PAM Transport Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1980Tontitown, ARFleet: 2,500+ trucks

Driver Rating

2.9/5 — Below Average

Annual Pay

$48,000 - $78,000

Solo CPM

$0.38 - $0.56 CPM (dry van); auto division pays more

Sign-On Bonus

Limited for new drivers; up to $3,000 for experienced

Driver Rating

2.9/5 — Below Average

PAM Transport Overview

PAM Transport is a major truckload carrier specializing in automotive freight, headquartered in Tontitown, Arkansas. Founded in 1980, the company operates over 2,500 trucks across OTR, regional, dedicated, and automotive divisions. PAM is part of PAM Transport Services, which is a subsidiary of P.A.M. Transportation Services Inc., a publicly traded company.

PAM's most distinctive feature is its automotive division, which operates one of the largest auto-carrier fleets in the country. This division hauls new vehicles from manufacturing plants and ports to dealerships, requiring specialized equipment and training. The automotive division typically pays more than the dry van division due to the specialized skills required.

PAM accepts recent CDL graduates, making it another entry point for new drivers. The company is known for its paid orientation and straightforward hiring process. However, PAM has faced criticism for lower-than-average starting pay in the dry van division and for promoting its lease purchase program. The company works best for drivers who want to eventually move into the higher-paying automotive division or who need a starting point to gain experience.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.38 - $0.56 CPM (dry van); auto division pays more

Team CPM

$0.50 - $0.64 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$48,000 - $78,000

Sign-On Bonus

Limited for new drivers; up to $3,000 for experienced

Benefits Package

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid orientation
  • Rider policy
  • Automotive division premium pay
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Freightliner Cascadia53' dry van trailersAuto-carrier trailers (automotive division)International LT

Home Time Policy

PAM OTR drivers get home every 2-3 weeks. Regional positions offer weekly home time where available. Dedicated and automotive division home time varies by assignment. Home time is a common complaint for OTR drivers, particularly new graduates running long-haul routes.

Training Program

PAM accepts recent CDL graduates and provides a training period with a mentor driver. The company does not operate a CDL school but works with approved CDL training institutions. Automotive division training is available for drivers who meet experience requirements and want to specialize in auto-hauling.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

Recent graduates accepted with CDL-A

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Automotive division offers specialized, higher-paying work hauling new vehicles
  • Accepts recent CDL graduates with no experience requirement
  • Paid orientation covers travel and lodging during onboarding
  • Clear career path from dry van to automotive division for motivated drivers
  • Rider policy available for drivers who want a companion on the road

Cons

  • Dry van starting pay is among the lowest of the mega carriers
  • Lease purchase program is heavily promoted and has unfavorable terms for many drivers
  • Equipment quality in the dry van division can be inconsistent
  • Home time for OTR dry van drivers is typically every 2-3 weeks

Best For

PAM Transport is recommended for:

  • Drivers interested in automotive hauling as a career
  • New CDL graduates who can't get hired elsewhere
  • Those willing to accept lower initial pay for a stepping-stone opportunity

Overall Driver Rating

2.9/5

Based on compiled driver feedback, industry reputation, and compensation analysis. Rating last updated March 2026.

PAM Transport FAQs

What is PAM Transport's automotive division?
PAM's automotive division hauls new vehicles from manufacturing plants and ports to dealerships using specialized auto-carrier trailers. Drivers are trained on proper vehicle loading, securing, and unloading procedures. The automotive division pays more than the standard dry van division due to the specialized skills and responsibility involved. It's one of PAM's main differentiators from other mega carriers.
How much does PAM Transport pay?
PAM's dry van division starts at $0.38-$0.42 CPM for new graduates, which is among the lowest in the mega-carrier segment. Experienced dry van drivers earn $0.48-$0.56 CPM. Automotive division drivers earn more due to the specialized nature of the work. Annual earnings range from $48,000-$65,000 for dry van and $60,000-$78,000 for automotive division drivers.
Should I avoid PAM's lease purchase program?
Like most mega-carrier lease purchase programs, PAM's lease terms require careful scrutiny. Weekly truck payments, insurance, and maintenance costs can significantly eat into earnings. Most industry experts and experienced drivers recommend driving as a company driver for at least 2-3 years before considering any lease purchase. If you do consider it, compare the terms to other carriers' programs and independent truck financing options.
Is PAM Transport a good first trucking job?
PAM is a viable first job if you can't get hired at higher-paying training carriers like Schneider or Werner. The starting pay is low, but the company does provide experience and a path to the better-paying automotive division. Many drivers use PAM to get their initial 6-12 months of experience and then move to a higher-paying carrier. It's a stepping stone, not typically a career destination.
How do I get into PAM's automotive division?
The automotive division typically requires at least 6-12 months of experience with PAM's dry van division or equivalent experience from another carrier. You need a clean safety record and may need to complete additional training on auto-carrier equipment. Express your interest in the automotive division during orientation — having a clear goal can help your driver manager work toward getting you transferred when you qualify.

More About PAM Transport

PAM Transport Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

PAM Transport Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

PAM Transport Jobs in Arkansas

Openings and hiring info by state

PAM Transport Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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