Panther Orientation

[jaminjim]

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

with then barking out orders of what to do.

Guess that would be in the eye of the beholder.

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'

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]

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]

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]

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...

Suuurre you are.

 

[OntarioVanMan]

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.

 

[golfournut]

I don't consider that a short coming OVM. I consider it business. I am glad they are calling. Better to be called than not. Yes they did ask if I was ready. I said no, and that was that. No hard feelings either way. Treat them like professionals, be professional and thank them for keeping me in mind goes a long way in networking. The other side of the coin, they got me home in a reasonable amout of time. 2 other companies that I have leased on too in the past I had to DH home 400 + miles after a minimum of 10 days notice for home time. So all in all Panther works very well for me.

Just my 2 cents

 

[OntarioVanMan]

I don't consider that a short coming OVM. I consider it business. I am glad they are calling. Better to be called than not. Yes they did ask if I was ready. I said no, and that was that. No hard feelings either way. Treat them like professionals, be professional and thank them for keeping me in mind goes a long way in networking. The other side of the coin, they got me home in a reasonable amout of time. 2 other companies that I have leased on too in the past I had to DH home 400 + miles after a minimum of 10 days notice for home time. So all in all Panther works very well for me.

Just my 2 cents

That is why I illustrated both sides of the coin...there is one way to look at it..negative

Then the positive side...

My post was more example then opinion...

I would not have a problem going to Panther if it would serve me better...

 

[Falligator]

After reading moots post and my own personal experiences, I would recomend either getting unlimited minutes on your phone, or one of those buddy lists and putting panther on it....

 

[Bruno]

Okay I have to jump in on this now. Anyone that knows me from EO knows I tell it like like it is. After 14 years at the other company I was lease on with I went to orientation at Panther September of 2008. The staff at Panther wasn't anything like some are posting on here. Adam Walter has never lied to us and neither has any of his staff. We moved four trucks to Panther back in 2008 and now we have seven on with them. Now I have sat in orientation a few times and each time it has got better. Connie, TJ, and Dave H do a great job. Donna in the settlement department explains how to get paid. Abby and Bev do great with permits and ComData.

Yea the lunch needs to be better, but I thought people was going to Panther for orientation not for lunch. If this company was bad as people are saying why would we go from four trucks to seven trucks in nineteen months. I hope to add a few more trucks in the next few months if business keeps picking up at Panther.

 

[fortwayne]

Do yourself a favor with Panther - or any company, do plenty of research ON THIS SITE before you decide whatever company to sign on with.

DO NOT DO WHAT I DID AND THINK YOU KNOW IT ALL - shutup for a moment and listen to the veterans ON THIS SITE.

TRUCKING is different from ALL other industries so just because you knew it all in another business it does not mean squat in trucking.

When you go to training ask plenty of questions, if you don't then blame yourself when something goes wrong down the road that could have been avoided by opening your mouth hole.

TRAINING AND LEARNING never ends - ask anyone on here!

Be it Panther or any other company - you can make a decent living in this business, if you commit to learn, listen and actually commit yourself to this business and HOLD YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE for your actions.

I have worked for Panther in the past, and I am not going to bash them or trash them - it serves no purpose. They are not for everyone, they don't try to be, but - they are the perfect fit for many.

For me, I am 100% satisfied for the company I am with. I get miles, they do not babysit, they get me home everytime I need to get home (and I do mean everytime), and I get paid each and everytime on time with no BS deductions on my pay.

That is what is critical to me, others are different and that is what makes Panther work for them. They keep a close eye on you and they can keep you out for ever if you want.

Either way - look, listen and learn............no matter where you sign on at.