My honest, no BS, opinion of P.A.M.

This article is very well written and accurate. I'm also a P.A.M. driver. They do pay for truck washes, but they have a stupid way of reimbursing you. You make a receipt for $5 once a week. Basically, you wash your truck once every 2 months because it's $40-45 at the Blue Beacon truck wash (I get the outside and engine done, no wax). Believe it or not, you only need to wash it that often. It takes a long time for a truck to get nasty. The guys that have filthy trucks are either pocketing the money, or are too lazy to write out a receipt and scan it with their paperwork. The logbook department is awesome and it's unbelievable what mistakes they catch! It's good that they find these mistakes and work with you on it, so you don't repeat them and get in trouble with the D.O.T.

 

Thank you, Very helpful to see that side of the picture.

Does PAM have a cash option discount for the program, or are you able to pay the remainder earlier than by their schedule deductions?

(one difference between Swift and PAM, is PAM pays for the training with your 1 year contract, Swift reimburses you after 26 months. At least that's what's on their site's)


Smaller Q about PAM, what's the difference between an add-on electronic.. and an electronic plugged through the cig. adapter inverter?

 

Thanks for all of the info., I have been trying to decide on paying for my own school or going with PAM, based on what I'm hearing going with PAM sounds better sinceI've only been pre-hired by Trans-Am and Werner and haven't heard much good about either. This website is the greatest and I'm getting more and more respect for the drivers involved.

 

pam trucks gov at 65 now start u at 26 amile and no miles also no bonus anymore good luck

 

I believe some of what I've read on here regarding Pam, but some makes me wonder who is writing it and why. I will share with you my wifes and my experience as a team working for Pam without the BS. We were hired right out of TDDS and began teaming after our training period. Miles were great up until the end of the first year. To date we have had no accidents, no tickets, no violations, and have been ontime for all deliveries. On many occaisions we have been told by dispatchers " Thanks for doing a great job". But that's where the fun ends and the crap begins. We have always done our best but have yet to receivedecent miles for a team. Our miles have been 3500 total in past two months. YES that's right. So this crud about being ontime will get your truck number remembered is BS. Only favored employees get decent equipment. We have taken excellent care of ALL of our trucks and put 3 YES THREE over 500,000 and have yet to get a model younger than 3 years. Which translates to crap that breaks down constantly or stinks so dagone bad you have to drive with the windows down. Pam promises a home layover pay but after leaving you stuck at home for 2 months, decides to suspend that program without paying past due without notification. There is currently MANY MANY MANY disgruntled drivers who are frantically searching for other jobs to get out of Pam. These are senior drivers who have seen enough changes in the past three months to recognize a floundering company when they see one. We have been cheated out of scale fees, toll fees, and even had our things stolen from our truck in front of company cameras without reimbursment. Seeing how everyone has a key to your truck, you must move in and out completely when home or risk losing all. Truth is, dispatchers have their favorites and there is nothing you can do about it but just deal. As for us, we are on the way out as soon as we find the right company. Not whiners here, just decent folks who like a stable and fair work place with employers who regard such employees as assets and not ants in the desert.

 

Scarecrow, thanks 4 ur info on pam.starting c1 springfield,mo. 4/6/09.just wanted 2 know how it was now days,olll schoolll,driver back n d saddle agan,73s & 88s 2 ya.i can only hope 2 be a friend 2 ya &all d other newbees r wannabees,out on dees super slabs.bee safe.

 

You're welcome, capt.

PAM has changed since I left there, but it's mostly due to the economic times we're living in now. They're really starting to watch fuel mileage, out of route miles, and unnecessary driving when on off time (be it at home or when stuck somewhere such as Laredo, TX). I used to routinely bobtail around when I was at home or laid over somewhere and was never once criticized or chastised for doing so. They also never once said anything to me about my fuel mileage or idling. However, things weren't nearly as bad then as they are today.

A friend of mine I went to CDL school with is still with AFS (a PAM company) and recently told me about these changes.

 

10/4 crow,thanks agan.ol ya,luv dee sayings.u r apeterbilt man.me 2

 

I've always loved the looks of a hooded Pete. My dad used to deliver new Petes from their Madison, TN plant (don't think it's open anymore) to dealerships all over the country. When I was a kid (we're talking 8-9 years old) I could spot a Pete from a mile away. Then I finally got the chance to drive one a short while ago. While I was working there, my signature said "Real Men Drive Pete's!" Unfortunately I was going bankrupt at that company and eventually had my car repo'd, so the saying now reads as it does. I went from a Pete to a Sterling. That was quite a switch.

/highjack

 

I work for Decker. I went through the CDL Training at C1 in Indiana. I have enjoyed this company for the past year. My 1st trainer did not have the skills to handle my expectations yet I adore my 2nd trainer and call him often. I am pleased to read other driver are making positive post.

I have been in the transportation industry for 19 years. I have worked all areas from Warehouse, import, export, ocean, air and even brokerage of freight. The slow times hit every year at the same time all across the board. So make the most of the good and store away for the slow months.
I have learned over the years that this business is interlinked and when one is down they are all down.
Again, I enjoy this job and enjoy working for Decker/Pam. I live on my truck and go home about every 3 months. I do see friends and family if I have time and pass a truck stop near there house. Always looking for home cooked food. So if you can find the silver linning in the cloud ride out the storm.
Be safe.