CRST International vs Prime Inc.
CRST and Prime are two of the most accessible carriers for new drivers with no experience. CRST is known for team driving through CRST Expedited. Prime offers more division variety. Both provide paid CDL training.
CRST International
- Pay
- $48,000 - $80,000
- Fleet
- 5,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.4/5
Prime Inc.
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000+
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
CRST International
CRST pays $48K-$80K with team positions starting on the lower end.
Prime Inc.
Prime pays $50K-$80K+ with reefer and tanker earning higher.
Home Time
CRST International
CRST team driving means extended time on the road; dedicated is better.
Prime Inc.
Prime OTR is 2-3 weeks out with some regional options.
Benefits
CRST International
CRST offers CDL training, health, 401(k), rider/pet policy, team bonuses.
Prime Inc.
Prime provides CDL training, health, 401(k), and lease purchase options.
Training/Support
CRST International
CRST pairs new graduates with experienced team drivers for hands-on learning.
Prime Inc.
Prime's CDL program produces thousands of drivers annually.
Equipment/Technology
CRST International
CRST runs a large fleet suited for team and expedited operations.
Prime Inc.
Prime's fleet includes company and contractor trucks; quality varies.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
CRST International
- Founded
- 1955
- Fleet
- 5,500+ trucks
- Drivers
- 5,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Team, Flatbed
- Experience wanted
- No experience required (paid CDL training available)
- Strongest states
- Iowa, Texas and Tennessee
CRST International is one of the largest privately held transportation companies in the U.S., headquartered in Cedar Rapids, IA. The company operates multiple divisions including CRST Expedited (team driving), CRST Dedicated, and CRST Malone (flatbed). CRST is well known for their paid CDL training program and team driving opportunities that pair experienced drivers with new graduates.
Only CRST International is strong in: Iowa and Tennessee — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by CRST International and not by Prime Inc.
- • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) plan
- • Team driving bonuses
Prime Inc.
- Founded
- 1970
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Drivers
- 7,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
- Experience wanted
- No experience required (paid CDL training available)
- Strongest states
- Missouri, Texas and Pennsylvania
Prime Inc. is one of the largest privately held trucking companies in North America, operating refrigerated, tanker, flatbed, and intermodal divisions. Based in Springfield, MO, Prime is known for their extensive CDL training program that produces thousands of new drivers annually.
Only Prime Inc. is strong in: Missouri and Pennsylvania — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Prime Inc. and not by CRST International
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Lease purchase program available
Our Verdict
Prime is the better choice for most new drivers -- more division variety and slightly higher starting pay. CRST is good if you specifically want team driving from day one. Both provide legitimate CDL training paths into trucking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more for first-year drivers?
Prime typically pays slightly more, especially in reefer or tanker divisions.
Is CRST team driving mandatory?
For CRST Expedited (their largest division), yes -- new drivers start as team drivers. CRST Dedicated and Malone offer solo positions.
Which CDL training is better?
Both are solid. Prime's is larger. CRST's pairing system gives more immediate hands-on road experience.