two drivers

[nightmareme_PREV (deleted)]

I've been trying to figure out how a relationship between two drivers can be awesome, until they get in the same truck. I'm hoping that some of you can help me with this.
We dated for 3 mos, then teamed for 3 wks... it was like a completely different person got into the truck... How?
I'm confused and broken hearted. Is there any hope for two drivers to be together???

[molly56]

Hi girl;
Just wanted to drop in and let you know, I did that a couple of times, didn't work out. (1) I had to learn, to let the man be the man, I was too busy being a trucker (2) had to learn how to be friends first and lovers last, truckers inbetween.....it is different. And is supposed to be...it is like an adventure and you have to find your way as you go.....Hope you find that someone one day, Molly56

[crosscountryrol]

Hi, read your post and have to say that, i hope there is hope out there that relationships in a truck can work, cause thats all i am hoping for myself anymore. I was married for ten years, my ex. was at home during our relationship. It was rough then as well. I have to have hope that it will work out somehow. I have been divorced for two years now, and been driving for goin on ten years now. I am single and a trainer at the moment, however i will only date ladies that drive a truck or have intentions on driving a truck. This is my job and im not going anywhere. I hope you do find that special person as i have too keep hoping myself.....jason.........

[(deleted)]

Relationships and trucking will always be tough. Understanding and communication from the start go a long way. If both of you are in the truck it is a very small space where even little things become huge annoyances. Also, most people have trouble conversing after a while. "Man in Ohio.....Yeah honey I was there.....Wow at that dock.....Yeah I was there" Also if the idea is to run true team miles one person is sleeping while the other person drives, there is not a lot of together time, so make a point to eat 1 meal together every day and make it special. Try to keep an attitude of work is work and relationship is seperate and not carry the emotions over to the other. Good luck every one.

Keith

[easydrifter]

`Half my 38 years of driving have been team running. Never with a lady, but would consider with the right one. The rules do not change much in my opinion.

If your looking for a partner to team with--use these guidelines as they served me well in finding partners that never ran less then five years with me and as long as 12. With a list of people who wanted to team with me in a two thousand pool of team drivers.

Finding a team partner is like finding any partner. Know what you want and look for that in your partner. The more you agree on. The less that has to be negotiated later and compromised that could lead to trouble later.

1.How hard do you want to run? The only other choice is if one partner can make a run while the other stays at home. This was alright with me with companies that would allow me to run solo while they took time off.

2.Seldom eat at a truck stop. There are zillion of places to eat at that are not far off the beaten path that relieves the tension by removing yourself from the appearance of work that truck stops hold. I still practice this even running solo.

Today's modern cooking utensils would allow a nice picnic at a rest area without losing much time. Or buy some extra food at last stop to use for the picnic.

If drivers have different tastes of food. Make sure they have a fair share of their tastes.

3.Settle up front how to divide the midnight to six a.m. shift so it does not fall on one or the other all the time. Also, an understanding if one gets tired you stop and rest and if co-partner wants to drive then-no shame.

4.If one driver does not know, then teach. How to close doors, avoid potholes, smooth shifting, braking, etc. Also, plan your trip to avoid major cities rush hour traffic or the sleeper person is up at that hour. Most team drivers have no clue what this entails or how to do it. Driving slow in the hammer or middle lane will get blown horns to wake your partner. This is a constant learning lesson as long as you team drive in how to make sure the other gets rest.

5.Cleanliness or where the priorities are in clean. To give an idea. I am a fanatic about spraying Lysol everywhere, including in the ducts and wiping every thing down. Steering wheel is cleaned on every time I drive. Floors and dash must shine. Even when jump seating trucks. Bed does not need to be made but must be clean. Everything has its spot to be put away. Many drivers are much more relaxed on this and fumes can fly when one partner feels your nuts and therefore not energetic to do participate in the activity. That they feel is over indulgence.

6.Bed---many team drivers ride on the bunk furnished. Some like air mattresses or foam added. I personally design a spring system that holds the bunk for a gentler ride. Every driver has there own preference and this one can be a stickler that must come to agreement for safety reasons.

Summary: I want a person that likes it clean, hard worker, enjoys different eateries, wants a smooth sleep and believes in fairness or equality. All the rest is just icing on the cake.