Jim palmer/wil trans

It's been a while since your posting but I'm in their training program now as a "C" seat. What's up?

 

Are you still with Jim Palmer? If so how has it been so far?

 

No. Left Palmer after 8 weeks when I was about 4500 mi. (a week/week and a half) from upgrading to solo but it had nothing to do with Palmer, just a crazy ex and my kids. Long story short, I really enjoyed my brief time there and still miss it everyday. I can't look at a truck without wondering where they're headed and what they're carrying. Training program was great although my first trainer was tough to deal with. Like any job or career, there's problems. I'd still HIGHLY recommend Palmer to anyone.
And who knows, my driving days might not be over.
I'd be happy to answer any specific questions for you too.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm almost certain I'm gonna go with JPT, but I was just looking for kind of just a general rundown of your time with the company. How is orientation and the training program?

 

First, get as much knowledge as you can. Watch YouTube, read forum, completely submerse yourself in trucking because trucking really is a lifestyle, not a career. Sign up at truckingtruth.com and take EVERY quiz. There's also a website that lets you select the specific state you're taking your permit tests in and it asks the exact same questions. Search the forums and you might find it. Make 110% sure you can pass all the permit tests without a problem before you even leave. That's An absolute MUST.
First day they run through the paperwork and contract and take practice tests. Tuesday morning you go to the DMV and take the permit tests. MAKE SURE YOU PASS. Tuesday you hop in a rig and practice driving in circles and shifting. Late Tuesday they'll tell you to make a turn out to the road and put you out with the public. Wednesday you'll do a little more driving bobtail then go back to the yard for coupling and then head out on the road with a trailer. Thursday is more driving practice. You'll head out with your first trainer any time from Thursday on. My roommate left Friday, I left 3 am Easter Sunday. You go out for about 2 weeks and the Wednesday you get back you take the test for your license. Any time after that you'll head out with your second trainer.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm in school right now set you test this Monday coming up. Been talking to Alex, shes seems nice and helpful but figured I could come here and get the really down and dirty about how the company is and how people feel about them. As far as the lifestyle I think I've prepared myself as much as I can without actually being it there. It's just me so I don't have to worry about anything back home. Since I'll have my CDL's would I skip that first portion or would I still go through the same as someone without a CDL?

 

Unless Alex has told you different, I've never heard of them accepting someone with a license fresh out of school. It's usually a few years OTR experience or nothing. Not even a permit. But again, things may have changed. They seemed to be in the midst of a transition when I was there.

 

Yea they offered to start me March 19, was just looking for any last minute info before I roll out.

 

Gotcha. Well, looks like you'e in! They're a great group of people. Darwin is a riot!