It’s true: team driving services do come at a higher cost than regular solo trucking rates. So why use them? Why not always count on the typical solo driver to deliver your freight? Though there are a few reasons, two stand out above the rest:
Delivery Speed
In today’s world of online shopping and expedited shipping, it’s become more important than ever to move freight as quickly as possible. Though air transport is arguably the fastest mode of transport, it comes at a cost.
The next best thing? Team truck drivers. At a fraction of the cost, they can get freight across the country almost as fast as a plane.
How? Since they can switch off regularly, a truck driven by a team virtually never stops. They’re able to carry goods over twice the distance of their solo counterparts – sometimes driving over 1,000 miles in just one day.
Freight Safety
But it’s not all about speed. When it comes to transporting freight, no matter the method or distance, getting it to its destination safely is the primary objective. Again, that’s where teams come out on top.
Typically, carriers require the two drivers to share the workload equally, each driver spending half their time behind the wheel and the other half resting. By switching off regularly, both drivers can stay fully alert, reducing the risk either of them will drive unsafely.
Having a partner also means having someone there to help with other duties like pre-trip inspections, backing into tight spaces, keeping cargo safe from damage or theft, etc. Simply put, just a little help can go a long way when it comes to keeping freight safe.
Solo drivers certainly have their place and are invaluable to every shipper and carrier. But could utilizing teams help drive your business goals in a completely different way? Maybe it’s time to find out.
