What Do Team Drivers Not Get About The Solo Driver Experience?
- Thread starter ATeam
- Start date
Phil...could have give us an example? Just to get the ball rolling....
You get out of your truck in a parking lot and an expediter wannabee stops you to ask questions. He or she wants to be a solo driver. You are a team driver. There is a lot about the business we can talk about, but when teams talk to solo wannabees, what do we not understand? What do we get wrong or overlook?
I know teams can log differently than solos. What about lonliness? What financial issues do solos have that teams don't?
Last edited:
Minus the logging..the same could be asked with Sprinter/CV's team vs solo.....same issues almost....money/lonliness and such...
I would imagine learning time management for a straight solo would be a critical issue....first and foremost...
I would imagine learning time management for a straight solo would be a critical issue....first and foremost...
Phil: You have no lack of imagination, so just imagine doing what you do without the help of a partner.
It's more work [teams can divide tasks according to individual strengths] and less fun [sightseeing and even restaurants aren't quite as nice without sharing], but it really depends on the individual. Without at least a basic ability in everything from paperwork to mechanics, it's a rough road, and for gregarious folk, it's harder, because there's less time to 'socialize'.
But you know some wannabees are like teenagers: you can tell them all you like, they have to find out on their own. Like me, lol.
It's more work [teams can divide tasks according to individual strengths] and less fun [sightseeing and even restaurants aren't quite as nice without sharing], but it really depends on the individual. Without at least a basic ability in everything from paperwork to mechanics, it's a rough road, and for gregarious folk, it's harder, because there's less time to 'socialize'.
But you know some wannabees are like teenagers: you can tell them all you like, they have to find out on their own. Like me, lol.
Jenny
Veteran Expediter
My dad drove solo in a van for a long time before my mom went out with him. Nick drove solo for 2 1/2 years before I came a long.
When Nick was out here alone he had a schedule of how he did things. Taking naps through out the day, eating at certain times if he could. He had a routine of how he did his things, where his things went. He spent a lot of time on the internet looking at car stuff while he was sitting. He could go and do whatever he wanted to do and not have to worry about someone else. He only had his stuff in the truck. Being on the road it was hard to have a relationship with a woman being gone all of the time. Most of them did not understand.
When he got sick there was no one to help take care of him. When he was tired, he either had to pull over and take a nap or drive on through it. There was no one to make him a sandwich while he was driving, there was no one to look at the map for him, or help him with little things. Even if it is not a husband/wife team whether it be two males or females, you can still ask one another to hand you things or look at something. There is someone there to keep you company. Yes, it is much easier being a H/W team, but you have to have a strong relationship in order to spend that much time together and not rip each others hair out.
I think that a lot of times team drivers do not realize how much they do for one another, whether it just be someone to talk to or to help them with something else.
When Nick was out here alone he had a schedule of how he did things. Taking naps through out the day, eating at certain times if he could. He had a routine of how he did his things, where his things went. He spent a lot of time on the internet looking at car stuff while he was sitting. He could go and do whatever he wanted to do and not have to worry about someone else. He only had his stuff in the truck. Being on the road it was hard to have a relationship with a woman being gone all of the time. Most of them did not understand.
When he got sick there was no one to help take care of him. When he was tired, he either had to pull over and take a nap or drive on through it. There was no one to make him a sandwich while he was driving, there was no one to look at the map for him, or help him with little things. Even if it is not a husband/wife team whether it be two males or females, you can still ask one another to hand you things or look at something. There is someone there to keep you company. Yes, it is much easier being a H/W team, but you have to have a strong relationship in order to spend that much time together and not rip each others hair out.
I think that a lot of times team drivers do not realize how much they do for one another, whether it just be someone to talk to or to help them with something else.
When you run solo you do ALL the work. You don't have a person that can get up and unload the truck at the shipper, even after you just drove 10 hours and it's your partners turn to drive or unload the truck. As a solo you have to get out and unload the truck and you get less sleep I feel. It all depends on the person too. It is safer running team, I team is less likely to get robbed. A team makes three times as much as a newbie solo starting out. If a someone wants to run solo and has other income like a retirement that can still pay their bills they may be okay. There is so many things that you have to think about.
When I ran Solo at TST Expedite I made a good money running for them in a C-unit at .80 a mile and .90 a mile if the load went into Canada. There was no FSC and they paid all tolls. TST also paid .50 a mile for all deadhead miles. They also would put more than one load on you at a time too. Fuel was a lot cheaper back then too. Running Solo is not for everyone, I know I hated it.
When I ran Solo at TST Expedite I made a good money running for them in a C-unit at .80 a mile and .90 a mile if the load went into Canada. There was no FSC and they paid all tolls. TST also paid .50 a mile for all deadhead miles. They also would put more than one load on you at a time too. Fuel was a lot cheaper back then too. Running Solo is not for everyone, I know I hated it.
LisaLouHoo
Expert Expediter
I was never considered "co-driver" technically. I did make the sandwiches, I would spot him a couple of hours to allow him rest, I was someone to hang out with...walks, talks, sightsee; program the GPS, seek alternate routes on the map, massage the muscle knots out of his lower back, ask annoying questions about his past, select songs on the iPod. Through this we developed our own language and inside jokes that friends and family don't and never will get...it created a bond like no other.
I know I must have been useful, because after our 2nd time out, he no longer asked me if I wanted to go, but suggested I keep my duffel bag packed and ready for when we DID go.
"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008
paullud
Veteran Expediter
LisaLouHoo
Expert Expediter
I guess it is necessary to have the type of personality to make one want to team with another person.
My driving a couple of hours here and there meant the difference in him accepting certain runs that were offered, distance and allotted time frame. It also meant he could stay out longer because he could get more rest, had companionship to break up the boredom; he didn't go stir crazy, and had someone else to handle the daily menial stuff while he could focus on the business. I set up and tore down the bed, kept the van clean, took care of the food and beverages, provided entertainment and distractions during the wait times.
He told me in the past, being on the road was tiring and lonely. He said I made it easier for him.
Besides, what fun to be snoozing in the passenger seat only to be awakened by having your nostril tickled by the driver's cellphone antenna.
Laughter and general companionship makes those 14 hour runs go by quicker and easier.
That is some of what teams get out of it.
"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008
greg334
Veteran Expediter
You are blind to the idea that teams make more money and the work is spread out with two instead of one.
Many solos make good money, contrary to what a few keep saying.
If one is to make use of legal logging, the one has to work while the other needs to stay in the sleeper - when the times don't mesh.
Having contact with someone else consistently is one thing that is missed, the loneliness is a personal factor, but cell phones and emails help lessen the impact.
The assumption that HOS limits the solos ability to deliver. With the number of tractor drivers being solo, the work is worked around them, not the other way around.
Jefferson3000
Expert Expediter
On the other hand, one of the things solos are not missing out on is space. Solos don't need to make space for someone else's stuff. I ran solo in a straight, as well as a cargo van. Before the baby, my wife (and Shih Tzu) went with me on a few trips. I enjoyed having my wife close by, as we tend to have fun no matter where we are or what we are doing. But it was definitely more work with her along, without the benefit of an actual co-driver.
Other than the advantage of basic truck expenses being paid quicker each month as a team, I know I would not enjoy teaming if it were not with my spouse.
Other than the advantage of basic truck expenses being paid quicker each month as a team, I know I would not enjoy teaming if it were not with my spouse.
tenntrucker
Expert Expediter
A persons personality has to be considered. I choose solo for the same reason I chose to to stay single after getting divorced ten years ago, don't want to get alone with anyone on a daily basis. Don't have to go through a committee to make a decision. And all the money is mine, no sharing! I do very well as a solo straight truck, I get the miles as a solo as most teams get. Very seldom do I set a whole day.
Sent from my DROID X2
Sent from my DROID X2
LisaLouHoo
Expert Expediter
In the case of true teams, yes, there's going to be the issues of pay structure and decision making. In the case of spouse or significant other road companions, like in my case, those topics are not issues, for he was the expediter, not me. He would bounce ideas off me, but he held the decision. The pay was all his. I knew this before I ever went on the road with him. As for my stuff, clothing, maintenance medication, pillow and minimal makeup (so as to not violate any location's "No zoo animals within city limits" ordinances) all fit into a medium duffel bag and a small tote and fit into the overhead storage of the cab.
As I stated earlier, I was there for companionship, taking care of the non-expedite but necessary tasks, and contribute a few hours of driving relief.
I can see where non-household paid teams could become contentious. I can also see where household paid teams can be worse if the mindset for teaming isn't in place before hitting the road.
Jeff remained technically solo throughout his 9 years of expediting. I was there the last year because he was tired of being on the road 3 weeks at a time by himself. That and I think he kinda likes me (that would be "like like", LOL)
I would say, if one is considering team, what are they looking for in that capacity? Strictly professional, point A to point B...or one with a "silent" partner, which allows them to remain the controlling entity of expediting?
"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008
As I stated earlier, I was there for companionship, taking care of the non-expedite but necessary tasks, and contribute a few hours of driving relief.
I can see where non-household paid teams could become contentious. I can also see where household paid teams can be worse if the mindset for teaming isn't in place before hitting the road.
Jeff remained technically solo throughout his 9 years of expediting. I was there the last year because he was tired of being on the road 3 weeks at a time by himself. That and I think he kinda likes me (that would be "like like", LOL)
I would say, if one is considering team, what are they looking for in that capacity? Strictly professional, point A to point B...or one with a "silent" partner, which allows them to remain the controlling entity of expediting?
"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008
ebsprintin
Veteran Expediter
Team drivers are blind to the value of being able to remove the passenger seat.
eb
eb
LisaLouHoo
Expert Expediter
Jeff did have his passenger seat out for years. With plenty of overhead storage in the van, he opted to put the seat back in last year. He feels doing so benefitted him. However that doesn't work for everyone.
"Bruises fade and bones will mend-but a psyche can be ruined FOREVER" : LisaLouHoo, c. 2008