What is No-Touch Freight?

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As a new truck driver, you will be deciding between no-touch and traditional freight driving jobs, or those you do not unload or load yourself. Consider the following information about no-touch freight for a better understanding of what this means within the trucking industry.

What Does No-Touch Freight Mean?

When a type of freight is described as no-touch, this simply means that the truck driver does not load or unload their freight themselves. It could imply that warehouse employees load or unload the freight while it is parked at a loading dock or could mean that the driver simply drops and hooks freight at a trucking company with a large trailer and container pods. Either way, the truck driver is not responsible for the loading and unloading process. Instead, they pull up and have their load hooked to their truck or they pull in and have it unhooked.

Common Types of No-Touch Freight

No-touch freight can be any type of freight that the trucker driver isn’t responsible for loading or unloading. However, in some cases, no-touch freight is labeled as such because the loads themselves are dangerous, perhaps containing dangerous goods, gasses, or toxic chemicals.

These special loads require highly qualified individuals to handle them. Therefore, a driver would have to possess specific qualifications to meet the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Consequently, in some cases, no-touch freight is the result of this type of material that requires specifically trained handling. Other times, it’s simply freight that is unloaded or loaded before the trucker gets there to reduce the time it takes to get a load heading towards its destination.

Benefits of No-Touch, Drop-and-Hook Loads

There are many benefits of no-touch or drop-and-hook loads in comparison to a driver loading or unloading their own freight. The following are some of the most applicable:

  • Less liability for the driver: When a driver isn’t responsible for loading or unloading their own freight, this means they are not liable for any damages that happen during this process. Operating a no-touch freight truck is a great option for drivers who do not want the added liability of dealing with elevated platforms, heavy cargo, or the use of dock ramps or forklifts.
  • More time efficient: Because a driver can pull in with a load already ready to go out, or pull in and then leave their freight to be unloaded, it frees up the driver’s time to get onto the next trip.
  • Time to relax: No-touch freight also gives drivers an opportunity to relax, call home, or take care of other duties while their trailer is being either loaded or unloaded. This pause in the action can be a valuable resource for a driver who has been on the road for hours.
  • Less physical stress: Not having to worry about lifting or moving freight is less physically taxing on drivers. Therefore, especially if a driver has physical limitations, no-touch freight can be a way they can still enjoy the profession of trucking.

Find a No-Touch Freight Trucking Company

Once you determine that no-touch freight is a good option for you as a truck driver, you will want to look for a trucking company that has this type of freight hauling as an option. Some companies offer a no-touch freight option for 100% of their trucks, while others don’t have that option for the entire fleet. Keep in mind that removing the touching element of freight hauling will mean that you only focus on driving. You won’t get any physical activity from loading or unloading. If that sounds like what you are looking for, simply inquire about no-touch freight jobs at Barr-Nunn Transportation.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy What are Drop-and-Hook Trucking Jobs?

Barr-Nunn PTO: How Drivers Earn Paid Days Off

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No matter how much you love your job, there will come a time when you want to take some time away, travel, or spend time with family. In other words, you will want some paid days off to enjoy a much-needed and deserved vacation. If you are a truck driver for Barr-Nunn or considering becoming one, you will be particularly interested in learning how drivers can earn paid days off with this company. Read on to learn more:

Importance of Truck Driver Vacation Time

Truck drivers are in extra demand, especially with the supply chain issues and the fact that they have been classified as essential workers throughout the pandemic. This means there has been increased demand with no end in sight for these hard-working professionals. Therefore, they are deserving of a break and should consider this paid vacation or time off as necessary for the following reasons:

  • Destress: Because of the high demand on their time and for their highly-skilled services, truckers can become stressed. Therefore, they need and deserve a break in order to destress from their jobs, the demands, the requirements, and the immense draw for their skills.
  • Spend Time With Family: Since truckers spend much of their time away from home completing routes, paid time off presents the opportunity for them to spend time with their loved ones. This can help them mentally and physically as well as encourage healthy relationships with those they love. It also ensures that their families know they are prioritized and important to the trucker, even though their career takes them away for many days of the month.

Barr-Nunn PTO: Truck Driver Paid Time Off

There are many ways that drivers can accrue or build-up paid days off which they can then use to take much-needed time off. They include the following:

  • Paid Per Mile: This is also known as PTO or paid time off per mile at Barr-Nunn. If you are a solo company truck driver, you earn so much paid time off per ever so many miles driven. Team drivers earn a slightly different amount per mile driven. The amount for solo-truck drivers breaks down as follows:
    • Paid miles 60,000 equals 3 days PTO or paid time off.
    • Paid miles 120,000 equals 3 days PTO.
    • Paid miles 180,000 equals 3 days PTO.
    • Paid miles 360,000 equals 6 days PTO.
    • Paid miles 480,000 equals 6 days of PTO.
    • Paid miles 960,000 equals 9 days of PTO.
    • An additional 9 days are offered with every additional 60,000 miles driven thereafter.
  • Paid Per Shift: If you are instead paid per shift, you will earn PTO annually on your employment anniversary.
  • CSA Safety Bonuses: With Barr-Nunn safety is of paramount importance, so they offer CSA safety bonuses to drivers every 90 days that allow drivers to earn additional PTO time.

What About Unexpected Needs?

Barr-Nunn understands that sometimes life happens. Therefore, they work diligently with truckers to ensure that they can get home when they need to for situations like funerals or jury duty that simply cannot be helped or planned. For specific company policies pertaining to these unexpected and unplanned needs, ask when signing up as a driver. Of course, that doesn’t always mean that a driver in this situation will have accumulated PTO, but the company will most certainly work with them to ensure they can be with their family or fulfill their duties as they come up.

Bottom Line: You Can Earn Paid Time Off

As with any other professional field, the trucking industry also provides a means of earning paid time off. Through various means including miles driven and additional safety qualifications, Barr-Nunn drivers can accumulate more and more PTO to spend with their families or on vacation. Ask about specifics for each type of PTO when signing up as a driver.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy 7 Qualities of Great Truck Drivers

What are Drop-and-Hook Trucking Jobs?

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Drop-and-Hook Truck Driving

Small and larger companies, as well as tractor-trailer owner-operators looking for ways to improve their freight processes, should consider a practice called drop-and-hook trucking.

What is Drop-and-Hook Freight?

In this case, company truck drivers or owner-operators are asked to drop off their trailer when they arrive at their destination rather than wait with it until it’s emptied. With the full trailer unhooked, they’ll then be asked to pick up an empty trailer and go to their next pick-up. At this customer, they will drop the empty and pick up another full trailer and then get right back on the road with it.

Drop-and-hook trucking is designed to be especially efficient for the company and for the driver alike.

Drop-and-Hook vs. Live Loads

Traditionally, many trucking companies use “live loads”, where the driver pulls their truck to their destination and then sits and waits for it to be unloaded. Depending on how busy the yard is or how many items are in the trailer, sometimes this task can take hours.

These long waits can leave the driver with nothing to do during their wait – they’re essentially standing around losing money. Then, after their trailer is fully unloaded, the driver still has an empty trailer that they have to drive to the next stop or drive home.

However, in most drop-and-hook trucking freight, if the warehouse staff has been able to focus their efforts on being more efficient and productive with their loads, they’ll have the next trailer all loaded and ready for the driver to pick up when they arrive with a full trailer.

Provided the driver is familiar with drop-and-hook practices, it’s easy for them to work with the warehouse staff to get the second full trailer hooked up and ready to move out, often as fast as 30 minutes. This way, unloading doesn’t need to be rushed either, at least for the driver’s sake.

Advantages and Disadvantages

  • Pros

    If a driver has plenty of drop-and-hook hauls on their schedule, he or she will be able to put in more miles each day and also have less waiting time at each stop. They’ll also be more likely to hit their scheduled pick-up time and end times more dependably.
  • Cons

    Live loads may still be preferred for certain cargo like food, pharmaceutical products, or frozen goods. Live loads also might work better for flatbed cargo vs. trailers, and situations where the driver should have a role in unloading.

Drivers Also Ask

How is drop-and-hook different from live load?

In a live load, the truck driver must wait for their trailer to be loaded or unloaded at the destination, which can take hours depending on the size of the load and the availability of staff. Drop-and-hook eliminates this waiting time by allowing the driver to switch trailers quickly and get back on the road, making it a faster and more efficient option.

What are the benefits of drop-and-hook trucking?

The primary benefits of drop-and-hook trucking are reduced waiting times and increased mileage, allowing drivers to complete more trips in a day. Drivers spend less time waiting at the dock and more time driving, which can lead to higher earnings and better adherence to delivery schedules. It also reduces stress since drivers don’t have to manage the loading or unloading process.

Are there any downsides to drop-and-hook freight?

While drop-and-hook is generally more efficient, it may not be ideal for all types of freight. Cargo that requires special handling, such as refrigerated goods, pharmaceuticals, or items on flatbed trailers, may need a live load process where the driver oversees loading and unloading. Additionally, not all companies have the infrastructure to support drop-and-hook, limiting its availability.

How long does a drop-and-hook usually take?

A drop-and-hook can typically be completed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the efficiency of the warehouse and the driver’s familiarity with the process. This is significantly faster compared to live loads, where drivers may wait several hours for loading or unloading.

Do all trucking companies offer drop-and-hook freight?

Not all trucking companies offer drop-and-hook freight. The availability of this service depends on the company’s infrastructure, the type of freight they handle, and their clients’ needs. However, many large companies and logistics providers are increasingly adopting drop-and-hook practices to improve efficiency for both drivers and businesses.

Looking for Drop-and-Hook CDL Trucking Jobs?

At Barr-Nunn Transportation, we offer our Solo Drivers, Team Drivers, and Team Owner-Operators opportunities for 100% no-touch freight, most of which is drop-and-hook. That means our drivers can enjoy more time on the road and less time waiting for freight to be unloaded. Barr-Nunn also offers drivers Practical Mileage Scale pay, paid time off, and safety-based pay raises.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy 7 Qualities of Great Truck Drivers

Pros and Cons of Husband and Wife Truck Driving Teams

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Lori & Qyn – Husband and Wife Truck Drivers at Barr-Nunn

There are many benefits of being a truck driver for a living. It’s a way to see the nation and hit the open road, and it presents a host of exciting challenges and fun situations. Of course, to be fair, it also can come with some drawbacks, such as loneliness, boredom, and fatigue from being on the road all alone. It can also have a negative impact on your family relationships. Thankfully, one way to combat the negative side of things is to create a husband and wife truck driving team, where you hit the road as a pair. The following is more information on the benefits and potential drawbacks of trying this as a career path:

Benefits of Husband and Wife Trucking Teams

The following are the most notable benefits of working as a husband and wife truck driving team. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it does contain some of the most often cited reasons for choosing this career path:

  • It Can Be More Profitable: Obviously, with two drivers instead of just one, you can cover more ground when on your routes and in turn make more money. You can actually shift out with each other, allowing one person to drive while the other rests and get more trips done than possible by yourself.
  • It Can Prevent Other Team-Related Problems: Husband and wife team driving is also more beneficial than other forms of team truck driving since husbands and wives can sleep in the same space and are more comfortable together for long periods.
  • It Prevents Loneliness: Driving a truck can be an isolating way to make a living. However, when you opt to team drive instead of going it alone, you can counteract this common complaint about this career choice. You can even use the time to strengthen your relationship by talking on your routes as you drive or stopping in new locations and seeing scenic spots, making memories, and enjoying each other’s company.
  • Lessens the Mental and Physical Stress of Truck Driving: Since you are taking turns as a team, if one person feels stressed or mentally taxed, the other can step in and drive for a spell or even help the driver talk through the issue and maintain a level of calmness. This can reduce the overall stress level of truckers by a good bit.

Cons of Driving With Your Spouse

While many benefits go along with becoming a wife and husband truck driving team, the career choice isn’t without some potential drawbacks. The following are some cons you might note when choosing this career:

  • Spend Less Time Together: This might seem to go against the benefits listed above, but if you are team driving, you might find you have less time together because one of you is always sleeping while the other is driving.
  • It Can Be A Point of Contention: If one spouse loves truck driving, but the other does not, team driving can become a point of contention fairly quickly. It also takes a great deal of skill to safely and effectively operate an 18-wheeler, so both members of the couple need to be skilled and feel confident in operating the rig, not just one.
  • It Can Be Too Much Time Together: Some couples do better with a little time apart, and for those couples, team driving is probably not a good idea as it forces you to be together around the clock.

Husband and wife driving teams can be a rewarding joint career. They are also in high demand within the trucking industry, so finding placement shouldn’t be hard if this is the career you and your spouse want to pursue.

Looking to join one of the highest-paying team trucking companies in the country? Learn more about Team Driving Jobs at Barr-Nunn Transportation. At Barr-Nunn, we offer our drivers superior pay, well-equipped late-model equipment, and substantial home time.

People Also Ask

What are the benefits of husband and wife truck driving teams?

Husband and wife truck driving teams can experience increased earnings due to continuous vehicle operation, reduced loneliness on the road, and the opportunity to share travel experiences together.

How do husband and wife teams manage driving schedules?

Typically, one spouse drives while the other rests, allowing for longer continuous operation and adherence to hours-of-service regulations. This rotation helps in meeting tight deadlines and maximizing efficiency.

Are there challenges unique to husband and wife trucking teams?

Yes, challenges can include spending extended periods together in confined spaces, which may lead to interpersonal tensions. Additionally, coordinating rest schedules and managing work-life balance can be demanding.

How does team driving impact income compared to solo driving?

Team driving often leads to higher combined income due to the ability to cover more miles in less time. Many carriers offer premium pay for team drivers, making it a financially attractive option.

What considerations should couples make before becoming a truck driving team?

Couples should assess their compatibility for spending long hours together, discuss expectations, and ensure both are comfortable with the demands of the job. It’s also important to consider the impact on family life and personal time.

Do husband and wife teams have better work-life balance?

While team driving allows couples to be together, it can blur the lines between work and personal life. Success depends on setting boundaries and effective communication to maintain a healthy balance

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy How To Become an Efficient Team Truck Driver

How Barr-Nunn’s Truck Driver Referral Program Leads the Industry

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A driver referral program allows you as a truck driver to play an active role in building up the trucking company for which you are working. It also can help you earn some notable benefits as well as you get the word out about why others should consider becoming drivers for said company. It’s no secret that the industry overall is struggling to find safe, qualified, and hard-working drivers to employ. As a satisfied truck driver, working in a career you love, you can help create a more robust industry by sharing your knowledge with other drivers through a referral program.

Benefits of Driver Referrals: Why Truck Drivers Love Referral Programs

There are many benefits for drivers when it comes to referral programs. At Bar-Nunn, you as a driver can easily earn additional income by referring other drivers to our company. You can enjoy the following notable benefits:

  • Earn more money.
  • Experience passive income.
  • Help improve the company by building up the workforce.

Details of Barr-Nunn’s Driver Referral Program

For a limited time, Barr-Nunn is allowing each driver who refers another driver to Barr-Nunn who ultimately hauls a load, the ability to receive an extra CSA Safety Bonus and On-Road Safety Bonus for each referred driver. Bonuses can be earned every 90 days, which means you could receive around four extra payouts if you meet safety requirements. The following are additional details about this potential to earn extra income:

  • CSA Safety Bonuses for Solo and Team drivers:
    • Solo truck drivers:
      • Earn $875 + extra paid time off (have a Hazmat Endorsement)
      • Earn $700 + extra paid time off (don’t have a Hazmat Endorsement)
    • Team truck driver:
      • Earn $1,025 each + more paid time off (have a Hazmat Endorsement)
      • Earn $825 each + more paid time off (without a Hazmat Endorsement)
  • On-Road Safety Bonuses are $500 for all drivers.
  • Potential to earn bonuses four times a year for every driver referred. As mentioned above, you can gain extra supplemental income and help Barr-Nunn grow simply by sharing our company with your friends.

Barr-Nunn Driver Referral Example:

Tim is an experienced team driver with Barr-Nunn with a hazmat endorsement. His friend, Brian, is a driver for another company but is looking to make a change. Tim refers Brian to Barr-Nunn. Brian is hired at Barr-Nunn and starts hauling freight.

Tim will now receive an extra CSA Safety Bonus, an extra On-Road Safety Bonus, and added Paid-Time Off in addition to his regular bonuses the next time he is eligible.

Tim’s first 90-Day bonus payout after the referral is now $3,050 and 2 days of PTO instead of what he would normally receive of $1,525 and 1 day of PTO.

If Tim completes the requirements to make his safety bonuses for the next 9 months, the total for his yearly bonuses will be $12,200 and 8 days of PTO. That’s $6,100 and 4 PTO days more than he normally would have earned—all because he referred Brian to become a Barr-Nunn driver.

“At Barr-Nunn, our drivers are our #1 priority. We believe in treating our drivers with respect, care, and understanding. We give our drivers the best opportunities to make the money that they deserve for safely providing an essential service to keep this country moving. Our industry-leading truck driver referral program is just one of the ways Barr-Nunn drivers can earn extra money every year.”

– Jeff Blank, Barr-Nunn Director of Recruiting

Other Trucking Companies Referral Programs

Here are some examples of referral programs at other trucking companies:

  • Company A: Drivers can enjoy unlimited referral payouts. Potential prize drawings and $2,000 referral for experienced driver hires.
  • Company B: Drivers can earn $1,500 when referring an experienced CDL driver. No limit on referrals.
  • Company C: Drivers can earn $1,000 by referring a new driver to Werner. No limit on referrals.
  • Company D: Earn $1,500 for the first three drivers referred, along with a $100 gift card, and a t-shirt. Earn another $2,000 per driver for fourth and fifth drivers and $2,500 for six and more drivers referred. Referral bonuses are paid after 90 days of hire.
  • Company E: Driver referrals will earn $1,500 with a new hire and 60 days of employment.

Best Ways to Find Potential Driver Referrals

If you are looking for more information on driver referrals, or want to share information with your friends in order to earn some referrals bonuses from your company, consider using the following methods:

  • Share on social media
  • Talk to friends and family
  • Chat with other drivers at truck stops

How to Submit a Driver Referral to Barr-Nunn

Contact Barr-Nunn Transportation to learn more about the referral program and determine how to submit a driver to the program and see how it leads the industry with truck driver incentive programs. Keep in mind that at Barr-Nunn, you as a driver will benefit greatly by referring other drivers and can continue to benefit from subsequent referrals. Why not help build the company while earning additional income? It’s a win, win for sure!

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy 7 Qualities of Great Truck Drivers

Tips for How to Balance Truck Driving and Family Life

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Truck driving can be an exciting way to make a living and see the country, simultaneously. Unfortunately, due to the demands of the industry, being gone for days, weeks, or months at a time is likely for a truck driver. This can negatively impact family life for the entire family unit. Thankfully, the following tips represent ways you can actively change this narrative and better balance truck driving and family life:

How Long Are Drivers on the Road?

Before delving deeper into improving work-life balance for trucking families. There are two main options when it comes to joining the trucking industry, being a regional driver or an over-the-road (OTR) driver. In most cases, newer truck drivers in the industry will begin as OTR drivers at least for their first year. Most trips will range between five and seven days, with truckers going home for one day per every seven days worked. Of course, some trips will be longer and last weeks at a time and others will be shorter. It all depends on the type of driver you are and what company for which you are working.

Tips on Balancing Truck Driving and Family Life

1. Make the Most of Home Time

All parents are tired when they can get home from work, and this is especially true for the trucker who has been on the road for days or weeks. However, when you are home, it’s immensely important that you make the most of your time off with your family. Go to local parks, go get ice cream, take them to and from school, go to all their sports events, etc. Just try to be as involved as possible with the time you have.

2. Work Towards a Predictable Schedule

If possible, speak with the company you are working for and aim to create a more predictable schedule. Sometimes, this is impossible, other times it is doable. The only way to know is to ask and then do what is necessary to get your hours more predictable where your family can plan around your work days.

3. Keep in Touch with Tech

Thankfully, today, unlike in previous years, you can actually keep in touch with your family no matter how many miles away from them you are at the time. FaceTime, Zoom, texts, voice messages, pictures, etc. can all be sent from you to your family and vice versa to keep the connection healthy between all the family members, even when you are away from home working. Many families find it easiest to schedule a set time of day to communicate with their loved one, others rather it being spontaneous, either way, as long as you make an effort, you are maintaining that family connection, even hundreds or thousands of miles away.

4. Become a Local Driver or Owner Operator

If it’s feasible, you can become a local driver or owner-operator. This will mean that those long weeks or months on the road simply aren’t required. You can instead stay close to your family and still enjoy a career you love. Being an owner-operator also allows you to set your own schedule, so even when you do have to be on the road, you can better plan these trips around your big family events.

5. Ask Family Members or Close Friends to Help with Home Tasks

If you do have to leave for days, weeks, or months at a time and know your family will need help with specific household tasks, make sure to ask family members or close friends to step in and help out while you are away, or delegate your jobs among your family members. Most people don’t mind helping out if they know there is a need, and setting up provisions to ensure your family is taken care of while you are away is one way to show them you love them.

6. Take Reminders of Home on the Road With You

Finally, take something from home with you when hitting the road for a long trip. This could include any number of items. Just make sure it’s something that makes you smile and think of home.

Put all the above tips into action to better balance being a truck driver and family life.

Truck Driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation

At Barr-Nunn Transportation, we know how important home time and family life are for our drivers. When do you want to be home to see family and friends? When it’s time for you to be home, we get you there! We work with all of our drivers to make a schedule and routes that fit their needs. In certain geographic areas, Barr-Nunn offers different options for drivers who like to be home daily or weekly.

People Also Ask

How can truck drivers maintain family relationships while on the road?

Truck drivers can maintain family relationships by utilizing technology to stay connected, making the most of home time, and planning schedules that allow for quality family interactions.

What challenges do truck drivers face in balancing work and family life?

Challenges include extended periods away from home, unpredictable schedules, and the physical and mental demands of the job, which can strain family relationships.

Are there trucking jobs that offer more home time?

Yes, positions such as regional or local driving jobs often offer more predictable schedules and frequent home time compared to long-haul routes.

How can technology help truck drivers stay connected with their families?

Technology enables drivers to communicate with their families through video calls, messaging apps, and social media, helping to maintain relationships despite physical distance.

What strategies can truck drivers use to improve work-life balance?

Strategies include negotiating predictable schedules, becoming a local driver or owner-operator, delegating home tasks, and bringing reminders of home on the road to stay connected emotionally.

How does being an owner-operator affect a truck driver’s family life?

Being an owner-operator can provide more control over schedules, allowing drivers to plan trips around important family events, potentially improving work-life balance.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy 7 Qualities of Great Truck Drivers

How To Become an Efficient Team Truck Driver

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Truck drivers are in higher demand than ever, but many drivers who get their commercial driver’s license (CDL) prefer shorter drives rather than long hauls. Yet, many businesses still rely on people driving across the country to get their products where they need to be. This is, of course, where team truck drivers come in.

Since the demand for truck drivers has increased in the past couple of years as we’ve faced supply chain issues and job turnover, the need for team truck drivers has increased even more, as far fewer trucker drivers are interested in teams. However, as you’ll see in this article, there are some significant benefits to being a team truck driver — benefits that may make it worth your while.

What is a team truck driver?

You may have vaguely heard of the term, but you are not quite sure what’s a team truck driver. Regular truck drivers usually complete shorter trips in one sitting, by themselves. Team truck driving, on the other hand, is for longer distances, usually over 750 miles. Although not every business needs team truck drivers due to the fact that many businesses have regional offices scattered across the country, some businesses still rely on the services of team truck drivers for long hauls.

How to know if team driving is right for you

The biggest thing to know when considering team driving is whether or not you like long drives. Some people don’t love being in a car or truck for hours on end, while others thrive on it and see long-haul trips as fun road trips where you get to see the country.

Another thing to consider is whether you tend toward being an introvert or an extrovert. When you’re on long drives, are you grateful you’re alone, or do you wish there was someone there with you? If having a companion on the road would make you feel more at ease and pass the time for you, then team driving might be the right thing for you.

Benefits of team truck driving

These are some of the top advantages of team truck driving.

  • Good pay. Of course, you want to know how much do team truck drivers make. At Certified Top Pay Carriers, like Barr-Nunn Transportation, top drivers can earn an average of $110,461 per driver per year, while the average pay for solo drivers is between $65,000 and $80,000.
  • Safety. Drivers are less likely to get tired and get into an accident if they are in a team. That’s because if the driver ever feels they are getting too tired to drive, they can always switch off with their other driver.
  • Companionship. Team driving allows you to break up the workload with a companion so that you can have time to rest on the road while the other drives and vice versa. Plus, you’ve got someone to talk to when you get bored.
  • Long drives. If team truck driving sounds like a good idea for you, then it’s probably because you like long drives. You’ll get your fill of long-haul road trips if you become a team truck driver.

Steps to becoming a great team truck driver

  • Find a partner. If you think team truck driving is a good fit for you, maybe ask a buddy or somebody you know to think about teaming up with you. While you don’t need to find a partner before you apply for jobs, it will make the process easier.
  • Find a truck driving school. Preferably, one that is near you. Simply search “truck driving school near me” on the internet, and you’ll be sure to find one close by. If you’ve found a partner, you could do team driver training together.
  • Prepare for school. Make sure you have enough money for the three to four-week team truck driver training. Also, contact the school asking about financial aid options and whether or not they’ll help you find a job after the course is complete.
  • Start school. Now go to your truck driving school and study hard so that you pass with all of the knowledge you need to know. Talk to people at the school about finding jobs afterward, and if they know any good companies that are hiring.

If team truck driving sounds like it’s for you, get started with team truck driver training today.

People Also Ask

What are the key benefits of team truck driving?

Team truck driving allows for continuous vehicle operation, leading to faster deliveries and increased earnings. With one driver resting while the other drives, teams can cover more miles efficiently, making it ideal for long-haul routes.

How can team truck drivers improve their efficiency?

Efficiency in team driving can be enhanced through effective communication, meticulous route planning, and mutual understanding of each other’s driving habits. Utilizing technology for navigation and time management also plays a crucial role in optimizing operations.

What challenges do team truck drivers face?

Team drivers may encounter challenges such as coordinating sleep schedules, managing interpersonal dynamics, and ensuring consistent communication. Building trust and establishing clear protocols can help mitigate these issues.

How does team truck driving impact earnings compared to solo driving?

While earnings are split between team members, the ability to cover more miles often results in higher combined income compared to solo drivers. This increased mileage can lead to bonuses and incentives, enhancing overall compensation.

What qualities are essential for successful team truck driving?

Successful team drivers exhibit strong communication skills, adaptability, and mutual respect. Patience, flexibility, and a shared commitment to safety and efficiency are also vital for a harmonious and productive partnership.

Team truck driving jobs at Barr-Nunn Transportation

At Barr-Nunn Transportation, our goal has always been to hire and retain the safest, most professional drivers. To accomplish this goal, we offer superior pay, well-equipped late-model equipment, substantial home time, excellent health insurance, and a 401(k) allowing our drivers to retire in comfort.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

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3 Truck Driver Pay Changes at Barr Nunn Transportation

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There are many reasons why truck drivers prefer Barr Nunn Transportation truck driver pay. Experienced and safe truck drivers receive regular raises in cents per mile, Band Pay (in qualifying areas), Economic Recovery Pay, and Company Driver Anniversary Bonus for starters. Practical miles are going up too. So, suppose you want a top-paying driving job with unmatched CSA Safety Bonuses, On-Road Safety Bonuses (Barr-Nunn truck driver favorites), Paid Time Off, and excellent benefits. In that case, Barr-Nunn Transportation is perfect for you.

Band Pay

From 0-100 miles, drivers earn their mileage pay rate plus $35 for each complete load in this mileage band range.

From 101-400 miles, drivers earn their mileage pay rate plus $25 for each complete load in this mileage band range.

That’s a 25% increase over the previous Band Pay program, which paid extra per mile on different bands of the length of haul.

Pay Per Mile Increases Again

Pay in our Regional North fleet increased by 3 cents per mile, and drivers can now start at a top rate of $0.69/mi.

Regional North fleet drivers are home every weekend for two full days, and the average pay per week is currently $1774.

The top 33% of drivers in this fleet are earning $1979 per week.

Mileage Paid Team drivers in 5 of Barr-Nunn fleets just earned an additional 2 cents per mile to their base rate.  This brings the top team mileage starting pay to $0.89/mi. 

Mileage Paid OTR Teams are grossing over $2000 per week each.

Economic Recovery Pay

Since March 2020, Barr-Nunn over-the-road and regional drivers have earned extra pay due to the Pandemic.  Currently solo and team mileage-paid drivers are earning 5 cents extra through the beginning of January 2022 for Economic Recovery Pay.

Bonus Earning Opportunity: Company Driver Anniversary Bonus

We’ve always believed it’s important to reward our company drivers’ experience and loyalty. The Driver Anniversary Bonus pays out once each year on the driver’s most recent hire date’s anniversary date. The longer a driver has driven for us, the higher the bonus amount! We get to the bonus amount by multiplying the base rate of the bonus by the number of years of service.

Final Thoughts on Band Pay for Solo Truck Driver Pay

If you’re a truck driver, then it’s time to get on board with how many ways Barr Nun Transportation offers truck drivers pay! Innovative new pay structures are for the modern-day independent truck driver. With the Band Pay program, regular increases in pay per mile, Economic Recovery Pay, and Company Driver Anniversary Bonuses, truck drivers make more at Barr Nunn Transportation. Apply now if you want an opportunity to start earning better solo truck driver pay today.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

You may also enjoy Changing Trucking Companies: What Truck Drivers Should Know

Changing Trucking Companies: What Truck Drivers Should Know

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It’s common for truck drivers to change trucking companies. Reasons for running miles for a new employer are usually personal. Many truckers switch carriers searching for more money, more home time, better driver treatment, updated equipment, or a change in freight. The question is, “When you are thinking about making a carrier change, what should you know about a new company before you make the jump?” Here are the top 8 things every truck driver should know when changing trucking companies.

Industry Reputation

Every trucking company has an industry reputation for discovery. Internet reviews for any carrier can easily be Googled. Yet, what upset or disgruntled (primarily former) employees write on Yelp, Reddit, or a trucking site typically doesn’t tell the whole story. The only authentic way to get the take on what it’s like to drive for a trucking company is to talk to a trusted source. If you ask around, you’re sure to find someone who knows someone who can give you an honest assessment of what it’s like to be behind the wheel. It’s one of the most important things you can do when changing trucking companies.

  • What’s it like to drive for [trucking company]?
  • How does/did [trucking company] treat you?
  • Did [trucking company] follow through on what the recruiter told you?
  • Tell me about driver benefits.
  • What is the ratio of driver managers to truck drivers?
  • What is the company culture?

Barr-Nunn Transportation driver reviews

Yearly Earnings and Bonuses

Unless you won the lottery and are willing to drive for free, any trucker gig is about the money. Carriers with a solid industry reputation will be open, honest, and accurate about what you’re likely to earn in your first year. Beware of any recruiters who sound like they are overpromising with statements leading you to believe you can make 50% more than you are now if you drive for their company.

Any reputable trucking company will have specific and detailed bonus opportunities. Incentive programs can include safe driving, productivity, fuel economy, length of employment, hitting milestones, driver referral, sign-on, profit sharing, or project-based.

  • Do you offer a pay program that is not by the mile? Barr-Nunn Transporation Shift Load Pay
  • What is the pay per mile?
  • What are the average monthly miles for this position?
  • What do current drivers make in this position annually?
  • Can you describe the driver incentive programs?
  • How much does a driver with my experience typically make in bonuses each year?

Pay Raise Schedule

The ability to increase your pay rate and earnings overall is a critical component of any truck driving job. Hard work, dependable work, safe driving, and loyalty should be rewarded. It’s important to find out the pay raise schedule so you are not in a position of only increasing your pay when the company feels like doing so. Trustworthy carriers will have a well-defined pay raise schedule process or system. You’ll want to know this information before changing trucking companies.

Earned Home Time Schedule

Second only to pay, home time is the critical factor to a happy truck driver. Being there for recitals, birthdays, graduations, weddings, and other significant life events is paramount to truckers keeping a home-life work-life balance. Many trucking companies now offer Earned Home Time based on miles, time out, employment history, and other factors.

  • How much home time do you get for x days out at [trucking company]?
  • How is earned home time calculated?

Paid Time Off (PTO)

For an experienced truck driver, changing carriers usually means losing Paid Time Off (PTO). So, if you’re going to make a trucking company change, it is essential to know how long it takes to get back to where you left off. If it takes you three years to be back to your current time off, you might reconsider making a move.

  • What’s the PTO (vacation) plan?
  • How fast do I start earning PTO (vacation) with [trucking company]?
  • Does the amount of PTO (vacation) increase with years of employment?
  • What is the most PTO (vacation) I can earn at [trucking company]?

4 Ways Barr-Nunn Truck Drivers Earn Paid Time Off

Equipment

Since you spend significant time behind the wheel, knowing what type of equipment you’ll use can make the difference in how well you enjoy the new driver position. Reliable, well-equipped, and late-model equipment can make life on the road safer and more comfortable.

  • What types of trucks do [trucking company] use?
  • What is the average age of the equipment?
  • How often is equipment replaced or upgraded?
  • Are trucks equipped with E-logs?
  • Do trucks have dash cams or other cameras?
  • What amenities do trucks come with?

Barr-Nunn Transportation Equipment

Office and Maintenance Support 24/7

A large part of a trucking company’s culture comes from non-drivers like office and maintenance support. How corporate, terminal, and other support staff interact and treat drivers many times can determine how long drivers stay. Trying to iron out benefits with Human Resources or Diesel Techs at the shop can be stressful on the road.

  • When are office staff available?
  • When is maintenance support available?
  • How many Diesel Techs are at the terminal locations?
  • Will I have a dedicated dispatcher?

Rider Program Availability

Let’s face it, being on the road by yourself is very therapeutic. And every once and a while, it’s nice to have a companion. More and more trucking companies are offering a rider program. If you have a regular rider on your route, you should find out if you can still have them with the new carrier.

  • Does [trucking company] have a rider program?
  • How does the rider program work?
  • What are the limitations of the rider program?
  • What is the process of getting a rider approved?
  • What is the cost of the rider program at [trucking company]?

Barr-Nunn Transportation Rider Program

Starting day one, solo drivers may have one rider at a time, age ten and up, and there is no cost.

Final Thoughts on Truck Drivers Changing Trucking Companies

When changing trucking companies, it’s essential to know everything you can about the new destination. Many times, truckers regret making a change – just to make a change. The road isn’t always greener on the other side of the median.

Barr-Nunn Transportation is a Certified Top Pay Carrier for 17 Years offering:

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!

How Truck Drivers Can Eat Healthier: Cooking on the Road with Scotty B.

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If life on the road is what you make of it, then 12-year Barr-Nunn Transportation driver Scott Branham is making a difference. He is the host of the Cooking on the Road with Scotty B. YouTube Channel. Scott is looking to change the eating on the road game with delicious, healthy, and simple recipes for today’s trucker. We caught up with Scott in Braselton, GA, a few hours before hooking up a load to find out the secret ingredient to his fast-growing channel and how truck drivers can eat healthier.

How did you get into the trucking business?

Doing a year of bricklaying on scaffolding proved to be more than I wanted to handle. It wasn’t my cup of tea. I went to truck driving school and immediately got into foodservice. I worked for Little Caesar’s Pizza, PepsiCo Foods, and then auto parts. After that, I got into over-the-road and have been doing truck driving for 34 years.

How did you connect with Barr-Nunn Transportation?

As a result of the 2008 recession, my trucking company was letting me go. By that time, I started a family, and benefits were important to me. Barr-Nunn Transportation was first on my list because of how fast the health benefits kicked in.

What has been your experience with COVID-19 and being on the road?

I have had more work during COVID-19 than I’ve ever had in my life. I was just rolling constantly, and I stayed out because I didn’t want to create too many chances of exposing my family to COVID-19.

What inspired you to start a trucker cooking YouTube channel Cooking on the Road with Scotty B.?

I wasn’t much a cook when I first got married. My wife is a fantastic cook, and I learned a few things from her. I started cooking meals on the road and sending pictures back to my daughter. She would say, “Oh, Dad, that looks fantastic! You should start a channel on YouTube.” I said, “Nah, I’m not that good.” And my daughter said, “Just do one episode!” I shot the raw footage and sent it back to her, and she did all the editing. The episode turned out pretty good.

What are some of the cookware you have in your cab?

My main equipment consists of a Pressure Cooker, Air Fryer, Rice Cooker, and Toaster Oven. I use the Pressure Cooker more than anything else because it’s so versatile. There is a refrigerator and freezer on board too.

What do you hope truck drivers get out of your YouTube channel?

Even though I focus on many basics, I want to take it further than just the basics. I want to introduce drivers to what else is out here, besides eating at rest stops or restaurants morning, noon, and night – spending life savings on it at the same time. It can get costly to eat on the road every day. You can do better than that, and it doesn’t take that much effort. I’m showing drivers simple, quick, and easy meals. Hopefully, truckers will get some good life hacks. Doing things drivers hadn’t thought about or try something they hadn’t tried before. I’m not a world-class chef or Wolfgang Puck, but I do know some things about eating more exciting food on the road. If a driver gets one thing out of my videos, that’s cool with me.

What’s your advice for how truck drivers can eat healthier on the road?

We need to get past the cold canned soups or beanie-weenies (that was my go-to). You can get into such a rut because of the limited choices on the road. Start cooking on the road and up the ante on your lifestyle out here. Technology has moved way past the 12-volt heater lunch boxes. They are horrible. They warm but don’t cook.

Invest in an inverter (which Barr-Nunn Transportation provided for us) because it’s changed the game for me. 1500 watts are more than enough to do what you need to do out here. Also, have it installed correctly by a professional.

What is your favorite dish to cook on the road?

The rice cooker I have is a fantastic cake maker. When I feel like treating myself, I like the pineapple upside-down cake. But you can’t have too many of those. It makes excellent cornbread or red velvet cakes.

What do you tell other truckers about driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation?

Truck driving isn’t an exact science. Every day is going to be different. So, it matters how you get treated. Barr-Nunn Transportation treats me like a real person. Honestly, I’m not a number. When I call into the dispatch and say, “Hey, what’s going on?” – Megan, or Teresa, or Tim, they know me. They treat you well. They treat me with respect.

Final Thoughts on How Truck Drivers Can Eat Healthier

Subscribe to Cooking on the Road with Scotty B. YouTube channel now and start getting ideas for eating better, healthier, and with more variety on the road. Scott is busy making more episodes and says, “With the amount of food you can prepare on the road, I don’t think there’s an end to the episodes we can do.”

You may also enjoy 7 Money-Saving Tips for Truck Drivers.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Driving Positions or Apply Now!