[P.A.M.] Newbie Question

Jeremy · #1 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 09:18 PM

Hello all,

Newbie here -- with a question. I'm seriously considering going into OTR trucking, and right now I'm trying to do my homework on the different trucking companies that are out there. I'd like to start with company-paid training so as to reduce my overall prep costs, but my impression so far is that there are some companies out there to avoid. With that said, does anyone know anything about P.A.M. Transport? Their training offer looks great, but I don't want to jump into anything. They sponsor most of the training costs up front, while I would pay only $1095 of the full $5995 tuition cost. I would have to pay the $1095 in weekly installments of $45.

So, I'm wondering if this is a reputable company or if it is one that is notorious for treating their drivers badly. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Jeremy

JLKKLJ777 · #2 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 11:00 PM

Pam has been around for quite a while and while I do not know anything about them personally I think the important thing here is getting trained.

Understand that they will want you to stay for at least a year to get their money back out of you. It is best to stay with a company for at least a year anyway so if you can get a deal on the tuition I say go for it.

If you are not happy after satisfying the terms of your agreement then you will have 1 year of verifiable experience to offer your next employer which will translate into more job opportunities and higher pay.

The key is to get the training asap and get in the saddle. Wether it be through a company paid training program, retraining paid by the state you live in or paid out of your own pocket remember the money is a pittance compared to what you will earn over all.
This is an investment in your future and the fact is you should make 30 to 40 thousand dollars your first year with benefits.

Good luck!

skinnytrucker · #3 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 11:03 PM

Jeremy,
Any and all trkg. companys you work for in your first year are basically all the same. The thing you have to keep in mind is gain your first year of experience as painless as possible and keep your record CLEAN as you can that first year. There are companys out there that will foot the bill for your c.d.l. training 100% if you agree to work for them for a certain amount of time. That time usually consists of one year. After that point is when you begin looking for a good job. Personally I would recommend you looking for a good union job after you gain your experience. Hope this helps, if not let me know. others on here may disagree with my advice but I said it once and ill say it again never pay for anything but the cost of taking the written test to obtain your c.d.l.

hillbilly frog · #4 (**permalink**) 01-06-2008, 11:30 PM

Jeremy you might find our sister forums to be very insightful with some of your questions too.

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Colts Fan · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 12:03 AM

PAM is a bottom feeder company. Stay far away from them. You are better up saving your money and paying for your own training. That way you aren't obligated to be someone's slave for a year.

If you really want to drive OTR I would find someone to ride along with. I think Schneider has a program like that. See what it is really like. I think you would be shocked.

lilrobby · #6 (**permalink**) 01-21-2008, 06:40 PM

If you have any medical issues when trying to go thru P.A.M. their medical dept. is very picky about any medical problems that you might have. For example,I recently went thru drivers solutions which recruits for P.A.M. and any companies that they own.To be honest i am a diabetic which is controlled by oral medication.In the d.o.t. book is says that one can drive as long as you are taken insulin for diabetes. I passed thru the urine and all the other tests which they gave at the first day of school.(let me tell that the school, C1 is a excellent school for the time that i was there, 9 days).I get a call during school hours to call pam medical in Arkansas so i do that and they tell that they need more info from my doctor and at this time they have to medically defer me.I provide them with all the info that they need,so they tell me that my A1C level is .3 to high.THEY ARE VERY PICKY!!!! so if you have any medical issues get all your necessary paperwork together before you give up your job and move to wherever location is closest to you. they dont seem to understand or care that when one does this that they are giving up a lot to go to a training school. just thought I would let you know thru my experience with P.A.M.