My honest, no BS, opinion of P.A.M.

Not everyone is going teams fresh off a trainer's truck. There are 2 factors deciding that. 1.) How close are you to a dedicated lane. AND 2.) Does another driver live within 100 miles of you who can or is doing teams. If there's no dedicated lane near you, you'll go solo.

 

I live in North Georgia about 50 miles north of Atlanta and about 40 miles to I-75 & I-85

 

Hey CHIPW ,Thanks for the info i am ex Air Force a wrench turner in the civilan life two layoffs in last five yrs so makeing the plunge to the driving world my school is already paid for by the goverment that way i am not held hostage to any company. My brother drives for Transport Amercica but they dont hire out of Arkansas so i have narrowed my choices between pam and kllm after i get my hours prefer to work dedicated runs to hone my skills and then move on from their. I realize the short comings of this kind of life but spent most my life traveling all over the world i guess i still have wander lust in my blood and info on my choices and how your doing would be helpfull thanks Jerry

 

Not sure there are any dedicated runs going through Atlanta anymore. I recall an ATL to Arlington run and runs from Michigan to Doraville, but since the plant's closed, GM doesn't run that way anymore. All of my trainees who have gone teams lived in Dallas/Ft. Worth area. Had a guy out of Austin who went solo. So it just really depends on how close you are to a dedicated lane first and foremost.

 

I'll just put my 2 cents in if that's OK. Freight is pretty good right now. I haven't heard too many guys complaining. Some of the issues guys face may be just a bad dispatcher, which is just the luck of the draw. I've heard of at least one trainer who was getting nothing for miles and he stated it was due to his dispatcher, so it happens to us too. Work ethic is another factor...work hard and you'll usually be rewarded with a lot of miles. Show up late often and they'll freeze your truck, then possibly terminate you.

Pay's OK to start off with. Generally, $.26/cpm for solo and $.17½/cpm. You'll do a minimum of 4 weeks of training. Catch on rather quick and that's all you'll do. Orientation is 2 days, then you might have to wait to get a truck. I've seen guys wait a few hours to several days. Just depends on what's available and where. Might have to ride with someone to go pick it up.

If you haven't been through school yet, learn as much as possible about logs and pre-trip. They're essential in this business. Logs will take longer, but there's a system to it and as long as you get the basics, you'll do fine.

That's pretty much all I have for starting out, if you want more info, just let us know. I'm sure Chip and some other guys can add a lot more. Good luck in your decision and keep us posted. Be safe out there.

 

Hey Chip W, I am 47 and a Air Force veteran making a career change I am a millwright make good money but after 3 layoffs in 5 yrs its time for change my brother drives long haul but they do not except students my cdl school is already paid for by the Gov and scheduled for Feb 2011 that way i am not held hostage by any company . I am well aware of most of the ups and down of driveing otr would prefer to drive dedicated after i get my hours met then after awhile move to a non-dedicated route my choices are Pam, and Kllm read to many post about synider and rohel any info would be of help and how your doing with pam Thanks Jerry

 

Are there any veteran drivers driving for PAM? I seel lots of posts from those who are going to school to get their CDL.

 

I've got good and bad to say about weekend dispatch.

They did not let me wait very long in Wichita and that is GOOD!

I'm primarily a day driver night sleeper, and the dispatch they gave me delivers 03:00 11-17 and my problem with that is might get me on night runs.

Probably get a 34 out of this trip.

Wish I could help on routes and whether you'll go solo or team. I just know if they told me I have to go team they'd just have to go ahead and fire me.

 

3 years enough for you?