OTR team driving can be a lucrative and rewarding career path. When you drive as part of an OTR team, you can keep the truck rolling longer – not only can you earn more, you get to share the entire experience with a driving partner. That’s why team driving is so attractive to couples (father/son, mother/daughter, best friends, cousins, partners, married couples, siblings, and more).
Like any career, team driving requires professionalism and a can-do attitude. A successful OTR team is built on a common set of principles. When both drivers can reach an understanding, they become a formidable, reliable team that can earn a good living and have a great time in the process.
So, what makes a good OTR team?
Trust
If you’re a part of an over the road team, one of you will often be driving while the other is sleeping. It’s important that you’re able to trust your partner to handle the truck and look after your safety while you’re not at the wheel. Likewise, your partner needs to be able to trust you to do the same.
Establishing trust is the foundation of a good OTR team. If you aren’t already acquainted with your co-driver, you should take the time to get to know them. Discuss each other’s driving styles and lifestyle habits. Establish that safety is your number one priority. You’ll need to depend on one another out on the road.
Respect
If you become an OTR team driver, you’ll be spending a long time in close quarters with another person. So, it’s important that you’re both considerate of the other’s needs and personal space.
Learn about your partner’s habits, likes, and dislikes. Establish rules for the radio and be considerate of each other’s music choices.
A Positive Attitude
To form a good team, it pays to have a positive attitude. You’ll be interacting with your partner often and for long periods of time, so interpersonal skills are key. If your partner is having a bad day, keeping a positive attitude can keep you both on track. Your positivity may even rub off on them.
The best teams can enjoy long conversations and long periods of silence. A good attitude will not only make driving together more pleasant, it will help you overcome tough situations together and stay safe on the road. When each driver is prepared to help the other, they can solve problems faster and reduce each other’s stress levels.
A Reliable System
Since OTR driving teams share responsibilities on the road, it helps to establish ground rules for how you’re going to operate. This includes rules for stops, driving rules, and rules for your responsibilities regarding your cargo.
For example, you may decide that one of you is in charge when loading cargo and the other is in charge when unloading. Or, you may decide that you are both equally responsible. You’ll also need to decide your sleep schedule. It could be that one of you is more comfortable driving at night while the other prefers to drive during the day.
Whatever you decide, make sure you stick to your system. Staying consistent will ensure that both of you know what to expect on the road.
Start a New Team Driving Career
It takes a commitment from both drivers to run a successful team operation. But good OTR driving teams are some of the happiest and highest-earning professionals in the trucking industry. It’s an attractive option for both new and experienced drivers.
If you’re preparing to start a new career as an OTR team driver or looking for a change from your current OTR position, consider a career with Lily Transportation Corp. We’re always on the lookout for safe, experienced team drivers. We provide excellent benefits, competitive pay, custom clothing, and top-of-the-line equipment.
For more information, visit the Jobs Page on our website.
