Team Driving vs. Solo Driving: What Works Best for You?

It’s a frequently asked question within the trucking community, and it’s one we get asked often at America Truck Driving School. Which is better: team driving or solo driving? When is one more appropriate than the other? The short answer is: it depends. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. In this blog, we’re breaking down the difference between the two and how to determine which option is best for you.

The Case for Solo Driving
It’s all in the name: solo. When you’re on your own, running the show, you are master of your own fate. You drive, load and organize the cab as you see fit. And you listen to whatever music or talk radio you want—without complaint. Furthermore, when you run solo, you avoid the complications that can arise from personality conflicts and scheduling difficulties. If your goal is to get on the road by 6 a.m., no one can stop you but yourself. With a partner, you depend on another person to live up to his or her end of the schedule.

Perhaps the most important consideration when driving solo is this: when you drive solo, the buck stops with you. Whatever freight you’re hauling, you’re solely responsible for getting it where it needs to go on time and in pristine shape. Solo drivers may get to have things their way, but they also have no one to lean on when challenges arise.

The Case for Team Driving
If you choose your partner well, team driving offers the security of support and a helping hand when trouble arises. Not only do you have help with navigation, driving when your eyes get heavy, and support while loading and unloading, you also have another person to bounce ideas off of when judging road conditions or scheduling dive times that will ensure your cargo gets where it needs to be on time. Team drivers generally drive in shifts, which allows them to be on the road longer, and each driver usually gets paid both their drive time and passenger time.

Of course, compromise is key to team driving. How messy or clean do you need to keep the cab of the truck? How will you divide labor and drive time? What music will you listen to? Each of these questions must be resolved jointly, and refusing to compromise with your partner is a quick recipe for tension and frustration.

Know Yourself and Choose Accordingly
As you can see, the decision rests with you. There are benefits and drawbacks to both solo and team driving. Take careful stock of who you are and what you can tolerate before making your decision.

To learn more about truck driving options or to sign up for one of America Truck Driving School’s programs, give us a call today!