Starting out for rookies

If you're a brand new CDL driver, no car hauler outfit is going to give you a chance. There's too much to think about when new drivers have enough to think about already. I know this because I too started right where you're at. God I hated that. They would tell you that you had to have a minimum of 2 or 3 yrs and some as high as 5. I would think, how are we supposed to get experience if no one will give us a chance? I started at a driver leasing outfit called Transportation Unlimited in Cleveland, Oh 1980. I got a lot of experience driving for many outfits in those days. Revco Drugs, Cotter & Co (True Value), Olin Corp, Norandex Glass, Advance, Spartan, TRW, Tyco and many more. I eventually worked full time for Cotter & Comany. I would get a few years under your belt before you try car hauling. There's a lot to think about.

 

Because your post was worth 3 thanks from everyone that reads it!

 

thats right

 

After some delay between two parts of the company ( Swift ) ( Paul didn't know what peter was doing ) My son took a free bus ride to Laredo TX ( 3 1/2 hrs ) Got up with his mentor , who he says is such a cool guy that he had a pizza waiting for him when he showed up ?? And are leaving out this AM for IN ( 1236 miles ) , He found out the company had increased it's pay for newbie's to were they get payed by the hour. Also found out that all newbie's have to drive 50 hrs solo, to be able to team with there mentor, also swift has a no cell phone while driving law as to were the driver has to put there sell phone on the bunk, The only thing bad which is a small thing ? the mentor eats all meals out.

 

Cell phone in the bunk? arrrgh. Hands free headset is safe enough. you need info, keep in touch with family and so on, threw out the day. I wish some company would stop with the phone BS.

 

Well they left Laredo last night around 6ish for IN that the mentor tried to get a tcall for pickup , since they would get there two days early, But no ? So they stayed in the lot a extra day and did some backup's to get the required number down , With everyone jumping on cell phone's while driving ( semi or car ) might as well get use to it before that make it a federal law,..... On that note, radio operation - ( cb/ham ) is exempt .

 

You know, as a fresh out of school newbie... That's not such a bad idea. There are enough things they will need to concentrate on, like 53' of trailer and gears. After you've been out for a while, and things are becoming second nature, then a hands free headset and a good conversation can make the time in the seat much more pleasurable!!

 

Please keep us posted about your experience with PAM. I looked at a number of paid company training schools and PAM had a pretty good deal if I remember. I called them but was told becuase I already have my CDL ( but never used it. ) They told me they didn't offer the training to folks who already have there CDL regardless of weathere or not it was used.

 

I use to work for PAM. They Do Not do refreshers at PAM. They will pay for your schooling if you stay with them for a yr; which you have to sign a agreement contract and you will have to sign a agreement to team up with someone after 2wks out with a trainer. You have to do team for 6 months before you can decide going solo.

When you go with PAM and after going to C1; which is a joke. You will go to their corp office and do 1-2 wks of training their. Then you will go with a trainer for 2wks. After that you will return back to corp and show them what you learn in driving. Once you are down with that then you need to wait for a rig or go get one.

Good Luck.

 

I Guess pam has restructured thier way of training. I also went to C 1 truck driving school. These schools are NOT going to teach you to drive as a profesional driver they are only trying to help you get your CDL! Anyways the company you seem to be refering to sounds like Prime. Pam will put you with a trainer for 4-6 weeks and you will stay with that trainer until you have logged 175 hours in the drivers seat. Then you will go and do a small road test, if you pass and you should by this time, then you get assigned a rig but heres the kicker if you live within 50 miles of any solo driver you are FORCED to team with them! If not you are solo abd you get only .14 cents a mile! That is crap pay folks and its wrong! Good luck and if i was you id try and go with USA truck! Ive had nothing but a great experiance with them!