Teams And Sleep

Hey guys and Gals I just wanted to see if anybody had tips and tricks to sleeping in a moving truck with a codriver your just not quite convinced is safe.

My co driver doesn't have the best of lane control as he has nearly ran a brand new school bus off the road (it was empty and had paper plates on it and I assumed it was being delivered) He has bad eye sight and is really nervous about hills rain and night driving. With all of this how do I sleep? Maybe I'm over thinking it but it's my life that I'm worried about so I figured I'd ask a group that might just lead me to the truth..

I don't see how you could possibly sleep... Bad lane control and poor eyesight. I considered teaming early on and quickly came to the conclusion adequate rest would be next to impossible for a variety of reasons, the inate desire for self preservation first and foremost. I see a new team driver who you trust implicitly as the only true solution. I don't care what they pay, ending up in a pile of twisted metal and fiberglass isn't worth it.

We both just got out of school and he's driven before so. We decided to team because were both fairly quiet people and we figured with Christmas coming we wanted to get home on time and if we agreed to team that was one less thing we had to worry about. In retrospect a team driving job was probably a really bad choice on my part but I'd like to try and finish out my contract but the lack of sleep makes me a saftey hazard and if after I change codrivers I still have the same problem what then?

After riding with several people during school I'm not sure I'd be compatible with better than 50% of the people who "passed" I can look past a lot of traits, habits and I learned while with my trainer I can even look passed really really bad hygiene. All I'm worried about is keeping me alive.

For the most part team driving really only works with couples or family or really good friends... in other words people you know really well and trust. I don't want to team because there's no one I trust or know that well.

I wish I had some helpful advice but I can't think of any except take some over the counter sleep medication but you would need to take it early enough into your 10 to make sure it's out of your system when it's your turn to drive and then also make sure you don't over do it.

Hey guys and Gals I just wanted to see if anybody had tips and tricks to sleeping in a moving truck with a codriver your just not quite convinced is safe.

My co driver doesn't have the best of lane control as he has nearly ran a brand new school bus off the road (it was empty and had paper plates on it and I assumed it was being delivered) He has bad eye sight and is really nervous about hills rain and night driving. With all of this how do I sleep? Maybe I'm over thinking it but it's my life that I'm worried about so I figured I'd ask a group that might just lead me to the truth..

I couldn't sleep either. No sleep aid in the world is going to change this or help it. Is there a compelling reason for enduring his unsafe driving? I have a tip but it involves finding a new co-driver.

Is this just a training thing or what? How long are you stuck with this guy?

Not in training anymore. He and I were roommates while in school and since Christmas was coming and we wanted to get through training and the mandatory 2weeks with a co driver prior to hometime thing, we decide to just jump in as each others co driver. I know I need to get away from him but at this point I'm not sure being with another person right out of school is going to be any easier for me. I really do want to finish my contract with this company but it's winter and my life is more important and I'm not real sure where to go to from here.

Not in training anymore. He and I were roommates while in school and since Christmas was coming and we wanted to get through training and the mandatory 2weeks with a co driver prior to hometime thing, we decide to just jump in as each others co driver. I know I need to get away from him but at this point I'm not sure being with another person right out of school is going to be any easier for me. I really do want to finish my contract with this company but it's winter and my life is more important and I'm not real sure where to go to from here.

Is the contract with CRST? They are very strict with their contract terms. Either way, I would contact your fleet manager , or whoever you need to, so you can explain your situation, and change co drivers. I might have team driving in my future, but that is only if my wife decides to start driving. I just cannot see myself teaming with a complete stranger, it is not me.

CRST, will hold you to the letter of the contract, and you will not be be able to work for anyone else, until that contract is completed according to all the terms. As far as the other companies who require new drivers to team, I am unsure. But as you stated, your life is more important, so I would try to do everything possible, within your chain of command to remedy the situation.

Stay safe

Yes it is with CRST and that's why I was saying I really wanted to finish the contract. And I will be speaking to our fleet manager. Thanks for all the replies. I'm just not sure team driving is in my future for much longer. I knew I would be taking a pay cut to do this but I'm not sure I could afford what staying with an unsafe driver would cost in the long run.

Yes it is with CRST and that's why I was saying I really wanted to finish the contract. And I will be speaking to our fleet manager. Thanks for all the replies. I'm just not sure team driving is in my future for much longer. I knew I would be taking a pay cut to do this but I'm not sure I could afford what staying with an unsafe driver would cost in the long run.

They want to keep drivers, not lose them. That is why they are so strict with their contract. Keep in mind, if you do not finish that contract, you can kiss your trucking career goodbye, until the that contract is competed with them, so do what you can to get a new co-driver. It sucks, but that is how they work. Just be honest with them, and things will work out.