Just staring out, need advice from good people
 

Hi Ladies and Gentlemen,

Have read many threads and rants so somewhat in shock. I do have a few questions if anyone will help.

1. Can I start with a company without attending a driving school?
2. If you were me, who would you gain experience through?
3. What are good truckers averaging miles/week these days?
4. Anyone know if Atlanta is a good base of operations?

OK, I think that will at least get me started.

1: Very few companies are still training from scratch, and those that are aren't the most reputable. Swift is one of the few left, and only in few select areas of the country, better off going to a school.

2: All depends on how you approach getting your CDL

3: Depends on who you drive for, and what you haul. Basic OTR newbie can expect 2000 miles give or take, but can vary widely by week.

4: Atlanta is a good base, lot of companies have terminals there.

Well I went with PAM. Went to school but PAM paid for it on condition of finishing up a year. I think the company has a very mediocre reputation. Not sure if they're looked down on as much as Swift is but they do have the nickname Pennies A Mile.

Probably the main reason I'd even bring them up to you is that PAM does have a yard in Conley on the south side of Atlanta, GA.

I can't gaurante what miles a week would be. With the economy PAM has been all over the place. Sometimes you sit and sometimes they run you hard. This is largely because PAM Dedicated does freight for GM and they've been losing freight.

Last thing PAM is automatic so you don't even have to stick shift.

Thank You
 

I appreciate the advice. Hope to get some more feedback while I get me CDL.