I start school in fort wayne oct 10 2011

Just some words of advice for school.

-Learn EVERYTHING that you can i.e. Logs, backing, pre-trip, etc.
-Back as much and as often as you can, straight line, 45 and 90 degree backing.
-Logs - understand the Hours Of Service and split sleeper berth

Then when you get on a trainer's truck, forget everything they told you other than the above and you'll be OK. Always keep in mind that they're just there to get you your CDL, but optimize your time in school to practice all of the above so when you do finally get on a trainer's truck, you're prepared in some ways.

Lastly, remember this isn't just a job, but also a lifestyle.

Good luck in your new venture.

 

Don't even bother with the split sleeper. It will just confuse you, and there is really no point in doing it, the way PAM sets their crap up. If you take an 8 hour break, might as well just wait 2 more for your 10..

I think in over 2 years at PAM, I only did a split sleeper twice, and it didn't really save me any time or get me to where I was going any faster.

Other than that, do what DJ said

 

I did nothing but split sleeper for 2 days thanks to PAM dispatching. Having me t-call a load then redispatching me on it with less than 10 hours to deliver forcing me to take 8 to extend my 14 then 2 hours at the shipper so I had hours to leave.

C1 is cdl school only, nothing more. The real learning comes with your trainer.

I'm in my 3rd month right now and not real happy with the company at this point (see my thread titled 'miles' in this section)

I'm seriously considering finishing my year and jumping ship if I can last that long on sub 2,000 mile paychecks. My last 3 loads were undeliverable on time yet I was told to take them anyway resulting in complaints from receivers and 12+ hour waits for new appointments and other tomfoolery. I hope your experience is better than mine because I am swimming in frustration right now.

 

Hey gravdigr, keep your nose clean and finish it out then come on over to crete, if they send me a load I can't del they either send me something else, have me tcall it or reschedule right away. Not to mention I don't think I've waited more than 10 min for a load yet

 

If you're still around I'm pretty much your neighbor. Im in edwardsburg, went thru c1 back in july and did my upgrade around september.

 

nsmith and tisdal I am from Benton Harbor and hopefully will be starting at C1 in Mid January. Any pearls of wisdom for a newbie.

 

I live in Fort Wayne to!
Went down to the school today to look at it. I had to drive all the way around harvester to find i.
There isonly one small sign along thee building as I drive by. There where no C-1 trucks or trailers around in the area! But it was not a fly by night operation,,,, just been in the same place for 7? years?

MATTBH23:::: Yan get some cheap motels ,,,,not roach infested in New haven about 5? miles away,,, about $100.00??? per week.

Nsmith,,, why didn't you go to Sage in Indy for a cheaper school????