What's up with PAM?

Trucking is tough on the family. You got 5, so I take it that you got 4 kids? What does your wife think about you considering trucking?

 

I have not heard a lot of good about Pam. One problem is they have auto trannies. You train there and if you try to go somewhere else; not shifting may put you back in the trainee seat. I am not big on contracting for your CDL. Is this your only option?

 

Did you sign the contract yet? Are you fairly financially stable? I ask this because in 1999 my husband went to cdl school and signed with PAM in return for them to pay for school. We are a family of five. They treat you like indentured servants. They know they have you by the short ones. Low miles and low pay. When he started it was .22 a mile. No matter what my husband did the miles were just not there. We suffered that year and when his contract was up he didn't just walk away from them he ran. PAM stands for Penny A Mile. Good Luck

 

Although I did the company sponsored training, if you have other options you might want to consider them. As for PAM, I drive for Decker Transport which was bought by PAM a few years ago. I only have 3 weeks as a first seat, but know big complaints so far.
1st week-3131 miles
2nd week-2487
3rd week-2857

I would like to be over 3000 every week, but it's a start.
As for sitting without loads, after two hours I start hittin' the Qualcom until they get me something. Usually happens within the 3rd hour when I do that. I have only had to do that two or three times.

Anyway, good luck with your decision. Think it all through.

 

You might try to go with Averett. They are home every weekend.

 

Glad bugging your DM worked. We would be messaging ours continually and we still sat. Maybe things are better now but I wouldn't recommend them.

 

I just finished C1 training in Fort Worth and contracted with PAM (it was them or USA) where I of course pay my training cost back to them with a one year comitment. There is a no strings (sorta) $1000 sign on bonus included. $500 after my first week and the other $500 after 6 months.

My three week class started with 30 people and ended with about 15 to graduate and get their CDL. Many were weeded out by physicals and the various background concerns. About 5 ended up with Pam, 7 with USA (less severe background check I think) and a few independents. The training in the late 90's Freightliners was probably just fine. A little too much standing at the range or watching others drive, but as a newbee, I kinda locked up progress wise after an hour 1/2 anyway per turn anyway.

About a week and 1/2 into training I was approached by a rep from Choctaw (division of Pam that runs strictly teams) and the manager of C1 and asked (coerced really) into changing to Choctaw. The pay was a little better with weekends home. I was kinda flattered and said yes. Of course, about 8 hours later I remembered half the reason I wanted to be a trucker is I'm kind of a loner and would prefer to control my cab inviornment, anyway.

The next day I told my trainer I'd like to opt out of Choctaw and go back with PAM. No problem said he and emails were sent - "don't worry". The last week of training I went by to the class room for a PAM orientation and the signing of enough paperwork to where I'm not sure if I didn't end up buying a block of Fort Worth. Of course, they did noy have my PAM paperwork ready - it was of course still assumed I would be with Choctaw. "Not to worry it's all straightened out now". Well I get my CDL and if you can avoid a certain Ms Green at the Irving DMV do so and I might have celebrated.

I was to have left with my trainer on last Friday the 18th but as the day approached and my other PAM classmated got their driver codes and tentative assignments my driver code was taking longer to process. Of course, that Friday I hear from PAM and am asked am I with Choctaw or PAM? Aaaargh!!!! I must say their rep (Debbie Spiker) has been a doll and just wished I had mentioned the possible mix-up to her sooner. So much for the "don't worry" theory. Murphy's Law baby in full affect.

Anyway, I have been in contact with a couple of my PAM classmates and they are both driving hard (one to Whittier Ca from Houston) as I write this and are happy with their trainers. After all this you might think I'm pretty pissed at PAM. I'm actually not based on my classmates experiences and the constant contact from Ms Spiker. Tell ya what else, I'm gonna love driving those new automatics of theirs. I don't care if it does hurt me a little down the line should I opt from PAM after my 1 year comitment.

Sorry for the long 1st time post and thanks in advance to others who have contributed so much. This site has been a blessing.

Peace, Wilco

 

Hello,

What company did you go with? I have 7 kids and am in the same boat. I hope things are going well for you.
Ron