Evie Summers
Team driving, or tandem trucking, is a common practice in the world of expediting. It involves two drivers taking turns driving and sleeping, allowing for routes to be completed faster while ensuring both drivers get adequate rest. This practice has become more prevalent due to federal mandates limiting driving hours, which has made solo driving less profitable and potentially unsafe. While team driving can be a successful strategy, it also has its challenges, such as finding comfortable sleeping arrangements in the truck. Some trucks have sleeper cabins or sleepers built into the trailer, but these can be cramped and may require additional investments to ensure comfort. Overall, team driving in the expediting industry is a complex topic that requires careful consideration of regulations, driver comfort, and cost.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do expediting team drivers need a sleeper truck? | It depends. Some sources suggest that a sleeper truck is not necessary, as there is no advantage to having a second driver if there is no qualifying sleeper. However, other sources suggest that sleeper trucks are beneficial for team drivers, as they allow for more efficient and timely route completion, with one driver resting while the other drives. |
| What is a sleeper truck? | A sleeper truck is a truck with a sleeper berth, which is a small room located behind the driver's seat that includes a bed and other amenities such as storage, a desk, a refrigerator, a microwave, power outlets, and a heater. |
| Why use a sleeper truck? | Sleeper trucks provide a space for team drivers to rest and sleep while on the road, without having to stop at a motel or rest area. This can help reduce costs and improve efficiency by allowing one driver to rest while the other drives. |
| Are there any regulations or requirements for sleeper trucks? | Yes, there are regulations that specify the minimum size requirements for sleeper berths, such as 78" for vehicles manufactured before September 30, 1975, and 75" for vehicles manufactured after that date. Additionally, there are Hours of Service rules that limit drivers to 11 hours of driving per 14 hours on the road, and electronic logging devices are now required to automatically track these hours. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper trucks can help drivers adhere to stricter Hours of Service Regulations
In recent years, stricter regulations have been placed on truck drivers to ensure road safety. These regulations include the Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations, which are designed to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. The HOS Regulations limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can be on duty and stipulate mandatory rest periods. For example, a driver is generally limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window, followed by at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Sleeper trucks can help drivers adhere to these stricter HOS Regulations by providing a space to rest and sleep while on the road. Tandem or team driving, where two drivers take turns driving and sleeping, has become a more popular approach to comply with the regulations. This method allows drivers to take advantage of the mandatory rest period to sleep in the sleeper truck while the other driver continues the route. This not only helps ensure driver safety but also timely delivery.
The use of sleeper trucks in tandem driving provides a unique set of advantages and challenges. On the one hand, sleeper trucks offer a convenient way for drivers to get the required rest they need without interrupting the flow of the route. This approach can lead to more efficient and timely deliveries. Additionally, sleeper trucks can provide a sense of comfort and downtime for drivers, with some cabins offering top and bottom bunks, desks, and TVs.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to consider. Even the most luxurious sleeper trailers can feel cramped with two drivers, and the standard mattresses may not be comfortable or effective at minimising motion transfer. Drivers may need to be considerate of their partner's sleep by being gentle with the throttle and brakes and avoiding potholes. Additionally, finding a schedule that works for both drivers can take time, and adjustments may need to be made due to stopping areas and personal preferences.
In conclusion, sleeper trucks can be a valuable asset for drivers adhering to stricter HOS Regulations. By utilising sleeper trucks in a team driving approach, drivers can ensure they get the required rest while also maintaining timely deliveries. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential challenges and make adjustments to ensure a smooth and safe driving experience.
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Non-CDL straight trucks are cheaper but have less freight capacity
The lower weight capacity of non-CDL straight trucks means they can carry less freight than their CDL counterparts. For example, a non-CDL large straight truck typically has a load capacity of up to 26,000 pounds, while a CDL large straight truck can potentially carry up to 54,000 pounds. This increased capacity in CDL trucks is due to the additional equipment and capabilities that come with a higher weight rating.
However, the advantage of non-CDL straight trucks is their lower cost. They are more fuel-efficient than CDL trucks and have a larger pool of available drivers since a CDL is not required. This can make them a more cost-effective option for businesses, especially for local, inter-city, or interstate shipments that don't require the higher weight capacity of a CDL truck.
Non-CDL straight trucks are also easier to manoeuvre through traffic and into crowded commercial loading docks due to their smaller size. They are also better suited for driving in tight areas, such as crowded commercial and industrial districts or residential neighbourhoods. Additionally, their smaller size makes them ideal for weight and size restrictions on older, narrower roads and bridges.
In summary, while non-CDL straight trucks have less freight capacity, they offer a more cost-effective and versatile option for businesses, especially for shipments that don't require the weight capacity of a CDL truck.
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Team driving can help drivers get adequate rest
Team driving has become an increasingly popular option for truck drivers and logistics companies since the introduction of stricter regulations by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA's Hours of Service Regulations require all truck drivers to use an electronic-logging device that records their working hours, making it harder to exceed the limit of 11 hours of driving for every 14 hours on the road.
Team driving, or tandem trucking, is when two drivers make a route together, taking turns to sleep while the other drives. This approach has several benefits, including helping drivers get adequate rest, completing routes in a timely manner, and reducing unsafe driving practices.
Team driving allows each driver to get the rest they need to drive safely. One driver can take a full daily rest period while the other drives, and then they can switch places. This complies with the FMCSA's requirement of a 10-hour off-duty period to reset the daily driving limit. The second driver can take eight hours in the sleeper berth and two hours in the passenger seat to meet their required off-duty hours.
Team driving also reduces downtime for trucking companies, increases efficiency, and may result in higher earnings for drivers. With two drivers, routes can be completed faster, and there is less time spent waiting for the driver to rest. Team drivers often get priority loads, which means more consistent work and income. Additionally, having a partner can make adhering to regulations easier and reduce the loneliness of solo driving.
However, team driving also has its challenges. Tandem driving can make even the most luxurious sleeper trailers feel cramped. It requires good communication and planning between the drivers to coordinate sleep schedules, driving shifts, and personal preferences, such as music choices.
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Sleeper trucks can be cramped
Team driving, or tandem driving, has become an increasingly popular option for trucking companies and drivers alike, as it helps them adhere to stricter driving regulations, keep costs down, and reduce unsafe driving practices. However, one of the drawbacks of team driving is that sleeper trucks can often feel cramped.
The sleeper cab is an essential part of a semi-truck, providing drivers with a place to rest and sleep during long hauls. While these cabs can come with a range of amenities to make the driver's journey more comfortable, the addition of a second driver in a team driving scenario can make even the most luxurious sleeper trailers feel cramped.
The bed is the most important part of the sleeper cab, and most come with a standard twin-sized mattress, though some drivers may opt for an upgrade. The bed usually has a storage compartment underneath for personal belongings. In a team driving situation, the second driver may have to make do with the available space to store their things.
Some sleeper cabs also come with additional amenities such as a refrigerator, a microwave, a stove, a TV, and gaming consoles. These features can make long hours on the road more bearable, but they also take up valuable space in the sleeper cab, adding to the cramped feeling.
To make the most of the limited space in a sleeper truck, team drivers may need to get creative with their storage solutions and personal space. It's important to keep the sleeper cab dark, cool, and well-ventilated to ensure a comfortable sleeping environment.
While team driving in a sleeper truck can have its challenges due to limited space, there are also benefits to this arrangement. Team driving allows drivers to stick to a schedule, get adequate rest, and make more deliveries by taking breaks without leaving the truck. It also provides a sense of community and companionship on the road, which can help with the mental and emotional challenges of long-haul trucking.
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A CDL dictates how much freight an operator can transport
A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a federal requirement for truck drivers whose vehicles have a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 26,000 pounds. The GVWR is the maximum weight a vehicle can be while driving and includes the vehicle itself, a full tank of gas, standard equipment, cargo, tongue weight, and passengers. A CDL is also required if the Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) exceeds 26,000 lbs and the trailer GVWR is over 10,000 lbs.
The CDL test has three parts: a vehicle inspection test, a driving test, and a knowledge test. To obtain a CDL, you must first obtain a commercial learner's permit, which requires passing the knowledge test, having a clean driving record, and being medically qualified. Then, you must attend driving school and practice driving with a licensed commercial driver.
The weight requirements for needing a CDL can vary by state. For example, in Florida, a CDL is required for vehicles with a GVWR of over 20,340 lbs and a tandem weight of over 34,000 lbs. In the District of Columbia, the GVWR limit is 22,000 lbs, and the tandem weight limit is 38,000 lbs.
Not all shipping jobs require a CDL. Less than Truckload (LTL) shipping involves transporting cargo that is less than 10,000 lbs, and most LTL shipments do not require a CDL. LTL shipping can be a good option for drivers who want to be their own boss, make their own schedule, and help small businesses without the need for a large shipping company.
In terms of expediting team drives, there are some considerations regarding CDLs and sleeper trucks. Some team drivers may choose to have a sleeper in their truck to allow one driver to sleep while the other drives, enabling them to complete routes more quickly while still getting adequate rest. However, adding a sleeper to a truck can impact the weight and balance of the load, potentially affecting whether a CDL is required.
For example, one driver considering adding a sleeper to their straight truck mentioned that their truck had a GVWR of 33,000 lbs and could haul around 12,000 lbs. After adding the sleeper, they estimated the weight to be around 13,000-14,000 lbs empty, leaving only about 10,000 lbs of capacity for cargo. This reduced capacity could impact the profitability of expediting with a straight truck, as there may be fewer loads that are small enough to fit within the weight limits.
Another important consideration is that DOT rules require sleepers in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to be DOT-approved, regardless of whether a CDL is required to drive the vehicle. This means that even if a team driver is operating a vehicle under the GVWR limit for a CDL, they would still need to ensure that their sleeper meets DOT requirements.
In summary, a CDL is required for operating certain vehicles based on weight limits, and these weight limits can be impacted by the addition of a sleeper to a truck. While a CDL may not always be necessary for expediting team drives, it is important to consider the weight restrictions and DOT requirements for sleepers when making decisions about the type of truck to use.
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Frequently asked questions
A sleeper truck is not required for expediting team drives, but it can be beneficial. Some drivers opt for a sleeper conversion, which can add about $10,000 to $15,000 to the price of the van and take several months to complete. However, most expediters (around 80%) don't add a sleeper and instead use a cot or bunk, or they pay for a hotel room when needed.
A sleeper truck enables drivers to go further and longer and even operate as a tag team for non-stop driving. This can be advantageous for time-sensitive shipments.
Yes, adding a sleeper to a truck can reduce the amount of freight the truck can carry due to the additional weight. Additionally, tandem driving can make even the most luxurious sleeper trailers feel cramped.
Yes, some drivers use a cot or bunk inside the truck or pay for a hotel room when needed. Another option is to use a van for expediting, which can be a lower-risk and more affordable option than a truck.
