It was once said that “Skill is the unified force of experience, intellect, and passion in their operation.” In the context of professional truck driving, this quote was never truer. The skill drivers gain through experience has led them to become knowledgeable masters of their trade. Most rookies simply do not have the driving experience and history to say the same. The following are 10 important things experienced truck drivers know that rookies do not:

1. Stay Healthy & Rest Up

Since the job of a professional truck driver is often sedentary, it takes a concerted effort on a driver’s part to stay healthy and get enough rest, which experienced drivers make a priority.

• Eating healthy, even on the go. Although it’s harder to eat healthy when on the road, drivers can still buy pre-washed and cut fruit or opt for grilled meat as an alternative to fried items.

• Drivers are making time for exercise. Understandably, this can be challenging. Experienced drivers are creative with this. They use folding bicycles that can be stowed in their berth and then use them when they park at a truck stop. They can also pack running shoes they can walk or jog with when stopped or purchase some weights and then secure them within the truck until using them.

• Getting adequate sleep. Drivers do this by investing in the right mattress and pillow for their sleeper berth. They might also include items like a portable fan or heater to ensure comfort when resting. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration mandates a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving and then at least a 10-hour break after 11 hours of driving. A wise driver takes advantage of these breaks to rest.

• Drivers are keeping their minds engaged. Hours of driving can make the mind wander. To keep it engaged, experienced drivers will commit to keeping their minds engaged by listening to audiobooks, language tapes, or music along with other tricks to keep their brain healthy.

2. Understand the Importance of Pre-Trip Inspections

Skilled drivers with experience understand the importance of their pre-trip inspection. The following are elements that should always be considered a part of any standard pre-trip inspection. An experienced driver goes over their truck with a fine-tooth comb before they leave on any trip, checking the following:

• Engine
• Trailer
• Brakes/Parking Brake
• Lights
• Hitch/Coupling Area
• Cab

3. Keep Safety Before Anything Else

Above all else, experienced drivers understand the importance of staying safe and getting back home to their loved ones. Professional long-haul truck drivers are often hauling over 10,000 pounds, making safety more than a priority; it’s a necessity. Skilled drivers understand that the following should always be adhered to by any professional driver who wants to stay safe and keep others safe on the roadways:

• Wear their seatbelts. Experienced truck drivers are strapping when the truck is moving.
• Avoid using their cell phones. In many states, the use of cell phones while driving is illegal. Driving while using a phone is considered distracted driving and is extremely risky according to the United States Department of Transportation. If this behavior is risky for nonprofessional drivers, just imagine how cell phone use impacts big rig driving.
• Obey speed limits. Professional drivers accept speed limits and obey them.
• Maintain enough stopping distance. Drivers know how much space is enough to leave between them and other cars, which should always be adhered to.
• Avoid drug and alcohol use. Drugs and alcohol impair a driver’s ability to operate their vehicle safely and should be avoided at all costs.

4. Know That People DO Call the 800-Number on the Truck

A wise driver will always remember that other drivers can and do call the 800-number listed on the back of their truck. A driver who is behaving recklessly or endangering others can be fired if they are reported via the 800-number. Rookie drivers should remember that the 800-number is always prominently displayed on the back of their truck and drive accordingly.

5. Respect the Shipyard and Customer Location Rules

Each customer has its own location rules that indicate how a driver should operate their vehicle while in the shipyard. These location rules could include the following:

• Using appropriate speed.
• Adhering to loading and unloading instructions of the protocol.
• Conversing with receivers and shippers appropriately and professionally.
• Understanding that they are a guest in the customer locations

6. Always Give The Trailer a Second Look

Even if they have already inspected their trailer before leaving, an experienced driver rechecks their trailer again when it is left for any period. They will also look over their shoulder before moving to ensure that their trailer is performing as it should.

7. Maintain Industry Relationships

There are many avenues of growth within the trucking industry—a great deal of them come through industry relationships. An experienced driver will never burn bridges with those within the industry. They understand there might be a need for a recommendation or job one day. They also aim to leave in good standing with former employers.

8. Ask for Help When Necessary

Even the most experienced driver will occasionally need help. They know when it’s time to ask for help and understand, asking for help doesn’t make them look foolish or hurt their ego. Seeking help is often about safety and the desire to learn the answer to a question they can use at another point in their career. It’s always about growth, which is something a skilled driver understands. Sometimes, rookies are hesitant to ask for help for fear they will be harshly judged for “not knowing” something, but everyone must learn. At some point, everyone is new. Therefore, a wise driver, whether they are new or experienced, will ask for help when necessary.

9. Understand That Changing Carriers Isn’t Always Advantageous

The adage “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence” applies here. While the lure of employment incentives might entice rookie drivers to change carriers, experienced professional truck drivers understand that most times, they are better off staying with one carrier and moving up within that company instead of bolting for every new offer.  There are specific situations where moving carriers help a career. It’s important to research it in depth before making a move because in most cases, staying put will end up being the best move career-wise.

10. Pay Attention to The Monthly Earnings Over Weekly Take Home

The last way experienced drivers understand the industry more than rookie drivers is by paying attention to their monthly, not weekly earnings. In professional truck driving, weekly earnings can be up and down a bit and vary. It can be difficult to use weekly earnings to judge overall income. Instead, a driver should consider their monthly income to predict their ongoing income more adequately.

Rookie drivers can learn a lot from experienced truck drivers who have been in the industry for years. A wise rookie will embrace their knowledge and shared experience and learn from those who have gone before. The 10 points listed above showcase the expertise experienced truck drivers have when compared to rookies. Any rookie driver who wants to understand these points better should seek out a skilled, experienced driver to learn more about these critical elements of the professional trucking industry.

Are you an experienced truck driver? Share a tip or trick only seasoned drivers would know. 

Barr-Nunn Transportation is hiring experienced truck drivers for solo and team trucking jobs. Apply today!

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A regional truck driver is a professional driver who operates within a specific geographic region, typically covering a designated area or several neighboring states. Unlike long-haul drivers, regional truck drivers generally have shorter routes and return home more frequently, contributing to a more localized and predictable work schedule.

A CDL license today allows truckers to choose from a variety of driving positions. The trucking industry provides many lifestyle options for drivers. The goal is to find the right company and the right position to satisfy a taste for the open road. When considering your path, becoming a regional truck driver could be the perfect fit.

Types of Truck Driver Positions

In the world of trucking, there are several distinct driving positions, each with its unique characteristics and demands. These positions include OTR (Over the Road), dedicated, local, and regional truck driving roles.

Over-The-Road (OTR)

OTR refers to truck drivers hauling freight over long distances across the United States and Canada. Typically, drivers spend 3-4 weeks at a time on the road. Delivering items such as heavy freight, machinery, construction materials, and other equipment.

Dedicated

Truckers with a dedicated route service the same company, same freight, or location regularly. Often truck drivers pick up loads at regular locations and deliver to regular or dedicated customers.

Local

Local truck drivers have shorter delivery routes, typically delivering goods to customers within close proximity. These drivers are usually home daily, which makes local driving positions particularly attractive for those seeking a consistent work-life balance. Many local drivers are paid by the hour, in contrast to OTR or dedicated positions where compensation is often based on miles driven.

Regional Truck Driver Information

Regional trucking refers to the part of the country where a driver moves goods and materials, and makes deliveries. Drivers move through divisions or regions like the Northeast or the Midwest. Usually, drivers stay within a 1,000-mile radius of their home domicile. Regional truck drivers are generally home two days per week; in many cases, this time off falls on the weekend. Truck driving company policies typically dictate a certain number of days or hours required.

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I’m a regional truck driver, so I’m home every weekend. Last year I grossed just over $83,000. If you are thinking about coming to Barr-Nunn, I think you’d be making a wise choice.

– Jim, 22-year Barr-Nunn Transportation Truck Driver

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Benefits of Being a Regional Truck Driver

Regional truck driving offers several compelling advantages.

• Home Time: Generally, regional truck drivers live in the same area in which they work, so home time is regular and more consistent. Regional trucking jobs are rewarding for truck drivers with a family or children because of the ample amount of home time.

• Familiarity: Truck drivers operating within the region regularly become very familiar with the best routes, delivery requirements, and receiving company staff. Familiarity helps driver efficiency over time, and an enjoyable comfort level lowers stress.

• No Loading or Unloading Freight: Many regional truck drivers are not required to handle the freight they haul. Companies often hire lumpers to handle the loading and unloading of goods, relieving drivers of this physically demanding aspect of the job.

• Salary: According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), an average regional truck driver’s annual salary is $53,000. While this figure can vary depending on factors like experience, the company you work for, and the specific region you serve, it is a competitive salary in the trucking industry.

Conclusion

Compared to other driving positions, regional truck driving stands out as an appealing career choice within the trucking industry. It caters to individuals who are passionate about the open road and prefer a more regular work schedule that includes frequent home time. If you are considering a career as a regional truck driver, Barr-Nunn Transportation offers positions that align with these preferences.

Whether you’re an experienced driver or just starting your trucking career, exploring the opportunities available at Barr-Nunn Transportation may be a wise decision. The combination of attractive benefits, job security, and a supportive work environment makes it a promising choice for those seeking a fulfilling career on the road. Find open positions or apply now.

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You may also enjoy this article: Why You Should Become a Team Driver

You have been driving a truck for a few years and are starting to look around at other opportunities. Once you decide whether to work for a private fleet, as a team driver, drive oversized rigs, operate hazmat vehicles, heavy haul, flat, tanker, into reefer or dry van – it is time to find the right driving company. Choosing the right carrier can impact your long-term success. The perfect fit can affect career advancement opportunities, potential bonuses, the equipment you use, the benefits you enjoy, your rate of pay, and even your ability to find the perfect route. When choosing OTR truck driving companies, consider the following factors:

Are They Top Pay Certified?

The first factor you want to consider is top pay certification, awarded by the National Transportation Institute indicating a company meets a three-part qualification. Qualifications include providing top-tier pay, job security, retirement options, and health and wellness coverage. Each qualification is reviewed annually. A carrier must rank in the top 10% of driver income potential to meet the top pay certification. An important ranking factor is carrier stability, an indicator of a driver’s job security.

Barr-Nunn Transportation has been recognized as a top-pay-certified carrier for over 15 years.

Do They Have a Practical Mileage Pay Program?

Experienced truckers like to benefit from performance and productivity metrics. Some carriers let drivers earn additional money for things like miles driven, fuel economy, and on-time deliveries. It is a more accurate assessment of your actual miles driven and awards your hard work more fairly.

Barr-Nunn pays based on practical miles. Plus, we have we call Band Pay, which applies to Solo Truck Drivers, who are paid by the mile. Based on loads of 550 miles or less, there can be additional compensation for shorter loads.

What Driver Positions Do They Offer?

Most experienced truckers understand what kind of driver position is best for them and their lifestyle. Some drivers like the open road and are OK staying out longer. Others find it is best to work alone. And some drivers want to stay as close to home as possible. And then some like companionship and support on the road. Ask yourself if you are going to be part of team driving, drive OTR, or be a regional driver.

Barr-Nunn offers team, OTR, and regional truck driver positions. 

How Much Time Can Drivers Spend at Home?

Most truck drivers want to know how much time you can expect to spend at home with your family, the people who mean the most. After all, only a small percentage of truckers want a job distancing them entirely from family and friends. Finding a carrier with the ability to find the balance between hauling loads and family is an essential part of being happy as a truck driver.

At Barr-Nunn Transportation, regional drivers can expect to enjoy two-day weekends with their families, OTR will see their families for three or four days every 11 or 18 days and team drivers stay home four to seven days every 18 or 21 of driving. 

What Are the Driver Benefits?

Another critical aspect of any potential employer is the benefits package. The quality of health and dental coverage should be at the top of your must-have list. To avoid being surprised at the time, it takes to get coverage, we recommend you ask before accepting any position. Many truckers are interested in other benefits like life insurance, legal advice, and private counseling. Size up all your potential carriers’ benefits to avoid problems down the road.

Barr-Nunn offers a superior matching 401K, after only 90 days of employment. We also provide BCBS heatlh insurance, which starts the first of the month after an employee has worked 60 days, $10K free life insurance, and Delta Dental coverage.

What About Pay Raises?

How do you earn a pay increase? Is it only when the company feels you have earned it and evaluated you? What if you get lost in the weeds, and they forget to give you an increase you have earned? Are these pay raises in writing, or solely up to if your manager feels like giving you a raise? Ask questions during an interview or orientation to determine what types of pay raises a carrier offers.

At Barr-Nunn, drivers automatically earn your pay increase by logging miles. Driver pay will go up a half-cent every 20,000 to 40,000 safe paid miles. 

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Barr-Nunn has made more upward changes in driver pay than any other similar carrier in the U.S. in the last ten year.

– Gordon Klemp, National Transportation Institute President & CEO

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What About Safety Bonuses?

Your carrier should not be the only one benefiting from your stellar safety record. Quality OTR truck driving companies incentivize truckers to deliver goods on-time and safely. Your new carrier should have a well-defined safety bonus program in place.

At Barr-Nunn, drivers earn safety bonuses of between $650 and $975 every 90 days, plus an extra day off or vacation day.

How Safe is the OTR Truck Driving Company?

It stands to reason you want to work with a company that places a high value on safety. You know you are a safe driver, but what about the rest of the drivers? What do customers say about the safety record of your new carrier? The safety reputation of the company you drive for could have an impact on your ability to make money or when applying to another carrier.

Barr-Nunn Transportation has consistently low safety scores (a good thing)  based on the U.S. Department of Transportation standards. 

What About Maintenance and Equipment Quality?

Some carriers let maintenance issues go far beyond safety standards, putting you and others on the road in danger. You want a carrier who puts prioritizes equipment safety and has well-maintained service records. You should consider touring carrier shops and talking to mechanics during an interview or orientation.

At Barr-Nunn,they fix issues immediately. The safety or our drivers and the motoring public are our highest priority.

What Do Terminal Amenities Include?

After a successful haul or a stop through a terminal, a nice place to regroup and rest is underrated. You can tell a lot about a carrier by the driver terminals and the amenities. What do driver lounges offer? Can you refresh with a nice shower? Can you do a load of laundry before you get back on the road?

At Barr-Nunn, we provide laundry, lounge areas, showers, and parking spots at all our terminals in PA, OH, NC, and Iowa. 

Are Driver Referral Rewards Offered?

Carriers with happy drivers want happy drivers to refer qualified truckers to fill open positions. Quality carriers incentivize drivers who refer other truckers. If you have a large network of truck driving friends, you want to benefit from word-of-mouth hires. Your ability to attract quality drivers should be rewarded.

Barr-Nunn encourages and rewards drivers for referrals. Following successful orientations, graduations, and the first 90 days on the road, you start to earn money on referrals. 

When You Do Take a New Position with an OTR Truck Driving Company

Stay positive and give it time. Adjusting to a new carrier takes time and patience for you and them.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate. Ask questions and ask for feedback on how you are doing

Talk to other drivers at the company. Those that have been with the company can provide valuable feedback

Stay put. Constantly switching carriers for a big sign-on bonus or big promises of earning potential may not be the best route to happiness.

Final Word on What to Look for in OTR Truck Driving Companies

OTR truck driving companies fitting for you and your needs are out there. You will need to do some homework, figure out which aspects of a carrier are most important to you, and find drivers who can offer some company insight. Carrier culture should be relevant to you and using our guide should steer you in the right direction.

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If Barr-Nunn Transportation feels like a good fit for you, search driver positions, apply now, or call us at (888) 999-7576.

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Some people love the idea of striking out on their own. Not only are they free to carve their own way, but they’re also free to make their own mistakes. But when it comes to succeeding in the trucking industry, too many solo drivers end up learning the hard way that it doesn’t pay to go it alone — literally. We’ll look at the reasons why becoming a team driver can make you more money and deliver a better experience when you’re on the road.

1. Team Truck Drivers Make More Money

Did you catch the bit about making more money in the first paragraph? Because we really can’t hammer this point home enough. If you’re in this business to make a living, you owe it to yourself to start building your wealth as quickly as you can. Team drivers make more money because they can keep their trucks going for roughly twice as long as a single driver would. Very often team driver pay scale is higher than solo drivers. Even though you’re splitting the profits, you’re also making your deliveries in half the time as a solo driver. It means you can work longer and more efficiently.

2. You Get a Real Break

While solo drivers are mandated to rest to ensure everyone’s safety, it’s not always easy to really relax and recoup when you know someone’s waiting for your freight. With team driving, you get to take a break without having to worry about your income or deadline. While one person rests, the other one picks up the driving.

3. Team Driving Gives You Someone to Talk to

While there will be time spent switching between resting/sleeping and driving, driving teams will have the chance to spend time with someone else. Some people team up with a friend or even a spouse, so they can reduce the possibility of personality friction when on the road. Trucking can be a great way to spend time with the people you love while making a comfortable living. So if you’re tired of missing home when you’re out and about, take home with you when you become a team driver.

4. Team Truck Drivers Keep the Supply Chain Going

The supply chain is a vital part of the US economy, and the cargo carried from place to place is an integral part of ensuring everyone gets what they need. When you drive in a team, everything moves faster. Companies and companies across the nation can rest easy that the freight will be delivered and the inventory will be restocked. From medication to produce, team drivers can help reduce shortages in the many towns and cities they service. A solo driver is limited to how many hours they can drive, which can easily put them behind the curve.

5. Team Driving Gives You a Built-In Strategist

When you’re with a team, it’s easier to identify and solve the problems before they balloon into catastrophes. From when to stop for gas to how to arrange the freight, there are a number of ways for truckers to become better at what they do. Even shaving off a few minutes per driver can quickly add up over the course of the year. For solo drivers, it may take longer to catch these issues, especially if they’re shouldering the pressures without any help.

6. Team Drivers Can See It All

Truckers have the opportunity to travel without the associated costs that normally keep people at home. Some team drivers will choose routes that take them through some of the most scenic areas in the US, a practice that has led many truckers to truly cherish their time on the job. As you’re exploring the best the nation has to offer, you’re also perfecting invaluable skills that will help you in your everyday life. From general problem-solving to serious crisis management, team drivers have a chance to better themselves together.

People Also Ask

What does it mean to be a team truck driver?

A team truck driver is part of a pair of drivers who operate a single truck together. They take turns driving and resting, allowing the truck to stay on the road for longer periods without needing to stop as frequently. This setup maximizes driving time and productivity.

What is the highest-paying truck driver job?

The highest-paying truck driver jobs are typically in specialized fields, such as hazardous materials (hazmat) driving, tanker hauling, or oversized load transport. Team drivers also tend to earn more than solo drivers due to the increased mileage and workload. Additionally, owner-operators who manage their own trucks and contracts can earn significantly more, depending on their business acumen and market conditions.

What is the difference between solo and team truck driving?

Solo truck driving involves one driver who manages all driving, resting, and responsibilities alone. They typically have more control over their schedule but must stop more frequently for rest. Team truck driving, on the other hand, involves two drivers sharing the workload, which allows for more continuous operation and quicker delivery times since one driver can rest while the other drives.

How do team truck drivers sleep?

Team truck drivers sleep in shifts while the other partner is driving. Most long-haul trucks have a sleeper cab, which includes a bed or bunk area behind the driver’s seat. This arrangement allows one driver to rest while the other drives, ensuring the truck remains in motion for longer periods.

How many miles can team drivers drive in a week?

Team drivers can cover between 5,000 to 6,000 miles in a week on average. This is significantly higher than solo drivers, who typically cover around 2,500 to 3,500 miles per week. The higher mileage is possible because the truck is moving almost constantly, with only short breaks for refueling, loading, and unloading.

How to Choose a Team Truck Driving Partner

Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been a solo driver for a while, consider the people in your personal network and whether they’d be good candidates to form a capable team with you. It could be a friend, a colleague, or even your wife or husband. You may be surprised at the amount of husband and wife team truck driving jobs available today. The key is to choose someone with whom you can share everything, from space to responsibilities. Each person needs to be willing to fulfill their side of the bargain to indeed form a lasting and successful partnership. From there, you can establish a team that gets more done, helps more people, and, ultimately, makes more money per year.

Looking for a team truck driving job? Apply Now or Search Truck Driving Positions

What is a team truck driver? Read our blog post: Team Trucking in 2020 and Beyond.

Amid the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that hit the nation full-force, all jobs have now been divided into two categories–essential services and nonessential services. Most recognize the important role doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals play in this medical catastrophe; however, other industries are just as essential when it comes to keeping the country moving.

Most Important Items

For example, without the transportation industry, there would be no way to transport the various vital items that enable other industries and professionals to do their jobs. In fact, trucking underpins nearly all other crucial industries by carrying the following:

• Groceries: Food, milk, drinks, etc.
• Cleaning Supplies: The way individuals, both in a residential and commercial setting, prevent the spread of the virus through deep and regular cleaning.
• Medical Supplies and/or Medicines: What could be more critical when it comes to sustaining life than medicines and medical supplies getting from where they are to where they need to go?
• Electronics: This includes, but is not limited to, virtualization technology.
• Construction Material: In both commercial and residential capacities.
• Fuel: To keep essential workers moving from home to their jobs and to ensure trucks have the fuel needed to continue transporting vital goods.

Trucking, the Most Essential Service

Trucking is an essential service, necessary to get all the above items from one location to another. There is no way for this country to maintain order and civility without the trucking industry. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, an agency that was tasked with defining essential jobs, among other crucial duties, truckers were described as “critical infrastructure workers.” The following is a segment from the official report published by Homeland Security:

“Functioning critical infrastructure is imperative during the response to the COVID-19 emergency for both public health and safety as well as community well-being. Certain critical infrastructure industries have a special responsibility in these times to continue operations.”

Obviously, the trucking industry is considered one of the “critical infrastructure industries” mentioned in this statement.

Changes in Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration recently reduced regulations on commercial drivers, allowing them to drive more extended hours than was previously allowed if they are hauling essential items, such as fuel, groceries, and/or medical supplies. This means that while other industries are reducing hours, laying employees off, or are grinding to a halt altogether, truck driving jobs are still available and even in higher demand.

Thank a Truck Driver

Truckers, the unsung heroes of this pandemic, deserve a big pat on the back and a hearty “thank you”! As outlined above, the country requires the transportation industry to remain robust and active to prevent complete chaos and risk the lives of many individuals if needed medical supplies or other vital items are not transported. Therefore, truckers deserve just as much praise as other essential professionals, as they are literally keeping the wheels spinning on America’s critical infrastructure.

How to Become Part of an Essential Service Team

The current increased demand for transported goods will probably dwindle somewhat as the COVID-19 pandemic passes. However, the role truckers are playing in the whole scenario highlights the immense need for truckers, defining them as essential workers.

Therefore, truck driving jobs are now and will remain plentiful for the foreseeable future, mainly to restock depleted goods across the nation. Anyone who has at least one year of recent OTR experience within the industry can reenter a field that is always considered essential and will never become obsolete, even in the middle of a crisis.

Truckers with a CDL who are currently working as truckers and who have a year of OTR experience should consider driving with us at Barr-Nunn Trucking to become part of our fantastic team of essential workers. Also, if a person’s current employment is deemed to be nonessential, now is a great time to consider completing a quality training program to become certified as a professional truck driver.

Looking for a truck driving job? Apply Now or Search Driving Positions.

Team trucking is on the rise in 2020, and it is poised for years of growth.

What are the main reasons team trucking is taking off?

• Friends are teaming up and hitting the road.
• Many women are getting into trucking as a second career, and many enjoy coming on board as team truckers.
• New truckers are needed in the industry, and team trucking offers an option that might increase the driving population.
• The trucking industry is beginning to realize great untapped potential in the team approach to driving.

At Barr-Nunn Transportation, we have positions open not just for solo drivers, but also for team truckers. Here’s what it’s about, and some aspects to consider if you’re thinking of driving as a team member.

Are You Cut Out for Driving as a Team Trucker? 

While many truckers prefer to drive alone, some prefer the team approach in which two truckers alternate shifts between on-duty and off-duty on their drives. With two people sleeping in shifts, the truck keeps rolling and the load keeps moving. This is good for the trucking company. And drivers make money for their total miles – which, of course, add up much faster when two people are taking turns at the wheel. 

And yes: team driving is in high demand in the industry in 2020. The growth outlook is very good. At Barr-Nunn, we point out that the team approach can definitely be a way into a trucking career in 2020 and beyond.

If you’re thinking of becoming a team driver in the near future and would like to prepare mentally, the following are some insights.

It Comes Down to Your Outlook, Preferences, and Partner

First, assess your personality. Are you an extrovert? Or do you just think you’d like to travel with a pal? If so, team driving might be just the factor that makes a trucker’s life work for you.

For people who like to handle things alone, team driving might just become nerve-wracking. You know yourself best.

Even though you’re part of a team, you’re not always interacting with each other, because one or the other is usually sleeping. (This is a good place to note that only two hours of off-duty time is allowed in the passenger seat. Drivers need to be in the sleeper berth for 8 of the mandatory 10 off-duty hours.)

As for breaks, team partners have to make their schedules fit their partners’ schedules, and their delivery timetables as well. That can get stressful unless the pair is remarkably compatible.

The main thing is this. You’re riding with another human being for days or weeks. If you no longer click with or lose trust in, your partner, this makes it nearly impossible to keep working together. But for some people who work with us at Barr-Nunn, partner driving makes their career fulfilling. 

Pairing Up: A Driving Partnership Can Be a Life Partnership

Your partner must share the work equally with you and must be someone you can trust completely. Maybe it’s no surprise that some of our ace teams are married couples.

For the couple that’s cut out for it, driving with your life partner can be a unique and precious benefit. Rather than being apart while the other is on the road for long hauls, the two partners can work together and look after each other.

Did you know women truckers accumulate more mileage than men do? It’s one of the notable recent trends in trucking and it happens because female truckers often drive in teams and can switch with a teammate whenever one driver gets to their driving limit. Women tend to have excellent safety records and are less likely to leave the industry, too. Are you looking for a partner with great stamina? There is so much to be said for women truckers. If you happen to be one of them or want to get started, we heartily welcome you.

For the Right Partners, Team Driving Has Its Perks

Team driving is different — some drivers love it and some don’t. There’s someone there to help with the inspections and fixes. There’s someone to guide you as you’re backing up or parking in a tricky spot.

And, of course, there is someone to take the loneliness out of the longer rides. Back in the heyday of CB radio, there were plenty of conversations. Today, it’s different. Everyone has smartphones but no one is allowed to talk on them while driving. 

Being away from home for long hauls can take its toll on some people. Interesting studies have appeared in recent years about truck drivers’ mental health and how important social relationships can be to protecting everything from heart health to longevity. Close relationships with other people can uplift our moods, strengthen our immune systems, and increase our life spans. It’s a fascinating line of research and adds yet another reason to appreciate the friendships forged for life in the trucking world.

You might have a good friend in the industry, and decide to pair up. If your friend does not have OTR driving qualifications, speak with us to see about bringing your friend on board with CDL and OTR training.

Will Teamwork Make Your Dream Work?

Yes, we couldn’t resist that one.

Ask yourself:

• Can I trust my partner 100%?
• Does my partner have the stamina and mental strength to perform consistently on the road, day and night?
• And what about the other person’s view? Am I good company in tight quarters? Am I a good communicator? Am I organized and tidy? Do I mind handling more than a 50-50 share of the work when the other person is under the weather?

Respect for the other person involves being sensitive about details that you wouldn’t bother about if it were just up to you. When sharing the same space for extended periods, it’s important to do all you can to avoid a cold, pay special attention to hygiene, avoid bean dip and burritos, keep the music volume down, and avoid bumpy or sharp moves. 

Are You OK With All That?

Now to add one more (really big) thing. Both of you will be working out your sleeping patterns and getting used to your off-duty time while the truck’s rolling.

Have you tried to sleep on a train or plane? If so, you know what we mean. Will you be refreshed? How will you split day and night driving? What if you need to change shifts? Will you be able to work out your preferences?

Sleep is a major factor in keeping you safe, and safety is your first priority, so think carefully about this: In a very real sense, you’ll need to be able to trust your partner with your life, and vice versa.

If you’ve already qualified for OTR, you have had a taste of team driving. As part of your training course, you drove with a mentor. Were you comfortable with that – or itching for the time you’d be on your own? That tells you a lot about whether you’re cut out for team trucking.

At Most Companies, the Pay Might Not Differ Greatly From the Solo Driver’s Rate. But at Barr-Nunn, You Will Earn More as a Team.

There are a lot of talks and promotional material out there suggesting that team driving means exceptionally high pay. But it’s just straight math. The more miles driven, the more pay is earned. Sources show the pay per mile averaging in the range of .32 per mile up to .50 per mile across the country, for each partner in a team.

If you were driving around the clock and around the calendar, you could pull in a gross yearly pay per driver of $61,000+, or 122K+ per couple, at the average U.S. transportation company. But we’re all human. Even in teams, we can’t drive constantly. And loads are not always available, even when drivers are. Most driving teams are out on the road an average of 35 out of the 52 weeks in a year. It varies.

That said, if life partners are also trucking partners, and the pair drives with a Top Pay Certified trucking company, the situation can be particularly beneficial for them. Their pay may be shared, and because they help each other on the road, this option can be a great way to make a living. It’s quite typical for team drivers to pull in several hundred dollars in extra income each month.

Interested? Talk With Us About Team Trucking.

We’re a trucking company that’s keen on team truckers. The industry has not recruited teams to the level it should, and we’re making sure we let drivers know this is an option. We’re working to be the best trucking company for team drivers, in 2020 and beyond.

Based in Granger, Iowa, with terminals in NC, PA, and OH, we’re also a National Transportation Institute Top Pay Certified Carrier. So, please contact us to find out more about how team trucking can meet your career aspirations and your financial goals. We appreciate your consideration of a career as a team trucker. 

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