PAM REALITY

PAM has a new division called Power Only. I do not have my trailer yet. So I signed on with them. They do not require a long term commitment from you so I only plan on working with them for a short time. I am running under my own authority and pay all the cost. They are acting as a broker.

They take way too much out for me to run long term with them. The pay is 70% of line haul and 100% of FSC. 30% is way too much for what they provide but since your authority has to be active for awhile before you can work with brokers it makes the truck payment. I would only recommend it if you are in the same place I am. Putting my month to two months in. I like the people I have met there so far but I should have had my first check Wednesday and so far, nothing. Long runs. Low rate. I pulled a CH Robinson load that was 4500 overweight. I looked at the bills and it said 37,000 pounds so I failed to scale the load. $200 lighter, I got it from Laredo to Georgia. My fault. Won't make that mistake again.

They have a Hybrid pay plan that pays you a certain CPM rate on the shorter runs. The problem is some of the short runs pay $3.00 per mile and the hybrid plan pays way less. They are the house and the house never changes the rules to favor the player.

 

I wish but I am not rich enough to buy a truck or get my own authority. What kind of trailer are you planning on buying? What lanes will you run?

 

My plan is reefer. The lane is a secret. I could tell you but then I would have to.....well you know.

 

How come we can't say #### here but it's perfectly acceptable to say CH Robinson?
I'm offended.

 

I don't know where you got that idea from, but there are many brokers that will load new entrants. Yes, you're limited, but you can do well despite that limitation that some brokers have.

 

Why not book loads from C H Robinson directly and leave pam out of it?

Rent a trailer. If pam doesn't pay, you will go bankrupt.

 

McDonald's here pays 7.25 to start and schedules you between 20-32 hours on the top end.

 

Pam= Penny A Mile

 

Greetings all. My first post. I found myself in this thread because I'm getting into bed with PAM. I start Monday with their Power Only Program. My story: 42 years old, 2000-2013 in the industry as company driver. Feb 2013 dad suffered a minor stroke so I came off the road to look after things at home. July 2013 my dad suffered a major stroke that left him alive but still with us. Requiring total care and not from a family that will ever see him in a nursing home I found local work as a receiving clerk. This past May 2016 I lost my grandmother who left us a sizable inheritance and I took steps towards my own authority. July I purchased a used Wal-Mart fleet truck w/apu cash. I've completed all the steps for my authority and fmcsa compliance including all permits, plates insurance and drug consortium and partnered with a friend that would like to team (as my employee). I have money put aside for fuel, maintenance and even a trailer but like Wooly Rhino I've heard there are hurdles to a new authority and developing relationships with brokers so I've considered long and hard working with PAM on a temporary basis, again like Wooly Rhino. If it is indeed true more brokers will be willing to work with us after 6 months my wife is willing to help arrange loads for my partner and I to concentrate on the road. Two subjects there seem to be few threads about are Teaming with one's own Authority and PAMs Power Only program. I just wanted to introduce myself and let it be known there's a new ear (eye?) genuinely seeking all helpful advice. I'm nervous as hell, not about driving but really really being responsible for it all. I guess soon I'll be able to post some of my own opinions about PAM. I've signed up for their 78% all-in payout with the comdata quick pay (2 business days) option that hits me for another 2%. Any and all advice will be sincerely taken to heart and I hope used to help my one truck operation (for now) prosper.