If youβre a truck driver aiming to earn more, team driving could be your ticket to higher pay, better freight, and faster miles. High paying team truck driving jobs are in high demand, especially with major carriers that need reliable, round-the-clock freight delivery.
Whether youβre a seasoned driver or just earned your CDL, teaming up can boost your earnings and open doors to lucrative opportunities nationwide.
π What Is Team Truck Driving?
Team truck driving involves two licensed drivers sharing one truck and alternating shifts. While one drives, the other rests β allowing the truck to stay on the road for nearly 20+ hours a day. This model is ideal for expedited freight, long hauls, and time-sensitive deliveries.
Who Usually Teams Up?
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Married couples or partners
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Friends or siblings
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Company-assigned partners (often matched by experience or location)
πΈ Why Team Truck Driving Pays More
High-paying team truck driving jobs exist because of one main reason: nonstop freight movement.
β Key Reasons for Higher Pay:
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More miles covered per week (up to 5,000β6,000)
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Shared bonuses and incentive pay
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Access to premium loads (e.g., medical, retail, automotive)
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Faster delivery = more frequent dispatches
Example: A team driving 5,000 miles/week at $0.80 per mile = $4,000/week gross β or $2,000 per driver.
π Best Companies Offering High Paying Team Truck Driving Jobs
Here are some carriers known for offering top-tier pay and benefits for team drivers:
Company | Pay Range (Team Split) | Notable Benefits |
---|---|---|
FedEx Custom Critical | $0.85β$1.20/mile | Premium freight, white-glove deliveries |
Covenant Transport | $0.72β$0.82/mile | Great for beginners & couples |
U.S. Xpress | Up to $200K/year/team | Full benefits + $15K sign-on bonus |
CRST Expedited | $0.75β$0.85/mile | Offers CDL training + team matching |
XPO Logistics | Competitive | Time-sensitive LTL freight |
π‘ Tip: Some companies offer bonus pay per mile after a threshold, or extra for hazmat endorsements.
π§Ύ Qualifications for High-Paying Team Driving
To access high-paying team truck driving jobs, youβll typically need:
β 1. CDL Class A License
Required for all long-haul, heavy-duty team driving positions.
β 2. Clean Driving Record
No DUIs, reckless driving, or major violations in the last 3β5 years.
β 3. Flexibility for OTR
Willingness to stay out on the road for 2β4 weeks at a time.
β 4. Endorsements (Optional but Helpful)
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Hazmat (H)
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Tanker (N)
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Doubles/Triples (T)
These endorsements can increase your earning potential significantly.
π How Much Can You Really Make?
Pay Component | Range (Per Driver) |
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Base per mile | $0.35 β $0.60 |
Miles/week | 4,000 β 6,000 (team) |
Bonuses | $2,000 β $20,000/year |
Annual Pay | $85,000 β $120,000+ |
π§ Pros and Cons of High-Paying Team Trucking
β Pros:
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Higher pay than solo routes
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Faster promotions and bonuses
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Lower stress (shared responsibilities)
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Ideal for partners/couples
β οΈ Cons:
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Less home time
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Sleeping in a moving truck
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Potential for partner conflict
π₯ How to Find the Right Team Partner
You can:
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Apply with someone you know (friend, spouse, relative)
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Let the company assign a partner
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Use team-matching tools during orientation or training
Compatibility matters β so be clear about:
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Driving style
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Rest schedule
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Music/noise preferences
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Cleanliness and communication
π Tips to Maximize Earnings as a Team Driver
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Drive longer hauls (coast-to-coast pays more)
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Work holidays/weekends for bonus rates
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Get endorsements (Hazmat = higher CPM)
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Join high-performance fleets or time-sensitive freight groups
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Use performance tracking apps to stay efficient
π¦ Real-Life Example
Case: Two drivers with 2 yearsβ experience join Covenant Transport as a team.
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They average 5,500 miles/week at $0.80/mile
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Weekly gross: $4,400
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Annual gross (per driver): ~$110,000
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Plus safety and fuel bonuses up to $5,000/year
π Final Thoughts
If youβre looking for a way to boost your truck driving income, teaming up could be your smartest move. High paying team truck driving jobs reward speed, reliability, and coordination β all while letting you share the road with a trusted partner.
Whether youβre just starting out or already experienced, nowβs a great time to apply for high-paying team positions at top carriers nationwide.