Truck driving offers a variety of career paths and a big decision a driver faces is whether to drive solo or as part of a team. Both options come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages, including differences in pay, flexibility, safety, and lifestyle. If you're considering a career in trucking or thinking about switching from one style to another, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with knowledge of both so you can make the best decision for yourself!
The blog this week has some insight into both solo and team truck driving, to help you make an informed choice.
Solo Truck Driving: Advantages
Full Control Over Your Schedule: Solo drivers have the freedom to plan their own routes, rest stops, and overall driving schedule. This level of autonomy allows for greater flexibility, especially for those who prefer working at their own pace or need to balance family responsibilities.
Increased Focus and Privacy: Driving solo means you don’t have to compromise on driving habits or preferences. It’s an ideal option for those who value privacy and enjoy solitude. Many solo drivers find the time on the road to be meditative and peaceful.
Higher Pay Per Kilometre: Solo drivers typically earn more per kilometre compared to team drivers since there’s no need to split the income. While team drivers may collectively cover more kilometres, solo drivers retain 100% of their earnings.
Solo Truck Driving: Disadvantages
Loneliness: Long hours on the road can feel isolating, especially for extroverts or those who thrive on social interaction. Solo drivers may miss the camaraderie of having a partner in the cab.
Limited Rest Time: While all commercial drivers are subject to strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, when they’re on their own this has tighter restrictions, and limits the amount of time they can drive before they must rest. This can result in longer delivery times for some loads compared to a team setup.
Safety Concerns: In case of emergencies, such as mechanical issues or personal health crises, solo drivers don’t have the immediate assistance a team partner can provide.
Team Truck Driving: Advantages
Higher Total Earnings: Although team drivers split their pay, they can cover more kilometres in a shorter period by alternating driving shifts. This often results in higher overall earnings, especially for long-haul routes across Canada.
Enhanced Safety: Having a partner on board means there’s always someone available to assist in case of emergencies. Additionally, team driving can reduce fatigue since one driver can rest while the other takes the wheel.
Social Interaction: For those who enjoy companionship, team driving provides the opportunity to share the road with a partner. Many teams consist of friends, spouses, or siblings, making the job more enjoyable and less lonely.
Faster Deliveries: Because team drivers can alternate shifts, they can cover more miles in less time, making team driving ideal for expedited freight and tight deadlines.
Team Truck Driving: Disadvantages
Split Pay: Team drivers share their earnings, meaning each driver receives a smaller portion per kilometre. However, the increased mileage often offsets this downside.
Compatibility Challenges: Sharing a small space for extended periods can be challenging, especially if partners have different habits, driving styles, or preferences. Conflicts can arise, impacting productivity and job satisfaction.
Less Flexibility: Team drivers must coordinate their schedules and preferences, which can lead to compromises. For example, you may need to adjust your rest or meal times to accommodate your partner’s schedule.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Choosing between solo and team truck driving is a personal decision that depends on various factors. Consider your personality, experience level, financial goals, family and lifestyle, and health and wellness when making your choice.
Personality: Introverts might prefer the solitude of solo driving, while extroverts might enjoy the companionship of team driving.
Experience: New drivers might benefit from the guidance of a teammate, while experienced drivers might prefer the independence of solo driving.
Financial Goals: Team driving often leads to higher earnings due to increased mileage, while solo drivers have greater control over their expenses and may benefit from performance-based pay structures.
Family and Lifestyle: Solo driving offers more flexibility for those with family commitments, while team driving can be demanding on personal schedules.
Health and Wellness: Team driving can help mitigate fatigue and provide immediate assistance in emergencies, which may be crucial for drivers with certain health conditions.
Beyond Solo and Team: Other Trucking Arrangements
While solo and team driving are the most common arrangements, there are other options to consider, such as becoming an owner-operator or an independent contractor. These options offer greater independence and earning potential but come with increased responsibilities and risks.
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Ultimately, the best way to decide which option is right for you is to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each and consider your individual needs and preferences. We’ve given you a general idea about both paths, but there are differences across different carriers and job positions, so it’s going to be imperative that you talk with experienced drivers, and perhaps even try both solo and team driving to see which one you prefer.
No matter which path you choose, both solo and team driving offer rewarding career opportunities for those who enjoy life on the road. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can make a decision that aligns with your goals and preferences. Safe travels!
To learn more about the trucking profession, be sure to check out our other blog posts, including Interview with a Truck Driver and 7 Skillsets You Must Have For Commercial Truck Driver Jobs.