Anyone that quit PAM during his first year of driving (broke the contract)?

Discussion in 'PAM' started by demems88, Aug 21, 2014.

  1. demems88

    demems88 Bobtail Member

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    Aug 21, 2014
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    Hello to all the members of this forum:

    This is my first time writing here but I had read a lot of threads in the forums in the past.

    I am a truckers wife. My husband works for PAM. He started with Drivers Solutions and the C1 School in Fort Wayne, IN on December 2013. He upgraded to first seat on January 13th 2014.

    Let me tell you a little about our story:

    My husband and I met last year online. I am from Lima, Peru. He is a musician and he never had a full time job. He was doing part times here and there and by the time he was offered the job with PAM, he had been unemployed for four months. Living off credit cards for the most part. When the recruiter contacted him, he believed most of the stuff they said and didn't do further research. He signed a lot of papers, and went to C1 school. I didn't like the idea of the trucking job, but he wanted to get in a better financial situation for when he would meet me. Moreover, we had the idea that I could go on the truck with him once he was done with team driving, so it didn't sound that bad. I came to the US on a visa for work and to meet him.

    Anyway, he didn't start out as team, and he went solo for many months. When we call the office to request for permission to be with him on the truck as a passenger, they told us we couldn't do it, because i was not a permanent resident and he had to go close to the mexican border. That was a bummer. We got married on April and started my immigration papers on June. He goes away four weeks at a time to have four days each month with me. However during home time we usually have to do a lot of stuff (go to the bank, go to the dr, visit people, family meetings, etc) So far I have only lived with him 24 days, (all his accumulated home time). Since my application for residency is still pending I cant do anything but sit at home and walk around. I dont know how to drive and cant get a job yet. Lately his paychecks havent been that good. We usually get $400 or $600 if he was really busy. On low weeks we can get $100 after taxes.

    He still has four and a half months to go and three of which would be team still. He really feels he would like to quit PAM to get a local job. So he would have time to e with me and do his life. My question at this point would be to someone that did this.

    What happens if you quit during your first year? I know already that you will have to pay 6000 for the school to drivers solutions (this is what it says on his documents), but is there something else? Would he be able to get another job?

    He contacted US express, a company that does local runs in Auburn, IN. They told him that PAM would have to give them a release form, so US Express could hire him, But they wouldn't pay for his school. If this is the case we would like to get a settlement of payments with Drivers solutions.

    At this point we just want to be aware of what are our options. From the beginning we wanted to complete his year contract one way or another. But as the months go by, it seems that things are not getting better. Specially when it comes to the income he is making, which is not worth the time away and the struggle that he is passing,

    Any insights?

    Thank you so much for reading my post and any advice would be appreciated.
     
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  3. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Do you live in Fort Wayne?
     
  4. demems88

    demems88 Bobtail Member

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    Yes we live in fort Wayne
     
  5. 77smartin

    77smartin Road Train Member

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    I dunno.
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    Finish the contract...don't go to US Express, they advertise for drivers 24/7/365 at these "dedicated" locations in Indiana which can only mean one thing...it sucks. They are plenty are good driving jobs in Fort Wayne due to its location where he can be home everyday or every weekend when the time comes. Make sure that his next move is well researched or he will begin hopping which is not a good thing...financially.

    Also encourage him to speak with PAM in a professional manner regarding the up and down paychecks...he should ask them "What do I need to do to gross at least "X amount" a week?"
     
    Chinatown Thanks this.
  6. Chinatown

    Chinatown Road Train Member

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    Once he completes his contract with PAM then he can make safe changes. If he leaves before then, they will come after him for the debt. He should finish his contract.

    Holland Enterprises will hire him once he has 12 months experience and you can ride with him from day one. Check their website. Good annual pay and benefits.

    There's also these for local jobs:

    Holland Inc.(this is not Holland Enterprises)
    Waste Management
    Praxair
    Klemm Tank Lines
    Heniff Transportation

    Start planning now for the day his contract with PAM is over. Study the new company websites and be prepared with all the paperwork and qualifications so he can transition into a new high paying job easily.
     
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  7. freightwipper

    freightwipper Road Train Member

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    Please do NOT go to US express unless you plan on enjoying being broke forever.

    With one year experience he could make .40CPM+ and $1000 a week easily with the right company
     
    DrivingForceBehindYou Thanks this.
  8. freightwipper

    freightwipper Road Train Member

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    Tell him to get his endorsements and sign up with ABF, they are in Ft. Wayne

    https://www.abf.jobs/JobDetail.asp?code=CTYD&type=DRVR

    home a lot, plus free health insurance, pension and $60k a year being lazy.

    I'm not joking either, do the research and you see the info is accurate.
    You all been screwed enough already with a terrible low paying BS company, it's possible to move on up now.
    Do the homework.
     
  9. freightlinerman

    freightlinerman Road Train Member

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    He needs to stick it out, get a solid year. Then, look at a regional fleet like Crete carrier that pays good. There are other companies out there too. Of course, if he bought his own truck from a dealer, or financed, then leased onto a carrier, he could be a lot more flexible in his home time and make some more money.
     
  10. DrivingForceBehindYou

    DrivingForceBehindYou Medium Load Member

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    One hundred after taxes, no kidding.I go to a grocery store, I spend 50 pretty much just for lunch.
     
  11. John Miles

    John Miles Medium Load Member

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    A hundred a week ... I would not get out of bed for a hundred a week ... PERIOD! or $500 a week ... or really anything less than $1000 a week and I'd be ticked off if it was only a grand. I know your husband can do better, tell him to start hauling petroleum for a tanker outfit like Kenan or Pilot or Loves, PTC, Reliable, tons of jobs are just waiting for him after finishing up that first year. Don't get discouraged, get that first year in and switch to a better company ... there IS money to be made, he just has to make himself marketable with a little experience and the proper endorsements. IT CAN BE DONE!
     
    TruckrWnnaB Thanks this.
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