USA/PAM Confused

I got my start with PAM and found them to be exactly as you described what you're looking for in a company. The auto-shifts can definitely be an issue. I had to take two road tests with the company I went to work for after leaving PAM. I passed both times, but they knew my shifting was rough and wanted to make sure I would rip out a tranny after the first week. However, I was told that I did a lot better than a friend of mine who had tested at the same company after being with PAM just one week sooner.

Truly that's the only thing I didn't like about PAM. However, I wouldn't (and didn't) let that affect my decision to be treated fairly and earn a decent living.

 

This will not answer your specific question regarding PAM/USA. I am not a trucker yet, but things are headed that way and have read many boards for a while now.

Not trying to talk you out of anything. If you have a reason for attending that particular training school, that's fine. There are alternatives out there.

You seem to have misgivings concerning both companies you were offered. That is understandable.

All I can say is if I lived in Ga. I would put Mr. Google to work on Watkins Shepard. Wish I lived in their hiring area.

 

Hey Jeep, if you have'nt allready dedicated yourself to driver solutions then check on Millis Transfer. I was looking real hard at PAM myself then someone on here told me to look into Millis. Millis normaly want's a downpayment of $500 to start there school, but if you get signed on before the end of the year it's only $100. They have a school in Cartersville Ga. And the best kicker is they have a starting pay of $.32 cpm. plus the bonuses are really great. Look at there web site and look on this forum for more info on them. I was also looking a W&S to but I don't live in the required 120 miles from there terminal. I live near Augusta.

 

I am sure by now you have made your choice.. I just thought I would tell you a little about Pam I worked for Choctaw owned by Pam. I worked local out of Irving Tx and the Pam drivers would come in and there trucks were crappy and needing work a lot the company does not have very good mechanics But thats what you get when the company pays them 10 bucks a hour. Pam runs all over. If you go with Pam get in good with the guys in the shop and find out who does the best work. I have seen guys sit there for days getting there trucks worked on then take one load come back with the same problem or even a new added problem. No matter where you go you will have to pay youy dues as a rookie and the best advice I can give is no matter what be nice to your dispatcher/fleet mgr. They own you more less and can make your life good are really bad....

 

usa sucks Pam ok not great but ok. Danny

 

I was a PAM driver for 2 years, I quit in July. If I had to do it all over again, I'd start out with them again. You get around 2700 miles a week but you have to really be creative in your log book. They only match your daily check, loaded and unloaded calls against your logbook. Which was real nice. Hometime, about every 4 weeks, they really didn't care how many days you took off. When you're stuck at Tontitown go to the Red Door. Since most the drivers are new they told the biggest lies.
Now I'm here at Crete with the manual 10 speed. Great dispatching, great miles. I totally love it. But, I think everbody should get their start with PAM. I only wish I quit after my year was up.

 

hey jeep,
i am actually looking at driver solutions myself. i will be trying to head out to them early november. did they have an offer for you fast or did it take awhile? i have already talked with one of their recruiters but i had to give my current job sometime.