Questions to ask a potential team driver

[ckw]

I need help from all the drivers that have teamed with another driver. If you had to find a team driver what questions would you want answered be for you made a decision? Thanks for all your input.

[snowtiger62]

I do not believe there are any "set" questions you could really ask. It helps if you get to know the potential team partner a little. But, that is not always the case, especially if you are going through a company, the only things they seem to look at are age, gender, where you both live and whether you smoke or not. A couple things to ask I guess would be to find out if you both like the same music, what do they like to do during down times, and are you a day or night person. You are going to spend a lot of time cooped up with that other person and something as simple as music choices can make a difference. Even if the other person likes to ride with music or not. I guess what I'm saying is you have to play it by ear so to speak. I have a perfect example: I had to go out with a trainer for about two weeks when I first went solo, (until that point I teamed with hubby), just by luck she and I hit it off great. We had come from the same area, were the same age, had similar sense of humor, and had some similar life experiences. However ,she had a military background and I did'nt and she also had a habit of vocalizing punctuation marks, comma, so I do not know if we could have teamed for an extended period before that alone drove me insane! Other than that we got along great and she was a great teacher. So if you are looking to team with someone you should go into it with a stipulation that if it does not wotk out you or the other person won't get left at a truck stop somewhere. Hey, it happens and you usually lose your stuff as well. Don't know if I helped or confused you but I wish you luck. Sort of sounds like a dating nightmare!! But it is actually very similar.

[ckw]

Thanks for the post I really enjoyed it. That's a great analogy "dating nightmare". Amything can and does happen OTR. I guess we just need to be up for the challenge.

[kalamity_jane]

Being up for a challenge, maybe, but I'd advise you to go solo. Forget about getting honesty when you 'interview' a potential co-driver...chances are it's not going to happen. You'll find out who these people are while you're in the truck trying to earn a living...not the best scenario.

Watch everything you own and hide your money. Don't put up with any ****, from the get go...I'm assuming you are looking for a guy to team with, maybe I'm wrong.

Times are hard, I understand why teaming looks good but with the economy what it is even teams can spend a lot of time sitting.

I wish you luck.

[tokalaska]

I can think of many questions to ask are you still inquiring about potential team driver?

sharon
Tok, Alaska

[tokalaska]

Questions to ask potential team driver?

1. How is your driving?
2.What would I see if I looked at your driving record?
3.Do you consider yourself a safe driver?
4.Will you go on a test drive with me?
5.What type of personal habits do you have?
6.Are you neat and tidy person?
7.What kind of music do you perfer? Make sure it is your type?
8.Are you a sound sleeper? Are you easily awakened?
9.What time of day or night do you find yourself wanting a micro nap?
10.Just listen and know this person before you make this committment,

because the truth may come to the both of you and you may decide you arent going another mile with him or her. Make sure you have that agreement understood. That NO matter what happens to the both of you during your transition period neither one of you will be left in the cold. That NO matter what you both will be responsible and take the other person back to the terminal or a place safe and warm. This is a marriage or relationship of the sort whether you realize it or not. It takes at least a month or more to find out whether you will be a team or not and then it may take a little longer than that.

[lady_j499]

Originally Posted by tokalaska

Questions to ask potential team driver?

1. How is your driving?
2.What would I see if I looked at your driving record?
3.Do you consider yourself a safe driver?
4.Will you go on a test drive with me?
5.What type of personal habits do you have?
6.Are you neat and tidy person?
7.What kind of music do you perfer? Make sure it is your type?
8.Are you a sound sleeper? Are you easily awakened?
9.What time of day or night do you find yourself wanting a micro nap?
10.Just listen and know this person before you make this committment,

because the truth may come to the both of you and you may decide you arent going another mile with him or her. Make sure you have that agreement understood. That NO matter what happens to the both of you during your transition period neither one of you will be left in the cold. That NO matter what you both will be responsible and take the other person back to the terminal or a place safe and warm. This is a marriage or relationship of the sort whether you realize it or not. It takes at least a month or more to find out whether you will be a team or not and then it may take a little longer than that.

Those are the important questions to ask! But, in all truth your looking for perfection in the other team driver when you should be ALSO asking yourself questions and a checklist.
1. Can I sleep with "Head Banging and Foot Stomping" music going on in the cab of the truck?
2. Can I live with Mr. CB Rambo wanting to cause all kinds of hate & discontent out there?
3. Can I accept the fact that my team driver has his own way of doing things to get the job done?
4. Can I effectively & positively communicate my feelings or anger in a heated situation?
5. Can I take time to myself every now and then when the truck is stopped?
6. Yes BOTH Team Drivers making it back to the terminal safely is a MUST...Nobody gets left behind!

Now the funny questions are ALLOWED after your Team
Driver & your own checklist is answered!


Lady_J