Driver Solutions graduate, Nicole Reeves, is quickly approaching the 1 year anniversary of her first truck driving job. She started truck driving school in late January of 2011, was able to graduate in mid February and by March of 2011 she was an official over-the-road (OTR) driver with PAM Transport. Overall, she's really enjoyed her time with the company and loves the freedom that comes with working a trucking job.
For Nicole, becoming a truck driver was fullfilling a dream she's had ever since she was 16 years. At the time, she was riding a bus to and from work. During that trip, she'd gaze out the window at the trucks passing by wishing she could become a truck driver. Since then she's had many other jobs such as: dog groomer, construction worker, cashier, working at a car wash and even at a carnival hauling rides.
Now Nicole has a stable truck driver job, allowing her to provide for her family. Her daughters are proud of their mom and show off the post cards she sends from her travels to their classmates at school. She's visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and some of her favorites include: Washington, Arizona and Colorado.
In addition to getting to travel the country, Nicole has more financial freedom than she previously had with her other jobs. While she's had her ups and downs over her first year, she recognizes that it takes hard work and commitment to be successful. She's maintaining a positive attitude while staying on track and as a result she's getting good miles and making good money with PAM Transport. She's also been able to enjoy some of the nice benefits that come along with a truck drivers jobs at PAM Transport such as insurance plans and 401K options.
Overall, Nicole is loving her job and having fun...and that's how you know you've made a good career choice!
Side Note: Nicole has also been very active on the Driver Solutions Facebook page in answering questions new students have about CDL training and truck driver jobs. We'd like to thank her for support and for taking the time to stop by for this follow up interview. Keep on truckin!!
Apply with Driver Solutions Are you interested in becoming a truck driver? Simply complete our secure online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking job options. Get started now by clicking the Apply Now button.
Nicole Reeves first applied with Driver Solutions about 1 year ago today. She had always wanted to become a truck driver and when some things finally fell into place in her life she realized it was time to pursue this lifelong dream. She attended truck driving school in Indianapolis and went to work for PAM Transport.
Fast forward to a year later and we're happy to report that Nicole Reeves is loving life on the road with PAM Transport! Just yesterday, she stopped by one of the truck driving schools Driver Solutions works with in Indianapolis, Indiana to visit for awhile. During that visit she took the time to do a video interview (full video will be posted later this week) to share more about her story as well as tips for new truck drivers. Let's Get to Know Nicole :
Living Her Dream Ever since she first got her driver's license, Nicole has had a CB radio in her car just to listen in on the conversation. When trucks would pass out on the highway, she'd think about how she'd like to become a truck driver one day. She's now visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and is very proud to say, "I love my job!"
Getting Started While she had not previously held a CDL, Nicole had some experience driving trucks and hauling things from other jobs which made areas of truck driver training such as backing up a bit easier for her. She really enjoyed her time at trucking school, stays in contact with some classmates and stops by for a visit when her schedule allows.
Positive Attitude & Communication Nicole has a positive relationship with her dispatcher which helps make communication between the two much easier. She recommends asking for home time as far in advance as possible and always asking to be home a day earlier than needed to plan for any schedule changes that may come up. She says that having a positive attitude as a truck driver is key.
Budgeting for Meals on the Road Nicole typically visits Wal-Mart to get her groceries and has a budget of roughly $50-$60 per week for food. She recommends having quick, healthy snacks available and avoiding highly-caffeinated drinks as much as possible.
What About the Miles and Pay? She is really enjoying her time with PAM Transport and averages around 2,500 - 2,700 miles per week, though she just wrapped up a 3,900 mile run to California. She's happy with the money she's making as a truck driver as it's allowed her to provide for her family. She plans on staying with PAM Transport for several years beyond her 1 year anniversary with the company
Helpful Hint She also mentions that velcro is a truck driver's best friend. She uses velcro on her CB radio as well as many other items around the truck.
Be sure to check back later this week for more from Nicole!
Interested in CDL training and trucking jobs with PAM Transport? Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a driver agent about your career options today!
Finding a truck driving job isn't easy if you lack the experience necessary for trucking companies to consider you a safe driver.
So, now we're back to the age old question - if you don't have any experience, how do you meet the qualifications to find the job?
Luckily, there are trucking companies that train inexperienced drivers...and Driver Solutions has partnered with two of these companies that offer some of the best entry level trucking jobs available in today's market.
PAM Transport and USA Truck both offer over the road trucking job opportunities for students that complete the Driver Solutions CDL training program. This basically means that these companies are willing to cover the upfront tuition costs for you to get the training and basic experience needed to prove to them that you are a qualified CDL driver. Once you've completed the training, you'll be qualified for a trucking job opportunity with one of these companies. For many students we talk with each and every day, this is the best option available for them to get the experience needed to enter the trucking industry.
So how do you get started?
It's super easy. Just complete our secure online application. This does not commit you to anything and will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent who will answer any questions you have about entering the trucking industry. For more information, check out these related links:
The National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was September 11th-17th, and to celebrate Driver Solutions announced a special contest in partnership with eGears to show recognition for all the great truckers out there. We reached out to our Facebook, Twitter, and blog readers so we could learn about first-class truck drivers, the sacrifices they make, and how they help make a difference.
To show the nominees how much we appreciated them, we initially offered a $200 gift card toward the Ultimate Truck Driver Convenience Package. This Wal-Mart gift card could be used on truck tools, a GPS, comfortable clothes, or whatever a truck driver needs. Last year we received over 30 entries in the contest and were very impressed with the response. This year, we received a record breaking amount of over 75 entries! Nominations came in from parents, siblings, spouses, and friends and we truly enjoyed reading and sharing the stories about so many extraordinary truck drivers.
Originally, we were only going to announce one winner from this contest, but choosing from 75 entries was just too hard! After receiving so many amazing entries, we decided to extend the contest, raise the prize amount to $250, and give not just one, but THREE drivers a chance at winning the grand prize.
This year we had so many great entries that it was extremely difficult choosing the winners. We decided to pick three grand prize winners and one honorable mention. To read all of the nominations from this year, take a look at our Truck Driver Appreciation posts.
Here are the winners from our Truck Driver Appreciation Contest:
Grand Prize Winner #1 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - CJ Rimmer
CJ provided us with one of the most creative entries this year. He skillfully expressed the representation of how the job of professional truck driving can be related to how the human body works. It is clear that CJ is proud of being a truck driver and works hard to make a good name for all truckers.
Grand Prize Winner #2 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Roger Simmons
Roger had the most nominations with 11 entries! His family and friends put together a great list of reasons as to why Roger deserves the Ultimate Truck Driver Package. Check out just a few of the entries that were submitted on Roger’s behalf:
Grand Prize Winner #3 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Paul Deeter
Paul was nominated by his wife. Paul has overcome homelessness, taking care of sick family members, and making many sacrifices. He went through the Driver Solutions program and has been working with PAM Transport for over a year.
Honorable Mention ($100 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Terry Zuber
Terry also received several nominations, showing that he is truly appreciated by his family and friends. In his 50’s, Terry recently went through Driver Solutions to start a trucking career. Here are just a few of the nominations Terry received:
I am starting out as a truck driver and am very excited. Things have been rough lately and I have not been able to find a good job. I have been forced to be away from my family living in a homeless shelter Greenville Rescue Mission). Thanks to PAM Transport I have been accepted to driver school and training. I am looking forward to a great career in truck driving. This prize could be a big help to me and my family with new expenses. Thank you for this opportunity and God Bless!
Your Name: Brian Mcduffie Truck Driver: Brian McDuffie
Hi Brian,
Thank you for taking the time to enter our contest. We're glad we were able to help you get a new career going through our truck driver training program. We wish you the best at training and with PAM Transport!
I believe I deserve the Truck Driver Convenience Package because of all the time I spend away from home, my loving wife and dog. I take great pride in my new profession and enjoy it immensely. I have seen alot of the country in my 9 months of driving for PAM Transport. It is a good company to work for as a truck driver. By winning this package, it would make my life easier and even more enjoyable!
Your Name: Tim Evans Truck Driver: Tim Evans
Hi Tim,
Thank you for taking the time to enter our contest and give us an update on your experience with PAM Transport. It sure looks like you're keeping your truck in good shape and very clean! On behalf of everyone at Driver Solutions, we wish you the best!
The human body is amazing. The circulatory system as its crowning glory. A system of pathways, crowded with so many components and somehow it finds its way to the appropriate place to get its respective work done. Cells are the workhorse of that system. They carry nutrients, medicine, enzymes and other critical components so the body can remain healthy, or help repair itself.
We have a nearly perfect representation of that in the world of professional semi truck driving. Truck drivers are the cells that attach to components that need transport to certain areas of the country. We run through the vessels (roads) of a large circulatory system (America's interstates and towns) and keep a body (the nation) supplied with food and other goods to keep us running. If this country ever shut down its trucking industry there would be massive complications. That is why truck drivers need to be appreciated. Truck drivers actually do 8 jobs in one:
The first is that they overcome the fear of losing control of an 80 thousand pound vehicle every day.
The second is that they have to be a watchful participant on the road to make sure that they do not negatively impact the lives of others through their mistakes and others neglect.
Thirdly, they are mini-mechanics. They make sure a truck and the trailer are up to "snuff" for safety so there are no mistakes down the road.
Fourthly, they are accountants. They have to calculate and weigh and record numbers and times and places in order to make sure they comply with government regulations.
Fifth, they are protectors in a way. They interact with other semi truck drivers to make sure accidents are avoided by flashing lights, flashing to pass and other hand signals and CB radio communication.
Sixth, they are good samaritans, they stop to help motorists and other truckers in the cold and the heat and in other dangerous and diverse situations.
Seventh, they are the Ultimate laborer; they will drive for up to 11 hours a day for up to 7 days straight. It's a tedious, dangerous, tricky, cautious game that has to be played EVERY DAY and the skills must be in place to make sure that is done safely.
Finally, we are Highly Trained Technicians. In the middle of an any type of weather storm, we have to gauge times, distances, ratio's, parameters, temperature, moisture levels, capacity of the van, stoppping power, equipment condition and a host of other factors.
I as a driver will stop my semi if I think something will have a negative impact. However, I know how to make the best time to the place my goods need to get to. I am appreciative of my driver manager and the planning department when they do a good job. It makes me perform well. My level of safety concern as I grow my skill set will keep me cautious, but efficient while I make PAM Transport a name that customers love with my clean appearance, friendly attitude towards my clients and the low risk I am to my employer. That is worth it
Driver Solutions received this great entry from Mike Tinsley about the process of moving up within a company like PAM Transport. Check it out!
I grew up around trucks... all my family members were either company drivers or owner operators. Driving is in my blood. 7 months ago I upgraded to 1st. Seat. I was a team driver for 6 months. And now recently upgraded to be a trainer with my company. I think I could use the gift certificate not for myself but for my new co drivers coming into the industry. I'd use it for supplies to give the new driver as they upgrade to 1st seat drivers after their training.
Your Name: Mike Tinsley Truck Driver: southern rider
PAM Transport truck driver trainers are talking, and the company is listening. On September 15th 2011, PAM Transport held its first ever Driver Trainer Round Table at the Holiday Inn in Tontitown, Arkansas. The purpose of the round table event was to create an open dialog with some of the company's top drivers in an effort to continue to improve the company and move forward with making positive changes that will enhance the trucking careers of PAM Transport drivers.
The Round Table event lasted several hours and covered topics that affect drivers of every experience level within the company. Company executives hope the round table is the first of many to come in the future. If you're interested in starting a trucking career with PAM Transport, go ahead and complete our online application to get started today!
There are many others who perhaps are more deserving of this prize. But in these hard times any one who changes careers at 55 should receive something for their efforts. First I give my Lord, Jesus Christ, the credit for the ability to accomplish this task.
You see I had two jobs; driving a school bus and doing maintenance work for the church where my wife and I attended. The economy turned sour, people lost jobs, decreased income, as a result I need to leave the church, the major source of our income. Still left with a mortgage, credit card bills, as well as utilities; I needed to find a job that would span the gap of two incomes. Any job that I got would require me to stop driving a school bus, that is why I say one job for two. My wife and I thought about utilizing my CDL's.
Since I had a class B I thought it wouldn't be a problem to find a job, but the only thing is, it needed to bring in enough for two. In searching out the market I was told that Propane Truck Delivery Drivers earn around $17hr, so I study, get my background check done, finger printed again (already for the school bus job), take my test, and await the background check to clear. Everything comes together just right, but still I needed a job, every one told me to call around October, but this was July. My wife and I had discussed the over the road truck driving, but really didn't want to go there because I would be gone so much. Here we were facing this decision once again.
I got in contact with Driver Solutions and set things up to attend school at Littel Rock, AR, at C1 Truck Driving School. Now here we are almost three months later. I am employeed by PAM Transport, had my first three week out on my own, still working on getting everything co-ordinated. I am thankful that my wife has got a raise at the school where she works, that is helping to bridge the gap. We are going to make it with the Lord's help. We do have our house for sale for any one looking for a good deal on a 1612 sq. ft. home, built in 2006. Double car garage, brick 75%, landscaping, basically take over the payments. There are many others out there in my same shoes and I respect every one of them for their efforts.
Your Name: Richard Curry Truck Driver: Richard Curry
Hi Richard,
Thank you for sharing your story about becoming a truck driver. We know it's not always easy to switch careers at age 55. That being said, we're glad you were able to get started and we wish you the best of luck in selling your house.
Truck drivers at PAM Transport received special thanks from executives and employees at company headquarters in Tontitown, Arkansas during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Employees of PAM organized a cookout to invite truck drivers in the area to take a break and enjoy a free lunch.
Several employees stopped by the cookout to show appreciation for those in truck driver jobs with PAM who work hard to keep American moving each and every day. PAM Transport CEO, Dan Cushman, was also at the event to thank drivers directly for their efforts. Over 50 drivers were provided with a free lunch during the appreciation cookout. In addition to recognizing its drivers during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, PAM also regularly holds other events at additional terminal locations throughout the country.
One of the main reasons people decide to find a truck driving job is the love for traveling the open road. Let's face it, there's nothing quite like the view from way up high behind the wheel of a big rig when you're in control!
Recently, Driver Solutions made a visit to PAM Transport headquarters in Arkansas to check out some of their new trucks and take some photos. The photo below was taken in a new truck while driving through Arkansas. It was perfect Fall weather and as you can see from the color, the leaves on the trees were beginning to change. The view was breathtaking!
If you are stuck in a dead-end job or find yourself looking for something new every few months, why not break free from sitting behind a desk? Consider a trucking career! It's a nice change of pace to have no boss standing over your shoulder. Where else can you find a stable job that gives the you freedom and the ability to travel the country?
If you can see yourself behind the wheel of a big rig enjoying a view like this while getting paid to drive, take a moment to complete our secure online driver application.
Driver Solutions has partnered with PAM Transport to offer a company paid CDL training program that will allow you to get started with no upfront costs.
Just click on the Apply Now button below to schedule a time to speak with a representative about your career options!
Even if you've found a company with entry level trucking jobs available, you may be wondering how you go about getting started if you have no previous experience behind the wheel of a big rig...
Surely you have to go through some type of training before they let you take the wheel of a semi tractor trailer, right? Let's break everything down into 3 super simple steps to explaining how the Driver Solutions company paid CDL training program can help you get a trucking career started:
Complete Secure Online Driver Application - You are going to need truck driver training so you can get a CDL license to qualify for a job as a professional driver. By completing the online application, Driver Solutions can work to find a trucking school in your area. In addition to this, we will answer any questions you have about the trucking industry.
Consider Company Paid CDL Training - One of the biggest hurdles in starting a career in trucking is the cost associated with training. It's for this reason that Driver Solutions offers the company paid CDL training option. This means that a trucking company such as PAM Transport or USA Truck will sponsor your training and cover the upfront tuition costs.
Successfully Complete CDL Training & Start Your Career - We will work to qualify your application for a trucking job opportunity and schedule you to attend trucking school - that's right - we do the work for you as long as your application meets the requirements of the training progam. Upon obtaining your CDL license at the end of training, you'll have the opportunity to start a new trucking career with a company you've agreed to work with for a period of 1 year.
While these 3 steps may seem simple enough, you still need to start from step 1. So, go ahead and complete our secure online application so you can schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent today.
There are a lot of things aspiring drivers like you can do to prepare for their first truck driving position. As student in training the main thing you have to get ready for is the CDL exam, which is the starting point of any truck driver's career. Once you have successfully completed your training, passed the driving exam and received your CDL license, you'll be more confident to take on driving jobs as you will have the necessary skills to be an efficient and safe truck driver. Want to learn more about the ins and outs of entry level driving jobs? Check out these posts below:
If you're considering a trucking career, go ahead and complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options for getting started.
Truck driving is a career that offers great benefits and high earnings potential, that is if you know where to look for the right kind of jobs and if you have the right qualifications. To start your trucking career, you first have to attend a truck training program, pass your driver's exam and obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Upon completing these initial steps, you're considered qualified to pursue an entry level trucking job.
Here are some articles about the different career opportunities you can get as a qualified truck driver.
Wanted: 140,000 Truck Drivers For 2011- There are literally thousands of opportunities for you in the trucking industry. There is no better time to start a career in truck driving than right now.
Learn More About USA Truck- Start your career with USA Truck. If you are worried about tuition costs, you can apply for a company-sponsored program and we can help you start your training immediately.
Driver Solutions can help you start a successful career in the trucking industry. Take a few minutes to complete our online driver application and you'll be able to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.
We used to live in California. My husband got laid off and we became homeless. We gave our furniture to people in need. My husband loved his motorcycle and gave it to his brother. We also left behind much. We stayed in our car with our little dog at a place in the winter called Hogan Reservoir.
My husband then got his job back months later. We lived in a motel for over a year while he worked. He was a journeymen Tile Master for California and for big houses and businesses. My brother was in the army. He was 45 years old. They had to fly me and my mother to Germany because they didn't think he would make it. He literally died twice and came back. He had a stroke and again, we left and came back to INDIANA, where I am from and always had lived until I married my wonderful husband , Paul in 2007. We , my mom, husband Paul all came together to live together and to take car of my brother, Larry. After living in a country house for two years in Frankfort, Indiana. My brother was now able to take care of himself and he is now happily married.
My husband was paid by the military to take care of my brother. He drove my brother to many appointments and bases and my brother loves my husband for what and how he had treated him and watched over him with great care. In 2010 my husband needed to start to find work. He found and heard about Driver Solutions and they trained him and set him a wonderful job with P.A.M. Transport, which he still is at. I thank God for Driver Solutions and helping not just me and my husband but also my mother whom lives with us. We now live in a beautiful home in Peru, Indiana, that we are now buying and have been since Feb, 2011. Thank you so much for helping so many to be able to do things that one thought they could never do. My husband never thought he would be a Truck Driver and now he so enjoys it. I have went several times and I also see why he enjoys it so much. There is freedom and peace and getting to see the scenery is truly amazing. Much love to all of you ~ Sincerely Lorrie Lee Deeter
The key to starting a trucking career is to secure an entry level trucking job and build your experience over the first year behind the wheel. Once you've proven yourself in the industry, you'll improve your chances to advance or move on to something new within trucking.
It's not uncommon for us to talk with a CDL training grad that's advanced to a Driver Trainer position with a company like USA Truck or PAM Transport in a year or less. It's also not uncommon to talk with a graduate that has put in a year of over-the-road driving and moved on to a local trucking job with more home time.
If you would like to start the process of finding a trucking job with no experience, complete our online application today. This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.
John Henries came through the Driver Solutions training program in August of 2010. He’s kept in contact with us via our Facebook page and we recently had the opportunity to do a phone interview so we could catch up. Over the next 4 days, we will be posting this interview series, so be sure to check back.
Now, let's get started with part 1...
Q: Why did you decide to become a truck driver?
A: I am 45 from West Virginia. I was working in Telemarketing and the hours were really going down. It got to the point to where I was wondering if I was even going to have a job. At that point for me, it was either work in the coal mines, on a river boat or truck driving. I’ve always wanted to do it (drive trucks) and a lot of people in my family have worked in the trucking industry. I wanted to take advantage of the timing, so I went to Driver Solutions.
Q: Why Driver Solutions?
A: My cousin went through the Driver Solutions program about 10 or so years ago and drove for PAM Transport. He told me about it and recommended it to me. I got on the Internet to check it out and decided to apply.
Q: How do you like it at USA Truck?
A: I love it at USA Truck. I wouldn’t go with any other company right now. I am getting the miles, I am getting the loads, and I am staying busy. They are treating me good and getting me home when I request it.
Q: How long are you out on the road at a time? A: I am out about 3 weeks at a time. I then get about 3-4 days at home. The longest I have been out is 56 days. This was a favor for my fleet manager. He asked me first if I would stay out longer, so I agreed to help out. Overall, USA Truck is great about getting drivers home and they will do everything in their power if it’s any type of emergency.
Q: How many miles are you getting a week?
A: I am getting between 2800 to 3100 miles per week. When I first started, the miles were a little low until I proved myself and then the miles came my way. I would say it took about 90 days. If you really put your nose to it and you want to make money then you need to make sure you are eager, on time and prove yourself. If you do these things you aren’t going to have a problem. Be sure to check back tomorrow for part 2 of our interview with John!
PAM Transport is among the leading trucking companies looking for entry level drivers. To give you some background on the company, what they can offer and how to work for them, here are some good reads to check out:
The benefits of working with this trucking company are also indicated in all 3 of the above posts. You can also hear first hand from a PAM Transport Team Driver, by checking out this video interview.
If you want to begin right away, simply complete our online driver application form. We have Driver Agents available for you to speack with to help in choosing the best career choice for you at this particular time.
Check out the video above for 2 simple tips from Driver Solutions Alumnus and PAM Transport team driver, Chad Shelton. This video includes a great tip about being mindful of other drivers out on the road as well as saving money on food.
If you are interested in going through the Driver Solutions Training Program to start your trucking career with PAM Transport like Chad, just complete our online driver application using the Apply Now button in this post.
Apply with Driver Solutions
has had a CB radio in her car just to listen in on the conversation. When trucks would pass out on the highway, she'd think about how she'd like to become a truck driver one day. She's now visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and is very proud to say, "I love my job!"
offer over the road trucking job opportunities for students that complete the Driver Solutions CDL training program. This basically means that these companies are willing to cover the upfront tuition costs for you to get the training and basic experience needed to prove to them that you are a qualified CDL driver. 
Grand Prize Winner #1 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - CJ Rimmer
Grand Prize Winner #2 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Roger Simmons
Grand Prize Winner #3 ($250 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Paul Deeter
Honorable Mention ($100 Wal-Mart Gift Card) - Terry Zuber
There are a lot of things aspiring drivers like you can do to prepare for their first truck driving position. As student in training the main thing you have to get ready for is the CDL exam, which is the starting point of any truck driver's career. Once you have successfully completed your training, passed the driving exam and received your CDL license, you'll be more confident to take on driving jobs as you will have the necessary skills to be an efficient and safe truck driver.
Truck driving is a career that offers great benefits and high earnings potential, that is if you know where to look for the right kind of jobs and if you have the right qualifications. To start your trucking career, you first have to attend a truck training program, pass your driver's exam and obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Upon completing these initial steps, you're considered qualified to pursue an 
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