The Team Driver Dilemma: A Smarter Way Forward

Team drivers are the heartbeat of high-mileage, expedited freight operations. They keep trucks moving, customers happy, and freight on schedule. But let’s face it—finding and keeping team drivers has become one of the biggest recruiting challenges in the industry.

For years, carriers have relied on one flawed strategy: hiring pre-made teams. Two drivers who already know each other, trust each other, and are ready to hit the road together. It sounds great in theory, but in reality, this approach is filled with roadblocks.

The Challenges of Team Driver Recruiting

?? A Shrinking Pool of Pre-Made Teams – Most carriers require each driver in a team to have at least one year of experience. That means new teams can’t be formed straight out of CDL school, and instead, carriers are left trying to recruit teams that already exist elsewhere—usually by pulling them from another company. This isn’t solving the problem, it’s just shifting it around.

?? What Happens When One Driver Leaves? – If a driver gets sick, quits, or decides to switch to solo driving, the entire team is disrupted. More often than not, both drivers are lost. That’s a parked truck, a missed delivery, and a costly gap to fill.

?? The Trust Factor – Ask any solo driver why they don’t want to run as a team, and you’ll hear the same concern: "How do I know I can trust my co-driver while I sleep?" Team trucking isn’t just about skill—it’s about confidence, safety, and knowing your teammate has your back.

A Smarter Solution: Predictive Hiring & Behavioral Alignment

Instead of relying on the limited availability of pre-existing teams, carriers should focus on building a fleet of drivers who are naturally suited for team operations.

This is where Predictive Hiring, powered by Star Behaviors, changes the game.

Rather than basing hiring decisions solely on experience and past employment, we identify drivers based on behavioral traits, work ethic, and values. We don’t just find two drivers and hope they work together—we build teams that are:

? Aligned in safety mindset – A driver should be able to rest, knowing their co-driver is just as committed to safe driving practices.

? Compatible in work ethic – Team operations require coordination. When both drivers have a strong commitment to performance and uptime, productivity soars.

? Like-minded in customer service – Team drivers are often the face of the company on long-haul runs. Shared values in professionalism and service can elevate a carrier’s reputation.

The Benefits of Behavioral-Based Team Building

?? More Stability – When teams are built with behavioral compatibility in mind, carriers can easily adjust pairings without disrupting operations.

?? Higher Trust, Stronger Retention – When drivers are confident in their co-driver, they stay longer. A strong team dynamic reduces stress, improves job satisfaction, and leads to longer-term success.

?? Less Turnover, More Productivity – Instead of being reactive—scrambling to replace lost teams—carriers can develop a pipeline of team-ready drivers who can be matched efficiently.

The Future of Team Trucking

The industry is changing. The old way—chasing pre-made teams and hoping they stick—is unsustainable. The carriers who win in this space will be the ones who innovate.

With Star Behaviors and Predictive Hiring, carriers can take control of team hiring, create stronger partnerships between drivers, and build a fleet that is productive, safe, and stable.

It’s time to stop hoping for the perfect team and start creating them. The solution is here—will you take advantage of it?

Just Sayin' ..