Anderson Trucking Service vs Mercer Transportation
ATS and Mercer are both leading flatbed and specialized carriers. ATS offers both company driver and owner-operator positions. Mercer is exclusively owner-operator. Both haul oversized, heavy, and specialized freight.
Anderson Trucking Service
- Pay
- $65,000 - $95,000
- Fleet
- 2,800+ trucks (company + owner-operator)
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Mercer Transportation
- Pay
- $150,000 - $280,000+ gross (owner-operators)
- Fleet
- 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks
- Rating
- 4.1/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Anderson Trucking Service
ATS company drivers earn $65K-$95K on percentage pay. O/Os gross more.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer O/Os gross $150K-$280K+ with strong flatbed rates.
Home Time
Anderson Trucking Service
ATS flatbed and heavy haul means OTR time; regional options available.
Mercer Transportation
No forced dispatch but flatbed freight patterns affect route flexibility.
Benefits
Anderson Trucking Service
ATS offers health, 401(k) match, PTO for company drivers; O/O programs available.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer provides plate programs, fuel discounts, insurance options for O/Os.
Training/Support
Anderson Trucking Service
ATS has company driver positions that train flatbed skills before moving to O/O.
Mercer Transportation
Mercer requires 2 years CDL-A with flatbed experience. No training program.
Equipment/Technology
Anderson Trucking Service
ATS provides company trucks for drivers; O/Os bring their own.
Mercer Transportation
O/Os provide all equipment. Mercer has age and safety requirements.
Where they actually differ
The scores above are our reading. This part is just the two carriers' profiles side by side — divisions, what they ask of a new hire, where they run, and which benefits only one of them lists.
Anderson Trucking Service
- Founded
- 1955
- Fleet
- 2,800+ trucks (company + owner-operator)
- Drivers
- 3,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
- Experience wanted
- 1 year CDL-A (flatbed experience preferred)
- Strongest states
- Minnesota, Texas and North Dakota
Anderson Trucking Service (ATS) is a leading flatbed, heavy-haul, and specialized carrier based in St. Cloud, MN. The company offers both company driver and owner-operator positions hauling oversized loads, machinery, construction materials, and wind energy components. ATS is known for above-average flatbed pay and a strong support system for specialized haulers.
Only Anderson Trucking Service is strong in: Minnesota and North Dakota — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Anderson Trucking Service and not by Mercer Transportation
- • Percentage-based pay for flatbed
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid time off
- • Owner-operator fuel and tire discount programs
Mercer Transportation
- Founded
- 1977
- Fleet
- 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks
- Drivers
- 3,000+ (independent owner-operators)
- Divisions
- OTR, Flatbed, Specialized, Owner-Operator
- Experience wanted
- 2 years CDL-A with flatbed experience
- Strongest states
- Kentucky, Texas and Ohio
Mercer Transportation is one of the premier flatbed and specialized owner-operator carriers in the U.S. The company connects independent owner-operators with quality flatbed freight through a network of agents and brokers. Mercer does not employ company drivers — all freight is hauled by independent contractors who own their own equipment.
Only Mercer Transportation is strong in: Kentucky and Ohio — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Mercer Transportation and not by Anderson Trucking Service
- • Owner-operator independence
- • No forced dispatch
- • Fuel discount program
- • Plate and insurance programs
- • Occupational accident insurance available
Our Verdict
ATS is the better choice if you want to start as a company flatbed driver and potentially transition to O/O. Mercer is for experienced flatbed O/Os who already own their truck and want premium freight. ATS provides a career path; Mercer provides O/O independence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I start flatbed driving at ATS with no flatbed experience?
Yes. ATS hires company drivers with 1 year CDL-A and trains flatbed skills.
Is Mercer only for owner-operators?
Yes. No company driver positions. You must own your own truck.
Which has better freight?
Both access quality flatbed freight. ATS has a strong heavy haul and wind energy niche. Mercer has deep flatbed agent relationships.
Learn More About These Companies
Anderson Trucking Service
St. Cloud, MN · 2,800+ trucks (company + owner-operator)
Mercer Transportation
Louisville, KY · 3,000+ independent owner-operator trucks