Experience and opinions of PAM?

Hey guys, the recruiter will tell you all about cpm. This may not hold true for all new drivers with this company, but my co-driver and I are making money that we don't have time to spend. We are out 6 weeks before taking home time, we deliver on time which means there is sometimes little time to stop for any reason other than your mandatory break, fueling and vehicle inspections. Consistent top shelf performance and safety is what we strive for and is usually recognized. Not all days are roses, but a good attitude will get you through any slow times. Good luck!

Edited to add... Get your Hazmat endorsement!

 

Well I am currently employed with Pam Transport now, and I am hoping that today will be my last day. I have heard that there are some people that make a pretty good living with Pam and then there are others who did not get so lucky. I am one of the latter. There's a chance that I didn't "stick with it" long enough to see the good benefits but I personally feel I shouldn't have to. I went through the schooling and then through the orientation with the low pay. 300 minus taxes and stuff. So around 240 a week. It seemed like less taxes came out while with my mentor (who was absolutely awesome by the way.) I went to Pam already knowing that I would have to make it to first seat driver before making real money and so I did. My issue was that I had to ride a rental car from Irving Texas where there were hundreds of new trucks down to the Laredo Texas drop yard to be assigned to a raggedy one. I won't waste your time with the horror story but I was basically waiting on a load for 5 days only to have to t call it for someone else then take my home time (which is what I'm currently doing now) I averaged about 500 - 600 miles a day while on my mentor's truck but once I got put in my own and officially started getting paid by the mile I hadn't moved. Some due to truck issues but mostly because they said I was waiting on a load that hadn't came across the border yet. My first by the mile check which was Thursday was less than $200. That was my breaking point. I'm supposed to start a new job today so hopefully that goes well because if not then I'll just have to roll with Pam some more. All I can really say is that Iv'e seen Pam do wonders for some but I have bills due NOW. I felt I waited long enough to be paid and their not cutting it for me. Prime example I was supposed to receive a load assignment 2 days ago but I am still here. At home, Not being paid. That allowed me to actually find another job willing to hire me. The results of today will determine if I stay but all in all this may be happening to me because I've been solo. Teams get more miles than solo. So a word of advice is to have your team mate ready. You will have the opportunity to choose a team mate in Tontitown Arkansas so you should. That way as soon as you two upgrade then you can roll and make some money.

 

Been with PAM since 08. I will depend on the trainer that you team up with, if your trainer is in just for the money, then you are hosed. #And after training you will be required to team until your contract is up, again if you team mate is a dirt bag, request another team mate as soon as possible or you are hosed. # If you end up solo for a while, then pray that you solo until your contract is over. #Also, ask for miles and complain when you get the nickel and dime loads. #Silence means consent with this guys.#

 

Don't know where you live, but start asking for dedicated routes. # Here what you do when in Laredo, Tx. #Whine and tell them you'll take anything to get out of there. #I've done that and have been sent to pickup local loads leaving the area. #The squeaky wheel gets the grease. If you think that your DM is hosing you ask for another one. # The main thing is to stay on top of that DM. #If they say they don't have anything don't believe, just press the issue and don't take the crap. #Tell them you're in it to make money not idle the truck, you got to put it to them like that I had to. #If they don't understand tell them" If you're not making money neither are they."

 

I'm thinking of doing the same. Thanks for the advice!

 

Make some comparisons. Here's some good trucking company CDL schools:

Wil-Trans
Earl Henderson Trucking-probably have you in orientation Monday morning.
CTL Transportation
Midwest-coast Transport
Celadon