Driving partners share wisdom gained from life on the road
While professional driving is often a solo venture, teaming up behind the wheel can create unique opportunities for profitability and career satisfaction. This is especially true in expedite transportation, since driving teams can keep the wheels turning while hauling time-sensitive and high-value freight.
Every team’s journey is unique and has the power to inspire others who are considering this path. We asked several teams in ArcBest’s contract carrier network to share their thoughts about building and maintaining partnerships, navigating challenges, keys to success and how driving as an owner-operator has impacted their careers.
Katherine and Randall Reilly
Five years ago, an empty nest led to a new adventure for Katherine and Randall Reilly. The couple had long been interested in exploring the U.S. full-time, and this was their chance.
“Our oldest son was an OTR flatbed driver, and he suggested that becoming professional drivers would be a great fit for the lifestyle we were craving and also a nice source of income,” Katherine said.
Their research led them to expedite and cargo vans, which sparked their interest. So, they contacted us and began.
“They have always been there for us and given their support when needed through the years,” Katherine said. “Everyone from Recruiting to Customer Relations is always willing to answer questions and resolve any issues that may arise. The Driver Rewards Program also helps us strive for the miles we desire to ensure a successful year of driving.”
Katherine is a morning person, while Randall prefers to stay up late, so they created a sleep and driving schedule that works for them. Their best advice for new teams is to identify strengths and weaknesses. That might mean one co-driver handles speaking to shippers/consignees, and the other manages administrative duties.
“Also, take time to trip plan because this will save you a lot of time and headaches,” Katherine said. “Plan out your fuel and food stops and check the weather along your route.”
The Reillys enjoy team driving because they can spend time together and share experiences while on the road. They plan frequent outings when they aren’t delivering a shipment and explore different cities together.
Donnell and Marion Breaux
The Breauxs met while driving forklifts 17 years ago. Not long after that, they moved in together and “became inseparable,” Donnell said. He convinced her to get her CDL, and he renewed his in 2018. They’ve been driving together ever since and are starting their sixth year with us.
“Dispatch does their best to keep us moving, and we understand it can be difficult at times,” he said. “All in all, it has been a great move for us.”
The team enjoys long stretches on the road, which allows them to see the country. At first, the Breauxs found it challenging to stay in one location for too long. Now, when they have downtime on the road, they enjoy watching a ballgame or a movie together. They credit their success to trust and communication.
“Most days and weeks are good, but there are times when one or both of you are frustrated, and the worst thing to do is argue,” Donnell said. “Communicate with each other about likes and dislikes and try not to let things build up.”
Modesty and Joel Freeman
Seeking new career opportunities, the Freemans began driving two years ago at the suggestion of Modesty’s father, William Parker, who also drives a sprinter van for us. The Freemans largely credit ArcBest’s owner-operator opportunities for allowing them to run the loads needed to live comfortably, save and eventually purchase their own van.
Modesty said driving with her husband is easy, but finding time to relax together is harder. “When we don’t have a load, we each tend to keep to ourselves and catch up on as much rest as possible,” she said.
She said a strong support system is crucial and should not be overlooked.
“The best advice we can give a team coming into OTR driving is to find someone you can work well with, whether that be a fleet owner or a partner,” Modesty said. “You cannot have a good working method without it. Have fun with it, and don’t get too caught up in the little things. Nature will take its course, and everything will fall into place."
Dana and Debb Lord
The Lords were inspired by friends who became team drivers and enjoyed the freedom of traveling the country.
“What we love most about team driving is that we get to do this together,” said Debb, a former professional medical coder and billing specialist. “This is a lifestyle, and we get to experience a lot of different things out here together.”
Their biggest challenge is living together in a small space. “I consider our truck to be a mini camper that hauls freight, so it’s small living quarters and can get cluttered fairly quickly,” Debb said.
Communication is key to their partnership, but being patient has helped the Lords adjust to the challenges of their profession. They credit our friendly support team, which has provided consistent loads to keep them moving during the past four years.
“Our best advice is to give this lifestyle some time before calling it quits,” Debb said. “This is a lifestyle, not just another trucking job. You will have high freight times and low freight times. It takes a good six months to a year to learn freight lanes and the ebbs and flows of this type of trucking.”
Position your team for sustainable success with ArcBest
Team driving can open new roads to financial stability and personal fulfillment. Explore the benefits.
Interested in first-time truck ownership? Our lease purchase program with Expediter Services* simplifies the process by meeting you where you are.
*The actual truck lease is executed directly with Expedited Services, Inc