At-a-Glance Comparison
| Feature | Prime Inc | Roehl |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Springfield, MO | Marshfield, WI |
| Fleet Size | ~7,000 trucks | ~2,000 trucks |
| Training Pay | ~$700/week (post-CDL) | Flat rate during training |
| Contract Commitment | 12 months | 120,000 miles (~15 months) |
| Primary Specialty | Reefer & Flatbed | Van & Regional |
| Home Time | Every 14-21 days (OTR) | 7-10 days (Home Time Fleet) |
| Avg. Equipment Age | < 3 years | < 2 years |
Pay & Training Comparison
Both companies offer truly "paid" training, but the structure and total earnings differ.
Prime Inc Training Pay
- Phase 1 (CDL School): Meals & lodging provided
- Phase 2 (Trainer): ~$700/week guaranteed
- Phase 3 (Solo): $0.44-0.51 CPM starting
- Refrigerated & Flatbed pay premiums
- No out-of-pocket CDL costs
Roehl Training Pay
- Get Your CDL & Get Paid program
- Earn while training (varies by phase)
- Starting solo pay: $0.43-0.50 CPM
- Home Time Fleet options available
- Tuition reimbursement if you have CDL
💰 Pay Verdict (Prime Wins)
Prime typically offers higher guaranteed pay during the trainer phase (~$700/week), making it attractive for those who need income immediately. Roehl's contract is longer (120k miles vs 12 months) but offers better home time.
Specialty & Career Paths
Your long-term earnings depend heavily on which freight type you choose.
Prime Specialties
- Reefer (Refrigerated): Highest-paying division
- Flatbed: Premium pay for securement skills
- Tanker: Available after experience
- Lease Purchase program available
- Owner-operator opportunities
Roehl Specialties
- Van Division: Standard OTR freight
- National & Regional options
- Home Time Fleet: Weekly home time
- Dedicated accounts available
- Flatbed division (Decker Truck Line)
🚛 Specialty Verdict (Prime Wins)
Prime wins on specialty diversity and earning potential. Their Reefer and Flatbed divisions consistently rank among the highest-paying in the industry. Roehl excels at work-life balance with their Home Time Fleet.
Home Time & Lifestyle
Roehl is famous for their home time options, but how do they really compare?
Prime Home Time
- OTR: Home every 14-21 days typical
- Some regional positions available
- Pet policy available
- Rider policy available
- Best for drivers okay with extended OTR
Roehl Home Time
- Home Time Fleet: 7-10 days out, then home
- 7/ON 7/OFF schedules possible
- National: 14-day cycles
- Strong Midwest regional presence
- Best for drivers with family commitments
🏠 Home Time Verdict (Roehl Wins)
Roehl wins decisively on home time. Their Home Time Fleet is specifically designed for drivers who prioritize being home regularly. Prime is better suited for drivers willing to sacrifice home time for higher earnings.
What Real Drivers Say
Aggregated from r/Truckers and industry forums
Common Prime Feedback
"The trainer pay at Prime was a lifesaver. I was making $700/week while learning, which covered my bills back home."
"Be ready to be out for 3 weeks at a time. If you need to be home often, Prime OTR isn't for you."
Common Roehl Feedback
"The Home Time Fleet is legit. I'm home every weekend now after 6 months with the company."
"The 120,000 mile contract felt longer than I expected. Took me almost 15 months to complete."
The Final Verdict
Choose Prime If...
- You want the highest possible training pay
- You're interested in Reefer or Flatbed work
- You can handle 14-21 day OTR runs
- Long-term earning potential is your priority
Choose Roehl If...
- Home time is your #1 priority
- You want predictable schedules (7/ON 7/OFF)
- You prefer a shorter contract (by time, not miles)
- You're based in the Midwest
Overall Winner: It Depends!
For pure earnings and training pay, Prime Inc wins. For work-life balance and home time, Roehl Transport wins. Your choice should depend on what matters most to your lifestyle.
Ready to Apply?
See current job openings for both carriers on our job board, or find a local CDL school to get started.