HERE WE GO STARTING with PAM TRAINER

Discussion in 'PAM' started by The Real BRICKMAN, Mar 8, 2008.

  1. vkhafford

    vkhafford Bobtail Member

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    Sep 26, 2010
    Vale, NC
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    Hello my name is Vincent and Im about to go through Drivers Solution in Forth Worth/Dallas Texas, and upon completion of the 19 day schooling am supposed to be employed by P.A.M. Trucking, any advice about preparation for the school or life OTR. Also I would appreciate any good/bad news about PAM or Drivers Solutions"mydriveraccount.com"....Thanks in advance.
     
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  3. motofish

    motofish Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2009
    Monroe, NC
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    I went to Drivers Solutions and to USA Truck in Feb. of 09. Motel for the school is ok, but nothing to brag about. You will go to class the first week, then to the yard for two weeks. Pay attention and listen and you will leave Texas with your CDL. Its kinda a hurry up and wait deal. Get all the pratice on the yard that you can. What I mean by that is when you get to the yard you will start learning to straight line back. You they see you can do that you move over to the course. When I was there they had two trucks for the course and about 14 people wanting to drive. So when you do the course, jump back over to the straight line back truck and pratice. We would pull the truck foward all we could and turn it to an odd angle and pratice straighting it back out.
     
  4. Nomad 57

    Nomad 57 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 2, 2010
    Newnan, Georgia
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    Read the thread "Packing list for students" elsewhere on this forum. It has a lot of excellent tips on what to bring and not bring. Also read ChipW's thread " My honest no BS opinion of PAM."
    Don't expect things to go smoothly. You will find that life on the road is full of ups and downs. If you stay focused on the future and the experience that you are getting, you may last until you find what you are looking for at Pam, or another carrier once you have put in your year. I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
    By the way, are you related to any of the Haffords out of Allagash, ME.? That's where my fathers side of my family is from. I'm a Hafford too.
     
  5. Nomad 57

    Nomad 57 Bobtail Member

    28
    4
    Mar 2, 2010
    Newnan, Georgia
    0
    Read the thread "Packing list for students" elsewhere on this forum. It has a lot of excellent tips on what to bring and not bring. Also read ChipW's thread " My honest no BS opinion of PAM."
    Don't expect things to go smoothly. You will find that life on the road is full of ups and downs. If you stay focused on the future and the experience that you are getting, you may last until you find what you are looking for at Pam, or another carrier once you have put in your year. I sincerely wish you the best of luck.
    By the way, are you related to any of the Haffords out of Allagash, ME.? That's where my fathers side of my family is from. I'm a Hafford too.
     
  6. djtrype

    djtrype Heavy Load Member

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    Jan 3, 2009
    New Orleans
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    I'd suggest just making it solo then worrying about a TV, fridge, etc. As far as the CB goes, I'm not aware of a company that does supply a CB for its drivers. I'm sure there may be some out there, I'm just not aware of them.

    My last 4 students have been out of the Fort Worth School and they've all had the same problems...logs, Pre-trip and backing are a bit of a problem. From my understanding, they don't teach Pre-trips at all. Logs are kind of a half a day ordeal and backing is pretty much done by yourself with little to no guidance.

    Like motofish stated, get all the backing in that you can.

    I tell all of my students that OTR is a lifestyle, not just a job. Your day never ends when it should, instead you could get a call asking for a favor. Happens all of the time. Listen to what your trainer tells you, but if you question it, just ask yourself if it makes any sense. Never do anything you think is unsafe or unethical.

    Hope you do well in school and enjoy your time out on the road.
     
  7. motofish

    motofish Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2009
    Monroe, NC
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    djtrype, your right on about the FT. Worth training. To me, the log book training was just enough to confuss me, LOL! The thing about pre-trips is, in TX its about a 15 question written test at the DMV. You never do the whole 108 point inspection. Some people take to backing right off, and some are scary! Most of the students try to help each other out. Watch what other students do, right or wrong and learn from it. And most of all, take your time. O, watch very closely on where to set the truck up for backing! A good set up makes life a lot easier.
     
  8. vkhafford

    vkhafford Bobtail Member

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    Sep 26, 2010
    Vale, NC
    0
    Im starting driver solutions in ft worth tx on Oct 10th, after the 19day will I recieve my cdl license or a permit...also how long, in general, does one usally have to wait before getting to work, my driver rep said something about a job guarenteed after school, is that true? Any info is greatly apprieciated... also goodluck to all the others just starting out as well...:biggrin_255:
     
  9. motofish

    motofish Light Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2009
    Monroe, NC
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    When I finished up in Ft. Worth, I went home for a week. Then went to orientation with USA in AR. We had the option of going straight to your company of hire, or go home for a week. At USA, there was a 4 day orientation, then out with a trainer for 180 hrs of driving. Then you go back to the terminal to test out. Pass all that, then your hired. Can't say it's a guarentee, because you do have to prove you can handle there truck and do the job.
     
  10. DrivingPro

    DrivingPro Light Load Member

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    Feb 18, 2007
    San Antonio,Texas
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    PAM drives Automatics? I talked to them a few days ago and with 4 years exp they said I would start out at .34. Does anyone know if they get you approved (check Refferences) before they bring you to orientation. I hate it when a company has you go to orientation and then does not let you know if you are hired until the last second. I have never been turned down at an orientation, but I have seen it mess up a few drivers. I think it is a bad way to do business.
     
  11. Kevo The Trucker

    Kevo The Trucker Bobtail Member

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    Dec 27, 2010
    Homewood, IL.
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    Question, are you still a driver with PAM Scarecrow? The reason I asked is because I've seen some of your posts and I'm interested in the company. As a matter of fact I start orientation next week on the 31st. I wanted to know how long the orientation is and will my training start right after orientation or will they send you home. And also how long is the over the road training. I'm a former driver with a 1 year experience but the last time I driven was back in Feb of 2005 with Swift Transportation. Thanks for your posts, they are very informative.
     
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