For Those Considereing Driving For PAM As A New Driver (going Thru Driver Solutions)

About team driving, their driver portal (which I am signed up to) says this:

"The PAM Transport OTR Team opportunity requires that you drive as a team for a minimum of 6 months. After 6 months, you can change to a solo position if you choose. The advantage of team driver is that both you and your co-driver are paid for all miles the truck runs; not based on individual miles driven. Teams usually run twice the amount of miles as a solo driver."

And Further:

"Team Driving Positions The PAM Transport OTR Team opportunity requires that at any point in your first year you agree to be teamed with another PAM driver for a minimum of 6 months. This 6 month team driving clock starts at the time you are initially teamed. In the event you finish your 12 month employment agreement but have not fulfilled 6 months of team driving, the choice is yours to remain team or driver solo. The advantage of being a team driver is that both you and your co-driver are paid for all miles the truck runs: not based on individual miles driven. Teams usually run twice the amount of miles as a solo driver."

About starting pay it says this:

"New Driver Guaranteed Pay PAM Transport is committed to helping the new driver achieve success in a trucking career. The company knows the first few months of a new job can be stressful as you learn new routines and become more efficient with daily tasks. That’s why PAM Transport guarantees your weekly paycheck to be at least $500 for the first 60 days after becoming a first seat driver."

I think PAM is starting to realize beginning truck drivers need a slight increase in their beginning pay. A few years ago they said maybe $300 while with a trainer during one week. There is no way I could survive on $300 a week for a month of training or more. After researching several truck driving companies I think Pam is slightly better for the trainee. If you pay your dues, you can realistically get paid better. I know a PAM driver who is 6 years in with them who is making in the mid 40 cent per mile range. Anyway, I don't know if that is just recruiter propaganda but its in writing. I start truck driving school with them in Fort Wayne on Monday. I grew up there so I don't think I would get lost and think I will flourish as a student.

I will throw my 2 cents in here. Just my opinion. First of all as said, your living 24/7 in a confined space. hmmmmm.Well worth thinking about. More importantly to me is my safety. Sleeping in a moving truck with someone I barely know and they have my life in their hands, Uhhhh major leap for me personally. I know people do it, and if that's what they want, that's great. But to be forced to do it, not my idea of a great time. Hopefully they aren't putting 2 new drivers together....Double the possible trouble factor......Now if they are pairing new and experienced, I can see a good argument there..... Personally I kinda like being alone....Peace and quiet... I'm sort of set in my ways at my age.....

Not necessarily a bad thing, but good to know. Though I haven't decided yet, I'm considering going the team route during the first year (with PAM or whoever) for a couple of reasons:

1. Since the learning curve is so steep in the first year, there's always someone there to help out with the inevitable issues that will come up.

2. Since team drivers should put in more miles, there should be more money in that first year.

I would think the money would be similar or less as you have to split the miles. ... no?