Panther Orientation

**jaminjim** · 03-02-2010, 09:40 PM

Oh come on Dave, it's so easy an ex Autoworker can do it.

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-02-2010, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by jaminjim

Oh come on Dave, it's so easy an ex Autoworker can do it.

I've lost track how many times I've heard the receivers at auto plants say...if I get laid off...I'll do what you do....

**Janette** · 03-02-2010, 09:57 PM

Thanks for all the advice.

Well, I made it through orientation and it wasn't bad at all. I have to take my truck in tomorrow to get some work done, but after that I'll be on the road.

**davekc** · 03-02-2010, 10:11 PM

I did hear it was that easy

**guido4475** · 03-02-2010, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by jaminjim

It's kind of funny I hear of recruiters and how bad they lie and the company is nothing like the recruiter told me. But you never hear specifics. I just wonder if they heard what was said or what they wanted to hear. Could they figure that even thou the recruiter said that they won't do this or that, they figured they could mold the company to their plans.

It is nothing like that at all, like I said,I'll leave it at that.However, I will say that they were a much better company to work for in 1995. Totally different.

**davekc** · 03-02-2010, 11:07 PM

Originally Posted by guido4475

It is nothing like that at all, like I said,I'll leave it at that.However, I will say that they were a much better company to work for in 1995. Totally different.

If you are not there now, then how would you know? I would feel pretty comfortable saying any carrier that was around in 95 is quite different today.

**guido4475** · 03-02-2010, 11:22 PM

Originally Posted by davekc

If you are not there now, then how would you know?

By having freinds who are there, who have been there, seeing and hearing from them through first-hand experience(s).

Example:When I was there, I was able to walk in and sit and talk with Craig Amotto, the owner back then.A real nice guy.

Can anyone call in and be recognized by voice and not a number?That is why I like where I am at right now.

Being on hold forever? I may wait awile, but not that long.

I can go on and on, but I do know where you are coming from, also.

**RoadTime** · 03-02-2010, 11:37 PM

When I went through orientation back in 2008 it reminded me of being in the military with then barking out orders of what to do. They could have been a little more friendly but I know we had a lot to cover and the room was jammed packed with people, so I guess that was their way of keeping us under control. All and all a pretty positive experience, and yes-Dash for the food haha. I really enjoyed my time at panther and frequenly think of coming back since I came off the road and resumed the local rat race of work. I guess it must be something in the blood, either you love it or you hate it. When I was checking panther out a while ago someone said they lowered the base pay for vans. Does anyone know if that is true, or what the current base pay for vans is?

**LDB** · 03-02-2010, 11:55 PM

I believe the new contract for vans has dropped from 77cpm to 70cpm now.

**Moot** · 03-03-2010, 12:58 AM

Originally Posted by Desperado

just have to Liston to exactly what they are saying

If you don't Liston they will box your ears Sonny.

**jaminjim** · 03-03-2010, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by guido4475

By having freinds who are there, who have been there, seeing and hearing from them through first-hand experience(s).

Which would make it second hand information I believe. You only heard their side of the story, not that they didn't fairly explain what went on, but you never know.

Originally Posted by guido

Example:When I was there, I was able to walk in and sit and talk with Craig Amotto, the owner back then.A real nice guy.

I echo what Dave said, a new, or newer Company changes as it matures, but I will add that it will change, or it will fail. It's relatively easy to have a true open door policy when there are one hundred drivers and fifteen office people. But when you have one thousand-five hundred drivers and two hundred office people it would be a nightmare, and you get nothing done.

Originally Posted by guido

Can anyone call in and be recognized by voice and not a number?That is why I like where I am at right now.

It would be great if they knew you by the sound of your voice at least most of the time, provided you weren't one of those drivers.

Originally Posted by guido

Being on hold forever? I may wait awile, but not that long.

Just how long is forever

Your correct that PII needs to solve that problem, they have had that same problem for years and there is no excuse.

Originally Posted by guido

I can go on and on, but I do know where you are coming from, also.

I really don't see your point other than the company got bigger and changed in order to survive.

Originally Posted by RoadTime

When I went through orientation back in 2008 it reminded me of being in the military

If the instructor over used the word 'Okay' then it was probably Dave who is, I think ex-military (well not really, after all he was in the Air Farce) it stands to reason that he would try to emulate what he knows works well.

Originally Posted by RoadTime

with then barking out orders of what to do.

Guess that would be in the eye of the beholder.

Originally Posted by RoadTime

They could have been a little more friendly

Well when your talking to a group that has enough sense to know how to stay on task your correct, but it only takes one person who loves to hear their own voice and let everybody know that they 'have been doin this stuff for more years than you can shake a stick at'

Originally Posted by RoadTime

but I know we had a lot to cover and the room was jammed packed with people, so I guess that was their way of keeping us under control.

Just my opinion but rather than keep you under control, it's more to insure that all of the topics are covered in the allotted time.

**golfournut** · 03-03-2010, 09:46 AM

I went thru orientation Jan 18, 19. My advise... pay attention, take notes, ask questions. Once you get past the drug test and physical, things loosen up. Since orientation, I have been running hard and am plenty satisfied with Panther. I have been with 2 other companies, don't measure up to Panther in my opinun for ME. I run, don't turn down loads and made good money first month out. As soon as my truck is out of the shop (tomorrow), I will be ready to do it again. I have had 6 load offers since I have been at home. Unfortunately for me, the truck has been in shop. See my post in Truck Talk "Attention Hino Owners" if you have a Hino.

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-03-2010, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by golfournut

I went thru orientation Jan 18, 19. My advise... pay attention, take notes, ask questions. Once you get past the drug test and physical, things loosen up. Since orientation, I have been running hard and am plenty satisfied with Panther. I have been with 2 other companies, don't measure up to Panther in my opinun for ME. I run, don't turn down loads and made good money first month out. As soon as my truck is out of the shop (tomorrow), I will be ready to do it again. I have had 6 load offers since I have been at home. Unfortunately for me, the truck has been in shop. See my post in Truck Talk "Attention Hino Owners" if you have a Hino.

Another example of Panthers shortcomings.....you should never be called until YOU put yourself back in service....
Imagine if one were on holidays somewhere and these annoying calls...
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On hindsight..did they start by asking if you were almost ready? trying to be fair here...

**jaminjim** · 03-03-2010, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by OntarioVanMan

Another example of Panthers shortcomings.....you should never be called until YOU put yourself back in service....
Imagine if one were on holidays somewhere and these annoying calls...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
On hindsight..did they start by asking if you were almost ready? trying to be fair here...

Suuurre you are.

**OntarioVanMan** · 03-03-2010, 10:33 AM

Originally Posted by jaminjim

Suuurre you are.

Absolutely Jim....that is why I added that second line....
I've had E-1 call me knowing I was in for repairs and they had a load picking in the evening close to me...asked me if I was going to be available then...they didn't want to lose the load and it is good for the O/O.