Introduction
Team truck driving is one of the best-kept secrets in the trucking world — and it’s no secret to those looking to earn top dollar on the road. High paying team truck driving jobs offer not just a faster pace of delivery but also significantly higher earning potential. If you’re looking for a way to boost your income in the trucking industry, driving as part of a team could be your ticket to success.
What Is Team Truck Driving?
Team truck driving involves two drivers sharing a single truck. While one driver is behind the wheel, the other rests or sleeps. This allows the truck to cover more miles with fewer stops, enabling faster deliveries — a huge benefit for companies needing time-sensitive shipments.
Typical teams include:
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Spouses or partners
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Siblings or friends
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Company-assigned pairings
Why Team Driving Pays More
Companies value speed. Team drivers can keep a truck moving almost 24/7, reducing downtime and maximizing freight efficiency. This means:
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More miles driven
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Higher bonuses for on-time or expedited delivery
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Premium pay per mile (often split between drivers)
Top High Paying Team Truck Driving Jobs
Let’s explore the most lucrative niches and companies that offer top-paying opportunities for team drivers:
1. Expedited Freight Teams
Average Pay: $90,000–$140,000 per driver (annually)
Expedited freight is all about speed. These loads are urgent — medical supplies, auto parts, or time-critical cargo — and require team drivers to ensure fast delivery.
Why It Pays:
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Time-sensitive loads demand reliability and speed.
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High-value shipments = higher pay per mile.
Best for: Experienced drivers with clean safety records and flexibility.
2. Long-Haul Team Drivers (OTR)
Average Pay: $85,000–$120,000 per driver
Long-haul (Over-the-Road) team jobs mean driving coast to coast, sometimes logging over 5,000–6,000 miles per week as a team. Many carriers pay bonuses for covering long distances quickly.
Top Routes: East Coast to West Coast or cross-border U.S.-Canada/Mexico routes.
Best for: Drivers who don’t mind being on the road for extended periods.
3. Refrigerated (Reefer) Team Jobs
Average Pay: $80,000–$110,000 per driver
Perishable goods, such as food and pharmaceuticals, often require 24/7 transportation. Reefer teams are in high demand to ensure timely and safe deliveries.
Why It Pays:
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Constant movement preserves product integrity.
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Reefer units require additional care and responsibility, and pay accordingly.
4. Hazmat Team Drivers
Average Pay: $100,000–$150,000 per driver
Driving hazardous materials is risky, but the pay reflects that. When you combine Hazmat endorsements with team driving, you’re looking at one of the highest-paying roles in the industry.
Requirements:
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CDL with Hazmat Endorsement
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TWIC Card for port access (often required)
5. Private Fleet Team Jobs
Average Pay: $90,000–$120,000 per driver
Big corporations like Walmart, FedEx, and UPS hire teams for their private fleets. These jobs often come with great pay, benefits, and job security.
Perks Include:
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Medical insurance
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Home time flexibility
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Retirement plans
What You Need to Get Started
1. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A)
Essential for operating heavy commercial vehicles across state lines.
2. Clean Driving Record
Companies pay more for reliability and safety.
3. Endorsements (Optional but Lucrative):
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Hazmat (H)
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Tanker (N)
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Doubles/Triples (T)
4. Compatible Team Partner
Find someone whose driving style, sleep schedule, and habits match yours. Many companies also match solo drivers to form teams.
Best Companies Hiring High-Paying Team Drivers
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FedEx Custom Critical
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XPO Logistics
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CRST Expedited
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Swift Transportation
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UPS Freight
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Old Dominion Freight Line
Tips to Maximize Team Driving Income
✅ Choose the right partner: Compatible habits and trust = smoother trips
✅ Go for high-mileage routes: More miles = more pay
✅ Stay safe and legal: Avoid violations that reduce bonuses
✅ Upgrade endorsements: Hazmat, doubles/triples, and TWIC cards can increase your marketability
✅ Target companies with performance pay: Many reward teams for efficiency, safety, and fuel economy
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to make more money in the trucking industry, high paying team truck driving jobs offer a fast lane to six-figure earnings. With growing demand for quick delivery, team drivers enjoy premium pay, steady miles, and lucrative bonuses. Whether you’re an experienced driver or just starting out, teaming up could be your smartest career move on the road.
