When you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), a world of opportunity opens up. But one of the first decisions you’ll face as a new truck driver is choosing your path: solo driving, team driving, or becoming an owner-operator. Each route offers unique advantages, and the best fit depends on your goals, lifestyle, and experience.
Let’s break down these three truck driving paths to help you find the right one for you.
1. Solo Driving: Independence on the Open Road
Solo driving is one of the most common ways to start your career. As a solo driver, you’re the only one behind the wheel. This means you have full control of your space, schedule, and driving style. Many drivers enjoy the peace and focus that comes from solo hauls.
Solo drivers often run regional routes or long-haul deliveries. While the pay can vary, solo drivers have fewer distractions and can set their own pace. If you enjoy working independently and want to build experience, this might be the perfect place to start.
2. Team Driving: Double the Drivers, Double the Miles
Team driving means two drivers take turns behind the wheel, allowing the truck to move nearly nonstop. This is a great option if you’re looking to maximize your miles—and your paycheck. Many team drivers are friends, spouses, or family members, but companies can also pair you with another driver.
This setup can be ideal for couples who want to spend time together while earning more money. Since the truck keeps moving even while one person rests, team routes often pay more and can lead to faster deliveries. However, shared space and schedules may take some getting used to.
3. Owner-Operator: Be Your Own Boss
Becoming an owner-operator is a big step, but one that can lead to higher earnings and more freedom. In this path, you lease or own your truck and take on hauling contracts from different companies. You’re not just a driver; you’re also running your own business.
Owner-operators tend to have more experience and take on more responsibility. You’ll need to manage expenses, maintenance, and time off yourself. But if you’re motivated and want to control your career long-term, this path can be very rewarding.
While most new drivers won’t start as owner-operators right away, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you find a variety of companies that offer clear paths to truck ownership.
Explore More Trucking Career Options
In addition to solo, team, and owner-operator roles, the trucking industry offers a variety of other rewarding career paths. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers travel long distances across the country, often enjoying the adventure of seeing new places. Regional drivers typically stay within a specific area or group of states, offering more predictable routes and more consistent home time. Local driving jobs are ideal if you want to be home daily and prefer a steady routine.
If you’re interested in a specialized role, becoming a driver trainer or crane operator could be a great fit. Trainers help new drivers succeed by sharing their experience and knowledge, while crane operators handle heavy-duty equipment used in construction and transport. These positions offer unique challenges and benefits, and Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you prepare for any of them.
Start Your Trucking Journey With Phoenix Truck Driving School
No matter which path you choose, your journey starts with getting the right training. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we offer high-quality CDL programs in Carlsbad, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff, Phoenix, El Paso, and Kingman. Our instructors are experienced drivers, and we provide job placement assistance so you can hit the road with confidence. Take the first step toward a career that matches your goals.
