William “Royce” Irvin left a 17-year career in pest control for a truck driving job at PAM Transport and he says it was the best decision he ever made. PAM recently sat down to talk to Royce to find out why he left a manager position for a new job in transportation.
What were you doing prior to starting your truck driving job?
Until I started driving for PAM, I had been in pest control for about 17 years. At my previous job, I was in a management position and they were making changes. I realized it wasn’t a good fit for me any longer, so I started looking at other options.
What made you consider a truck driving job?
I had no previous experience as a truck driver, but I’ve been thinking about becoming a driver ever since I was a little kid. The timing was finally right for me, since I am single with a grown son in the Air Force. I felt like now was the time to go for it!
I called a few other places about truck driving jobs, but I stopped looking after I spoke to a recruiter, Catrina, at Drivers Solutions, where I got my CDL. Catrina was great! She gave me all the facts about driving and went over things as many times as I needed. I felt like she had me well-prepared for my driving classes and for me to be successful.
How Was CDL Training?
The Driver Solutions truck driving school in Alabama was great. The instructors were easy to work with and helped me learn what I needed to know to pass the CDL test and to stay safe on the road. I really wouldn’t change anything about it. My CDL training was a positive experience.
What is it like to drive a truck for PAM?
I can’t say enough good things about my PAM Driver Mentor, John W. John said I was very well prepared, even from day one, to be in his truck. During my time with him, we encountered a lot of different driving situations and he helped make sure I learned from each one. Since that time, I have been able to take those skills and apply them out here on my own.
I am actually enjoying trucking even more than I thought I would! Sure, it has been a challenge, but there is nothing that I haven’t been able to overcome and learn from. Now I have my own PAM truck. My 2019 Peterbilt 579 is comfy and I have everything I need. I’ve got my bed, fridge, coffee pot, closet, TV and I am good to go! It feels like home out here.
What advice do you have for someone now considering a truck driving job?
Everyone has a different perspective on where to start in life. For me, now was the time to make the jump to a truck driving job. I’ll tell you this: I recently drove through downtown New Orleans — zig-zagging through the streets — then backing my Peterbilt into tiny spots. It was still less stressful than what I was doing previously! You need to have realistic expectations when it comes to truck driving. You must understand that you have to learn and to be patient.
What does the future hold for you?
I was in a leadership position for a long time at the pest control company. There was a lot of stress and headaches that went along with that. Right now, I am just enjoying managing my time and having some freedom. At the moment, I just want to get as much experience as I can from PAM Transport. I am focused on today and tomorrow.
Why it Pays to Drive for PAM
One of the many reasons Royce chose PAM is because they paid all of his tuition for CDL school. He says driving for PAM is a lot less stressful than his previous manager job and it gives him the chance to grow his skill sets, giving him a fresh start. Plus, he can earn enough money to live his best life with regular pay raises (no caps) and plenty of bonus opportunities.
We would love to tell you more about our paid training and all the other offers that make PAM the premier trucking company for both new and experienced drivers across the country — especially drivers like Royce, who are looking for a fresh start to grow a new career. Give us a call at (866) 401-2496, or SEE AVAILABLE JOBS by clicking below.