PAM Transport vs Knight-Swift Transportation
PAM Transport is a smaller carrier specializing in automotive freight alongside dry van. Knight-Swift is the largest TL carrier. PAM is easier to get into but generally offers lower starting pay.
PAM Transport
- Pay
- $48,000 - $78,000
- Fleet
- 2,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.3/5
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
PAM Transport
PAM pays $48K-$78K with automotive division paying premium rates.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K varying by division and experience.
Home Time
PAM Transport
PAM OTR means extended road time; automotive lanes are often long-haul.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift OTR is 2-3 weeks out; dedicated is improving.
Benefits
PAM Transport
PAM offers medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and rider policy.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift provides health, 401(k), stock purchase, CDL training.
Training/Support
PAM Transport
PAM accepts recent CDL graduates with orientation and mentoring.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy is one of the nation's largest CDL schools.
Equipment/Technology
PAM Transport
PAM's fleet is adequate but not known for late-model equipment.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight trucks tend to be newer; Swift equipment 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.
PAM Transport
- Founded
- 1980
- Fleet
- 2,500+ trucks
- Drivers
- 2,800+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Automotive
- Experience wanted
- Recent graduates accepted (CDL-A required)
- Strongest states
- Arkansas, Texas and Michigan
PAM Transport is a major truckload carrier specializing in automotive and dedicated freight. Headquartered in Tontitown, AR, PAM operates one of the largest auto-carrier fleets in the country alongside traditional dry van and expedited divisions. The company is known for accepting recent CDL graduates and offering a clear path to higher-paying divisions.
Only PAM Transport is strong in: Arkansas and Michigan — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by PAM Transport and not by Knight-Swift Transportation
- • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) plan
- • Paid orientation
- • Rider policy
- • Automotive division premium pay
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 PAM Transport
- • CDL training academy (Swift)
- • Health insurance with multiple plan options
- • 401(k) retirement plan
- • Stock purchase plan
- • Weekly pay with direct deposit
Our Verdict
Knight-Swift is the stronger choice for most drivers with higher pay, better benefits, and the Swift Academy CDL program. PAM is worth considering if you're specifically interested in automotive freight hauling, which is a unique niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PAM's automotive division?
PAM operates one of the largest auto-carrier fleets, hauling vehicles between plants and dealerships. It's a specialty niche with premium pay.
Which is easier to get hired at?
Both accept recent graduates. PAM may be slightly easier due to fewer applicants.
Can I do automotive hauling at Knight-Swift?
Not really. Auto-carrier is PAM's specialty. Knight-Swift focuses on dry van, reefer, and intermodal.