Marten Transport Announces Third Quarter Results

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“The truckload freight market has sharply tightened since earlier this year as renewed and enhanced enforcement of federal and state law is removing a meaningful amount of noncompliant and unqualified driver capacity from the marketplace.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“We are securing higher pricing from our customers for our premium services while enhancing freight quality across our network within these early stages of the freight market upcycle.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Our Truckload average rate per total mile, net of fuel surcharges, increased 14.1% over the third quarter of 2025.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Despite these positive trends, our earnings were negatively affected by unusually high net fuel and health insurance costs.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Relative to our average quarterly levels during the first half of the year, net fuel increased by $3.5 million and health insurance, within salaries, wages and benefits, increased by $2.0 million in the third quarter.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Over the same period, the increase in our rate of driver pay negatively impacted results by $1.0 million, while a larger gain on sale of revenue equipment provided a $1.5 million benefit.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Collectively, these factors reduced our third quarter net income by $3.7 million, or 4.5 cents per share.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“We are focused on mitigating the impact of the recent rise in diesel fuel prices to record levels through disciplined fuel expense and fuel surcharge management initiatives.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“The margin pressure results primarily from the timing lag inherent in truckload industry fuel surcharge programs relative to rapidly rising diesel fuel costs, as well as the higher fuel consumption associated with our temperature-controlled operations.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“As we continue through our 80(th) year, our priorities remain unchanged: delivering safe, premium service, driving operating efficiencies through data and technology, and maintaining rigorous cost discipline.”

Randolph L. Marten, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Marten Transport

“Our strong, debt-free balance sheet provides the financial flexibility to continue investing in our technology and modern fleet, while positioning the Company to capitalize on attractive opportunities for profitable organic growth.”