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

You are allowed to refuse those. I did it all the time. Once I sent in my daily, my 14 started then (not necessarily the logbook 14). For example, I delivered a load to WalMart in Brookhaven MS at 1630 Friday afternoon. Brookhaven is in the middle of nowhere, so it being so late on Friday I knew I'd get screwed on the weekend. So, Sunday morning at 0730 I sent in my daily. At 2030 that night, I got messaged for a repower that had to be picked up in Meridian MS going to Houston for a 0600 delivery the next day. Since I had been up all day waiting for a load, once 2000 rolled around, my day was over. I told him over QC that I could not do that load safely, due to being awake all day, and I'd probably be late anyways, so he might as well just have the original driver take it (since he was already on his 10 hr break). I got a few threats of not getting layover pay and crappy miles and what not..none of which panned out. Even though PAM is a forced dispatch company, you do NOT have to take all loads given to you, if you cant do them legally or safely. Just make sure you QC everything, not phone..

 

I did refuse one and my DM had some questions about that.

MOSTLY my fault, but I'm rather glad to be away from that collection of morons in Tontitown!

 

what should i take with me when i get into a trainers truck? starting school on the 12 th of sept and will be driving for PAM.

any help would be great.

 

The bare minimum. At most 2 weeks worth of clothes, something that will keep you entertained for long/several periods of time, basic toiletries, bedding and pillow, the desire to work long and hard and a great attitude.

 

And a sleeping bag during winter if you're with a trainer like me . I would turn my truck off in Utah when it was 20 degrees. Student didnt like that too much lol

 

Wow, really informative posts. I'd been wondering about starting up with PAM as I saw they paid the tuition through DS. I've wanted to be a trucker since I was 20, but things weren't lining up. Now the training school is only an hour drive away I just don't know how I'd get up the money to pay for the license and such. Anyone got some ideas? (I'm currently employed but wouldn't be able to work this job while doing the training)

 

they offer $1200 sign on bonus now once you complete your school and get your CDL through DS. Just to many bad reviews about this school and PAM have swayed me away.
http://www.careerbuilder.com/JobSee...&APath=2.21.0.0.0&job_did=J3F5WJ6034F84JHBDX0

 

I finished the school on the 5th. FTA in Asheboro NC I think the school did excatly what they said they would! Looking forward to gettin the wheels turning!!!

 

UGH.......do not go to work for PAM unless you need health insurance. Absolutely no structure other than disorganization.

 

Dave 1960,, I am getting ready to head to C1 in Indianapolis, Indiana next month. I was want ting to know more about your experiences with PAM. Whether good or bad. Oh and the cooler thing howare you supposed to take food with you on the road?