That opportunity attracts many CDL drivers, but the job is different from simply adding another person to the truck. Before accepting a team position, it helps to look at how the work, schedule and lifestyle compare with running solo.

Freight Opportunities Look Different

Many carriers reserve expedited freight, high-value cargo and coast-to-coast loads for team operations because the truck can continue moving while one driver rests. That added flexibility helps carriers meet tighter delivery schedules without exceeding Hours of Service limits.

Solo drivers, on the other hand, often have a wider selection of regional, dedicated, and local freight. While those routes may cover fewer miles in a week, they can also offer more predictable schedules and home time depending on the carrier.

Pay Depends on More Than Mileage

Higher weekly mileage is one of the biggest advantages of team driving, but it doesn’t automatically guarantee higher annual income.

Pay packages vary widely between carriers. Some companies offer higher cents-per-mile rates, dedicated freight or bonuses for established teams, while others simply divide the available miles between two drivers. Looking only at the advertised mileage rate can make two jobs appear similar even when annual earnings are very different.

When comparing offers, ask about average weekly miles, detention pay, layover pay, home time, and the type of freight the team typically hauls. Those details usually have a bigger impact on annual income than the mileage rate alone.

Sharing a Truck Takes More Than Good Driving Skills

A successful team depends on communication as much as experience behind the wheel.

Both drivers share the sleeper, storage space and daily routines, so disagreements over cleanliness, driving schedules, meals or cab organization can become stressful during multi-day trips. Drivers who already know each other often adjust more easily because they have established expectations before getting on the road together.

When carriers assign teammates, taking time to discuss driving schedules, personal habits and responsibilities before the first trip can help avoid unnecessary conflict later.

Sleep Can Be the Biggest Adjustment

Many first-time team drivers expect sharing the truck to be the hardest part of the job. Instead, the biggest adjustment is often learning to sleep while the truck is moving.

Road vibration, traffic, weather, and frequent speed changes affect every driver differently. Some become comfortable after a few weeks, while others continue to struggle with interrupted sleep throughout their time in a team operation.

FMCSA guidance recognizes that team drivers can rotate driving and qualifying rest periods while remaining compliant with Hours of Service regulations, allowing the truck to stay productive throughout the trip.

Independence Changes Behind the Wheel

Solo drivers make every decision about the trip, including fuel stops, meal breaks, parking locations and daily routines.

Team driving requires those decisions to be shared because each driver’s schedule directly affects the other. Some drivers enjoy having another person to split responsibilities with, while others discover they miss the flexibility that comes with operating alone.

Neither approach is right or wrong, but understanding your own work style can make choosing between them much easier.

Questions Worth Asking Before You Sign On

Recruiters often highlight earning potential, but there are other questions that deserve equal attention.

Ask whether you can choose your own teammate, how long existing teams stay together, what the average weekly mileage is, how home time is scheduled, and what happens if one driver leaves the company. Those answers often provide a clearer picture of the job than the recruiting advertisement itself.

Deciding Which Option Fits You

Drivers who enjoy long-haul freight, want to maximize weekly mileage and don’t mind sharing a truck often build successful careers in team operations. Drivers who value privacy, consistent routines and complete control over their schedule frequently decide that solo driving better matches the way they want to work.

Neither path is automatically better because the right choice depends on the type of career and lifestyle you want to build.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do team drivers usually earn more than solo drivers?

They often have the opportunity to because team trucks can cover more miles and haul expedited freight, although actual earnings depend on the carrier’s pay package and freight network.

Can I bring my own teammate?

Many carriers allow established teams to apply together, while others pair drivers based on hiring needs.

Do team drivers follow different Hours of Service rules?

No. Each driver must still comply with the same federal Hours of Service regulations that apply to solo drivers.

Is team driving good for new CDL drivers?

Some new drivers begin their careers on a team, particularly when paired with an experienced driver, but the lifestyle is not the right fit for everyone.

What is the biggest challenge of team driving?

Many experienced team drivers say adjusting to sleeping in a moving truck and sharing a small living space are the biggest changes compared with running solo.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: September 2, 2026

The post Team Driving vs. Solo Driving: Which Fits Your CDL Career? appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Build a Clean Record for Priority Freight Access

Your safety record directly influences load quality in team truck driving positions. Carriers favor teams with one or fewer preventable accidents, placing you first for dedicated lanes in OTR team driving jobs where 98% of freight stays no-touch.

Pull your MVR and DAC reports every month to confirm your status. Teams that stay proactive here position themselves for the best team truck driving jobs, as dispatchers rely on these to assign long-haul premium runs over shorter spot loads.

Track and Present Your Safety Metrics Effectively

Start a simple weekly log of your trips, including miles driven and any incidents avoided. This prepares you to share hard numbers during check-ins, much like how top teams in team truck driving companies use records to claim priority on 1,000+ mile hauls.​

Pair it with your partner’s input in a shared document for complete accuracy. When you review quarterly, highlight patterns like consistent on-time deliveries, which align with carrier needs for reliable OTR team driving jobs and help you stand out in team truck driving positions.

Request Dedicated Lanes with Proven Data

Approach dispatch ready to show your low-risk profile from recent logs. In the best team truck driving jobs, this conversation unlocks dedicated lanes with steady 5,000+ weekly miles and splits around $1,800 or more per team.

Calculate your potential gain upfront: one premium 1,000+ mile load often beats two shorter ones in pay. Follow up via email summarizing your request and metrics, then touch base monthly to track assignments and refine your pitch through team truck driving companies.

Monitor Results and Adjust for Long-Term Gains

Check your weekly load sheets to count premium hauls over 1,000 miles. If numbers lag, revisit your logs and dispatch talks, aiming to match the 5,500-mile benchmarks seen in top OTR team driving jobs.​

Teams that stick to this see reliable access built over time in team truck driving positions. Share progress with your partner after each milestone, like landing three premium runs in a week, to keep momentum strong in the best team truck driving jobs.

The post How Team Truck Drivers Can Land Premium Loads in OTR Team Driving Jobs appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“We were shocked and in complete disbelief when our names were announced as National Carriers Drivers of the Year!” Darci Wickham said. “Our careers at the ‘elite’ fleet are a permanent commitment. It will now be an ongoing challenge to uphold the standard we have set for ourselves. As we move forward representing National Carriers, I hope Randy and I have set the standard of what is expected of drivers at this company.”

To celebrate this accomplishment, they were presented with a $10,000 check and numerous words of recognition from their coworkers and team members.

“Randy and Darci show excellence as solo drivers, but as a team they exceed NCI expectations,” said Tessa Henshaw, operations manager. “Darci came to NCI as an inexperienced driver and was trained by her dad, Dennis, who is a past NCI driver of the year finalist, before choosing to team with her husband Randy. Wickhams are willing to go above and beyond to ensure that they safely service our customers on time, every time. During their tenure with NCI, Randy and Darci have never said they were unable to help move a load when I have asked for their help.”

The Wickhams are now officially included as elite drivers at NCI, an accomplishment not given to many. Just 12 finalists were recognized for their contributions to the firm throughout 2023 and the Wickhams were named as the top of those finalists.

“This team is at the core of what our company is about. They truly are the Elite in the fleet,” said Aaron Donbar, driver manager. “Randy and Darci are extremely helpful when other drivers are in need. Always willing to go the extra mile to assist, Wickhams are not afraid of a challenge. When I interact with them on the phone, we normally hang up laughing. Their laughter, along with their drive to be the best, is contagious. I hope that they are ‘one virus’ that will spread throughout our young fleet members.”

It’s clear that the work and dedication Randy and Darci have put in as team drivers at NCI has left an unforgettable impact on the entire company.

“Randy and Darci exemplify what being a professional driver is all about. In every instance, they are ready, willing, and able to tackle any task necessary to meet our customer’s needs. They are loyal, dependable, and committed to National Carriers. We appreciate them,” said Mark Phillips, vice president of operations.

Source: The Trucker

Photo: National Carriers

The post Oklahoma Couple Who Drive as a Team Named Drivers of the Year appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“Wheels aren’t turning, you ain’t earning. It’s true. We have a lot of miles to cover, so we want to make sure we’re trying to live a home life while on the road,” Angela Griffen reportedly said. “We want to retire young, so our money goes to the same bank account. “We drive more miles and all the money filters into one thing, so we don’t have to do it forever. We can retire much younger.”

Married for 13 years, the Griffens are working through their plan to maximize their earnings by cutting their expenses. For example, Angela explained that truckers can easily spend $300-$500 a week by eating at restaurants if they’re not careful.

“By the end of the month, that’s somebody’s mortgage payment,” Angela reportedly said. “We’re out here to save money and make big money to pay off our house.”

The couple admits that team driving with a spouse isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. They get on each other’s nerves at times just like any other couple, but at the end of the day, they both do their best to put things in perspective.

“If it isn’t worth getting a divorce over, it isn’t worth arguing over,” Scott Griffen said.

Truck diesel prices are on the rise, leaving truckers shelling out over $3,000 every week but here are a few simple yet effective tips the couple uses to save a buck or two while out on the open road.

1. Buy insurance in one lump sum payment.
2. Shop for healthy groceries and snacks at major discount stores.
3. Set up auto-pay for accounts that offer discounts.
4. Utilize cruise control to avoid unnecessary tickets.
5. Take advantage of discount fuel cards.
6. Keep a meticulous record of work-related expenses.

It’s important to note that despite what you may have heard, tax-deductible per diem expenses won’t save you as much as you think. The IRS only reduces your taxable income, not your tax bill directly. So, keep that money in your pocket instead.

Angela and Scott Griffen, the dynamic husband and wife trucking team, exemplify the power of determination and financial savvy on the open road. With their unwavering commitment to saving and their goal of early retirement in sight, they’ve not only embraced the challenges of life as a trucking couple but also found ways to maximize their earnings. Their valuable tips for cost-saving while on the road serve as a testament to their financial acumen.

Through their journey, they remind us that it’s not just about the miles driven but also about the financial wisdom applied that can truly pave the way to financial freedom. As they continue their quest to retire young, the Griffens show us that with teamwork, dedication, and a little creativity, anyone can turn their dreams into reality, even in the vast expanse of the open road.

Source: Truckers Report

The post Husband and Wife Trucking Team on the Road to Financial Freedom appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

National Carriers, Inc. named Randy and Darci Wickman as Drivers of the Month for July 2023. They reside in Blackwell, Oklahoma on the I-35 interstate corridor. The Wickman team received a one- thousand- dollar bonus and are now eligible to be named 2023 Driver of the Year. The NCI Driver of the Year will receive an additional $10,000 bonus during a banquet held next year.

“Being together allows us to see the best and the worst of each other. There is no getting away so we must talk through whatever is bothering us. Our family, back home, does not understand life on the road, only those on the road do. We are not sightseeing. When we are driving, we are working” Darci observed.

Having driven for six years, Randy applied at National Carriers when Darci joined the company through the paid training program. After her training was complete, they began their teaming career. Darci has found the lifestyle is exactly what she had hoped for, waking up to a different “porch view” every morning.

Operations Manager, Teresa Henshaw shared her view of the Wickman’s, “Darci and Randy are a go to team. They are always willing to go the extra mile to try to ensure on-time delivery. They are willing to switch loads last minute, relay a load running behind, or move trailers around to ensure our customers have trailers to load. They are an asset to National Carriers and are truly appreciated for all they do.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
National Carriers, Inc.
3925 Carbon Rd, Irving, TX 75038
Director of Media
Contact: Edward Kentner
Phone: (800) 835-2097 Ext. 6628
Email: e.kentner@nationalcarriers.com
Website: www.nationalcarriers.com

The post Team Tops “Elite” Fleet® Named as Outstanding Drivers appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Identify the Root Cause of the Conflict

The first step to resolving a conflict is to identify the root cause of the issue. Is the conflict arising due to differences in driving styles, personality clashes, or something else? It’s essential to understand the underlying reason behind the conflict before trying to resolve it. By doing so, you can approach the situation with a clear mind and focus on finding a solution that works for both parties.

Practice Effective Communication

Communication is the key to resolving conflicts in any situation. It’s crucial to communicate openly and honestly with your co-driver. Listen actively to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. Share your thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner and avoid using accusatory language or becoming defensive. Use “I” statements instead of “you” statements to take responsibility for your feelings and opinions.

Find Common Ground

Finding common ground can be helpful in resolving conflicts with a co-driver. Identify shared goals and work towards achieving them together. Discuss what you both want to achieve on the trip and how you can work together to accomplish those goals. When you find common ground, it’s easier to build a positive working relationship and prevent conflicts from arising in the future.

Negotiate a Solution

Negotiation is an effective way to find a solution that works for both parties. It’s essential to approach the negotiation with an open mind and a willingness to compromise. Identify the areas where you can compromise and find a solution that benefits both parties. When negotiating a solution, it’s essential to be clear about the expectations and responsibilities of each co-driver to ensure that the solution is sustainable in the long term.

Conflicts between co-drivers can be challenging to handle, but with the right approach, they can be resolved in a constructive and positive way. When co-drivers are well prepared to manage conflicts as they arise, they can work together more effectively and maintain a positive working relationship. Remember, conflicts are a natural part of working in teams, and handling them with an open mind and a willingness to find a solution that works for everyone is key to maintaining a healthy and productive work environment.

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