Before we get started, you may be asking yourself, “What is team truck driving?” In short, team truck driving is when two drivers take turns driving the same truck. This arrangement allows the truck to stay moving more often, resulting in faster deliveries. Here at Pride, our team drivers get great pay, new equipment, excellent incentives, and have the best driver support in the business. Is your curiosity piqued now? Becoming a team truck driver for Pride is a fairly straightforward process, and we’re confident you’ll be able to navigate the steps with ease. Let’s dive into what it takes to begin!

Find the Right Truck Driving School

If you’re an inexperienced truck driver, finding a truck driving school should be one of the first things on your to-do list. No one can just become a truck driver overnight. For example, you’ll need a good amount of training in order to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

The programs and services may vary, but for the most part, truck driving school will prepare you for high-paying truck driving jobs. Whether you want to get your Class A, B, or C CDL, attending a truck driving school training program is step one of becoming a professional truck driver. To see our list of The Top 5 CDL Schools in Utah click here.

Getting Your CDL

To become a team truck driver, you’ll need to be licensed. One of the best ways to prepare is to get a clear picture of what the test will consist of so you can prepare appropriately. It varies by state, so check your state’s DMV or public safety website for details. The test will also vary depending on the class of CDL you’re applying for.

For example, in Utah, the CDL test consists of a written knowledge test and driving skills test.

All CDL written knowledge tests are multiple choice, closed book, and require a score of 80% or better to pass. There are three main types of written CDL test, including:

• General written knowledge. Required by all applicants, Class A, B, and C CDL. Tests general trucking knowledge, driving safety, performing pre-trip inspection, and transporting cargo. This test has 50 questions.
• Combination. Only required by applicants applying for Class A CDL. This test has 30 questions about combination vehicles like a trailer or tractor.
• Air brakes. Optional test that can be taken by applicants applying for Class A, B, or C CDL. You’ll need to take this test if you’re planning to drive a vehicle with air brakes. This test has 25 questions.

The driving skills test consists of three different tests: pre-trip, basic skills, and a road test. Here’s what you should know about each one:

• Pre-trip. Tests the applicant’s knowledge on whether a vehicle is safe to drive and includes an inspection of a commercial motor vehicle.
• Basic skills test. Tests the driver’s basic skills--those considered essential for safe control of a vehicle.
• Road test. The purpose of this test is to see if the driver has the skills to drive in most traffic situations. It is given on the actual roadway and there will be specific maneuvers you’ll need to complete while driving. To pass, you’ll need to get a score of 30 or less error points.

Find Your Team Driving Partner

Once you have your CDL, it’s time to find a driving partner. It might seem like a daunting task but might be simpler than you think. As you start your search, here are some options to consider:

• Team up with your spouse
• Team up with a friend
• Team up with a company truck driver
• Reach out on social media
• Ask friends, family, neighbors, and past coworkers
• Use online matching programs

Getting along with your driving partner is essential to having a good relationship, so don’t be afraid to ask each other questions. Some questions you may consider asking your potential driving partner include:

• What’s your lifestyle like?
• How long do you want to be out on the road for?
• How many days or nights do you want to be home each week?
• How many hours of sleep do you need each night?
• How do we decide who gets to drive first?
• How long does each person drive for?

If you already have a driving partner, most employers will be happy to welcome them on board. But if you don’t, some employers have programs that help match you with a compatible driving partner. Finding the right driving partner is important – so make sure you take time to find someone you are compatible with. It’s important that you can trust, respect, and enjoy being around your driving partner. At Pride, we’ll help you find a compatible, comfortable team driver so you’re happy and can enjoy the road. It’s just one of the ways we treat all our employees like family.

What It’s Like Being a Team Truck Driver at Pride

With all of the team truck driver jobs in Utah, how do you know which one is best for you? Well, let’s start with the reasons why you should join the Pride family. As a Pride team truck driver, you can:

Earn up to $0.75 per mile and up to $0.05 per mile for productivity bonus
Attainable fuel savings bonus
Earn an average of 5,000 miles per week, or 21,000 per month
Be at home an average of 1 day per week – or stay out as long as you like

Other benefits include six paid holidays, paid vacations, stop pay, layover pay, breakdown pay and detention/hourly pay.

If you’re interested in truck driving but are a little hesitant to drive alone, team driving may be for you. In addition to having a companion with you on the road, team driving gets you the most driving miles and money. So, what are you waiting for? Start down the right road and join the Pride family. We have CDL team job openings in the western states with a 20% 401k match. Apply for our team truck driver jobs today.