Two to Tango: Making Money as a Team
Understand, most drivers prefer the solitude of the open road. Who wouldn't? You get to take your work with you and make money wherever you go. No one to answer to (other than perhaps dispatch and the Department of Transportation), and you're touring the countryside over the wide-open road. What's not to like about that?
As appealing as driving solo can be, it's often accompanied by the risk of losing out on extra cash by limiting oneself in earning capability. It's especially detrimental in the realm of expedite, where the miles are lower while the pay is considerably greater. If a team is turning those expedited wheels, the amount of income will exponentially increase.
So, consider the type of teaming that's available out there and perhaps there's an option that best fits your requirements.
Significant Other
This may be the most lucrative, and yet most nuclear, option [insert cringe emoji here].
Being in a relationship with another person, one whom you love unconditionally, sounds great in theory. However, living in a small space for weeks on end can lead to some devastating relationship issues, something couples should seriously consider before hopping into a truck together.
The most rewarding part of this option is that the revenue generated by keeping the income within the truck's operating parameters makes adding wealth to the equation so much simpler. The money isn't being split between two drivers, and it's usually all going to the same pocket.
However, it may be a good idea to make sure the relationship is survivable before deciding to venture into a set up of this type. Perhaps locking yourself, with your significant other, say in a bathroom for a weekend, would be a way to help determine if a relationship can function in such close quarters. Seriously, try it! If it turns out that love triumphs from the weekend bathroom experiment, then teaming together in a truck should be a breeze. Plus, it'll definitely increase your earning potential.
BFFs
Another teaming option that gains viable consideration is the idea of teaming with a best friend and going over-the-road. Almost sounds like this could've been in an episode of Friends, where Chandler and Joey get their CDLs and hit the highway. Such a missed opportunity!
Like the idea of combining forces with a loved one, a team of Best Friends Forever can lead to relational complications if not treated and taken seriously. Above all, make sure a friendship (this also includes teaming with a family member, like a cousin or sibling) can survive being in a tight space for weeks at a time. If so, the big wheels will keep on turning and your pockets will continue earning.
In this case, remain mindful that the revenue generated will indeed be split between two parties. So, it would behoove each member to make sure there's an agreement between each other before venturing out as a team. Regardless, the truck will garner quite an influx of money-making opportunities when there's a team at the helm. More freight opportunity equals more money. So, be sure to have some sort of understanding in place before taking to the road.
We Just Met
Finally, teaming with someone you don't even know can pose a different type of challenge. Having to learn how to live with another person's tendencies can be quite the undertaking, but it may also be the best option to consider if you're someone who is just getting started in the expedite world. If you're new to expedite, teaming with someone who has considerably more experience can be a great way to learn the ropes. Plus, on top of being educated in expedite loads, you'll make more money by doubling your miles.
As with the prior suggestion, be sure to have an agreement hammered out before climbing into the rig with a person you don't know. So long as both parties agree to the financial ramifications of splitting the earnings, the amount of experience gained will be even more rewarding in the long run.
Until next time,
Brandon Scott