Marten Transport Review 2026

Pay, Benefits, Home Time & Driver Ratings

Founded 1946Mondovi, WIFleet: 3,500+ trucks

Driver Rating

3.5/5 — Good

Annual Pay

$55,000 - $85,000

Solo CPM

$0.48 - $0.63 CPM

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experience-dependent)

Driver Rating

3.5/5 — Good

Marten Transport Overview

Marten Transport is one of the leading temperature-controlled truckload carriers in North America. Founded in 1946 in Mondovi, Wisconsin, Marten has grown into a billion-dollar carrier hauling refrigerated, frozen, and dry freight across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The company operates over 3,500 trucks and employs approximately 4,000 drivers.

Marten's core business is refrigerated (reefer) freight, which pays a premium over dry van due to the specialized equipment and skills required. The company has also expanded into dedicated regional operations that offer drivers better home time than traditional OTR reefer lanes. Marten is known for operating newer equipment — their fleet includes late-model Volvos and Kenworths that are well-maintained.

The company has positioned itself as a middle-ground option between mega-carriers (Werner, Schneider) and smaller reefer specialists (KLLM). Marten pays above average for reefer work and offers multiple divisions that allow drivers to choose between OTR, regional, and dedicated operations. Driver reviews are generally positive regarding equipment quality and freight consistency, with the main complaints centered on pay compared to expectations for reefer work.

Pay & Benefits

Solo CPM

$0.48 - $0.63 CPM

Team CPM

$0.56 - $0.70 CPM (split)

Annual Earnings

$55,000 - $85,000

Sign-On Bonus

Up to $5,000 (experience-dependent)

Benefits Package

  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Late-model Volvo and Kenworth trucks
  • Regional home weekly options
View full pay breakdown →

Equipment Used

Volvo VNL 760/860Kenworth T68053' refrigerated trailers (Carrier and Thermo King units)Intermodal containers

Home Time Policy

Marten OTR drivers get home every 2-3 weeks. Regional dedicated drivers get home weekly. Dedicated account drivers have predictable schedules. During produce season (spring-fall), OTR drivers may experience extended runs due to high reefer demand. Regional positions are the best option for drivers wanting consistent weekly home time.

Training Program

Marten accepts recent CDL graduates with a minimum of 6 months CDL-A experience (some programs accept less). The company provides a training period with an experienced mentor. Marten does not operate its own CDL school but partners with approved training institutions.

Hiring Requirements

Minimum Age

21 years old

Minimum Experience

6 months CDL-A (recent graduate programs available)

CDL Required

Yes — CDL-A

Clean MVR Required

Yes

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Reefer specialization pays a premium over dry van work at similar-sized carriers
  • Late-model Volvo and Kenworth trucks with good maintenance programs
  • Regional dedicated fleets offer home weekly options for reefer drivers
  • Strong consistent freight volume in the reefer market year-round
  • Recent graduate programs available — lower barrier to entry for reefer driving

Cons

  • OTR reefer division can keep drivers out for extended periods during produce season
  • Pay, while above dry van, doesn't always meet reefer driver expectations given the specialized nature of the work
  • Reefer unit maintenance issues on the road can cause delays and frustration
  • Some drivers report inconsistent home time in the OTR division

Best For

Marten Transport is recommended for:

  • Drivers wanting reefer specialization with a larger carrier
  • Recent graduates seeking reefer experience
  • Those wanting regional reefer work with weekly home time

Overall Driver Rating

3.5/5

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

Marten Transport FAQs

Does Marten Transport only haul reefer freight?
While reefer freight is Marten's core business, the company also hauls dry freight and has an intermodal division. The majority of their trailers are temperature-controlled, but some loads are dry freight hauled in reefer trailers with the unit turned off. If you want to drive for Marten, expect to be primarily hauling temperature-controlled freight.
What trucks does Marten use?
Marten operates primarily Volvo VNL 760/860s and Kenworth T680s. The fleet is well-maintained with most trucks under 3 years old. Both brands are well-regarded by drivers for comfort and reliability. Automatic transmissions are standard in the newer fleet. Trucks are equipped with APUs, refrigerators, and inverters.
Does Marten hire new CDL graduates?
Marten accepts drivers with as little as 6 months CDL-A experience, and some programs accept recent graduates with less. This makes Marten one of the more accessible reefer carriers for newer drivers who want to start in temperature-controlled freight rather than dry van. New drivers are paired with a trainer before going solo.
How does Marten compare to KLLM for reefer driving?
Both Marten and KLLM specialize in reefer freight. Marten is the larger company with more drivers and equipment. KLLM may offer slightly higher CPM in some lanes, while Marten offers more division variety (OTR, regional, dedicated). Equipment quality is comparable. The choice often comes down to which company has better routes and home time options for your location.
How much do Marten reefer drivers make?
Marten solo drivers earn $0.48-$0.63 CPM with annual earnings of $55,000-$85,000. Team drivers earn $0.56-$0.70 CPM split. Reefer pay at Marten is above what you'd earn hauling dry van at most carriers, but some drivers feel it should be higher given the specialized nature of reefer work. Regional dedicated positions offer the most predictable earnings.

More About Marten Transport

Marten Transport Company Profile

Jobs, fleet size, and key info

Marten Transport Pay Breakdown

Full salary, CPM, and benefits details

Marten Transport Jobs in Wisconsin

Openings and hiring info by state

Marten Transport Jobs in Texas

Openings and hiring info by state

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