Marten Transport vs KLLM Transport
Marten and KLLM are both major temperature-controlled carriers competing for reefer drivers. Marten is publicly traded with diverse divisions. KLLM is a dedicated reefer specialist. Both haul produce, frozen foods, and temperature-sensitive freight.
Marten Transport
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 3,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.7/5
KLLM Transport
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 3,000+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.7/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Marten Transport
Marten pays $55K-$85K with regional home weekly options.
KLLM Transport
KLLM pays $55K-$85K with quarterly safety bonuses.
Home Time
Marten Transport
Marten's regional and dedicated fleets offer weekly home time.
KLLM Transport
KLLM OTR reefer drivers are out 2-3 weeks; dedicated is better.
Benefits
Marten Transport
Marten offers health, 401(k) match, PTO, and late-model Volvos and Kenworths.
KLLM Transport
KLLM provides CDL training, health, 401(k), and quarterly safety bonuses.
Training/Support
Marten Transport
Marten accepts drivers with 6 months experience and has graduate programs.
KLLM Transport
KLLM offers CDL training focused on reefer operations.
Equipment/Technology
Marten Transport
Marten runs late-model Volvos and Kenworths with newer reefer units.
KLLM Transport
KLLM operates newer reefer trailers with temperature monitoring.
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.
Marten Transport
- Founded
- 1946
- Fleet
- 3,500+ trucks
- Drivers
- 4,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated, Intermodal
- Experience wanted
- 6 months CDL-A (recent graduate programs available)
- Strongest states
- Wisconsin, Texas and California
Marten Transport is one of the leading temperature-controlled truckload carriers in North America, hauling refrigerated, frozen, and dry freight across the U.S. and into Mexico and Canada. Founded in Mondovi, WI, Marten has grown into a billion-dollar carrier known for newer equipment, strong safety culture, and dedicated regional fleets that get drivers home more frequently.
Only Marten Transport is strong in: Wisconsin — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Marten Transport and not by KLLM Transport
- • Health, dental, and vision insurance
- • 401(k) with company match
- • Paid time off and holidays
- • Late-model Volvo and Kenworth trucks
- • Regional home weekly options
KLLM Transport
- Founded
- 1963
- Fleet
- 3,000+ trucks
- Drivers
- 3,000+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Dedicated, Refrigerated
- Experience wanted
- 6 months CDL-A (CDL training available)
- Strongest states
- Mississippi, Texas and California
KLLM is one of the largest temperature-controlled carriers in North America. Specializing in refrigerated freight, KLLM hauls produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals. The company is a strong choice for drivers wanting reefer specialization.
Only KLLM Transport is strong in: Mississippi — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by KLLM Transport and not by Marten Transport
- • Company-sponsored CDL training
- • Health and dental insurance
- • 401(k)
- • Quarterly safety bonuses
- • Newer reefer-equipped trailers
Our Verdict
Marten edges ahead with better home time options and newer equipment (Volvos and Kenworths). KLLM is the pure specialist with deeper reefer expertise. For reefer drivers prioritizing home time, Marten is the better choice. For pure reefer specialization, KLLM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better home time for reefer?
Marten, with more regional and dedicated options.
Which has newer trucks?
Marten runs late-model Volvos and Kenworths. KLLM's fleet is adequate but not as consistently new.
Can I get CDL training at both?
KLLM has a CDL training program. Marten accepts 6-month graduates but doesn't run its own CDL school.