework and be truthful with yourself. You may not have the temperament to ride with someone else, but you may be quite content to pass the miles alone or with your dog. In any case, perhaps it’s time to reconsider driving a truck. Start your career with CDL Practice test now to score high!