Cover Story

Marten Transport puts emphasis on driver health through referral program

Since truck drivers are at a higher risk for certain health issues, Marten Transport is putting emphasis on promoting healthy choices in a variety of new programs, beginning with its driver referral program called Healthier You.
     “We have changed our referral reward system to encourage our driving force in their efforts to lead healthier lives,” says Tim Norlin, Marten’s director of recruiting. “In the trucking industry, many drivers are struggling with high blood pressure, weight problems, diabetes, etc. When you’re in a truck for hours at a time, it can be hard to address those issues. Our referral program is just one way to shine some light on driver health.”
     Healthier You rewards drivers for referring qualified candidates to Marten with $500 for every referral hired. In addition, for every five referrals, the driver receives a $25 Subway™ gift card. At the end of each quarter, a drawing is held for everyone who submitted a referral to win a $250 Subway™ gift card.
     “At the end of the year, we’ll have another grand prize drawing for everyone who submitted referrals for the entire year,” says Norlin. “We’ll be giving away a $2,500 home gym system.”
     The program began in 2009 and will continue in 2010 with even more options and prizes to keep healthy living on the minds of Marten drivers.
     According to Norlin, Healthier You has received a tremendously positive response. “Our drivers have always been a great source of referrals,” he says. “We focus on keeping drivers very satisfied so they really feel com­fortable in passing on a good word about us.”
     And there are many positive points for drivers to talk
about. The company spent 2009 in a growth mode when many carriers were downsizing or closing their doors. Pay and benefits were held steady with no layoffs or other negative actions. In addition, Marten opened several new terminals to accommodate an impressive regional network. Recently, Marten opened a new, expanded trailer shop near its headquarters in Mondovi, Wis., to offer more features and square footage for maintaining its fleet and assisting drivers.
     Marten Transport specializes in transporting food and other consumer packaged goods that require a time and temperature-sensitive or insulated environment.
For more information on opportunities at Mar­ten Transport, call 866-370-4469 or visit us online at www.drive4marten.com.