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When you’re trying to decide between two options, do you go with a gut feeling or do you meticulously compare the two before you come to a decision?
When you’re at an ice cream shop, you probably go with your gut or what you’re feeling in the moment. Some days it’s good ole vanilla and other days it’s something more adventurous, like mocha fudge with sea salt caramel swirls.
But when you’re deciding what your next job will be, hopefully you aren’t just going with what you feel like that day. Hopefully, you’re meticulously researching between two or three options by comparing and contrasting their top features.
When you’re comparing trucking companies, you’ve probably stumbled upon Marten Transport when you were researching Anderson Trucking Service (ATS). The two companies have a lot of similarities when it comes to equipment and benefits but vary in key aspects — primarily when it comes to pay and freight options.
Don’t go with a split-second decision when looking at these companies. Instead, closely compare and contrast the following program details:
- Career path and home time
- Division and freight type
- Pay
- Benefits
- Equipment
Thankfully for you, I have experience with both companies. I’m happy to help give you an honest look at both programs so you can make a decision that makes the most sense for you and your family.
History of Marten Transport
Marten Transport is based in Mondovi, Wisconsin. The company specializes in providing temperature-controlled truckload and logistics services to a wide range of industries.
Marten Transport was founded in 1946 by Roger Marten, who initially started the business with a single truck to transport milk from local farms to dairy processing plants. Over time, the company expanded its operations and began offering refrigerated transportation services.
In the 1960s and 1970s, Marten Transport experienced significant growth and expanded its fleet and service capabilities. The company focused on serving the food industry, transporting perishable goods such as fruits, vegetables and meat products. Marten Transport went public in 1986.
Marten Transport has consistently focused on innovation and leveraging advanced technologies to enhance its operations. It has invested in state-of-the-art equipment, including temperature-controlled trailers and advanced tracking systems, to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods.
Today, Marten Transport remains a prominent player in the transportation and logistics industry, with a comprehensive network and a reputation for reliable temperature-controlled shipping. It continues to adapt to the evolving needs of its customers and leverage technological advancements to provide efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions.
History of ATS
ATS is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota and was founded by Harold Anderson in 1955. He started with just a single truck and a commitment to providing his customers with exceptional service.
In 1960, the company invested in its first specialized trailer — adding to a fleet comprised solely of flatbed trailers up to that point. By heavily investing in specialized equipment, from flatbed trailers to heavy haul trucks to experienced drivers and logistics professionals, ATS established its name in the niche, yet high-demand market.
That’s why today, ATS is one of the most respected specialized trucking companies in the country. ATS isn’t just a key player in the specialized and heavy haul world. ATS also provides transportation solutions in the following areas: truckload, expedited, intermodal and logistics.
Over the years, ATS has earned a reputation for innovation and excellence in the transportation industry — receiving countless awards and accolades for safety, customer service and sustainability.
The business remains family-owned and operated.
Comparing Division and Freight Type
Marten Transport
Marten Transport’s three main commodity types include reefer trailers, van trailers and containers. However, Marten is primarily a reefer carrier.
In recent years, they’ve begun shifting to move more and more dry van freight. Marten does end-to-end full-service shipping. In fact, they’re one of the largest refrigerated intermodal carriers in the country. They own their containers, so drivers will pick the container up with the customer, bring it to the rail and another driver will pick it up at its next destination and deliver it to the customer.
The fleet size at Marten is over 3,000 trucks. The fleet is comprised primarily of company drivers and there is no lease purchase program. However, drivers can lease a truck with an outside dealer and lease their truck and services to Marten as an owner-operator. You must have financing independent of Marten. Similarly, if you already own your truck, you can sign on with Marten. Again, there are more company drivers than owner-operators with Marten Transport.
Marten offers a variety of home time options for drivers across the country, which is a huge advantage for them. They have OTR, regional, local and dedicated routes. That means, if you’re driving with Marten, you can choose from options that’ll either have you home daily or going home once per month.
There is no clearly defined career path that allows drivers to advance from one commodity to the next by building their skill set. Drivers can certainly bounce around from one division to the next, but they’re not required to advance their skill set to do so.
Marten also doesn’t work with brand-new drivers.
ATS
ATS drivers haul dry van freight, flatbed specialized freight, heavy haul freight and Department of Defense (DOD) military freight. The company is well-known for hauling unique, oversized freight. In fact, ATS has a stake in wind energy. ATS drivers can be seen hauling massive wind blades down the highway.
The company maintains a diverse range of trailers to accommodate various cargo requirements, including step-decks, lowboys, Conestogas, removable gooseneck (RGN) trailers and more.
Recently, ATS became certified to haul transport protective services (TPS) freight and arms, ammunition and explosives (AA&E) with the DOD. Team drivers must obtain a special security clearance before they can haul this lucrative freight with the company, and many ATS teams have already made the switch.
ATS has approximately 1,500 trucks in the fleet, composed of a mix of lease drivers and company drivers. ATS also works with owner-operators who own their truck or are independently financing a truck.
The lease purchase program offered through ATS’ affiliated company is the industry’s only one-year lease program. There’s no money down and no credit check. Drivers can also choose from a two-year lease program or a long-term lease program.
ATS is primarily an OTR carrier. Drivers get home on average every two to three weeks (unless they want to stay on the road longer to compound their earnings).
There are some options for regional routes if you’re in the Midwest or Southeast.
ATS isn’t a training company and requires six to 12 months of experience depending on the position.
Drivers do, however, receive cargo securement training if they choose to go into the flatbed division. Securement training — both in the classroom and hands-on — takes place during new driver orientation. Drivers are also welcome to pursue further training as they refine their securement skills, and ATS has numerous measures in place to help drivers excel in this area.
Drivers often come to ATS for career path opportunities. New ATS drivers can start in the dry van division and eventually work their way up to the heavy haul division. Drivers are provided support and learning opportunities to achieve the skills it requires to haul highly specialized freight.
Comparing Pay and Benefits
Marten Transport
Marten has a competitive pay program. Guaranteed pay is a huge selling point for Marten’s company drivers. Depending on the position, drivers earn a guaranteed amount each week. For instance, OTR drivers are guaranteed $1,400 per week. If drivers don’t earn $1,400 on their own, they’ll be cut a check for the remaining amount.
Of course, some stipulations come with guaranteed pay. You actually have to be on the road hauling freight to receive it.
Additionally, Marten has other pay perks, such as hiring bonuses, referral bonuses, inclement weather pay, immediate detention pay, safety pay and premium pay for staying on the road longer.
Drivers are paid on a sliding pay scale, which can be confusing and some drivers don’t like it because they don’t understand it. However, it offers very consistent pay for Marten drivers — even when the market shifts and slows. This also means that when the market booms, drivers may have the opportunity to make more money at a different company.
Owner-operators at Marten are paid by mileage.
Company drivers are offered the standard slew of benefits, including medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, holiday pay and a 401k with match.
ATS
ATS is a percentage pay carrier with a CPM minimum for company drivers. Drivers are paid whichever rate is higher — CPM or percentage pay — on every load.
Company van drivers start earning 50 to 52 CPM or 26 percent. On this pay program, company van drivers currently average 75 CPM. This is an average of $1,300-$1,500 per week.
Lease van drivers earn 65 percent — which averages $1,100-$1,700 per week after expenses.
Company flatbed drivers start at 55 to 59 CPM but are averaging 79 CPM. This equates to about $1,600-$2,000 per week.
Like lease van drivers, lease flatbed drivers earn 65 percent — which is approximately $1,700-$2,500 per week after expenses.
DOD freight pays very well. Drivers are currently averaging $6,000 to $8,000 per week.
Drivers can receive sign-on bonuses, referral bonuses and lease completion bonuses.
Similar to Marten, ATS has the following benefits for company drivers: medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off and a 401k with match.
Comparing Equipment
Marten Transport
Marten prides itself on providing the latest equipment for drivers, with their fleet averaging trucks no more than two years old. They invest in Freightliner, International, Peterbilt and Kenworth tractors.
Uniquely, Marten trucks have solar panels on them to help charge batteries.
Trucks are equipped with forward-facing dash cams, lane assistance and accident mitigation equipment.
ATS
ATS has a wide network of shops in the country and prides itself on maintaining a fleet of newer trucks. Choose from Peterbilt, Freightliner and Volvo models.
ATS trucks are governed at 68 mph and equipped with the Lytx Driver Safety Suite (which includes front-facing dash cams) and accident mitigation equipment.
Unlike many companies, lease drivers can choose from an available set of trucks.
Marten or ATS — Which Carrier is Right for You?
When choosing between Marten and ATS, drivers should consider several key factors. Marten offers a range of home time options, including OTR, regional, local and dedicated routes, providing flexibility for drivers who prioritize time at home. On the other hand, ATS primarily operates as an OTR carrier, with drivers typically getting home every two to three weeks.
In terms of division and freight type, Marten specializes in temperature-controlled truckload services, particularly reefer trailers, and is known for its expertise in intermodal shipping. ATS, on the other hand, offers a diverse range of freight types, including dry van, flatbed specialized freight, heavy haul freight and DOD military freight.
When it comes to pay, Marten Transport offers guaranteed pay for company drivers, ensuring a minimum weekly amount. Additional pay perks such as hiring bonuses, referral bonuses and various incentive pay options are also available. ATS operates on a percentage pay system, with a CPM minimum for company drivers. Hauling DOD freight with ATS can be particularly lucrative for drivers.
Both companies provide standard benefits such as medical/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and a 401k with a match for their company drivers. As for equipment, Marten Transport prides itself on maintaining a fleet with trucks no more than two years old, equipped with advanced features like solar panels, dash cams, and safety systems. ATS also maintains a fleet of newer trucks, offering drivers the opportunity to choose their trucks.
Considering these factors, carefully evaluate your preferences, career goals, and lifestyle.
Marten may provide more consistency for you, while ATS may provide more choice and freedom.
Grow Your Career With ATS
When choosing between Marten Transport and ATS, consider factors such as home time options, division and freight types, pay structure, benefits and equipment.
Marten offers flexible home time and specializes in temperature-controlled truckload services, while ATS is an OTR carrier and offers a diverse range of freight types. Marten provides guaranteed pay, while ATS operates on a percentage pay system with a CPM minimum. Both companies offer standard benefits and maintain fleets with newer trucks. Ultimately, assess your preferences and career goals to make an informed decision.
If you’re looking to grow your skill set — constantly advancing your skills — the flatbed program at ATS might be the perfect opportunity for you. Learn more about what it takes to haul flatbed freight and how to learn cargo securement.