Co-Drivers
What is a Co-Driver?
A co-driver is the second driver on a semi-truck, also know as the B-seat. They can be either a trainee or a partner.
Preparing to have co-driver:
- Space (the final frontier), or more specifically in this case, the area in which new being on your truck will live. Drivers need to make space for their co-drivers even if they are only trainee's it makes for a happier journey and a more pleasant work environment.
- Decor. It cannot be emphasized enough, drivers need to take down anything that a new driver might find offensive. The truck is now a shared workplace and decor decisions need to be made after the people in the truck get to know one another. This will include sexual images, political images, etc.
- Smoking. The is usually taken care by companies (smokers with smokers, etc.). Will there be no smoking in the truck? Should all the smoking be done outside?
- Shift layouts. The drivers on the truck need to decide who will drive the night shift and who will drive the day shift. Will the shifts be flexible? Are both drivers comfortable switching out while in motion? Will one of the drivers take over specifically to handle difficult situations (bad weather, confined city spaces, delivery navigation, difficult parking situations)? All these things need to be discussed.
- Sleeping arrangements. Will the top bunk be used for sleeping on off days or only as storage? Will both drivers use sleeping bags? Will both drivers have their own pillows?
- Cook Arrangements. Will one driver do most of the cooking or are both drivers responsible for their own meals? Are grills, microwaves, etc. allowed on the truck? Will there be cooking done while the truck is in motion?
- Cleaning. Who will take care of which cleaning chores? Who will do the dishes? Who will sweep? Will both drivers take care of their own laundry?
- Pets. Unless both drivers are in agreement over it, pets should be left at home.
- Religious observances. Does one driver go to church? Does one driver not drive at certain times or days? Does one driver require relics for their religion?
Co-Driver Etiquette
- Decor. Once again, drivers need to be careful with how they decorate the insides of their truck (yes, it's stupid, but that's life).
- Language. Drivers need to be nice to one another. Driving can be stressful and in a small space it can be easy for tempers to fly and the language to deteriorate.
- Sleep. If one driver is overtired from a shift then the other driver should either be quiet or leave the truck while they sleep.
- Habits. There are a lot of habits on a semi truck that many drivers do by themselves that should not be done when another driver is on board.
Bringing your Co-driver home
Before bringing a driver home both drivers need to clarify with their co-driver what the home situation is and then plan accordingly.