Prime Inc. vs Knight-Swift Transportation
Two of the biggest CDL training carriers. Prime has more specialty divisions. Knight-Swift has more geographic coverage and job openings.
Prime Inc.
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000+
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Knight-Swift Transportation
- Pay
- $50,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 18,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.5/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Prime Inc.
Prime pays $50K-$80K+ with specialty premiums.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Knight-Swift pays $50K-$85K across divisions.
Home Time
Prime Inc.
Primarily OTR, 2-3 weeks.
Knight-Swift Transportation
OTR 2-3 weeks; dedicated improving.
Benefits
Prime Inc.
CDL training, health, 401(k), lease purchase.
Knight-Swift Transportation
CDL training, health, 401(k), stock purchase.
Training/Support
Prime Inc.
Large CDL program across reefer, tanker, flatbed.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Swift Academy -- most locations nationwide.
Equipment/Technology
Prime Inc.
Mix of company and independent trucks.
Knight-Swift Transportation
Massive fleet, varying quality.
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.
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
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
Our Verdict
Prime for specialty divisions and lease purchase. Knight-Swift for maximum job availability and geographic coverage. If you know you want reefer, tanker, or flatbed, choose Prime. Otherwise, Knight-Swift has more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trains more drivers?
Knight-Swift/Swift Academy trains more due to more locations. Prime's program is also very large.
Can I do flatbed at Knight-Swift?
Limited. Prime has a dedicated flatbed division.
Which is better for lease purchase?
Prime has a much more established lease purchase program.