PAM Transport is a leading transportation company that takes pride in launching the careers of new truck drivers. Unlike many carriers, PAM understands that everyone starts somewhere, and they actively hire drivers who have recently graduated from CDL school and possess a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A) but lack over-the-road experience.
This commitment to new talent is possible due to PAM’s strategic partnerships with reputable truck driving schools. These schools equip aspiring drivers with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Building upon this foundation, PAM Transport pairs student drivers with experienced driver mentors. This mentorship program, typically lasting a few weeks, provides invaluable practical experience, bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional driving.
Why Choose PAM Transport for CDL Training?
For individuals eager to embark on a truck driving career after obtaining their CDL, PAM Transport offers a unique advantage. They recognize the potential in newly licensed drivers and provide the crucial stepping stone needed to transition from student to professional. The core benefit lies in their structured mentorship program. This program is designed to provide hands-on training and real-world experience under the guidance of seasoned professionals. This approach significantly increases the confidence and competence of new drivers, setting them up for long-term success in the trucking industry. PAM’s commitment effectively tackles the common hurdle faced by new CDL holders: securing that critical first job without prior experience.
Getting Started: CDL Training and Requirements at PAM
The journey to becoming a PAM Transport driver begins with acquiring your CDL-A license. PAM simplifies this initial step by offering direct application assistance and guidance in finding a certified CDL school in your vicinity. Interested individuals can apply directly through PAM’s website, signaling their interest in CDL training and subsequent employment.
To be eligible for PAM Transport’s student driver program after obtaining your CDL-A, certain hiring requirements must be met. These include being at least 21 years of age and having a clean driving record, specifically without any DUI/DWI convictions within the past five years. Meeting these basic criteria opens the door to the next phase of your career journey with PAM.
The Student Driver Experience at PAM Transport: What to Expect
Once you’re officially hired as a student driver at PAM Transport, a dedicated student liaison will reach out to you. This liaison serves as your primary point of contact and will provide you with a unique PAM driver code. During this initial contact, the liaison will also gather essential information to ensure a compatible mentor pairing. These questions typically cover:
- Gender preference for mentorship (and willingness to work with a mentor of the opposite gender)
- Smoking preferences (and willingness to work with a mentor who smokes if you are a non-smoker)
- Your readiness to begin working
- Your current location
This information is crucial for efficiently matching you with a suitable driver mentor and streamlining your onboarding process.
Preparing to Meet Your Mentor and Hit the Road
If you are ready to start immediately, you will be placed on the “ready list.” This list signals to the dispatch team that you are available and waiting for a mentor assignment. Once a compatible driver mentor is identified and assigned to you, the student liaison will promptly notify you. You will receive a phone call with the mentor’s name and pertinent details, followed by a confirmation email containing all the necessary information for your meet-up.
Depending on your location relative to PAM Transport’s operational network, the process of meeting your mentor may vary slightly. If you reside within an area that aligns with PAM’s established routes, you will typically be asked to remain at home and await direct contact from your assigned driver mentor. The mentor will then arrange to pick you up from your location. However, if you are located in an area with less dense PAM routes, such as Florida or North Carolina, you may be provided with a bus ticket to the nearest PAM terminal. This terminal will serve as the designated meeting point where you will connect with your driver mentor and begin your over-the-road training.
In anticipation of your first trip with your mentor, a PAM driver advocate will also contact you. The driver advocate will provide you with a helpful packing list, ensuring you have all the essentials for your initial weeks on the road. Crucially, they will also provide their contact information, acting as a valuable resource throughout your career at PAM. Should you have any questions, require assistance with driving assignments, or need support at any point during your journey with PAM, your driver advocate is there to help.
