Husband and wife team truck driving jobs offer an exciting and rewarding way for couples to work and travel together. With increasing demand for team drivers in the trucking industry, married truck driving teams can maximize their earning potential while strengthening their relationship. However, trucking with your spouse also comes with challenges. This guide explores the benefits, drawbacks, and tips for thriving as a husband and wife truck driving team.
Benefits of Husband and Wife Team Truck Driving Jobs
1. Higher Earning Potential
Husband and wife team truck driving jobs provide a unique opportunity to achieve financial goals, no matter where you are in life. Since team driving is one of the highest paid truck driving jobs, team driving can be a game-changer for couples looking to secure their financial future. Here are some examples of how different couples can benefit:
Retired or Near-Retirement Couples
For retired couples or those nearing retirement, team truck driving offers a way to boost retirement savings significantly. Many couples in this stage of life find themselves wanting to pad their savings or recover from unexpected expenses before retiring fully.
Example: A retired couple who underestimated their retirement costs might spend three to five years as a husband and wife truck driving team. By earning up to $200,000 annually, they can build a financial cushion to ensure a comfortable retirement. Plus, the ability to travel the country together can make this an enjoyable and adventurous way to spend their golden years.
Young Couples Saving for a Major Goal
For young couples without children, team truck driving can be a stepping stone toward major life goals like buying a home, starting a business, or even traveling the world. The high income potential combined with reduced living expenses on the road makes it easier to save quickly.
Example: A couple in their late 20s could team up as drivers for a few years and save enough for a down payment on their dream home. Alternatively, they might use the income to fund the startup costs of a small business they’re passionate about.
Couples in Transition
Couples in transitional phases of life, such as empty nesters or those considering a career change, can use team truck driving as a way to realign their financial goals. The flexibility and income provided by trucking can help them pivot to a new chapter with greater financial security.
Example: Parents whose children have moved out might embrace team driving as a way to travel together while saving for long-term goals, such as paying off their mortgage or funding a second career.
Financial Freedom at Any Stage
The ability to earn a high income as a team driving couple can set you up for financial success regardless of where you are in life. Whether you’re saving for retirement, planning to start a family, or pursuing a lifelong dream, a few years of husband and wife truck driving can help you achieve your goals faster.
With the right mindset, trucking becomes more than a job—it becomes a powerful tool for building the life you’ve always wanted. Read team driver success stories.
2. Quality Time Together
Unlike solo drivers who spend long periods away from family, married truck driving teams get to experience life on the road together. This unique opportunity allows couples to:
Share adventures by exploring new cities and scenic routes.
Strengthen their relationship through shared goals and responsibilities.
Avoid loneliness that often accompanies life on the road for solo drivers.
The open road becomes a shared adventure, offering memories that last a lifetime.
3. Shared Responsibilities
Team driving allows couples to split tasks, reducing the stress and workload for each partner. For instance:
• One spouse can handle driving while the other manages paperwork, communicates with dispatch, or plans routes.
• Both can take turns monitoring weather conditions and ensuring safe navigation.
By working together, married couples can create a seamless partnership that boosts efficiency and reduces fatigue.
4. Health and Wellness Benefits
Trucking with your spouse may promote a healthier lifestyle compared to solo driving. Married couples are more likely to:
• Cook meals together, avoiding unhealthy fast food options.
• Stay active during downtime by taking walks or exploring rest areas.
• Support each other emotionally, reducing the risk of stress-related health issues like depression or anxiety.
Additionally, sharing responsibilities and companionship on the road can lead to improved mental and emotional well-being.
Drawbacks of Husband and Wife Team Truck Driving Jobs
1. Opposite Schedules
While team driving maximizes productivity, it often requires one partner to sleep while the other drives. This opposite schedule may limit the amount of quality time spent together and require adjustments to sleeping habits.
2. Close Quarters
Living in an 8-foot-wide truck cab can be challenging, especially for couples unaccustomed to constant proximity. Potential issues include:
• Lack of personal space.
• Increased risk of conflicts due to minor irritations.
• The need for patience and understanding to navigate stressful situations.
3. Family Considerations
Married truck driving teams with children face unique challenges. For couples with young kids, arranging long-term childcare may be necessary. Starting or growing a family may also require one spouse to step away from the road.
Tips for Thriving as a Husband and Wife Truck Driving Team
To make the most of husband and wife team truck driving jobs, consider the following tips:
1. Open Communication
Effective communication is key to a successful partnership. Discuss expectations, preferences, and concerns regularly to ensure both partners are on the same page.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly outline who handles specific tasks, such as:
• Driving shifts.
• Route planning.
• Vehicle maintenance.
This clarity minimizes misunderstandings and ensures smoother operations.
3. Respect Each Other’s Space
Even in close quarters, it’s important to allow for personal downtime. Create designated spaces or schedules for individual activities to recharge and maintain harmony.
4. Plan for Fun
Life on the road doesn’t have to be all work. Plan scenic detours, enjoy local restaurants, or schedule stops at tourist attractions to keep the adventure alive.
5. Invest in Training
If you’re new to trucking, consider enrolling in a CDL training program. Learning together ensures both partners are equally skilled and confident drivers.
Finding Trucking Companies That Support Couples
Not all companies are equipped to hire trucking couples, so research is key. Look for trucking companies that:
• Pay competitive rates for team drivers.
• Offer flexible schedules.
• Allow drivers to bring their spouses along, even if the spouse isn’t driving.
Driver Resource Center partners with several trucking companies that offer team driving positions. Ask a Career Specialist about the team driving opportunity with Covenant Wild Cat. Pre-matched team drivers can earn up to $200,000/year. Interested in team driving? Take the first step and fill out the form below.