Knight-Swift Transportation vs Prime Inc.
The largest publicly traded TL carrier vs one of the largest privately held. Both offer CDL training but differ in fleet composition and specialty divisions.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Prime Inc.
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000+
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K varying by division.
Prime Inc.
Prime pays $50K-$80K+ with reefer and tanker premiums.
Home Time
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift OTR means 2-3 weeks out; dedicated is improving.
Prime Inc.
Prime OTR is typically 2-3 weeks with limited regional options.
Benefits
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift provides health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
Prime Inc.
Prime offers CDL training, health, 401(k), and lease purchase programs.
Training/Support
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy is one of the largest CDL schools nationwide.
Prime Inc.
Prime trains thousands annually across reefer, tanker, and flatbed.
Equipment/Technology
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight trucks are newer; Swift equipment varies. Large fleet has inconsistent quality.
Prime Inc.
Prime's fleet includes company and contractor trucks; Cascadias are standard.
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.
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Founded
- 1966
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 25,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (Swift Academy)
- Strongest states
- Arizona, Texas and Tennessee
Knight-Swift is the largest full truckload carrier in North America, formed by the 2017 merger of Knight Transportation and Swift Transportation. The company operates an enormous fleet with opportunities across every division and geography.
Only Knight-Swift Transportation is strong in: Arizona and Tennessee — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Knight-Swift Transportation and not by Prime Inc.
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
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 Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Paid CDL training program
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Lease purchase program available
Our Verdict
Very similar for new drivers. Knight-Swift offers more geographic diversity and job openings. Prime offers more specialty options (reefer, tanker, flatbed). If you know you want reefer or tanker, choose Prime. For widest range of positions, choose Knight-Swift.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CDL training is larger?
Swift Academy in terms of locations and graduates. Both produce thousands annually.
Can I drive flatbed at Knight-Swift?
Some operations, but not their focus. Prime has a dedicated flatbed division.
Which has more trucks?
Knight-Swift, with 18,000+ company trucks.