We all have people we rely on to get through life’s challenges, such as parents, siblings, mentors, spouses, and friends. The best driving teams are no different. You’ll depend on your co-driver and they will depend on you. There are many advantages of OTR team driving, and finding a reliable co-driver is key to pursuing a team driving career.
You’ll be spending a lot of time together in the truck. When searching for a co-driver for your OTR team, it’s important to find somebody you get along with and with whom you can build a professional relationship.
It can be challenging to find the right co-driver. Everyone has a unique personality, so it helps to know that your personalities work well together when you’re out on the road. But finding a co-driver for your OTR team doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few ways you can find the right person for the job.
Talk to Drivers You Know
Often, the people in your immediate circle are the best candidates for your OTR team. You’ve already built up a rapport with them and there’s already an element of trust and friendship between the two of you.
If you’ve spent any time in the trucking industry, you’ve probably formed relationships with other drivers, whether they’re friends or family. If you’re looking to start a new OTR team driving assignment, don’t hesitate to ask those you know if they want to partner up.
Team Up with Your Spouse
This isn’t an option for everyone, but spousal driving teams are some of the happiest, most successful, and most durable driving teams out on the road. If your spouse is a driver or is starting their CDL career, consider teaming up with them.
Put Out an Ad
There are numerous online forums and publications devoted to for CDL drivers where you can put out an ad looking for a co-driver. You can also use other ad-posting sites, like Craigslist and Indeed.
In your ad, you can specify your needs and preferences, such as location, gender, and smoking or non-smoking. As people respond to your ad, you can communicate with them to determine if they’re a good fit.
If you decide to look online, remember to stay safe. Don’t share any personal information online. If you meet someone in person to discuss team driving, do so during the day in a safe, public location and bring someone you trust along with you.
Team Up with a Company Driver
Most often, the best way to find a co-driver is to apply to a logistics company and get matched with a company driver. Most companies are on the lookout for OTR drivers and they typically have a pool of people ready to join a team.
This eliminates the risks of looking online and ensures you’ll find a co-driver who has a strong driving background. It’s also a great opportunity to build a professional relationship, find a mentor, or be a mentor to newer drivers.
If you’re having trouble finding a co-driver on your own, talk to us here at Lily Transportation Corp! One of our recruiters will be happy to discuss our team driving opportunities with you, or you can apply online through our careers page.
