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Questions about picking the right teammate

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armin88

Expert Expediter
I'm currently seeking a teammate to co-drive with me,I have few questions to ask.

1)What should I look for in a teammate?

2)How do I chose the right person?

3)What happens if it turns out that its not the right match?

I been searching for someone and few people I talk to I only talk to over the phone.Main thing I required is a non smoker and I prefer someone close to my age(mid 20"s), but that not a big deal.I'm also finding it hard to find someone here in Florida.I have been placing ad on Craigslist and get lot of reply's.I'm new in this field so I would like a teammate for while.Any input would be great.Thanks
 
AMonger

AMonger

Veteran Expediter
You need to find out how long the other person wants to stay out, limitations in their abilities, if their affinity for bathing matches yours, if they do or don't want to go to Canada or NYC, if they plan to always run legal or not, how hard they want to run, their drug/alcohol/gambling/lot lizard proclivities, experience both overall and winter and mountain driving, if they've got any problems at home that are going to interfere with you, what music they listen to and at what volume...

I'm sure there are others. Those are just off the top of my head.
 
cheri1122

cheri1122

Veteran Expediter
Driver
Good grief, Armin, couldn't you start out with some fairly easy questions?!
It's not easy to run team with someone you already know and get along with, [long term - it's like having a roommate: great for the first few weeks/months, but then things start to get on your nerves.] It's much harder with a stranger. Not saying it can't be done, but it could take awhile [and a few false starts] before you find someone you're compatible with for the long haul, if you ever do. Not being a buzzkiller here, just realistic: it seldom holds up over the long term.
The most important thing is that you can resolve any differences [which loads to decline, when to go home, where to head for layover] without too much strife. [Leaving the codriver on the side of the road is a nono.]
It's a lot like being married, lol.
 
paullud

paullud

Veteran Expediter
armin88 said:
1)What should I look for in a teammate?
Click to expand...

Look for somebody that is older than you not the same age, you want someone that can train you since you are new and someone in their mid-20's probably shouldn't be training anybody, they have confidence and limited knowledge that gives the illusion they are experienced and knowledgeable but just don't have the sense until they are older to reaize how clueless they are. I say this being 31 and looking back just a few years ago as a truck driver I thought I could get myself out of any situation until an accident squished my pride like a bug on a windsheild. Smoking, politics(drivers are usually conservative so if you are not look hard), experience, safety record, experience training others, will they want more money since they are giving you valuable knowledge

2)How do I chose the right person?
Click to expand...

Phone calls or a cup of coffee

3)What happens if it turns out that its not the right match?
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Then you may end up screaming at each other like the 2 idiots I saw in the Kmart parking lot, "Say it one more time, I dare you" driver slams door walks a few feet away turns around comes back and starts yelling again "You think your big enough, I dare you, step outside" and it went on for awhile making drivers everywhere look like knuckle dragging idiots. If you are with the right company or fleet owner they can try and find another person but you may have to live with them for awhile. Usually the more experienced guys know the industry and it's frustrations and have learned to deal with them or they maybe a little crazy either way it will be a better match for you.
 
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A

armin88

Expert Expediter
Thanks for all the input,well i'm down to 2 drivers,one is already approved by Panther and the other one is not and waiting to get approved.Not sure with one I will team up with but I don't want to just waste anyone's time.So now i'm just waiting to see what happens.
 
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