Thinking of getting into trucking through P.A.M. any advice? - Truckers' Trucking Forum | Message Board

Hazard85 · **^ Top** #1 10.12.2007

After several years in the Manufacturing field, I think it's time for a change. Both of my parents are ex-truckers...my father drove for 17 years before going into dispatch/ops, but now he is driving a charter bus and loves every minute of it. Going against his advice, I have decided to pursue a career in OTR trucking. I know it's a challenging life, but I am up to it. Besides, now is the perfect time in my life: I am 22, single, and have no kids. I have told myself that I am committing to one year of driving, and when that year is up, I will decide if I want to stay in or go back to manufacturing or pursue another career. My question to everyone is what kind of ratings would you give P.A.M. Transport? They seem like a good company from looking at their website, but that may be sugar coated. I welcome any feedback that anyone can offer.

Ronnocomot · **^ Top** #2 10.12.2007

A lot of places require you to be 23 years or older.

PAM isn't the best but not the worst either.

Look around this site and take notes. Good Company/Bad Company.

Hazard85 · **^ Top** #3 10.14.2007

I was a bit concerned about my age, but the first requirement on their hiring website was "Must be at least 22 years of age". There aren't a lot of companies that will pay up-front tuition around here (Memphis). I have only found two...Schenider and P.A.M.; Swift is also here, but you have to pay 100% out of pocket up front and they will pay you back something like $45 a week for a year, and their starting pay is pretty low...like $.20. P.A.M. at least pays $.28 starting. If you know of any other comapnies around here, please let me know.

panhandlepat · **^ Top** #4 10.14.2007

i've been with USA for 7 months so far no complaints here except 63 is toooo slow. LOL
only thing I myself wouldn't like about PAM is the automatics.
if you go PAM or USA you will probably go to school in Newport AR. at ASU it is a very good school IMO lots of trucks and instructors compared to # of students.

Hazard85 · **^ Top** #5 10.15.2007

I'm guessing the trucks are governed to 63?...I was wondering how an automatic would do going downhill. I've talked to a few people at work and they say that all you have to do is drop them into low gear just like any other auto tranny. Is this true? What about jakes? How would jakes work with an auto?

IUfanforever · **^ Top** #6 10.15.2007

Ya, PAM is a pretty good entry level company. All you need to start their school is food money and licensing fees. They put you up in hotels/apartments.

Get your 1 yr out of the way and you'll have pleanty of opportunities.

I know they use schools in AR, IN, MO but as panhandle said, the school in Newport, AR is the closest to you. 2 hours from Memphis I think.

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