PAM Transport vs Prime Inc.
Both accept new CDL holders. PAM has a niche in automotive hauling. Prime offers reefer, tanker, flatbed, and CDL training. Prime is the more versatile option.
PAM Transport
- Pay
- $48,000 - $78,000
- Fleet
- 2,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.3/5
Prime Inc.
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000+
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
PAM Transport
PAM pays $48K-$78K with auto division premium.
Prime Inc.
Prime pays $50K-$80K+ with specialty premiums.
Home Time
PAM Transport
OTR with auto lanes often long-haul.
Prime Inc.
Primarily OTR, 2-3 weeks.
Benefits
PAM Transport
Basic benefits package.
Prime Inc.
CDL training, health, 401(k), lease purchase.
Training/Support
PAM Transport
Accepts graduates with mentoring.
Prime Inc.
One of the largest CDL programs in trucking.
Equipment/Technology
PAM Transport
Fleet is adequate, not industry-leading.
Prime Inc.
Mix of trucks; Cascadias 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.
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 Prime Inc.
- • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) plan
- • Paid orientation
- • Rider policy
- • Automotive division premium pay
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 PAM Transport
- • Paid CDL training program
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Lease purchase program available
Our Verdict
Prime is the better choice for most new drivers with more divisions, better training, and higher pay. PAM is only worth choosing if automotive hauling specifically interests you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PAM's auto division do?
Hauls vehicles between plants and dealerships on car-carrier trailers.
Is Prime's CDL training better?
Prime has a larger, more established program.
Which pays more?
Prime, across the board.