Introduction
Team truck driving offers a unique set of challenges that can impact the efficiency and satisfaction of the drivers involved.
This article explores some common challenges faceteam truck drivers face, particularly at HMD Trucking, and the solutions implemented to address them.
You can check out doubles trucking jobs at HMD Trucking for those interested in further opportunities in this field.
Common Challenges
Mismatched Driving Styles
Drivers in the trucking industry often have different approaches to driving. These differences can range from speed preferences and how they navigate adverse conditions to how they handle the truck during long hauls, such as covering more miles per week or managing speed limits.
This mismatch can lead to discomfort and tension between team drivers. HMD Trucking and other companies like Knight Transportation try to address these issues by pairing drivers with similar driving styles and preferences.
They use past performance metrics, the number of hours worked, and feedback on “on-duty” driving habits to find the right driving partner.
A well-maintained and personalized approach, ensuring that drivers behind the wheel share compatible habits and practices means a smoother and more efficient journey for both team members.
Sleeping Arrangements
Sleep quality is crucial for driver safety. Drivers are often required to take 10-hour off-duty periods as long as they follow the FMCSA guidelines, such as completing ten consecutive hours off duty or taking eight cumulative hours in a sleeper berth.
Sleeping arrangements, such as those provided by modern sleeper berths, can directly impact a driver’s alertness when back behind the wheel. Solo drivers and team drivers benefit from scheduled stops, which allow time to rest adequately, whether for consecutive hours or split rest periods.
Proper rest also involves taking a 30-minute break after certain driving intervals. HMD Trucking focuses on sleeper comfort for the team and solo drivers to ensure the most comfortable conditions, whether it involves one off-duty period or alternating shifts between two drivers.
Communication Barriers
Communication is vital for the smooth operation of a team truck-driving job. Miscommunications can lead to operational errors and affect the earning potential of both drivers.
HMD Trucking invests in training programs and utilizes in-cab communication tools to support driver-partners in coordinating their hours of service.
Having a driving partner requires staying on the same page about “on-duty” and “off-duty” periods, covering freight routes efficiently, and managing decisions like which driver must take the next driving session.
Knight Transportation also emphasizes communication between truckers to ensure that freight jobs are handled safely and efficiently while allowing them to stay safe and alerting their service hours.
Solutions Implemented
Structured Schedules
Structured schedules are essential to balancing driving and rest times properly. HMD Trucking implements schedules that consider HOS (Hours of Service) regulations, which may involve up to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, followed by rest.
Team drivers may cover priority loads that require quick transit times, which means at least one driver must take a break while the other drives. This kind of operation allows team members to work seamlessly and helps drivers cover more miles.
Schedules also involve coordination between long hauls and shorter deliveries, taking into account requirements such as FMCSA and DOT physical checks. Properly planned schedules boost earning potential, as drivers can meet deadlines and fulfill motor carrier demands.
Team Building Activities
HMD Trucking holds regular team-building exercises to improve relationships between co-drivers. Becoming a team isn’t just about driving the truck together; it means sharing responsibilities, handling a dedicated account, and managing road construction or adverse driving conditions.
Drivers must trust that their driving partner will follow safety rules, respect sleep schedules, and adhere to regulations like taking a mandatory 10-hour off-duty period after covering certain miles.
These exercises help drivers build camaraderie, translating into fewer issues during operations and more effective handling of freight and semis on the road.
Regular Feedback Mechanisms
HMD Trucking has established a feedback mechanism where drivers can provide insights on the number of hours they drive, sleeper berth conditions, or how efficiently the team covers a specific route.
This system allows the company to address problems like inadequate rest or missed breaks. Feedback may also address drivers’ earning potential, cents per mile calculations, benefits provided, and how to optimize both team and solo driving jobs.
Such initiatives ensure that driver concerns are promptly addressed, enhancing their working conditions and overall performance.
Final Thought
While team truck driving at HMD Trucking comes with challenges, the company’s proactive approach to addressing these issues ensures that drivers can perform their duties efficiently and satisfactorily.
The solutions provided enhance the driving experience and contribute to the overall safety and productivity of the operations. Well-supported team drivers tend to stay with the company longer, contributing to HMD Trucking’s reputation as a preferred employer in the logistics industry.