Comments By Daniel H.

Yes. Based on my current conversations with Driver Solutions about PAM and the information they've provided, PAM tries to pair you with someone that is within 50 miles of where you live to team you with after you've completed all of your training and have started working for them as a proven driver.

I got the impression that it's pretty much a given that all new drivers will be required to drive team for at least 6 months. Maybe some new drivers at PAM can shed some light on it.

Today I was in communication with Driver Solutions about their program, and the information they provided about Pam Transport states that "...at any point in your first year you agree to be teamed with another PAM driver for a minimum of 6 months."

Just thought I'd pass this along because I hadn't seen this anywhere here. It's not good or bad, just something to consider if you really want to go solo for your first 12 months in the industry.

Thanks, Brett. That's the type of information I was looking for.

I see that the list of company-sponsored programs show training pay. Are the companies really paying this?

I've seen in several posts where the experienced drivers recommend that a new driver going to cdl school have some funds set aside for when they go to school. Assuming I am going away to a company-sponsored CDL school (3-4 weeks) and will work with a trainer on the road for 3-4 months, what expenses should I plan for? Is it just food and laundry or other things as well?

Thanks for your input!

Special K comments about whirlwind schooling is starting to concern me. I've read in a couple of other posts where people have not passed their parallel or backing portion of the driving test. I'm not really concerned about the written portions of the CDL, but do these driving schools give you enough time behind the wheel so that you can get enough practice? With a car, you can practice driving with your permit as much as someone will allow you to drive for 6 months. It seems that with the driving schools, you get a small window of opportunity to become proficient. And if someone doesn't pass, it's not like they can borrow someone's rig to get better before taking the test again. They have to pay for more schooling.

How probably is it that someone could find a friend who would let them drive with them to become a better driver using their CDL permit?

The craziest thing however was hauling 44lbs of peanuts to Georgia from Arkansas. What the heck, doesn't GA grow their own peanuts?

Is 44 lbs a typo? That's funny!

Thanks, Minnie Mouse! That clears it up for me.

I've seen where several people have mentioned PSD and TNT during the CDL training, but I'm unable to find out what these mean. I've done internet searches, but no luck. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?

Thanks

These terms don't show up in Ohio's CDL manual, either (At least I haven't found it yet).