Considering a career with Marten Transport? As a seasoned truck driver, I wanted to share my firsthand experience with Marten Transport (based out of Mondovi, WI) to give you an insider’s perspective on what it’s really like to work for them. If you’re looking into Marten Transport Jobs, this detailed review will cover the pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision about your career path in the trucking industry.
The Perks of Marten Transport Jobs: My Positive Experiences
Let’s kick things off with the positives. During my time with Marten Transport, there were definitely aspects that stood out as benefits, especially when comparing them to other major trucking companies.
1. Detention Pay: Get Paid for Your Time
One of the most significant advantages I found with Marten Transport was their detention pay policy. They offer detention pay after just the first hour of waiting, and it can accumulate up to 9 hours, maxing out at $180. This is a great safety net and can really add to your earnings. Once you understand the system, it’s easy to utilize. Just accurately record your arrival and departure times on your paperwork and ensure they match the macro messages you send. It’s a straightforward system, even for those new to trucking.
2. Top-Notch Equipment: Quality Trucks and Trailers
Marten Transport invests in quality equipment. Their trucks and trailers are well-maintained and equipped with driver comforts. All trucks come with APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) and inverters, which are essential for driver comfort and convenience on long hauls. The trailers are also high quality, featuring durable steel floors. Plus, Marten has a corporate account at Blue Beacon for trailer washouts, and drivers can fuel up at any Pilot or Flying J location, adding to the ease and efficiency of the job. Having reliable and comfortable equipment is a huge plus for any driver spending long hours on the road.
3. Long Haul Opportunities: Mileage and Consistent Runs
When I first started with Marten, long runs were a regular part of the job. I even had a dedicated run to Arizona from Memphis, which was around 1511 paid miles. From there, I’d often pick up loads in Southern California, sometimes even from Stone Brewery in Vista, CA, heading back east. Loads originating from California going northeast could be 2500 miles or more. While I didn’t typically go northeast, I would often route back to Memphis (approximately 1896 miles). For a good portion of 2016, this consistent back-and-forth provided reliable mileage and earnings. Marten also offers bonuses for exceeding certain mileage thresholds, which can further boost your paycheck. For drivers looking for consistent miles and long-distance routes, Marten can offer solid opportunities.
4. Home Time: Weekly Returns
Marten Transport advertises weekly home time, and in my experience, they delivered on this promise. When I was running routes out west to Arizona, delivering on Thursdays and picking up loads on Mondays, I could easily plan a 34-hour reset in Tucson after delivery before heading into California. This predictable home time is crucial for maintaining a work-life balance and is a significant draw for many drivers considering marten transport jobs.
5. No Micromanagement: Freedom on the Road
If you value autonomy in your work, Marten Transport is a good fit. They generally don’t micromanage their drivers. As long as you demonstrate you can run efficiently and safely, they give you the freedom to manage your runs as you see fit. I consistently ran over 500 miles a day and was rarely contacted, except for essential communication. While high mileage isn’t mandatory to earn a decent living – especially with detention pay – the opportunity is there for drivers who want to maximize their miles and earnings. This lack of micromanagement is a refreshing aspect for experienced drivers who prefer to work independently.
The Challenges of Marten Transport Jobs: Areas for Improvement
Now, for a balanced perspective, it’s important to address the downsides I encountered during my time with Marten Transport. These points are crucial to consider when evaluating if marten transport jobs are the right choice for you.
1. Forced Per Diem: A Taxing Situation
Marten Transport has a mandatory per diem program. While I personally didn’t mind it too much, it was a point of contention for many veteran drivers. The catch is a $1500 per diem cap per month. Once you exceed this limit, your base pay increases by $.03 per mile, but you then get taxed on that regular pay. While this might not be a major issue for everyone, especially those less concerned about tax implications, it’s something to be aware of and understand how it impacts your overall take-home pay.
2. Sliding Pay Scale: Pay Inconsistencies on Long Runs
Marten’s sliding pay scale can be confusing and, in many cases, disadvantageous, especially for long-haul drivers. For runs exceeding 650 miles, the per-mile pay rate decreases. For example, on a 1500-mile run at a rate of $.365 per mile, you’d earn $547.50. However, if you had a flat rate of $.45 per mile, you would clearly earn more for the same distance. The sliding scale is intended to balance pay for shorter runs, but it can feel like a pay cut on the longer, more demanding routes that many drivers seek when considering marten transport jobs. This pay structure is a common point of frustration among drivers, particularly veterans accustomed to more straightforward pay models.
3. Disappointing Local Pay (Memphis Terminal): Hourly Rate Concerns
It’s important to differentiate between regional drivers occasionally doing local work and full-time local drivers. As a regional driver doing optional local work on weekends or early Fridays, the pay was $20 per hour, which was reasonable. However, the full-time home daily driver pay out of the Memphis terminal was significantly lower at $16.50 per hour. For operating an 80,000-pound vehicle, this rate is simply disrespectful. During one 65-hour work week in a local role, my take-home pay was a mere $713. This is a pathetic wage for the work involved, and I strongly advise against pursuing local marten transport jobs at the Memphis terminal specifically. While pay rates may vary at other terminals, the Memphis location is known for its low pay and disorganization in its local operations. The work itself can be varied and demanding for this low hourly rate, making it a less attractive option. I personally only did it to gain endorsements and move on.
4. Ineffective Weekend Dispatch: Limited Support
Weekend dispatch support at Marten, like at many trucking companies, can be lacking. Essentially, dispatch is often described as “useless” on weekends. While this isn’t unique to Marten, it’s a common industry-wide issue that drivers should be prepared for. Limited weekend dispatch means drivers need to be more self-reliant and resourceful when issues arise outside of regular business hours.
5. Railyard Usage: Shifting to Intermodal and Reduced Direct Runs
From a company perspective, increased railyard usage is likely a cost-saving measure. However, for drivers, it’s a significant drawback. Many of the high-paying, long-haul routes out of Memphis that I used to run directly to California are now being handled via rail. This shift to intermodal transportation means fewer direct, long-distance runs for drivers. Instead of running dedicated lanes straight to California and back, drivers are now more likely to be pieced together on various runs, reducing the consistency and mileage of the routes I previously enjoyed. This change impacts the earning potential and the type of driving experience available for marten transport jobs, especially on those previously lucrative long haul lanes.
Marten Transport Jobs: The Verdict
Marten Transport can be a good option for drivers looking to transition from companies like Swift, Werner, or Schneider. It serves as a solid stepping stone, providing better pay and treatment than some of the larger mega-carriers. For experienced, veteran drivers, however, Marten might not be a long-term destination.
During my time there, Marten treated me reasonably well, and I did earn the most money I had ever made in my trucking career at that point, around $66,000 annually. They are not a “bad” company, but there are signs of negative changes, particularly at the Memphis terminal. High turnover in office staff, including terminal managers, dispatchers, and shop personnel, is concerning. The shift towards rail for long hauls also diminishes the appeal for drivers seeking consistent, high-mileage runs. And the local pay in Memphis is simply uncompetitive.
If you are considering marten transport jobs, my advice is to approach it strategically. Focus on maximizing your mileage (aim for 500+ miles per day), utilize detention pay to your advantage, and view Marten as a valuable experience builder to enhance your resume and gain experience with reefers and refrigerated transport. The experience you gain at Marten is definitely worthwhile, particularly learning the intricacies of reefer operations, even if there are occasional wait times. Detention pay helps mitigate the financial impact of those delays.
Overall, I would rate my experience with Marten Transport an 8 out of 10. They helped me achieve significant personal financial goals, such as buying a house. However, it’s essential to be aware of both the pros and cons outlined in this review to determine if marten transport jobs align with your career aspirations and expectations in the trucking industry. Use Marten as a launchpad to gain experience and move on to even better opportunities as your career progresses.
