Marten Transport vs Prime Inc.
Two major reefer carriers compared for temperature-controlled hauling. Marten is publicly traded with newer equipment and better home time. Prime is larger with CDL training and more division flexibility.
Marten Transport
- Pay
- $55,000 - $85,000
- Fleet
- 3,500+ trucks
- Rating
- 3.7/5
Prime Inc.
- Pay
- $50,000 - $80,000+
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Rating
- 3.6/5
Head-to-Head Comparison
Pay
Marten Transport
Marten pays $55K-$85K for reefer with regional options.
Prime Inc.
Prime reefer pays $50K-$80K+ with experience-based increases.
Home Time
Marten Transport
Marten regional and dedicated offer weekly home time.
Prime Inc.
Prime reefer is primarily OTR, 2-3 weeks out.
Benefits
Marten Transport
Health, 401(k), PTO, late-model Volvos and Kenworths.
Prime Inc.
CDL training, health, 401(k), lease purchase.
Training/Support
Marten Transport
Accepts 6-month drivers. No CDL school.
Prime Inc.
Full CDL training program for no experience.
Equipment/Technology
Marten Transport
Late-model Volvos and Kenworths with newer reefer units.
Prime Inc.
Mix of company and independent trucks.
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 and California — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Marten Transport and not by Prime Inc.
- • Paid time off and holidays
- • Late-model Volvo and Kenworth trucks
- • Regional home weekly options
Prime Inc.
- Founded
- 1970
- Fleet
- 7,000+ trucks (company + independent)
- Drivers
- 7,500+
- Divisions
- OTR, Regional, Refrigerated, Tanker, Flatbed
- Experience wanted
- No experience required (paid CDL training available)
- Strongest states
- Missouri, Texas and Pennsylvania
Prime Inc. is one of the largest privately held trucking companies in North America, operating refrigerated, tanker, flatbed, and intermodal divisions. Based in Springfield, MO, Prime is known for their extensive CDL training program that produces thousands of new drivers annually.
Only Prime Inc. is strong in: Missouri and Pennsylvania — worth knowing if you want to be domiciled there.
Listed by Prime Inc. and not by Marten Transport
- • Paid CDL training program
- • Rider and pet policy
- • Lease purchase program available
Our Verdict
Marten for better home time and equipment. Prime for CDL training from scratch and the option to try other divisions. If you already have CDL, Marten is the better reefer employer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which has better reefer equipment?
Marten runs late-model Volvos and Kenworths, generally newer than Prime's fleet.
Can I train from scratch?
At Prime, yes. Marten requires at least 6 months CDL experience.
Which has better home time for reefer?
Marten, with more regional and dedicated reefer positions.