Driving Alone Vs Team Driving: Which One Is Right For You? - Advanced-Trucking
a truck on the road

Driving Alone Vs Team Driving: Which One Is Right For You?

If you’re just getting started in trucking, you probably have a lot of questions. What kind of freight are you looking to haul first? Would you rather concentrate your driving in a particular area, or would you like to travel the entire country?

Another crucial thing to think about while making these choices is whether you want to drive alone or in a group. You will be able to choose whether to drive alone or with a friend when your CDL Training Program at Prime comes to a close.

We’ve included a summary of the benefits and drawbacks of each so you can decide which is best for you.

Why Opt For Team Driving?

One benefit of team driving is that you can travel and spend time with a companion while on the road. Let us talk about the advantages and disadvantages of driving in a group.

Pros Of Team Driving:

  • More cash. You can operate your vehicle for twice as long as you can if you drive it alone. You are an excellent team player, which is why. When one team member finishes driving for the day, the others usually trade off, so you can keep your truck running for a lot longer. You may be able to make more money thanks to this extended run time than you otherwise could. Even if your earnings are divided in half, you can still make more money overall because you’ll be able to transport your freight in half the usual amount of time.
  • Companion. It can be beneficial to have company when traveling down a lonely road. A lot of people decide to travel with their spouse, saving the days and nights they would have to spend apart while making money together otherwise. You may also choose to enlist the support of a buddy who is interested in trucking, which can enable you to receive a hefty referral bonus.

Cons Of Team Driving:

  • Conflicts with the team leader. Driver matching isn’t always simple, and you might not get along with your team driver entirely. Disagreements with coworkers or roommates are no different, but to complete your task, you will need to learn how to manage each other’s expectations. Make sure you practice resolving conflicts and refrain from starting fights when you drive.
  • Timetables can be combined. In a moving truck, you can be sleeping while it’s still light outside because your vehicle is operating nearly all the time. It will take some time to get used to, but it is very achievable. To prevent using twice as much time, you and your team driver must schedule breaks for meals and showers. It can be a good idea to discuss this matter with your team driver before you get in a truck to ensure that you both agree on a driving plan. While traveling, things can always happen differently than expected, so it’s a good idea to talk about how you and your partner want to approach each day.  
driving alone on the road

Why Drive Alone?

Driving alone means that a solo driver is in charge of all of their judgments. If you’re curious why driving alone can be an advantage and disadvantage, then continue reading:

Pros Of Solo Driving:

  • Keep it to yourself only. Since trucks aren’t exactly known for their spaciousness, some people find sharing difficult. Driving alone is the best option if you value privacy above all else. This is beneficial especially if you know how to keep your vehicle clean, professional, and safe. You won’t have to worry about leaving your bed unmade or about how to store your stuff.
  • Total command over your work process. Creating your schedules in tandem with your team driver is a major task of team truck driving. For example, if you’re not a morning person, you can end up driving from 3 AM to 11 AM, which might not be your favorite shift. As long as you deliver your freight in a timely and safe manner, driving alone gives you the freedom to choose when to start and stop.

Cons Of Solo Driving:

  • Reduced capacity to earn. Even while truck driving is still a very profitable industry, your earning potential might not be as high as it would be if you were a team driver. Team drivers can keep the vehicle going by rotating drivers, while solo drivers have to stop for the night. You could be better suited for team driving if you enjoy seeing bigger figures on your pay stub.
  • Solitude. Feeling cut off from the outside world is a normal sensation when spending the entire day alone in a truck. If you’re an extrovert, you may find that spending time by yourself quickly becomes monotonous.  Having an extra pair of hands and eyes might occasionally help complete the activities required to keep your truck functioning.

Which one do you preferr: driving alone or in a group?