PAM with C1, good or ?

Discussion in 'Trucking Schools and CDL Training Forum' started by thumbsout, Jun 20, 2011.

  1. thumbsout

    thumbsout Bobtail Member

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    I have spoken to a driver agent from PAM today that sent me some info on C1 school. The location I'M closest to will be Fort Worth. They say they will pay a $1200 sign on bonus:
    $200 WHEN you pass the school and get your CDL. (3 weeks)
    $500 AFTER 90 days and you have applied for HazMat.
    $500 more AFTER ANOTHER 90 days if you have HazMat.

    So is getting $200 for 3 weeks in school "normal"?
    And once you get your CDL I would be paid $300 a week for 4 to 6 weeks while I am with a trainer.
    After that I would be required to go team for 6 months and then I could go solo. .17 cpm team and .34 cpm the first year.

    Is this normal or should I keep looking?
    I already have my CDL with HazMat but am being asked by potential employers to go back to school, as I haven't driven a truck in about 6 years.
     
    thumbsout, Jun 20, 2011
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  2. skokz

    skokz Light Load Member

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    On the last day they give you the check for $200. (Had to use that just to get back home)
    You do get the $1200 sign on bonus even without having hazmat.
    So don't believe you need haz mat to get the sign on bonus.

    Team might or might not happen. I went thru same school and I did not look or try to find a another team driver there like the other students did and I have been solo driver and never have had team driving mentioned.

    If you already have a cdl you are just going to sit there at the dirt lot that they call a training school.
    Everyone else there that doesn't have a cdl will be there focus and you wont be, so get comfortable sitting around.
    I would suggest going to a community college or somewhere that offers a refresher course that you pay for out of your own pocket.

    Don't get stuck with a contract espically if you already have a cdl with a hazmat find another option!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
    Last edited: Jun 23, 2011
    skokz, Jun 23, 2011
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    thumbsout Thanks this.
  3. thumbsout

    thumbsout Bobtail Member

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    That's good advice. I don't really want a contract unless I don't have a choice. And I still have a choice. I'm looking at other employers for now.
     
    thumbsout, Jun 23, 2011
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  4. joesmo

    joesmo Light Load Member

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    Do you really want to sleep in a moving truck with another rookie behind the wheel?

    CDL schools only teach you how to get your CDL while throwing in a day or so on logs. Check out Conway or Conway Freight. Conway Freight is LTL but they do have an apprenticeship program and better wages then OTR.
     
    joesmo, Jun 23, 2011
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