Average Miles for Teams

[TrainFan]

After working in expediting for several years driving my cargo van, I am considering moving to a straight truck.

Before I even consider purchasing a straight truck, I am contemplating driving for someone as a team driver to get a feel for the industry on this next level. After reading the classified ads for "drivers wanted", I have a couple questions that hopefully can be answered by individuals who drive a straight truck for someone else or by fleet owners.

1. I see some ads where the drivers pay for fuel, tolls, etc. and some ads where the fleet owner pays for these items and simply pays a percentage (usually 20%) to each driver. I am curious as to which option is most common?

2. I understand there are many variables with regard to miles and gross pay (in-service time, load acceptance, etc.), but generally as a team driver if you are in service for 3 weeks a month, what have been your average miles and gross pay per month, quarter or more importantly your annual miles and gross pay?

3. Last, I would like to ask drivers who drive for fleet owners, which expediting companies (Panther, FedEx, Tri-State, etc.) they drive for and why they chose them?

 

[RichM]

One of the most important items is personal chemistry between you and the other driver. He/She or you may have habits that the other driver can't live with. The other driver may have problems at home that requires him/her to travel home more requently that you want to. Someone has to be the lead driver and decide if they want to accept or reject a trip offer.

The other driver may have driving habits that you may find unsafe. Can you sleep while a stranger is behind the wheel perhaps speeding etc.

Married couples generally work out better then 2 seperate individuals that have different needs.

 

[nightcreacher]

>One of the most important items is personal chemistry
>between you and the other driver. He/She or you may have
>habits that the other driver can't live with. The other
>driver may have problems at home that requires him/her to
>travel home more requently that you want to. Someone has to
>be the lead driver and decide if they want to accept or
>reject a trip offer.
>
>The other driver may have driving habits that you may find
>unsafe. Can you sleep while a stranger is behind the wheel
>perhaps speeding etc.
>
>Married couples generally work out better then 2 seperate
>individuals that have different needs.
With the experience you have driving a van,you know somewhat what your going to deal with in a straight truck,but I agree with Rich,before getting into this type of vehicle,you should find someone to drive team with,and I think the best person to do that with is the owner of the truck.You can learn more from that owner in 3 months than anyone else in a year.Good luck to you