PAM Transport Driver Pay
Below Average — #39 of 40$48,000 - $78,000/year
Last updated: 2026-03-01
PAM Transport Pay Overview
PAM Transport's automotive division is the standout — car hauler drivers earn significantly more than standard dry van due to specialized skills. Standard OTR dry van pay starts on the lower end, making PAM a common entry-level carrier. The company accepts recent CDL graduates and provides a path to the higher-paying automotive division with experience. PAM is based in Northwest Arkansas with strong freight lanes in the South and Midwest.
Pay by Experience Level
CPM increases with verifiable experience — here is what to expect at each stage.
| Experience | Pay Range |
|---|---|
| 0-1 year | $0.38 - $0.44/mi |
| 1-3 years | $0.44 - $0.50/mi |
| 3-5 years | $0.50 - $0.56/mi |
| 5-10 years | $0.56 - $0.62/mi |
| 10+ years | $0.62 - $0.68/mi |
Pay by Equipment Type
| Equipment | CPM / Hourly |
|---|---|
| Dry Van (OTR) | $0.38 - $0.62/mi |
| Automotive (Car Hauler) | $0.50 - $0.70/mi |
| Dedicated | $0.45 - $0.65/mi |
Pay by Job Type
OTR
$48,000 - $68,000
per year
Regional
$50,000 - $72,000
per year
Dedicated
$52,000 - $78,000
per year
Automotive
$58,000 - $82,000
per year
Bonuses & Incentives
Sign-On Bonus
Up to $3,000 for experienced drivers
Safety Bonus
Safety bonuses available
Referral Bonus
$500 - $1,000 per hired referral
Fuel Efficiency
Not standard
Benefits Package
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Health Insurance | Medical plans after 60 days |
| Dental | Dental plan available |
| Vision | Vision plan available |
| Retirement | 401(k) plan available |
| Paid Time Off | Paid vacation after 1 year |
| Tuition Reimbursement | CDL training partnerships available |
Pay Schedule, Home Time & Per Diem
Pay Schedule
Weekly direct deposit
Home Time
OTR: Every 2-3 weeks | Automotive: Varies by route | Dedicated: By account
Per Diem
$52/day per diem for OTR drivers
How PAM Transport Pay Compares
PAM Transport ranks #39 out of 40 carriers tracked — rated Below Average for driver compensation.
| Company | Overall Pay Range |
|---|---|
| PAM Transport (this carrier) | $48,000 - $78,000 |
| Werner Enterprises | $52,000 - $80,000 |
| Schneider National | $50,000 - $85,000 |
| J.B. Hunt Transport Services | $55,000 - $95,000 |
| Knight-Swift Transportation | $50,000 - $85,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does PAM Transport pay per mile?
PAM Transport pays $0.38-$0.68/mi for dry van and $0.50-$0.70/mi for automotive (car hauler) drivers. New CDL graduates start at the lower end ($0.38-$0.44/mi), with the automotive division paying a premium for specialized skills.
How much do PAM automotive drivers make?
PAM's automotive (car hauler) drivers earn $58,000-$82,000 annually, significantly more than the standard dry van division. Automotive drivers load and transport vehicles to dealerships, which requires specialized training and skills.
Does PAM Transport hire new CDL drivers?
Yes, PAM accepts recent CDL graduates for their OTR dry van division. Starting pay is on the lower end of the industry, but PAM provides the experience needed to move into higher-paying divisions or other carriers.
How is home time at PAM?
OTR drivers are typically out 2-3 weeks at a time. Automotive and dedicated divisions may offer different home time schedules depending on the specific routes. PAM's Arkansas base means strong freight in the South and Central U.S.
Is PAM Transport good for new drivers?
PAM is a viable option for new CDL graduates who need their first driving job. Starting pay is below average, but the company provides the verifiable experience needed to move up. The automotive division is a genuine career upgrade path within the company.
Ready to Drive for PAM Transport?
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