10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 0R 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012

Commission file number 0-15010

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE		39-1140809
(State of incorporation)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification no.)
129 MARTEN STREET
MONDOVI, WISCONSIN	54755	(715) 926-4216
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)	(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class:	Name of each exchange on which registered:
COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE	THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET LLC
	(NASDAQ GLOBAL SELECT MARKET)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

NONE

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.  YES £ NO S

Indicate by check mark if the Registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act.  YES £ NO S

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  YES S NO £

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (Section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes S  No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  S

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  Large accelerated filer  £  Accelerated filer  S Non-accelerated filer (do not check if a smaller reporting company) £ Smaller reporting company £

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).  YES £ NO S

As of June 30, 2012 (the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter), the aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant (based upon the closing price of the Common Stock at that date as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market), excluding outstanding shares beneficially owned by directors and executive officers, was $360,852,000.

As of February 28, 2013, 22,110,819 shares of Common Stock of the Registrant were outstanding.

Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference information (to the extent specific sections are referred to in this Report) from the Registrant’s Proxy Statement for the annual meeting to be held May 3, 2013, or 2013 Proxy Statement.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS 1

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS 7

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS 11

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES 12

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 12

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 12

ITEM 4A. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT 13

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES  14

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA 16

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  17

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 32

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA 33

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE 54

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 54

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION 54

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 55

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION 56

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS 56

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE 56

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES 56

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES 57

OTHER

Signature Page 59

Exhibit Index 61

i

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain forward-looking statements.  Such statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Any statements not of historical fact may be considered forward-looking statements.  Written words such as “may” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “goal,” or “estimate,” or other variations of these or similar words, identify such statements.  These statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements.  Important factors known to us that could cause such material differences are identified in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7.  We undertake no obligation to correct or update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.  You are advised, however, to consult any future disclosures we make on related subjects in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

References in this Annual Report to “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Company” or similar terms refer to Marten Transport, Ltd. and its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context otherwise requires.

PART I

ITEM 1.           BUSINESS

Overview

We are one of the leading temperature-sensitive truckload carriers in the United States. We specialize in transporting and distributing food and other consumer packaged goods that require a temperature-controlled or insulated environment.  In 2012, we generated $638.5 million in operating revenue, which consists of revenue from both truckload and logistics operations. Approximately 79% of our truckload revenue resulted from hauling temperature-sensitive products and 21% from hauling dry freight.  We operate throughout the United States and in parts of Canada and Mexico, with substantially all of our revenue generated from within the United States. Our primary long-haul traffic lanes are between the Midwest and the West Coast, Southwest, Southeast, and the East Coast, as well as from California to the Pacific Northwest.  We provide regional truckload carrier services in the Southeast, West Coast, Midwest, South Central and Northeast regions.  In 2012, our average length of haul was 624 miles.

Our growth strategy is to expand our business internally by offering shippers a high level of service and significant freight capacity.  We market primarily to shippers that offer consistent volumes of freight in the lanes we prefer and are willing to compensate us for a high level of service.  With our fleet of 2,252 company and independent contractor tractors, we are able to offer service levels that include up to 99% on-time performance and delivery within the narrow time windows often required when shipping perishable commodities.

We have two reporting segments – Truckload and Logistics.  Financial information regarding these segments can be found in Footnote 13 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  The primary source of our operating revenue is truckload revenue, which we generate by transporting long-haul and regional freight for our customers and report within our Truckload segment.  Generally, we are paid by the mile for our services.  We also derive truckload revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other ancillary services.  We continue to expand our regional truckload operations, which represents 74% of our tractor fleet as of December 31, 2012 compared to 5% just five years ago.  Our operating revenue also includes revenue reported within our Logistics segment, which consists of revenue from our internal brokerage and intermodal operations, both launched in 2005, and through our 45% interest in MW Logistics, LLC, or MWL, a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  Brokerage services involve arranging for another company to transport freight for our customers while we retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities.  Intermodal services involve the transport of our trailers on railroad flatcars for a portion of a trip, with the balance of the trip using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers.

Organized under Wisconsin law in 1970, we are a successor to a sole proprietorship Roger R. Marten founded in 1946.  In 1988, we reincorporated under Delaware law.  Our executive offices are located at 129 Marten Street, Mondovi, Wisconsin 54755.  Our telephone number is (715) 926-4216.

We maintain a website at www.marten.com.  We are not including the information contained on our website as a part of, nor incorporating it by reference into, this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  We post on our website, free of charge, documents that we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and proxy statements, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish such material to, the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We also provide a link on our website to Forms 3, 4 and 5 that our officers, directors and 10% stockholders file with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Marketing and Operations

We approach our business as an integrated effort of marketing and operations. Our emphasis in marketing is directed to the temperature-sensitive market, which is generally service-sensitive, as opposed to being solely price competitive. We target food and consumer packaged goods companies whose products require temperature-sensitive services and who ship multiple truckloads per week. By emphasizing high-quality service, we seek to become a core carrier for our customers. In 2012, our two largest customers were Kraft and General Mills.

Our marketing efforts are conducted by a staff of approximately 150 sales, customer service and support personnel under the supervision of our senior management team. Marketing personnel travel within their regions to solicit new truckload and logistics customers and maintain contact with existing customers. Customer service managers regularly contact customers to solicit additional business on a load-by-load basis.

Our operations and sales personnel strive to improve our asset productivity by seeking freight that allows for rapid turnaround times, minimizes non-revenue miles between loads, and carries a favorable rate structure. Once we have established a customer relationship, customer service managers work closely with our fleet managers to match customer needs with our capacity and the location of revenue equipment. Fleet managers use our optimization system to assign loads to satisfy customer and operational requirements, as well as to meet the routing needs of our drivers. We attempt to route most of our trucks over selected operating lanes, which we believe assists us in meeting customer requirements, balancing traffic, reducing non-revenue miles, and improving the reliability of delivery schedules.

We employ technology in our operations when we believe that it will allow us to operate more efficiently and the investment is cost-justified. Examples of the technologies we employ include:

· Terrestrial- and satellite-based tracking and messaging that allows us to communicate with our drivers, obtain load position updates, provide our customers with freight visibility, and download operating information such as fuel mileage and idling time for the tractor engines and temperature setting and run time for the temperature-control units on our trailers.

· Freight optimization software that assists us in selecting loads that match our overall criteria, including profitability, repositioning, identifying capacity for expedited loads, driver availability and home time, and other factors.

· Electronic data interchange and internet communication with customers concerning freight tendering, invoices, shipment status, and other information.

2

· Electronic logging devices in our tractors to monitor drivers’ hours of service.

· Auxiliary power units installed on our company-owned tractors that allow us to decrease fuel costs associated with idling our tractors.

· Fuel-routing software that optimizes the fuel stops for each trip to take advantage of volume discounts available in our fuel network.

We believe this integrated approach to our marketing and operations, coupled with our use of technology, has allowed us to provide our customers with a high level of service and support our revenue growth in an efficient manner. For example, we had a non-revenue mile percentage of 11.3% during 2012, which points to the efficiency of our operations and we believe compares favorably to other temperature-sensitive and dry van trucking companies.

Major Customers

An important part of our growth strategy is to increase our business with large customers. Accordingly, a significant amount of our business is concentrated with a relatively small number of customers. In 2012, our top 30 customers accounted for approximately 69% of our revenue, and our top ten customers accounted for 47% of our revenue.  Nine of our top ten customers have been significant customers of ours for over ten years.  We believe we are the largest or second largest temperature-sensitive carrier for six of our top ten customers.  We believe our relationships with these key customers are sound, but we are dependent upon them and the loss of some or all of their business could have a materially adverse effect on our results.

Drivers and Other Personnel

We believe that maintaining a safe and productive professional driver group is essential to providing excellent customer service and achieving profitability. Approximately 132 of our drivers as of December 31, 2012 have driven more than one million miles for us without a preventable accident, while approximately 46 of our drivers have driven more than two million miles and seven have driven more than three million miles for us without a preventable accident.

We select drivers, including independent contractors, using our specific guidelines for safety records, including drivers’ Compliance, Safety, Accountability, or CSA, scores, driving experience, and personal evaluations. We maintain stringent screening, training, and testing procedures for our drivers to reduce the potential for accidents and the corresponding costs of insurance and claims. We train new drivers at a number of our terminals in all phases of our policies and operations, as well as in safety techniques and fuel-efficient operation of the equipment. All new drivers also must pass DOT required tests prior to assignment to a vehicle.

We primarily pay company-employed drivers a fixed rate per mile. The rate increases based on length of service. Drivers also are eligible for bonuses based upon safe, efficient driving. We pay independent contractors a fixed rate per mile. Independent contractors pay for their own fuel, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Competition in the trucking industry for qualified drivers is normally intense and is expected to increase as a result of recent regulatory changes mandated by CSA. Our operations have been impacted, and from time-to-time we have experienced under-utilization and increased expense, as a result of a shortage of qualified drivers. We place a high priority on the recruitment and retention of an adequate supply of qualified drivers.

3

As of December 31, 2012, we had approximately 2,946 employees. This total consists of approximately 2,261 drivers, 244 mechanics and maintenance personnel, and 441 support personnel, which includes management and administration. As of that date, we also contracted with 36 independent contractors. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit. We consider relations with our employees to be good.

Revenue Equipment

Our revenue equipment programs are an important part of our overall goal of profitable growth. We evaluate our equipment decisions based on factors such as initial cost, useful life, warranty terms, expected maintenance costs, fuel economy, driver comfort, customer needs, manufacturer support, and resale value. We generally operate newer, well-maintained equipment with uniform specifications to minimize our spare parts inventory, streamline our maintenance program, and simplify driver training.

As of December 31, 2012, we operated a fleet of 2,252 tractors, including 2,216 company-owned tractors and 36 tractors supplied by independent contractors.  The average age of our company-owned tractor fleet at December 31, 2012 was approximately 2.0 years.  In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned tractors within approximately 4.5 years after purchase.

Peterbilt and Freightliner manufacture most of our company-owned tractors. Maintaining a relatively new and standardized fleet allows us to operate most miles while the tractors are under warranty to minimize repair and maintenance costs. It also enhances our ability to attract drivers, increases fuel economy, and improves customer acceptance by minimizing service interruptions caused by breakdowns. We adhere to a comprehensive maintenance program during the life of our equipment. We perform most routine servicing and repairs at our terminal facilities to reduce costly on-road repairs and out-of-route trips. We do not have any agreements with tractor manufacturers pursuant to which they agree to repurchase the tractors or guarantee a residual value, and we therefore could incur losses upon disposition if resale values of used tractors decline.

The EPA adopted revised emissions control regulations, which required progressive reductions in exhaust emissions from diesel engines through 2010, for engines manufactured in October 2002 and thereafter.  The revised regulations decrease the amount of emissions that can be released by tractor engines and affect tractors produced after the effective date of the regulations. The last of three stepped reductions in exhaust emissions was effective for engines manufactured in January 2010 and thereafter.  As of December 31, 2012, 701 of the tractors in our fleet have tractor engines which were manufactured in January 2010 or thereafter and, therefore, were required to meet the revised design requirements.  Compliance with these regulations has increased the cost of new tractors as manufacturers have significantly increased new equipment prices, in part to meet the more stringent engine design requirements imposed by the EPA.

We historically have contracted with independent contractors to provide and operate a portion of our tractor fleet. Independent contractors own their own tractors and are responsible for all associated expenses, including financing costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes. The percentage of our fleet provided by independent contractors was 1.6% as of December 31, 2012 compared to 2.1% as of December 31, 2011 and 4.0% as of December 31, 2010.

As of December 31, 2012, we operated a fleet of 4,170 trailers. Most of our trailers are equipped with Thermo-King refrigeration units, air ride suspensions, and anti-lock brakes. Most of our single van trailers are refrigerated, 53 feet long and 102 inches wide. The average age of our trailer fleet at December 31, 2012 was approximately 2.2 years. In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned trailers within approximately 5.5 years after purchase.

4

Insurance and Claims

We self-insure for a portion of our claims exposure resulting from workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, as well as employees’ health insurance. We are responsible for our proportionate share of the legal expenses relating to such claims as well. We reserve currently for anticipated losses and expenses. We periodically evaluate and adjust our insurance and claims reserves to reflect our experience.  We are responsible for the first $1.0 million on each auto liability claim.  We are also responsible for the first $750,000 on each workers’ compensation claim.  We have $7.4 million in standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of claims under agreements with our insurance carriers and regulatory authorities.  We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of the amounts for which we self-insure up to specified policy limits with licensed insurance carriers. Insurance carriers have raised premiums for many businesses, including trucking companies. As a result, our insurance and claims expense could increase, or we could raise our self-insured retention when our policies are renewed. We believe that our policy of self-insuring up to set limits, together with our safety and loss prevention programs, are effective means of managing insurance costs.

Fuel

Our operations are heavily dependent upon the use of diesel fuel. The price and availability of diesel fuel can vary and are subject to political, economic, and market factors that are beyond our control.  Fuel prices fluctuated dramatically and quickly at various times during the last three years and they remain high based on historical standards.  We actively manage our fuel costs by purchasing fuel in bulk in Mondovi and at a number of our other maintenance facilities throughout the country and have volume purchasing arrangements with national fuel centers that allow our drivers to purchase fuel at a discount while in transit.  During 2012, over 99% of our fuel purchases were made at these designated locations.  To help further reduce fuel consumption, we have equipped our company-owned tractors with auxiliary power units since 2007.  These units reduce fuel consumption by providing quiet climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine.  We have also invested in satellite tracking equipment for the temperature-control units on our trailers that has improved fuel usage through management of required temperature settings and run time of the units.

We further manage our exposure to changes in fuel prices through fuel surcharge programs with our customers and other measures that we have implemented.  We have historically been able to pass through a significant portion of long-term increases in fuel prices and related taxes to customers in the form of fuel surcharges.  These fuel surcharges, which adjust with the cost of fuel, enable us to recover a substantial portion of the higher cost of fuel as prices increase, except for non-revenue miles, out-of-route miles or fuel used while the tractor is idling. As of December 31, 2012, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.

Competition

We operate primarily in the temperature-sensitive segment of the truckload market.  This market is highly competitive and fragmented. We compete with many other truckload carriers that provide temperature-sensitive service of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with less-than-truckload carriers, railroads, and other transportation companies, many of which have more equipment, a wider range of services, and greater capital resources than we do or have other competitive advantages. In particular, several of the largest truckload carriers that offer primarily dry-van service also offer temperature-sensitive service, and these carriers could attempt to increase their business in the temperature-sensitive market.  We also compete with other motor carriers for the services of drivers, independent contractors, and management employees.  We believe that the principal competitive factors in our business are service, freight rates, capacity, and financial stability.  As one of the largest and best-capitalized carriers focused on the temperature-sensitive segment, we believe we are well positioned to compete in that segment.

5

Regulation

The United States Department of Transportation, or DOT, and various state and local agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety and insurance requirements.  Our company drivers and independent contractors also must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the DOT, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing and hours-of-service.

The DOT, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, imposes safety and fitness regulations on us and our drivers.  In December 2010, the FMCSA introduced a new system, Compliance, Safety, Accountability, or CSA, to measure and evaluate the on-road safety performance of commercial carriers and individual drivers.  CSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Measurement System replaced the former SafeStat system and uses more roadside data to identify behaviors that predict safety issues, is more proactive with intervention and maximizes compliance monitoring resources.  The CSA system has removed a number of drivers from the industry as carriers are less willing to hire and retain drivers with marginal ratings, which has increased and will continue to increase competition for qualified drivers.

In December 2011, the FMCSA issued a regulatory rule effective in July 2013 that revised the hours-of-service requirements for drivers, which designate the length of time that drivers are allowed to drive and work.  The rule retains the 11-hour driving maximum under which the industry has been operating since 2004.  However, changes to the “34-hour restart” provision and required breaks effectively reduce the maximum workweek for drivers to 70 hours from 82 hours.  The changes to these provisions will be analyzed in a field study mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21 Act, enacted in July 2012.  These changes will reduce on-duty non-driving time and are likely to moderately decrease industry productivity.

In January 2011, the FMCSA issued a regulatory proposal that would require commercial carriers to track compliance with hours-of-service regulations using electronic logging devices, or ELD’s, which was vacated and sent back to the FMCSA for further analysis and review in September 2011 by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  The MAP-21 Act includes a provision directing the FMCSA to develop a final ELD rule in 2013.  Our entire tractor fleet has been equipped with ELD’s since early 2011.

The EPA adopted revised emissions control regulations, which required progressive reductions in exhaust emissions from diesel engines through 2010, for engines manufactured in October 2002 and thereafter.  The revised regulations decrease the amount of emissions that can be released by tractor engines and affect tractors produced after the effective date of the regulations. The last of three stepped reductions in exhaust emissions was effective for engines manufactured in January 2010 and thereafter.  As of December 31, 2012, 701 of the tractors in our fleet have tractor engines which were manufactured in January 2010 or thereafter and, therefore, were required to meet the revised design requirements. Compliance with these regulations has increased the cost of new tractors as manufacturers have significantly increased new equipment prices, in part to meet the more stringent engine design requirements imposed by the EPA.

We are also subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials, fuel storage tanks, air emissions from our facilities, engine idling, and discharge and retention of storm water.  These regulations did not have a significant impact on our operations or financial results in 2010 through 2012.

6

ITEM 1A.        RISK FACTORS

The following factors are important and should be considered carefully in connection with any evaluation of our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects, or an investment in our common stock.  The risks and uncertainties described below are those that we currently believe may materially affect our company or our financial results.  Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations or affect our financial results.

Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely beyond our control, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results.  Our business is dependent on a number of general economic and business factors that may have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations, many of which are beyond our control.  These factors include excess capacity in the trucking industry, strikes or other work stoppages, and significant increases or fluctuations in interest rates, fuel taxes, and license and registration fees.  We are affected by recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles, particularly in market segments and industries where we have a significant concentration of customers. Economic conditions may adversely affect our customers and their ability to pay for our services.

It is not possible to predict the effects of actual or threatened armed conflicts or terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against any foreign state, heightened security requirements, or other related events and the subsequent effects on the economy or on consumer confidence in the United States, or the impact, if any, on our future results of operations.

Instability of the credit markets and the resulting effects on the economy could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. If the credit markets and the economy weaken, our business, financial results, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected, especially if consumer confidence declines and domestic spending decreases.  We may need to incur additional indebtedness, which may include drawing on our credit facility, or issue debt securities in the future to fund working capital requirements, make investments, or for general corporate purposes.  Additionally, stresses in the credit market causes uncertainty in the equity markets, which may result in volatility of the market price for our securities.

We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to maintain our current profitability.  We compete with many other truckload carriers that provide temperature-sensitive service of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with less-than-truckload carriers, railroads and other transportation companies, many of which have more equipment, a wider range of services and greater capital resources than we do or have other competitive advantages. In particular, several of the largest truckload carriers that offer primarily dry-van service also offer temperature-sensitive service, and these carriers could attempt to increase their business in the temperature-sensitive market. Many of our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially during times of reduced growth rates in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase freight rates or maintain significant growth in our business. In addition, many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called “core carriers” as approved service providers, or conduct bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and in some instances we may not be selected as a core carrier or to provide service under such bids.

In addition, the trend toward consolidation in the trucking industry may create other large carriers with greater financial resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size.  Competition from freight logistics and brokerage companies may negatively impact our customer relationships and freight rates.  Furthermore, economies of scale that may be passed on to smaller carriers by procurement aggregation providers may improve such carriers’ ability to compete with us.

7

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from our major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.  A significant portion of our revenue is generated from our major customers.  For 2012, our top 30 customers, based on revenue, accounted for approximately 69% of our revenue; our top ten customers accounted for approximately 47% of our revenue; our top five customers accounted for approximately 33% of our revenue; and our top two customers accounted for approximately 17% of our revenue.  Generally, we enter into one-year contracts with our major customers, the majority of which do not contain any firm obligations to ship with us.  We cannot assure you that, upon expiration of existing contracts, these customers will continue to use our services or that, if they do, they will continue at the same levels.  Many of our customers periodically solicit bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and this process may depress freight rates or result in loss of business to our competitors.  Some of our customers also operate their own private trucking fleets, and they may decide to transport more of their own freight.  A reduction in or termination of our services by one or more of our major customers could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results.

If the growth in our regional operations declines, or if we expand into a market with insufficient economic activity, our results of operations could be adversely affected.  We operate regional service centers which are located in a number of cities within the United States.  In order to support future growth, these regional operations require the commitment of additional capital, revenue equipment and facilities along with qualified management, drivers and other personnel. Should the growth in our regional operations decline, the results of our operations could be adversely affected.  It may become more difficult to identify additional cities that can support service centers, and we may expand into cities where there is insufficient economic activity, reduced capacity for growth or less driver and non-driver personnel to support our operations.  We may encounter operating conditions in these new markets that materially differ from our current operations and customer relationships may be difficult to obtain at appropriate freight rates.  Also, we may not be able to apply our regional operating strategy successfully in additional cities, and it might take longer than expected or require a more substantial financial commitment than anticipated to establish our operations in the additional cities.

Increased prices, reduced productivity, and restricted availability of new revenue equipment could cause our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows to suffer.  We have experienced higher prices for new tractors and trailers over the past few years, primarily as a result of higher commodity prices and government regulations applicable to newly manufactured tractors and diesel engines.  We expect to continue to pay increased prices for revenue equipment for the foreseeable future.  Our business could be harmed if we are unable to continue to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors and trailers or if we have to pay increased prices for new revenue equipment.

The EPA adopted revised emissions control regulations, which required progressive reductions in exhaust emissions from diesel engines through 2010, for engines manufactured in October 2002 and thereafter. The revised regulations decrease the amount of emissions that can be released by tractor engines and affect tractors produced after the effective date of the regulations. The last of three stepped reductions in exhaust emissions was effective for engines manufactured in January 2010 and thereafter.  As of December 31, 2012, 701 of the tractors in our fleet have tractor engines which were manufactured in January 2010 or thereafter and, therefore, were required to meet the revised design requirements. Compliance with these regulations has increased the cost of new tractors as manufacturers have significantly increased new equipment prices, in part to meet the more stringent engine design requirements imposed by the EPA.

8

We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could harm our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from our operations. The truckload industry is capital intensive, and our policy of operating newer equipment requires us to expend significant amounts annually. If we elect to expand our fleet in future periods, our capital needs would increase. We expect to pay for projected capital expenditures with cash flows from operations and borrowings under our revolving credit facility. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on favorable terms in the future, we may have to limit our growth, enter into less favorable financing arrangements, or operate our revenue equipment for longer periods, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability.

Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could significantly affect our earnings.  Our future insurance and claims expense might exceed historical levels, which could reduce our earnings. We self-insure for a portion of our claims exposure resulting from workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, as well as employees’ health insurance. We also are responsible for our legal expenses relating to such claims. We reserve currently for anticipated losses and expenses. We periodically evaluate and adjust our claims reserves to reflect our experience. However, ultimate results may differ from our estimates, which could result in losses over our reserved amounts.

We maintain insurance above the amounts for which we self-insure with licensed insurance carriers. Although we believe the aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover reasonably expected claims, it is possible that one or more claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. Insurance carriers have raised premiums for many businesses, including trucking companies. As a result, our insurance and claims expense could increase, or we could raise our self-insured retention when our policies are renewed. If these expenses increase, or if we experience a claim in excess of our coverage limits, or we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided, results of our operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We operate in a highly regulated industry and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business.  The DOT and various state and local agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety and insurance requirements. Our company drivers and independent contractors also must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the DOT, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing and hours-of-service.  We also may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations relating to fuel emissions, ergonomics, or other matters affecting safety or operating methods. Other agencies, such as the EPA and the Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, also regulate our equipment, operations, and drivers.  Future laws and regulations may be more stringent and require changes in our operating practices, influence the demand for transportation services, or require us to incur significant additional costs. Higher costs incurred by us or by our suppliers who pass the costs onto us through higher prices could adversely affect our results of operations.

The DOT, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, imposes safety and fitness regulations on us and our drivers.  In December 2010, the FMCSA introduced a new system, Compliance, Safety, Accountability, or CSA, to measure and evaluate the on-road safety performance of commercial carriers and individual drivers.  CSA’s Motor Carrier Safety Measurement System replaced the former SafeStat system and uses more roadside data to identify behaviors that predict safety issues, is more proactive with intervention and maximizes compliance monitoring resources.  The CSA system has removed a number of drivers from the industry as carriers are less willing to hire and retain drivers with marginal ratings, which has increased and will continue to increase competition for qualified drivers.

9

In December 2011, the FMCSA issued a regulatory rule effective in July 2013 that revised the hours-of-service requirements for drivers, which designate the length of time that drivers are allowed to drive and work.  The rule retains the 11-hour driving maximum under which the industry has been operating since 2004.  However, changes to the “34-hour restart” provision and required breaks effectively reduce the maximum workweek for drivers to 70 hours from 82 hours.  The changes to these provisions will be analyzed in a field study mandated by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act, or MAP-21 Act, enacted in July 2012.  These changes will reduce on-duty non-driving time and are likely to moderately decrease industry productivity.

In January 2011, the FMCSA issued a regulatory proposal that would require commercial carriers to track compliance with hours-of-service regulations using electronic logging devices, or ELD’s, which was vacated and sent back to the FMCSA for further analysis and review in September 2011 by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.  The MAP-21 Act includes a provision directing the FMCSA to develop a final ELD rule in 2013.  Our entire tractor fleet has been equipped with ELD’s since early 2011.

From time to time, various federal, state, or local taxes are increased, including taxes on fuels.  We cannot predict whether, or in what form, any such increase applicable to us will be enacted, but such an increase could adversely affect our profitability.

Increases in compensation or difficulty in attracting drivers could affect our profitability and ability to grow.  The transportation industry has historically experienced substantial difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, including independent contractors.  With increased competition for drivers, including the impact that recent regulatory changes mandated by CSA may have on the number of drivers in the transportation industry, we could experience greater difficulty in attracting sufficient numbers of qualified drivers.  In addition, due in part to current economic conditions, including the cost of fuel and insurance, the available pool of independent contractor drivers is smaller than it has been historically.  Accordingly, we may face difficulty in attracting and retaining drivers for all of our current tractors and for those we may add.  Additionally, we may face difficulty in increasing the number of our independent contractor drivers. In addition, our industry suffers from high turnover rates of drivers. Our turnover rate requires us to recruit a substantial number of drivers. Moreover, our turnover rate could increase. If we are unable to continue to attract drivers and contract with independent contractors, we could be required to continue adjusting our driver compensation package beyond the norm or let trucks sit idle.  An increase in our expenses or in the number of tractors without drivers could materially and adversely affect our growth and profitability.

Fluctuations in the price or availability of fuel may increase our cost of operation, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.  We require large amounts of diesel fuel to operate our tractors and to power the temperature-control units on our trailers. Fuel is one of our largest operating expenses. Fuel prices tend to fluctuate, and prices and availability of all petroleum products are subject to political, economic and market factors that are beyond our control. We depend primarily on fuel surcharges, auxiliary power units for our tractors, satellite tracking equipment for the temperature-control units on our trailers, volume purchasing arrangements with truck stop chains and bulk purchases of fuel at our terminals to control and recover our fuel expenses. There can be no assurance that we will be able to collect fuel surcharges, enter into volume purchase agreements, or execute successful hedges in the future. Additionally, we may encounter decreases in productivity that may offset or eliminate savings from auxiliary power units or satellite tracking equipment, or may incur unexpected maintenance or other costs associated with such units. The absence of meaningful fuel price protection through these measures, fluctuations in fuel prices, or a shortage of diesel fuel, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Seasonality and the impact of weather can affect our profitability.  Our tractor productivity generally decreases during the winter season because inclement weather impedes operations and some shippers reduce their shipments. At the same time, operating expenses generally increase, with harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims and more equipment repairs. We can also suffer short-term impacts from weather-related events such as hurricanes, blizzards, ice-storms, and floods that could harm our results or make our results more volatile.

10

Service instability in the railroad industry could increase our operating costs and reduce our ability to offer intermodal services, which could adversely affect our revenue, results of operations, and customer relationships.  In the future, our dependence on railroads will increase if we continue to expand our intermodal services. In most markets, rail service is limited to a few railroads or even a single railroad. Any reduction in service by the railroads with which we have, or in the future may have, relationships is likely to increase the cost of the rail-based services we provide and reduce the reliability, timeliness, and overall attractiveness of our rail-based services. Furthermore, railroads are relatively free to adjust shipping rates up or down as market conditions permit. Price increases could result in higher costs to our customers and reduce or eliminate our ability to offer intermodal services. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to negotiate additional contracts with railroads to expand our capacity, add additional routes, or obtain multiple providers, which could limit our ability to provide this service.

Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.  We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials, fuel storage tanks, air emissions from our vehicles and facilities, engine idling, and discharge and retention of storm water. We operate in industrial areas, where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have occurred. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. Although we have instituted programs to monitor and control environmental risks and promote compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations, if we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to liabilities, including substantial fines or penalties or civil and criminal liability, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results.

If we are unable to retain our executive officers and key management employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.  We are highly dependent upon the services of our executive officers and key management employees.  Currently, we do not have employment agreements with these employees and the loss of any of their services could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. In addition, we must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so in the future.

We depend on the stability, availability and security of the technology related to our management information systems, which may prove to be inadequate.  We depend upon our managementinformation systems for many aspects of our business.  Some of our key software has been developed internally by our programmers or by adapting purchased software to our needs and this software may not be easily modified or integrated with other software and systems.  In addition, the security risks associated with information technology systems have increased in recent years because of the sophistication and amount of cyber attacks.  Our business will be materially and adversely affected if our management information systems are disrupted by a failure or security breach or if we are unable to improve, upgrade, integrate or expand our systems as we continue to execute our growth strategy, including our logistics services.

ITEM 1B.        UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

11

ITEM 2.           PROPERTIES

Our executive offices and principal terminal are located on approximately seven acres in Mondovi, Wisconsin. This facility consists of 39,000 square feet of office space and 21,000 square feet of equipment repair and maintenance space.  We added additional equipment repair and maintenance facilities in 2007 and in 2009 in Mondovi, Wisconsin which consist of 15,000 square feet of space located on approximately 11 acres and 50,000 square feet of space located on approximately three acres, respectively. We operate facilities in or near the following cities at which we perform the following designated operating activities:

Company Locations	Owned or Leased	Maintenance	Fueling	Driver Recruitment	Driver Training	Dispatch	Sales
Mondovi, Wisconsin	Owned	X	X	X	X	X	X
Ontario, California	Owned	X	X				X
Atlanta, Georgia	Owned	X	X	X	X	X	X
Portland, Oregon	Owned	X	X			X	X
Indianapolis, Indiana	Owned	X	X	X	X	X	X
Desoto, Texas	Owned	X	X	X	X	X	X
Tampa, Florida	Owned	X				X	X
Memphis, Tennessee	Owned	X		X		X	X
Colonial Heights, Virginia	Owned	X		X	X	X	X
Laredo, Texas	Owned	X	X			X	X
Phoenix, Arizona	Leased	X		X	X	X	X
Kansas City, Kansas	Leased	X		X		X	X
Carlisle, Pennsylvania	Leased	X		X		X	X
Chicago, Illinois	Leased					X	X

ITEM 3.           LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in ordinary routine litigation incidental to our operations. These lawsuits primarily involve claims for workers’ compensation, personal injury, or property damage incurred in the transportation of freight.

ITEM 4.           MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.

12

ITEM 4A.        EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

             Our executive officers, with their ages and the offices held as of February 28, 2013, are as follows:

Name	Age	Position
Randolph L. Marten	60	Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Timothy M. Kohl	65	President
Robert G. Smith	69	Chief Operating Officer
Timothy P. Nash	61	Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing
James J. Hinnendael	49	Chief Financial Officer
John H. Turner	51	Vice President of Sales

Randolph L. Marten has been a full-time employee of ours since 1974.  Mr. Marten has been a Director since October 1980, our Chairman of the Board since August 1993 and our Chief Executive Officer since January 2005.  Mr. Marten also served as our President from June 1986 until June 2008, our Chief Operating Officer from June 1986 until August 1998 and as a Vice President from October 1980 to June 1986.

Timothy M. Kohl has been our President since June 2008.  Mr. Kohl joined the company in November 2007, and has over 25 years’ experience in the transportation services industry.  Mr. Kohl served as Knight Transportation Inc.’s President from 2004 to 2007 and as its Secretary from 2000 to 2007.  Mr. Kohl served as a director on Knight’s Board of Directors from 2001 to 2006, and he served as its Chief Financial Officer from 2000 to 2004.  Mr. Kohl also served as Knight’s Vice President of Human Resources from 1996 through 1999.  From 1999 through 2000, Mr. Kohl served as Vice President of Knight’s southeast region.  Prior to his employment with Knight, Mr. Kohl was employed by Burlington Motor Carriers as Vice President of Human Resources.  Prior to his employment with Burlington Motor Carriers, Mr. Kohl served as Vice President of Human Resources for J.B. Hunt.

Robert G. Smith has been our Chief Operating Officer since August 1998.  Mr. Smith also served as our Vice President of Operations from June 1993 until May 1999 and as our Director of Operations from September 1989 to June 1993.  Mr. Smith served as director of operations for Transport Corporation of America, an irregular-route truckload carrier, from 1985 to 1989.

Timothy P. Nash has been our Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing since November 2000.  Mr. Nash also served as our Vice President of Sales from November 1990 to November 2000 and as a Regional Sales Manager from July 1987 to November 1990.  Mr. Nash served as a regional sales manager for Overland Express, Inc., a long-haul truckload carrier, from 1986 to 1987.

James J. Hinnendael has been our Chief Financial Officer since January 2006 and served as our Controller from January 1992 to December 2005.  Mr. Hinnendael served in various professional capacities with Ernst & Young LLP, a public accounting firm, from 1987 to December 1991.  Mr. Hinnendael is a certified public accountant.

13

John H. Turner has been our Vice President of Sales since January 2007 and an executive officer since August 2007.  He also served as our Vice President of Sales from October 2000 to February 2005, and as an executive officer from January 2002 to February 2005.  Mr. Turner also served as our Director of Sales from July 1999 to October 2000 and in various professional capacities in our sales and marketing area from August 1991 to July 1999 and as our Operations Manager-West from October 1990 to August 1991.  Previously, Mr. Turner served as a vice president for Naterra Land, Inc., a recreational land developer, from 2005 to 2006 and as the western fleet general manager and area sales manager for Munson Transportation, Inc., a long-haul truckload carrier, from 1986 to 1990.

PART II

ITEM 5.           MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “MRTN.”  The table below shows the range of high and low bid prices for the quarters indicated on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  Such quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markups, markdowns or commissions and, therefore, may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

	Common Stock Price
Year ended December 31, 2012	High		Low
Fourth Quarter	$	19.40	$	15.01
Third Quarter		21.30		14.50
Second Quarter		22.48		18.01
First Quarter		23.12		16.46
Year ended December 31, 2011
Fourth Quarter	$	19.78	$	15.28
Third Quarter		22.37		15.00
Second Quarter		23.19		17.43
First Quarter		22.86		19.65

The prices do not include adjustments for retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions.  On February 28, 2013, we had 177 record stockholders, and approximately 3,637 beneficial stockholders of our common stock.

In August 2010, we announced a regular cash dividend program to our stockholders, subject to approval each quarter.  The first two quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock were paid in the third and fourth quarters of 2010.  Quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock were also paid in 2011.  Quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock were paid in March 2012, and dividends of $0.025 per share were paid in each of May, September and December 2012.  We also paid a special cash dividend of $0.75 per share in December 2012.  We currently expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future.  The payment of cash dividends in the future, and the amount of any such dividends, will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, and certain corporate law requirements, as well as other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.  Our ability to pay cash dividends is currently limited by restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility, which prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of the special dividend in December 2012.

14

On December 4, 2007, our Board of Directors approved and we announced a share repurchase program to repurchase up to one million shares of our common stock either through purchases on the open market or through private transactions and in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.  The timing and extent to which we will repurchase shares depends on market conditions and other corporate considerations.  The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.  In the first quarter of 2008 we repurchased and retired 67,500 shares of our common stock.  We have made no purchases since 2008.

Comparative Stock Performance

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock with the NASDAQ Market index and the SIC code 4213 (trucking, except local) line-of-business index for the last five years.  Research Data Group, Inc. prepared the line-of-business index.  The graph assumes $100 is invested in our common stock, the NASDAQ Stock Market index and the line-of-business index on December 31, 2007, with reinvestment of dividends.  The comparisons in the graph below are based on historical data and are not intended to forecast the possible future performance of our common stock.  The information in the graph below shall be deemed “furnished” and not “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

15

ITEM 6.           SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012			2011			2010			2009			2008
FOR THE YEAR
Operating revenue	$	638,456		$	603,679		$	516,920		$	505,874		$	607,099
Operating income		45,853			43,030			35,289			29,359			32,705
Net income		27,267			24,285			19,742			16,267			18,071
Operating ratio(1)		92.8	%		92.9	%		93.2	%		94.2	%		94.6	%
PER-SHARE DATA
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.24		$	1.10		$	0.90		$	0.74		$	0.83
Diluted earnings per common share		1.23			1.10			0.90			0.74			0.82
Dividends paid per common share		0.845			0.08			0.04			—			—
Book value		15.01			14.57			13.48			12.56			11.79
AT YEAR END
Total assets	$	490,623		$	470,579		$	460,308		$	414,838		$	397,443
Long-term debt		2,726			—			19,346			1,499			2,857
Stockholders’ equity		331,923			320,359			295,904			274,907			257,451

(1) Represents operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue.

16

ITEM 7.           MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the selected consolidated financial data and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning on page 7.  We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this report.

Overview

The primary source of our operating revenue is truckload revenue, which we generate by transporting long-haul and regional freight for our customers and report within our Truckload segment.  Generally, we are paid by the mile for our services.  We also derive truckload revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other ancillary services.  The main factors that affect our truckload revenue are the rate per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, the number of miles we generate with our equipment and changes in fuel prices.  We monitor our revenue production primarily through average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week.  We also analyze our average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per total mile, non-revenue miles percentage, the miles per tractor we generate, our accessorial revenue and our other sources of operating revenue.

Our operating revenue also includes revenue reported within our Logistics segment, which consists of revenue from our internal brokerage and intermodal operations, and through our 45% interest in MWL, a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  Brokerage services involve arranging for another company to transport freight for our customers while we retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities.  Intermodal services involve the transport of our trailers on railroad flatcars for a portion of a trip, with the balance of the trip using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers.  The main factors that affect our logistics revenue are the rate per mile and other charges we receive from our customers.

In addition to the factors discussed above, our operating revenue is also affected by, among other things, the United States economy, inventory levels, the level of truck and rail capacity in the transportation market and specific customer demand.

Our operating revenue increased $34.8 million, or 5.8%, in 2012.  Our operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $26.7 million, or 5.4%, compared with 2011.  Truckload segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 5.8% primarily due to an increase in our average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week of 5.6%.  Fuel surcharge revenue increased by $8.1 million, or 7.2%.  The changes in our operating statistics are primarily the result of the continued growth of our regional temperature-controlled operations, which we have increased from 4.6% at the end of 2007 to 73.7% of our truckload fleet as of December 31, 2012.  By focusing on shorter lengths of haul in certain defined areas, we are addressing customer trends toward regional distribution to lower their transportation expense, furthering our own objectives of reducing fuel consumption per load, and matching some of our drivers’ desires to stay closer to home.  Logistics segment revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharges, increased 4.6% compared with 2011.  The increase in logistics revenue primarily resulted from volume growth in each of our internal brokerage and intermodal services.  Logistics revenue represented 24.3% of our operating revenue in 2012 compared to 24.5% in 2011.

17

             Our profitability on the expense side is impacted by variable costs of transporting freight for our customers, fixed costs, and expenses containing both fixed and variable components.  The variable costs include fuel expense, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and independent contractor costs, which are recorded under purchased transportation.  Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims.  These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a controllable component based on safety, fleet age, efficiency and other factors.  Our main fixed costs relate to the acquisition of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and operating terminals.  We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment.  Although certain factors affecting our expenses are beyond our control, we monitor them closely and attempt to anticipate changes in these factors in managing our business.  For example, fuel prices have fluctuated dramatically over the past several years.  We manage our exposure to changes in fuel prices primarily through fuel surcharge programs with our customers, as well as through volume fuel purchasing arrangements with national fuel centers and bulk purchases of fuel at our terminals.  To help further reduce fuel expense, we installed auxiliary power units in our tractors to provide climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine.  For our Logistics segment, our profitability on the expense side is impacted by the percentage of logistics revenue we pay to providers for the transportation services we arrange.

Our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” improved to 92.8% in 2012 from 92.9% in 2011.  Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharge revenue, improved to 91.1% for 2012 from 91.2% for 2011.  Our net income increased to $27.3 million in 2012 from $24.3 million in 2011.

Our business requires substantial, ongoing capital investments, particularly for new tractors and trailers. At December 31, 2012, we had approximately $3.5 million of cash and cash equivalents, $2.7 million of long-term debt outstanding and $331.9 million in stockholders’ equity.  In 2012, net cash flows provided by operating activities of $85.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $17.3 million were primarily used to purchase new revenue equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, in the amount of $75.1 million, to partially construct and acquire regional operating facilities in the amount of $10.9 million, and to pay cash dividends of $18.7 million.  We estimate that capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions, will be approximately $65 million for 2013.  In 2012, we paid cash dividends totaling $18.7 million which consisted of quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock in March and $0.025 per share in May, September and December, along with a special dividend of $0.75 per share in December.  We believe our sources of liquidity are adequate to meet our current and anticipated needs for at least the next twelve months.  Based upon anticipated cash flows, existing cash and cash equivalents balances, current borrowing availability and other sources of financing we expect to be available to us, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

We have been transforming our business strategy to a multifaceted set of transportation service solutions, primarily regional temperature-controlled operations along with intermodal and brokerage services, while developing a diverse customer base that gains value from and expands each of these operating units.   We believe that we are well-positioned regardless of the economic environment with this transformation of our services combined with our competitive position, cost control emphasis, modern fleet and strong balance sheet.

18

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes discussions of operating, truckload and logistics revenue, and operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, each net of fuel surcharge revenue, and net fuel expense (fuel and fuel taxes net of fuel surcharge revenue and surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads).  We provide these additional disclosures because management believes these measures provide a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period.  These financial measures in this report have not been determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).  Pursuant to Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K, we have included the amounts necessary to reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, operating revenue, operating expenses divided by operating revenue, and fuel and fuel taxes.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth for the years indicated certain operating statistics regarding our revenue and operations:

	2012		2011		2010
Truckload Segment:
Total Truckload revenue (in thousands)	$	483,323	$	455,847	$	392,764
Average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week(1)	$	3,339	$	3,162	$	2,968
Average tractors(1)		2,167		2,170		2,105
Average miles per trip		624		626		655
Total miles – company-employed drivers (in thousands)		215,742		202,836		193,342
Total miles – independent contractors (in thousands)		4,583		6,841		13,776
Logistics Segment:
Total Logistics revenue (in thousands)	$	155,133	$	147,832	$	124,156
Brokerage:
Marten Transport
Revenue (in thousands)	$	53,161	$	48,354	$	41,219
Loads		32,533		25,412		21,896
MWL
Revenue (in thousands)	$	30,648	$	34,463	$	35,247
Loads		16,120		17,194		18,704
Intermodal:
Revenue (in thousands)	$	71,324	$	65,015	$	47,690
Loads		27,488		24,302		20,150
Average tractors		63		75		67

(1) Includes tractors driven by both company-employed drivers and independent contractors.  Independent contractors provided 36, 48 and 86 tractors as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

19

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2012 to Year Ended December 31, 2011

The following table sets forth for the years indicated our operating revenue, operating income and operating ratio by segment, along with the change for each component:

							Dollar		Percentage
							Change		Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012 vs. 2011		2012 vs. 2011
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue	$	378,383		$	357,787		$	20,596		5.8	%
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue		104,940			98,060			6,880		7.0
Total Truckload revenue		483,323			455,847			27,476		6.0
Logistics revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharge revenue(1)		138,960			132,890			6,070		4.6
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue		16,173			14,942			1,231		8.2
Total Logistics revenue		155,133			147,832			7,301		4.9
Total operating revenue	$	638,456		$	603,679		$	34,777		5.8	%
Operating income:
Truckload	$	36,805		$	35,298		$	1,507		4.3	%
Logistics		9,048			7,732			1,316		17.0
Total operating income	$	45,853		$	43,030		$	2,823		6.6	%
Operating ratio(2):
Truckload		92.4	%		92.3	%				0.1	%
Logistics		94.2			94.8					(0.6	)
Consolidated operating ratio		92.8	%		92.9	%				(0.1	)%

(1) Logistics revenue is net of $9.7 million and $9.0 million of inter-segment revenue in 2012 and 2011, respectively, for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL that have been eliminated in consolidation.

(2) Represents operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $56.7 million and $54.4 million, and Logistics segment depreciation expense was $4.2 million and $3.1 million, in 2012 and 2011, respectively.

Our operating revenue increased $34.8 million, or 5.8%, to $638.5 million in 2012 from $603.7 million in 2011.  Our operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $26.7 million, or 5.4%, to $517.3 million in 2012 from $490.7 million in 2011.  The increase in operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, was due to an increase in truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, along with growth in logistics revenue.  Fuel surcharge revenue increased to $121.1 million in 2012 from $113.0 million in 2011.

20

Truckload segment revenue increased $27.5 million, or 6.0%, to $483.3 million in 2012 from $455.8 million in 2011.  Truckload segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 5.8% primarily due to an increase in our average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week of 5.6%. The changes in our operating statistics are primarily the result of the continued growth of our regional temperature-controlled operations, which we have increased to 73.7% of our truckload fleet as of December 31, 2012 from 64.7% as of December 31, 2011.  By focusing on shorter lengths of haul in certain defined areas, we are addressing customer trends toward regional distribution to lower their transportation expense, furthering our own objectives of reducing fuel consumption per load, and matching some of our drivers’ desires to stay closer to home.  The operating ratio for our Truckload segment in 2012 was consistent with 2011.

Logistics segment revenue increased $7.3 million, or 4.9%, to $155.1 million in 2012 from $147.8 million in 2011.  Logistics segment revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharges, increased 4.6%.  The increase in logistics revenue resulted from continued volume growth in each of our internal brokerage and intermodal services.  The improvement in the operating ratio for our Logistics segment in 2012 was primarily due to a decrease in the payments to carriers for transportation services which we arranged as a percentage of our brokerage revenue.

The following table sets forth for the years indicated the dollar and percentage increase or decrease of the items in our consolidated statements of operations, and those items as a percentage of operating revenue:

	Dollar Change			Percentage Change			Percentage of Operating Revenue
(Dollars in thousands)	2012 vs. 2011			2012 vs. 2011			2012			2011
Operating revenue	$	34,777			5.8	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits		15,596			10.6			25.6			24.5
Purchased transportation		3,937			3.3			19.5			19.9
Fuel and fuel taxes		8,001			5.1			25.6			25.8
Supplies and maintenance		(392	)		(1.0	)		6.3			6.7
Depreciation		3,373			5.9			9.5			9.5
Operating taxes and licenses		368			5.8			1.1			1.1
Insurance and claims		2,548			14.0			3.2			3.0
Communications and utilities		334			7.3			0.8			0.8
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment		(1,502	)		(39.5	)		(0.8	)		(0.6	)
Other		(309	)		(2.2	)		2.1			2.3
Total operating expenses		31,954			5.7			92.8			92.9
Operating income		2,823			6.6			7.2			7.1
Net interest income		(24	)		(100.0	)		-			-
Income before income taxes		2,847			6.6			7.2			7.1
Less: Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		(310	)		(38.4	)		0.1			0.1
Income before income taxes attributable to Marten Transport, Ltd.		3,157			7.5			7.1			7.0
Provision for income taxes		175			1.0			2.8			3.0
Net income	$	2,982			12.3	%		4.3	%		4.0	%

21

Salaries, wages and benefits consist of compensation for our employees, including both driver and non-driver employees, employees’ health insurance, 401(k) plan contributions and other fringe benefits.  These expenses vary depending upon the ratio of company drivers to independent contractors, our efficiency, our experience with employees’ health insurance claims, changes in health care premiums and other factors. The increase in salaries, wages and benefits resulted primarily from a 6.4% increase in the total miles driven by company drivers, an additional $1.5 million of detention pay due to a change in our policy to compensate company drivers when they are detained at pick up or delivery and additional amounts paid to company drivers due to changes in our policies for safety and productivity bonuses and holiday pay.  Additionally, employees’ health insurance expense increased by $2.0 million due to an increase in our self-insured medical claims.

Purchased transportation consists of payments to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment and to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities.  This category will vary depending upon the ratio of company drivers versus independent contractors, the amount of fuel surcharges passed through to independent contractors and the amount and rates, including fuel surcharges, we pay to third-party railroad and motor carriers.  Purchased transportation expense increased $3.9 million in total, or 3.3%, in 2012 from 2011.  Payments to carriers for transportation services we arranged in our brokerage and intermodal operations increased $6.8 million to $117.6 million in 2012 from $110.8 million in 2011.  The portion of purchased transportation expense related to our independent contractors, including fuel surcharges, decreased $2.9 million in 2012, primarily due to a decrease in the number of independent contractor-owned tractors in our fleet.  We expect that purchased transportation expense will increase as we continue to grow our Logistics segment.

Fuel and fuel taxes increased by $8.0 million in 2012 from 2011.  Net fuel expense (fuel and fuel taxes net of fuel surcharge revenue and surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads) increased $910,000, or 1.6%, to $56.3 million in 2012 from $55.3 million in 2011.  Fuel surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads were $13.8 million in 2012 and $12.8 million in 2011.  We have worked diligently to control fuel usage and costs by improving our volume purchasing arrangements and optimizing our drivers’ fuel purchases with national fuel centers, focusing on shorter lengths of haul, installing and tightly managing the use of auxiliary power units in our tractors to minimize engine idling and improving fuel usage in the temperature-control units on our trailers.  Auxiliary power units, which we have installed in our company-owned tractors, provide climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine.  The increase in net fuel expense was primarily due to an increase in the DOE national average cost of fuel to $3.97 per gallon in 2012 from $3.83 per gallon in 2011 and an increase in total miles driven.  The cost control measures stated above helped to offset these factors.  Net fuel expense represented 13.0% of truckload and intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharges, in 2012, compared with 13.6% in 2011.

Supplies and maintenance consist of repairs, maintenance, tires, parts, oil, and engine fluids, along with load-specific expenses including loading/unloading, tolls, pallets and trailer hostling.  Our supplies and maintenance expense decreased $392,000, or 1.0%, from 2011 while our average fleet size was relatively consistent.  We experienced higher tire and toll costs in 2012; however, these increased costs were more than offset by lower repair costs at both internal and external facilities.

Depreciation relates to owned tractors, trailers, auxiliary power units, communication units, terminal facilities and other assets.  The increase in depreciation was primarily due to a continued increase in the cost of revenue equipment and an increase in the relative percentage of company-owned tractors to independent contractor-owned tractors in 2012.  We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment, which will result in greater depreciation over the useful life.

22

Insurance and claims consist of the costs of insurance premiums and the accruals we make for claims within our self-insured retention amounts, primarily for personal injury, property damage, physical damage to our equipment, cargo claims and workers’ compensation claims.  These expenses will vary primarily based upon the frequency and severity of our accident experience, our self-insured retention levels and the market for insurance.  The $2.5 million increase in insurance and claims in 2012 was primarily due to increases in the cost of physical damage claims related to our tractor and trailers and in the cost of workers’ compensation accident claims.  Our significant self-insured retention exposes us to the possibility of significant fluctuations in claims expense between periods depending on the frequency, severity and timing of claims and to adverse financial results if we incur large or numerous losses.

Gain on disposition of revenue equipment increased to $5.3 million in 2012 from $3.8 million in 2011 primarily due to an increase in the market value for used revenue equipment, along with an increase in the number of planned tractor dispositions.  Future gains or losses on disposition of revenue equipment will be impacted by the market for used revenue equipment, which is beyond our control.

As a result of the foregoing factors, our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” improved to 92.8% in 2012 from 92.9% in 2011.  The operating ratio for our Truckload segment was 92.4% and 92.3% in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  The operating ratio for our Logistics segment was 94.2% and 94.8% in 2012 and 2011, respectively.  Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharge revenue, improved to 91.1% for 2012 from 91.2% for 2011.

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 39.9% for 2012 from 42.5% for 2011, primarily due to a decrease to our deferred income tax liability as a result of a change in income apportionment for several states.

As a result of the factors described above, net income increased to $27.3 million in 2012 from $24.3 million in 2011.  Net earnings per diluted share increased to $1.23 in 2012 from $1.10 in 2011.

23

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2011 to Year Ended December 31, 2010

The following table sets forth for the years indicated our operating revenue, operating income and operating ratio by segment, along with the change for each component:

							Dollar		Percentage
							Change		Change
(Dollars in thousands)	2011			2010			2011 vs. 2010		2011 vs. 2010
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue	$	357,787		$	325,791		$	31,996		9.8	%
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue		98,060			66,973			31,087		46.4
Total Truckload revenue		455,847			392,764			63,083		16.1
Logistics revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharge revenue(1)		132,890			115,223			17,667		15.3
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue		14,942			8,933			6,009		67.3
Total Logistics revenue		147,832			124,156			23,676		19.1
Total operating revenue	$	603,679		$	516,920		$	86,759		16.8	%
Operating income:
Truckload	$	35,298		$	28,680		$	6,618		23.1	%
Logistics		7,732			6,609			1,123		17.0
Total operating income	$	43,030		$	35,289		$	7,741		21.9	%
Operating ratio(2):
Truckload		92.3	%		92.7	%				(0.4	)%
Logistics		94.8			94.7					0.1
Consolidated operating ratio		92.9	%		93.2	%				(0.3	)%

(1) Logistics revenue is net of $9.0 million and $9.1 million of inter-segment revenue in 2011 and 2010, respectively, for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL that have been eliminated in consolidation.

(2) Represents operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $54.4 million and $49.0 million, and Logistics segment depreciation expense was $3.1 million and $2.9 million, in 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Our operating revenue increased $86.8 million, or 16.8%, to $603.7 million in 2011 from $516.9 million in 2010.  Our operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $49.7 million, or 11.3%, to $490.7 million in 2011 from $441.0 million in 2010.  The increase in operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, was due to an increase in truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, along with growth in logistics revenue.  Fuel surcharge revenue increased to $113.0 million in 2011 from $75.9 million in 2010, which was caused by significantly higher fuel prices in 2011.

24

Truckload segment revenue increased $63.1 million, or 16.1%, to $455.8 million in 2011 from $392.8 million in 2010.  Truckload segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 9.8% primarily due to an increase in our average truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week of 6.5%, along with an increase in our average fleet size of 65 tractors, or 3.1%, in 2011 from 2010.  The changes in our operating statistics are primarily the result of the continued growth of our regional temperature-controlled operations, which we have increased to 64.7% of our truckload fleet as of December 31, 2011 from 51.8% as of December 31, 2010.  By focusing on shorter lengths of haul in certain defined areas, we are addressing customer trends toward regional distribution to lower their transportation expense, furthering our own objectives of reducing fuel consumption per load, and matching some of our drivers’ desires to stay closer to home.  The concentration of a portion of our fleet in these markets is evident in a 4.4% reduction from 2010 in average length of haul to 626 miles.  The improvement in revenue per tractor per week primarily caused the increase in profitability from 2010.

Logistics segment revenue increased $23.7 million, or 19.1%, to $147.8 million in 2011 from $124.2 million in 2010.  Logistics segment revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharges, increased 15.3%.  The increase in logistics revenue primarily resulted from continued volume growth in each of our internal brokerage and intermodal services.  The operating ratio for our Logistics segment in 2011 was consistent with 2010.

The following table sets forth for the years indicated the dollar and percentage increase or decrease of the items in our consolidated statements of operations, and those items as a percentage of operating revenue:

	Dollar Change			Percentage Change			Percentage of Operating Revenue
(Dollars in thousands)	2011 vs. 2010			2011 vs. 2010			2011			2010
Operating revenue	$	86,759			16.8	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits		16,127			12.3			24.5			25.4
Purchased transportation		9,924			9.0			19.9			21.4
Fuel and fuel taxes		40,668			35.4			25.8			22.2
Supplies and maintenance		5,093			14.5			6.7			6.8
Depreciation		5,615			10.8			9.5			10.0
Operating taxes and licenses		151			2.4			1.1			1.2
Insurance and claims		1,597			9.6			3.0			3.2
Communications and utilities		641			16.2			0.8			0.8
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment		(2,690	)		(242.3	)		(0.6	)		(0.2	)
Other		1,892			15.8			2.3			2.3
Total operating expenses		79,018			16.4			92.9			93.2
Operating income		7,741			21.9			7.1			6.8
Net interest income		2			7.7			-			-
Income before income taxes		7,739			21.9			7.1			6.8
Less: Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		176			27.9			0.1			0.1
Income before income taxes attributable to Marten Transport, Ltd.		7,563			21.8			7.0			6.7
Provision for income taxes		3,020			20.2			3.0			2.9
Net income	$	4,543			23.0	%		4.0	%		3.8	%

25

The increase in salaries, wages and benefits resulted primarily from a 4.9% increase in the total miles driven by company drivers, an increase in the amount paid to company drivers as a result of a pay increase effective April 1, 2011, and an additional $1.1 million of layover pay due to a change in our policy to compensate company drivers without an assigned load for a specified period of time.  In addition, employees’ health insurance expense increased by $1.4 million due to an increase in our self-insured medical claims, and bonus compensation expense for our non-driver employees increased by $2.1 million.

Purchased transportation expense increased $9.9 million in total, or 9.0%, in 2011 from 2010.  Payments to carriers for transportation services we arranged in our brokerage and intermodal operations increased $17.3 million to $110.8 million in 2011 from $93.5 million in 2010.  The portion of purchased transportation expense related to our independent contractors, including fuel surcharges, decreased $7.4 million in 2011, primarily due to a decrease in the number of independent contractor-owned tractors in our fleet.

Fuel and fuel taxes increased by $40.7 million in 2011 from 2010.  Net fuel expense (fuel and fuel taxes net of fuel surcharge revenue and surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads) increased $7.4 million, or 15.5%, to $55.3 million in 2011 from $47.9 million in 2010.  Fuel surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads were $12.8 million in 2011 and $8.9 million in 2010.  We have worked diligently to control fuel usage and costs by improving our volume purchasing arrangements and optimizing our drivers’ fuel purchases with national fuel centers, focusing on shorter lengths of haul, installing and tightly managing the use of auxiliary power units in our tractors to minimize engine idling and improving fuel usage in the temperature-control units on our trailers.  The increase in net fuel expense was primarily due to a significant increase in the DOE national average cost of fuel to $3.83 per gallon in 2011 from $2.99 per gallon in 2010.  The cost control measures stated above helped to offset the higher price of fuel.  Net fuel expense represented 13.6% of truckload and intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharges, in 2011, compared with 13.1% in 2010.

Our average fleet size increased 3.1% from 2010 and the costs associated with this larger fleet increased our supplies and maintenance costs.  We have also increased the maintenance performed on our revenue equipment as a result of company policy changes in 2011.  The extreme heat across much of the United States in the summer of 2011 also adversely impacted maintenance costs specific to our refrigeration and auxiliary power units.  In addition, we have experienced higher tire and parts prices and increased toll expense in 2011.

The increase in depreciation was primarily due to a 3.1% increase in our average fleet size, a continued increase in the cost of revenue equipment and an increase in the relative percentage of company-owned tractors to independent contractor-owned tractors in 2011.

The $1.6 million increase in insurance and claims in 2011 was primarily due to an increase in the cost of physical damage claims related to our tractors and trailers.

Gain on disposition of revenue equipment increased to $3.8 million in 2011 from $1.1 million in 2010 primarily due to an increase in the market value of used revenue equipment.

As a result of the foregoing factors, our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” improved to 92.9% in 2011 from 93.2% in 2010.  The operating ratio for our Truckload segment was 92.3% and 92.7% in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  The operating ratio for our Logistics segment was 94.8% and 94.7% in 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharge revenue, improved to 91.2% for 2011 from 92.0% for 2010.

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 42.5% for 2011 from 43.1% for 2010.  This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the deferred income tax liability derived from changes in income apportionment for several states, which produced a lower effective state income tax rate, net of federal impact.

26

As a result of the factors described above, net income increased to $24.3 million in 2011 from $19.7 million in 2010.  Net earnings increased to $1.10 per diluted share in 2011 from $0.90 per diluted share in 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our business requires substantial, ongoing capital investments, particularly for new tractors and trailers.  Our primary sources of liquidity are funds provided by operations and our revolving credit facility.  A portion of our tractor fleet is provided by independent contractors who own and operate their own equipment.  We have no capital expenditure requirements relating to those drivers who own their tractors or obtain financing through third parties.

The table below reflects our net cash flows provided by operating activities, net cash flows used for investing activities and net cash flows (used for) provided by financing activities for the years indicated.

(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010
Net cash flows provided by operating activities	$	85,539		$	86,206		$	64,522
Net cash flows (used for) investing activities		(88,115	)		(48,271	)		(81,181	)
Net cash flows (used for) provided by financing activities		(14,772	)		(22,420	)		16,555

In 2012, net cash flows provided by operating activities of $85.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $17.3 million were primarily used to purchase new revenue equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, in the amount of $75.1 million, to partially construct and acquire regional operating facilities in the amount of $10.9 million, and to pay cash dividends of $18.7 million.  In 2011, net cash flows provided by operating activities of $86.2 million were primarily used to repay $19.3 million of long-term debt, to purchase new revenue equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, in the amount of $38.9 million, to partially construct two regional operating facilities in the amount of $7.4 million, and to increase cash and cash equivalents by $15.5 million.  In 2010, net cash flows provided by operating activities of $64.5 million were primarily used to purchase new revenue equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, in the amount of $69.3 million and to partially construct two regional operating facilities in the amount of $9.6 million.  These payments were partially offset by a $17.8 million increase in our long-term debt.

We estimate that capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions, will be approximately $65 million in 2013.  In 2012, we paid cash dividends totaling $18.7 million which consisted of quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock in March and $0.025 per share in May, September and December, along with a special dividend of $0.75 per share in December.  We paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share in 2011 totaling $1.8 million, and in September and December 2010 totaling $877,000.  We currently expect to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends in the future.  The payment of cash dividends in the future, and the amount of any such dividends, will depend upon our financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements, and certain corporate law requirements, as well as other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.  As current federal and state bonus depreciation provisions expire, we expect an increase in our current income tax payments as a portion of our deferred tax liability for property and equipment reverses.  We believe our sources of liquidity are adequate to meet our current and anticipated needs for at least the next twelve months.  Based upon anticipated cash flows, existing cash and cash equivalents balances, current borrowing availability and other sources of financing we expect to be available to us, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

27

We maintain a credit agreement that provides for an unsecured committed credit facility which matures in May 2016.  The aggregate principal amount of the credit facility of $50 million may be increased at our option, subject to completion of signed amendments with the lender, up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $75 million.  At December 31, 2012, there was an outstanding principal balance of $2.7 million on the credit facility.  As of that date, we had outstanding standby letters of credit of $7.4 million and remaining borrowing availability of $39.9 million.  This facility bears interest at a variable rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate or the lender’s Prime Rate, in each case plus/minus applicable margins.

Our credit facility prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of the special dividend in December 2012.  This facility also contains restrictive covenants which, among other matters, require us to maintain compliance with certain cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios.  We were in compliance with all of these covenants at December 31, 2012.

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2012.

	Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)	2013		2014 And 2015		2016 And 2017		Thereafter		Total
Long-term debt obligations	$	—	$	—	$	2,726	$	—	$	2,726
Purchase obligations for revenue equipment		1,725		—		—		—		1,725
Operating lease obligations		457		402		60		—		919
Total	$	2,182	$	402	$	2,786	$	—	$	5,370

Due to uncertainty with respect to the timing of future cash flows, the obligation under our nonqualified deferred compensation plan at December 31, 2012 of 35,040.2 shares of Company common stock with a value of $644,000 has been excluded from the above table.

Related Parties

We purchase fuel and obtain tires and related services from Bauer Built, Inc., or BBI. Jerry M. Bauer, one of our directors, is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer and the principal stockholder of BBI.  We paid BBI $988,000 in 2012, $1.4 million in 2011 and $815,000 in 2010 for fuel and tire services. In addition, we paid $1.7 million in each of 2012, 2011 and 2010 to tire manufacturers for tires that we purchased from the tire manufacturers but were provided by BBI. BBI received commissions from the tire manufacturers related to these purchases.  Other than any benefit received from his ownership interest, Mr. Bauer receives no compensation or other benefits from our business with BBI.

We paid Durand Builders Service, Inc. $495,000 in 2012, $615,000 in 2011 and $262,000 in 2010 for various construction projects.  Larry B. Hagness, one of our directors, is the president and owner of Durand Builders Service, Inc.  Other than any benefit received from his ownership interest, Mr. Hagness receives no compensation or other benefits from these transactions.

We believe that the transactions with related parties noted above are on reasonable terms which, based upon market rates, are comparable to terms available from unaffiliated third parties.

28

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than standby letters of credit maintained in connection with our self-insurance programs in the amount of $7.4 million and operating leases summarized above in our summary of contractual obligations, we did not have any other material off-balance sheet arrangements at December 31, 2012.

We have an investment in MWL which is considered to be a variable interest entity.  As described in Note 1 to our consolidated condensed financial statements, we are considered to be the primary beneficiary and have consolidated MWL in our financial statements in accordance with the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 810, Consolidation.

Inflation and Fuel Costs

Most of our operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of operations.  During the past three years, the most significant effects of inflation have been on revenue equipment prices, accident claims, health insurance and employee compensation. We attempt to limit the effects of inflation through increases in freight rates and cost control efforts.

In addition to inflation, fluctuations in fuel prices can affect our profitability. We require substantial amounts of fuel to operate our tractors and power the temperature-control units on our trailers. Substantially all of our contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge provisions. Although we historically have been able to pass through a significant portion of long-term increases in fuel prices and related taxes to customers in the form of surcharges and higher rates, such increases usually are not fully recovered.  These surcharge provisions are not effective in mitigating the fuel price increases related to non-revenue miles or fuel used while the tractor is idling.

Seasonality

Our tractor productivity generally decreases during the winter season because inclement weather impedes operations and some shippers reduce their shipments. At the same time, operating expenses generally increase, with harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims and more equipment repairs.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses in our consolidated financial statements and related notes.  We base our estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors believed to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared.  However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and such differences could be material.  We believe that the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates, assumptions and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition. We recognize revenue, including fuel surcharges, at the time shipment of freight is completed.  We account for revenue of our Logistics segment and revenue on freight transported by independent contractors within our Truckload segment on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor in the arrangements, we have the ability to establish prices, we have the risk of loss in the event of cargo claims and we bear credit risk with customer payments.  Accordingly, all such revenue billed to customers is classified as operating revenue and all corresponding payments to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment are classified as purchased transportation expense.

29

Accounts Receivable.  We are dependent upon a limited number of customers, and, as a result, our trade accounts receivable are highly concentrated. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $334,000 as of December 31, 2012 and $470,000 as of December 31, 2011.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectibility of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly.

Property and Equipment.  The transportation industry requires significant capital investments. Our net property and equipment was $394.5 million as of December 31, 2012 and $368.2 million as of December 31, 2011. Our depreciation expense was $60.9 million in 2012, $57.5 million in 2011 and $51.9 million in 2010.  We compute depreciation of our property and equipment for financial reporting purposes based on the cost of each asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over its estimated useful life. We determine and periodically evaluate our estimate of the projected salvage values and useful lives primarily by considering the market for used equipment, prior useful lives and changes in technology. We have not changed our policy regarding salvage values as a percentage of initial cost or useful lives of tractors and trailers within the last ten years. We believe that our policies and past estimates have been reasonable. Actual results could differ from these estimates. A 5% decrease in estimated salvage values would have decreased our net property and equipment as of December 31, 2012 by approximately $8.0 million, or 2.0%.

In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned tractors within approximately 4.5 years and our trailers within approximately 5.5 years after purchase.  Our useful lives for depreciating tractors is five years and trailers is seven years, with a 25% salvage value for tractors and a 35% salvage value for trailers.  These salvage values are based upon the expected market values of the equipment after five years for tractors and seven years for trailers.  Depreciation expense calculated in this manner approximates the continuing declining value of the revenue equipment, and continues at a consistent straight-line rate for units held beyond the normal replacement cycle.  Calculating tractor depreciation expense with a five-year useful life and a 25% salvage value results in the same depreciation rate of 15% of cost per year and the same net book value of 32.5% of cost at the 4.5-year replacement date as using a 4.5-year useful life and 32.5% salvage value.  As a result, there is no difference in recorded depreciation expense on a quarterly or annual basis with our five-year useful life and 25% salvage value compared with a 4.5-year useful life and 32.5% salvage value.  Similarly, calculating trailer depreciation expense with a seven-year useful life and a 35% salvage value results in the same depreciation rate of 9.3% of cost per year and the same net book value of 48.9% of cost at the 5.5-year replacement date as using a 5.5-year useful life and 48.9% salvage value.  As a result, there is no difference in recorded depreciation expense on a quarterly or annual basis with our seven-year useful life and 35% salvage value compared with a 5.5-year useful life and 48.9% salvage value.

Impairment of Assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.

30

              Insurance and Claims. We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels. We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review. However, we could suffer a series of losses within our self-insured retention limits or losses over our policy limits, which could negatively affect our financial condition and operating results.  We are responsible for the first $1.0 million on each auto liability claim and for the first $750,000 on each workers’ compensation claim.  We have $7.4 million in standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of claims under agreements with our insurance carriers and regulatory authorities. The insurance and claims accruals in our consolidated balance sheets were $13.8 million as of December 31, 2012, and $13.0 million as of December 31, 2011. We reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims. We periodically evaluate and adjust these reserves based on our evaluation of the nature and severity of outstanding individual claims and our estimate of future claims development based on historical claims development factors. We believe that our claims development factors have historically been reasonable, as indicated by the adequacy of our insurance and claims accruals compared to settled claims. Actual results could differ from these current estimates.  In addition, to the extent that claims are litigated and not settled, jury awards are difficult to predict.  If our claims settlement experience worsened causing our historical claims development factors to increase by 5%, our estimated outstanding loss reserves as of December 31, 2012 would have needed to increase by approximately $3.6 million.

Share-based Payment Arrangement Compensation.  We have granted stock options to certain employees and non-employee directors.  We recognize compensation expense for all stock options net of an estimated forfeiture rate and only record compensation expense for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period (normally the vesting period).  Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of stock options require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the stock options and stock price volatility.  We use the Black-Scholes model to value our stock option awards.  We believe that future volatility will not materially differ from our historical volatility.  Thus, we use the historical volatility of our common stock over the expected life of the award.  The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock options represent our best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of judgment.  As a result, if factors change and we use different assumptions, stock option compensation expense could be materially different in the future.

             We have also granted performance unit awards to certain employees which are subject to vesting requirements over a five-year period, primarily based on our earnings growth.  The fair value of each performance unit is based on the closing market price on the date of grant.  We recognize compensation expense for these awards based on the estimated number of units probable of achieving the vesting requirements of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.

31

ITEM 7A.        QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to a variety of market risks, most importantly the effects of the price and availability of diesel fuel.  We require substantial amounts of diesel fuel to operate our tractors and power the temperature-control units on our trailers.  The price and availability of diesel fuel can vary, and are subject to political, economic and market factors that are beyond our control.  Significant increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.  Based upon our fuel consumption in 2012, a 5% increase in the average cost of diesel fuel would have increased our fuel expense by $8.1 million.

We have historically been able to pass through a significant portion of long-term increases in diesel fuel prices and related taxes to customers in the form of fuel surcharges.  Fuel surcharge programs are widely accepted among our customers, though they can vary somewhat from customer-to-customer.  These fuel surcharges, which adjust weekly with the cost of fuel, enable us to recover a substantial portion of the higher cost of fuel as prices increase.  These fuel surcharge provisions are not effective in mitigating the fuel price increases related to non-revenue miles or fuel used while the tractor is idling.  In addition, we have worked diligently to control fuel usage and costs by improving our volume purchasing arrangements and optimizing our drivers’ fuel purchases with national fuel centers, focusing on shorter lengths of haul, installing and tightly managing the use of auxiliary power units in our tractors to minimize engine idling and improving fuel usage in our trailers’ refrigeration units.

While we do not currently have any outstanding hedging instruments to mitigate this market risk, we may enter into derivatives or other financial instruments to hedge a portion of our fuel costs in the future.

32

ITEM 8.           FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for Marten Transport, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the “Company”).  This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements and even when determined to be effective, can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  Also, projection of any evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods is subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree or compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management, with the participation of the Company’s Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012.  In making this evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control – Integrated Framework.  Based on this assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2012.  Further, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued a report on the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting on page 34 of this Report.

March 14, 2013

33

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Marten Transport, Ltd.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Marten Transport, Ltd. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we also have audited the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2).  We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Marten Transport, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also, in our opinion, the accompanying financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.  Also in our opinion, Marten Transport, Ltd. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 14, 2013

34

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	December 31,
(In thousands, except share information)	2012			2011
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,473		$	20,821
Receivables:
Trade, less allowances of $334 and $470, respectively		66,239			59,385
Other		7,177			3,430
Prepaid expenses and other		15,490			15,426
Deferred income taxes		3,155			2,738
Total current assets		95,534			101,800
Property and equipment:
Revenue equipment		484,350			468,966
Buildings and land		39,664			30,602
Office equipment and other		27,122			24,406
Less accumulated depreciation		(156,660	)		(155,774	)
Net property and equipment		394,476			368,200
Other assets		613			579
	$	490,623		$	470,579
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	16,081		$	17,912
Insurance and claims accruals		13,838			13,042
Accrued liabilities		16,981			15,431
Total current liabilities		46,900			46,385
Long-term debt, less current maturities		2,726			—
Deferred income taxes		109,074			103,835
Total liabilities		158,700			150,220
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Stockholders’ equity:
Marten Transport, Ltd. stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 sharesauthorized; no shares issued and outstanding		—			—
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; 48,000,000 shares authorized; 22,109,619 shares at December 31, 2012, and 21,984,597 shares at December 31, 2011, issued and outstanding		221			220
Additional paid-in capital		82,679			80,078
Retained earnings		246,460			237,872
Total Marten Transport, Ltd. stockholders’ equity		329,360			318,170
Noncontrolling interest		2,563			2,189
Total stockholders’ equity		331,923			320,359
	$	490,623		$	470,579

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

35

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

	For the years ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share information)	2012			2011			2010
Operating revenue	$	638,456		$	603,679		$	516,920
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits		163,242			147,646			131,519
Purchased transportation		124,269			120,332			110,408
Fuel and fuel taxes		163,596			155,595			114,927
Supplies and maintenance		39,919			40,311			35,218
Depreciation		60,904			57,531			51,916
Operating taxes and licenses		6,741			6,373			6,222
Insurance and claims		20,718			18,170			16,573
Communications and utilities		4,939			4,605			3,964
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment		(5,302	)		(3,800	)		(1,110	)
Other		13,577			13,886			11,994
		592,603			560,649			481,631
Operating income		45,853			43,030			35,289
Net interest income		(48	)		(24	)		(26	)
Income before income taxes		45,901			43,054			35,315
Less: Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		497			807			631
Income before income taxes attributable to Marten Transport, Ltd.		45,404			42,247			34,684
Provision for income taxes		18,137			17,962			14,942
Net income	$	27,267		$	24,285		$	19,742
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.24		$	1.10		$	0.90
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.23		$	1.10		$	0.90
Dividends paid per common share	$	0.845		$	0.08		$	0.04

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

36

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

	Marten Transport, Ltd. Stockholders
	Common Stock				Additional		Retained			Non- controlling			Total Stockholders’
(In thousands)	Shares		Amount		Paid-In Capital		Earnings			Interest			Equity
Balance at December 31, 2009		21,885	$	219	$	76,477	$	196,480		$	1,731		$	274,907
Net income		—		—		—		19,742			—			19,742
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises		65		1		302		—			—			303
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		—		—		385		—			—			385
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		—		—		1,264		—			—			1,264
Dividends on common stock		—		—		—		(877	)	__				(877	)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		—		—		—			631			631
Noncontrolling interest distributions		—		—		—		—			(451	)		(451	)
Balance at December 31, 2010		21,950		220		78,428		215,345			1,911			295,904
Net income		—		—		—		24,285			—			24,285
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards		35		—		137		—			—			137
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		—		—		164		—			—			164
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		—		—		1,349		—			—			1,349
Dividends on common stock		—		—		—		(1,758	)		—			(1,758	)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		—		—		—			807			807
Noncontrolling interest distributions		—		—		—		—			(529	)		(529	)
Balance at December 31, 2011		21,985		220		80,078		237,872			2,189			320,359
Net income		—		—		—		27,267			—			27,267
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards		125		1		967		—			—			968
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		—		—		409		—			—			409
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		—		—		1,225		—			—			1,225
Dividends on common stock		—		—		—		(18,679	)		—			(18,679	)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		—		—		—		—			497			497
Noncontrolling interest distributions		—		—		—		—			(123	)		(123	)
Balance at December 31, 2012		22,110	$	221	$	82,679	$	246,460		$	2,563		$	331,923

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

37

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	For the years ended December 31,
(In thousands)	2012			2011			2010
CASH FLOWS PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Operations:
Net income	$	27,267		$	24,285		$	19,742
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation		60,904			57,531			51,916
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment		(5,302	)		(3,800	)		(1,110	)
Deferred income taxes		4,822			10,076			10,550
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		409			164			385
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		(336	)		(142	)		(338	)
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		1,225			1,349			1,264
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest		497			807			631
Changes in other current operating items:
Receivables		(7,795	)		1,247			(14,246	)
Prepaid expenses and other		(64	)		(2,020	)		(1,078	)
Accounts payable		1,021			(1,585	)		348
Insurance and claims accruals		796			(4,611	)		(1,569	)
Accrued liabilities		2,095			2,905			(1,973	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		85,539			86,206			64,522
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Revenue equipment additions		(121,777	)		(75,332	)		(109,345	)
Proceeds from revenue equipment dispositions		46,634			36,457			40,062
Buildings and land, office equipment and other additions		(13,576	)		(9,573	)		(11,959	)
Proceeds from buildings and land, office equipment and other dispositions		638			75			87
Other		(34	)		102			(26	)
Net cash used for investing activities		(88,115	)		(48,271	)		(81,181	)
CASH FLOWS (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under credit facility and long-term debt		21,517			37,632			160,395
Repayment of borrowings under credit facility and long-term debt		(18,791	)		(56,978	)		(142,548	)
Dividends on common stock		(18,679	)		(1,758	)		(877	)
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises		968			137			303
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		336			142			338
Noncontrolling interest distributions		(123	)		(529	)		(451	)
Change in net checks issued in excess of cash balances		-			(1,066	)		(605	)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities		(14,772	)		(22,420	)		16,555
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(17,348	)		15,515			(104	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year		20,821			5,306			5,410
End of year	$	3,473		$	20,821		$	5,306
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid (received) for:
Interest	$	9		$	36		$	225
Income taxes	$	8,836		$	(2,559	)	$	13,789
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in property and equipment not yet paid for	$	(6,203	)	$	1,499		$	253

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

38

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business:  Marten Transport, Ltd. is a long-haul and regional truckload carrier providing protective service transportation and distribution of time- and temperature-sensitive materials and general commodities to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Principles of consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Marten Transport, Ltd., its subsidiaries and its 45% owned affiliate, MW Logistics, LLC (“MWL”).  MWL is a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  We have applied the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, or FASB ASC, 810, Consolidation to our investment in MWL and have determined that Marten is the primary beneficiary based on MWL’s equity structure.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  As of December 31, 2012, MWL’s total assets and total liabilities, net of intercompany accounts and transactions, were $5.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  MWL has elected to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Consequently, federal income taxes are not payable by MWL.

Cash and cash equivalents:  Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments.  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Changes in accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Trade accounts receivable:  Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectibility of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly.  Invoice balances over 30 days after the contractual due date are considered past due per our policy and are reviewed individually for collectibility.  Initial payments by new customers are monitored for compliance with contractual terms.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential recovery is considered remote.

Property and equipment:  Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost.  Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations.  Gains and losses on disposals of revenue equipment are included in operations as they are a normal, recurring component of our operations.

39

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Depreciation is computed based on the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.  We begin depreciating assets in the month that each asset is placed in service and, therefore, is ready for its intended use.  Accelerated methods are used for income tax reporting purposes.  Following is a summary of estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes:

	Years
Tractors		5
Trailers		7
Service and other equipment		3-15
Buildings and improvements		20-40

In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned tractors within approximately 4.5 years and our trailers within approximately 5.5 years after purchase.  Our useful lives for depreciating tractors is five years and for trailers is seven years, with a 25% salvage value for tractors and a 35% salvage value for trailers.  These salvage values are based upon the expected market values of the equipment after five years for tractors and seven years for trailers.  Depreciation expense calculated in this manner approximates the continuing declining value of the revenue equipment, and continues at a consistent straight-line rate for units held beyond the normal replacement cycle.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.

Tires in service: The cost of original equipment and replacement tires placed in service is capitalized. Amortization is calculated based on cost, less estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over 24 months. The current portion of capitalized tires in service is included in prepaid expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion of capitalized tires in service and the estimated salvage value are included in revenue equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cost of recapping tires is charged to operations.

Income taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  We have reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income.

40

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions.  We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.  Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Insurance and claims:  We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo, and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels.  We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review.  We reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims, including legal costs. These reserves are periodically evaluated and adjusted based on our evaluation of the nature and severity of outstanding individual claims and an estimate of future claims development based on historical claims development factors.  Under agreements with our insurance carriers and regulatory authorities, we have $7.4 million in standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of claims.

Revenue recognition:  We record revenue and related expenses on the date shipment of freight is completed.  Our largest customer accounted for 9% of our revenue in 2012.  We earned 11% and 10% of our revenue in 2011 from two single customers whose trade receivables represented 11% and 8%, respectively, of our trade receivables as of December 31, 2011. We earned 18% and 10% of our revenue in 2010 from two single customers.  During 2012, more than 99% of our revenue was generated within the United States.

We account for revenue of our Logistics segment and revenue on freight transported by independent contractors within our Truckload segment on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor in the arrangements, we have the ability to establish prices, we have the risk of loss in the event of cargo claims and we bear credit risk with customer payments.  Accordingly, all such revenue billed to customers is classified as operating revenue and all corresponding payments to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment are classified as purchased transportation expense.

Share-based payment arrangement compensation:  Under our stock incentive plans, all of our employees and any subsidiary employees, as well as all of our non-employee directors, may be granted stock-based awards, including incentive and non-statutory stock options and performance unit awards.  We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of employee stock options and performance unit awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant.

Earnings per common share:  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares related to stock options and performance unit awards had been issued using the treasury stock method.

41

            MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Segment reporting:  We report our operating segments in accordance with accounting standards codified in FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting.  We have six operating segments that have been aggregated into two reporting segments (Truckload and Logistics) for financial reporting purposes.  See Note 13 for more information.

Use of estimates:  We must make estimates and assumptions to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates are primarily related to insurance and claims accruals and depreciation.  Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

2.  Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts

Prepaid expenses and other:  As of December 31, prepaid expenses and other consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Tires in service	$	4,261	$	3,736
License fees		4,194		4,070
Parts and tires inventory		3,067		3,340
Insurance premiums		1,316		1,334
Other		2,652		2,946
	$	15,490	$	15,426

Accrued liabilities:  As of December 31, accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Accrued expenses	$	4,649	$	6,616
Current income taxes		4,032		661
Salaries and wages		3,773		3,956
Vacation		3,560		3,154
Other		967		1,044
	$	16,981	$	15,431

42

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

3.  Long-Term Debt

We maintain a credit agreement that provides for an unsecured committed credit facility which matures in May 2016.  The aggregate principal amount of the credit facility of $50 million may be increased at our option, subject to completion of signed amendments with the lender, up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $75 million.  At December 31, 2012, the credit facility had an outstanding principal balance of $2.7 million, outstanding standby letters of credit of $7.4 million and remaining borrowing availability of $39.9 million.  At December 31, 2011, there was no outstanding principal balance on the credit facility.  This facility bears interest at a variable rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate or the lender’s Prime Rate, in each case plus/minus applicable margins.  The weighted average interest rate for the facility was 1.05% at December 31, 2012.

Our credit facility prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of a $0.75 per share of common stock special dividend in December 2012.  This facility also contains restrictive covenants which, among other matters, require us to maintain compliance with certain cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios.  We were in compliance with all of these covenants at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

4.  Related Party Transactions

The following related party transactions occurred during the three years ended December 31, 2012;

(a)           We purchase fuel and obtain tires and related services from a company in which one of our directors is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer and the principal stockholder.  We paid that company $988,000 in 2012, $1.4 million in 2011 and $815,000 in 2010 for fuel and tire services.  In addition, we paid $1.7 million in each of 2012, 2011 and 2010 to tire manufacturers for tires that we purchased from the tire manufacturers but were provided by the same company.  The same company received commissions from the tire manufacturers related to these purchases.  We did not have any accounts payable to that company as of December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

(b)           We paid $495,000 in 2012, $615,000 in 2011 and $262,000 in 2010 for various construction projects to a company in which one of our directors is the president and owner.  We did not have any accounts payable to that company as of December 31, 2012, and had accrued liabilities of $28,000 as of December 31, 2011.

5.  Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012			2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	12,728		$	6,524	$	2,747
State		587			1,362		1,645
		13,315			7,886		4,392
Deferred:
Federal		5,542			9,837		10,761
State		(720	)		239		(211	)
		4,822			10,076		10,550
Total provision	$	18,137		$	17,962	$	14,942

43

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

The statutory federal income tax rate is reconciled to the effective income tax rate as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
Per diem and other non-deductible expenses		5			6			6
Increase in taxes arising from state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-			3			3
Other		-			(1	)		(1	)
Effective tax rate		40	%		43	%		43	%

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 39.9% in 2012 from 42.5% in 2011 primarily due to a decrease to our deferred income tax liability as a result of a change in income apportionment for several states.

As of December 31, the net deferred tax liability consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves and accrued liabilities	$	5,687	$	5,326
Other		2,714		2,274
		8,401		7,600
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		111,794		106,113
Prepaid expenses		2,526		2,584
		114,320		108,697
Net deferred tax liability	$	105,919	$	101,097

We have not provided a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012 or 2011. We believe the deferred tax assets will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) and future taxable income.

Our reserves for unrecognized tax benefits were $281,000 as of December 31, 2012 and $288,000 as of December 31, 2011.  The $7,000 decrease in the amount reserved in 2012 relates to current period tax positions offset by the removal of the reserve relating to 2007.  The amount reserved as of December 31, 2011 was added in 2007 through 2011 relating to current period tax positions.  If recognized, $183,000 of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 would impact our effective tax rate.  No potential interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were recognized in our financial statements as of December 31, 2012.  We do not expect the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next twelve months.

The federal statute of limitations remains open for 2009 and forward.  We file tax returns in numerous state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations.

44

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

6.  Earnings Per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share were computed as follows:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income	$	27,267	$	24,285	$	19,742
Denominator:
Basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares		22,064		21,979		21,927
Effect of dilutive stock options		86		96		104
Diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		22,150		22,075		22,031
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.24	$	1.10	$	0.90
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.23	$	1.10	$	0.90

Options totaling 465,150, 372,900 and 351,000 shares were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, because including the options in the denominator would be antidilutive, or decrease the number of weighted-average shares, due to their exercise prices exceeding the average market price of the common shares or due to inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation. Performance-based option awards totaling 107,000 shares in 2010 were also not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the performance condition was not met.

Unvested performance unit awards (see Note 9) totaling 43,600, 46,180 and 29,164 shares for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were considered outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation would cause the performance units to be antidilutive.

7.  Dividends

In August 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a regular cash dividend program to our stockholders, subject to approval each quarter.  In 2012, we paid cash dividends totaling $18.7 million which consisted of quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock in March and $0.025 per share in May, September and December, along with a special dividend of $0.75 per share in December.  We paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share in 2011 totaling $1.8 million, and in September and December 2010 totaling $877,000.  Our ability to pay cash dividends is currently limited by restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility, which prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of the special dividend in December 2012.

8.  Share Repurchase Program

In December 2007, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to one million shares of our common stock either through purchases on the open market or through private transactions.  The timing and extent to which we will repurchase shares depends on market conditions and other corporate considerations.  In the first quarter of 2008 we repurchased and retired 67,500 shares of our common stock.  We have made no purchases since the first quarter of 2008.  The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

45

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

9.  Employee Benefits

Stock Incentive Plans - Under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), all of our employees and any subsidiary employees, as well as all of our non-employee directors, may be granted stock-based awards, including non-statutory stock options and performance unit awards.  Stock options expire within 7 or 10 years after the date of grant and the exercise price must be at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Stock options issued to non-employee directors upon their annual re-election to our Board of Directors are generally exercisable at the date of grant.  Stock options issued to employees are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in cumulative amounts of 20% per year. Performance unit awards are subject to vesting requirements over a five-year period, primarily based on our earnings growth.  Options exercised and performance unit award shares issued represent newly issued shares.  The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2005 Plan is 2.85 million shares.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 638,050 shares reserved for issuance under options outstanding and 122,083 shares reserved for issuance under outstanding performance unit awards under the 2005 Plan.

Under our 1995 Plan, officers, directors and employees were granted incentive and non-statutory stock options.  Incentive stock option exercise prices were required to be at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Non-statutory stock option exercise prices were required to be at least 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Stock options expire within 10 years after the date of grant.  Stock options issued to non-employee directors upon their annual re-election to our Board of Directors are generally exercisable at the date of grant.  Stock options issued to employees are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in cumulative amounts of 20% per year.  Options exercised represent newly issued shares.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 25,314 shares reserved for issuance under options outstanding under the 1995 Plan.  No additional options will be granted under the 1995 Plan.

We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of stock options and performance unit awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant.

46

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of option awards.  The fair value of service-based option awards granted was estimated as of the date of grant using the following weighted average assumptions:

	2012			2011			2010
Expected option life in years(1)		6.1			6.3			6.1
Expected stock price volatility percentage(2)		37	%		39	%		39	%
Risk-free interest rate percentage(3)		1.1	%		2.4	%		2.7	%
Expected dividend yield(4)		0.49	%		0.38	­%		0.05	%
Fair value as of the date of grant	$	7.22		$	8.54		$	9.31

 (1) Expected option life – We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation.  We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option.  We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.

(2) Expected stock price volatility – We use our stock’s historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life.  We have no reason to believe that its future volatility will differ from the past.

(3) Risk-free interest rate – The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

(4) Expected dividend yield – The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all service-based option awards with graded vesting.  Service-based option awards become immediately exercisable in full in the event of retirement, death or disability and upon a change in control with respect to all options that have been outstanding for at least six months.  To be eligible for retirement, an employee must reach age 65.

Compensation costs associated with service-based option awards are recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period, which is the period between the grant date and the earlier of the award’s stated vesting term or the date the employee is eligible for retirement.  We immediately recognize the entire amount of share-based compensation cost for employees that are eligible for retirement at the date of grant.  For awards granted to employees approaching retirement eligibility, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the period from the grant date through the retirement eligibility date.  Share-based compensation expense for employees who are not retirement eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stated vesting period of the award.

We had previously issued 107,000 performance-based option shares, and the exercisability of these options was based upon our achievement of certain operating ratios for a period of fiscal years ending with 2010.  These criteria were not met, the options expired unvested effective December 31, 2010, and no compensation expense was recorded relating to these option awards.

47

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

In August 2010, we granted 63,400 performance unit awards under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan to certain employees.  This was our first grant of such awards.  As of December 31, 2010 and each December 31st thereafter through December 31, 2014, each award vests and becomes the right to receive a number of shares of common stock equal to a total vesting percentage multiplied by the number of units subject to such award.  The total vesting percentage for each of the five years is equal to the sum of a performance vesting percentage, which is the percentage increase, if any, in our diluted net income per share for the year being measured over the prior year, and a service vesting percentage of five percentage points.  The goal of the awards is to incentivize the certain employees to increase our earnings an average of fifteen percent per year over five years, which, when combined with the five percent per year service-based component, would result in full vesting over five years.  The performance vesting percentage could be achieved earlier than in five years if annual earnings growth exceeds the average of fifteen percent, or not fully achieved if the annual earnings growth averages less than fifteen percent over the five-year period.  All payments will be made in shares of our common stock.  One half of the vested performance units will be paid to the employees immediately upon vesting, with the other half being credited to the employees’ accounts within the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan, which restricts the sale of vested shares to the later of each employee’s termination of employment or attainment of age 62.

In August 2011, we also granted 41,600 performance unit awards with similar terms to the awards granted in 2010, and which vest from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2015.

In May 2012, we also granted 39,500 performance unit awards with similar terms to the awards granted in 2010 and 2011, and which vest from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2016.

The fair value of each performance unit is based on the closing market price on the date of grant.  We recognize compensation expense for these awards based on the estimated number of units probable of achieving the vesting requirements of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.

The amount of share-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest.  Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  We currently expect, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures and known forfeitures on existing awards, that approximately 1.25% of unvested outstanding awards will be forfeited each year.  This analysis will be re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate will be adjusted as necessary.  Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

Total share-based compensation expense recorded in 2012 was $1.2 million ($759,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.034 of earnings per basic and diluted share), in 2011 was $1.3 million ($837,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.038 of earnings per basic and diluted share) and in 2010 was $1.3 million ($776,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.035 of earnings per basic and diluted share).  All share-based compensation expense was recorded in salaries, wages and benefits expense.

The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs (excess tax benefits) are recorded as a financing cash inflow rather than a deduction of taxes paid in operating cash flows.  In 2012, 2011 and 2010, there was $336,000, $142,000 and $338,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits recognized resulting from exercises of options.

As of December 31, 2012, there was a total of $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested service-based option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years, and $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance unit awards, which will be recorded based on the estimated number of units probable of achieving the vesting requirements of the awards through 2016.

48

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Option activity in 2012 was as follows:

	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		690,768		$	17.62
Granted		96,250			20.48
Exercised		(111,954	)		8.65
Forfeited		(11,700	)		19.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		663,364		$	19.52
Exercisable at December 31, 2012		465,144		$	19.23

The 663,364 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years and an aggregate intrinsic value based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2012 for in-the-money options of $552,000.  The 465,144 shares exercisable as of the same date have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.7 years and an aggregate intrinsic value similarly calculated of $513,000.

The fair value of options granted in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $695,000, $350,000 and $922,000, respectively, for service-based options.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1.4 million, $442,000 and $1.0 million, respectively.  Intrinsic value is the difference between the fair value of the acquired shares at the date of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised.  Proceeds received from option exercises in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $968,000, $137,000 and $303,000, respectively.

Nonvested option awards as of December 31, 2012 and changes during 2012 were as follows:

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
Service-based options:
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		204,740		$	8.23		5.0
Granted		96,250			7.22		6.9
Vested		(92,870	)		8.09		4.4
Forfeited		(9,900	)		7.94		4.5
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		198,220		$	7.82		5.2

The total fair value of options which vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $751,000, $856,000 and $729,000, respectively.

49

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

             The following table summarizes our nonvested performance unit award activity in 2012:

	Shares				Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		60,166			$	19.76
Granted		39,500				20.95
Vested		(23,120	)	(1)		20.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		76,546			$	20.23

(1) This number of performance unit award shares vested based on our financial performance in 2012 and was distributed or credited to the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan in March 2013.  The fair value of unit award shares that vested in 2012 was $468,000.

Retirement Savings Plan - We sponsor a defined contribution retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employees are eligible for the plan after three months of service. Participants are able to contribute up to the limit set by law, which in 2012 was $17,000 for participants less than age 50 and $22,500 for participants age 50 and above.  We contribute 35% of each participant’s contribution, up to a total of 6% contributed.  Our contribution vests at the rate of 20% per year for the first through fifth years of service.  In addition, we may make elective contributions as determined by the Board of Directors.  No elective contributions were made in 2012, 2011 or 2010.  Total expense recorded for the plan was $909,000 in 2012, $803,000 in 2011 and $633,000 in 2010.

Stock Purchase Plans - An Employee Stock Purchase Plan and an Independent Contractor Stock Purchase Plan are sponsored to encourage employee and independent contractor ownership of our common stock. Eligible participants specify the amount of regular payroll or contract payment deductions and voluntary cash contributions that are used to purchase shares of our common stock.  The purchases are made at the market price on the open market.  We pay the broker’s commissions and administrative charges for purchases of common stock under the plans.

50

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

10.  Deferred Compensation Plan

In August 2010, our Board of Directors approved and adopted the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan.  The deferred compensation plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan designed to allow board elected officers and other select members of our management designated by our Compensation Committee to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Under the terms of the plan, each participant is eligible to defer portions of their base pay, annual bonus, or receipt of common stock otherwise payable under a vested performance unit award.  Each participant can elect a fixed distribution date for the participant’s deferral account other than certain required performance unit award deferrals credited to the discretionary account, which will be distributed after the later of the date of the participant’s termination of employment or the date the participant attains age 62.  Upon termination of a participant’s employment with the company, the plan requires a lump-sum distribution of the deferral account, excluding the required performance unit award deferrals, unless the participant had elected an installment distribution.  Upon a participant’s death, the plan provides that a participant’s distributions accelerate and will be paid in a lump sum to the participant’s beneficiary.  We may terminate the plan and accelerate distributions to participants, but only to the extent and at the times permitted under the Internal Revenue Code.  We may terminate the plan and accelerate distributions upon a change in control, which is not a payment event under the plan.  In conjunction with the approval of the plan, our Board of Directors also adopted an amendment to the Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan to allow for deferral of receipt of income from a performance unit award under the plan.  As of December 31, 2012, 35,040.2 shares of Company common stock were credited to account balances within the plan.  These shares were required performance unit award deferrals of vested awards, and dividends earned on such shares.

11.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The carrying amount of our long-term debt approximates fair value as its interest rate is based upon prevailing market rates.

12.  Commitments and Contingencies

We are committed to: (a) purchase $1.7 million of new revenue equipment in 2013; and (b) operating lease obligation expenditures totaling $919,000 through 2016.

We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels. We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review, and reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims.

We are also involved in other legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, based upon present knowledge of the facts, it is remote that the ultimate outcome of any such legal actions will have a material adverse effect upon our long-term financial position or results of operations.

13.  Business Segments

We have six operating segments that have been aggregated into two reporting segments (Truckload and Logistics) for financial reporting purposes.  The primary source of our operating revenue is truckload revenue, which we generate by transporting freight for our customers and report within our Truckload segment.  Generally, we are paid by the mile for our services.  We also derive truckload revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other ancillary services.

51

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Our operating revenue also includes revenue reported within our Logistics segment, which consists of revenue from our internal brokerage and intermodal operations, and through our 45% interest in MWL, a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  Brokerage services involve arranging for another company to transport freight for our customers while we retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities.  Intermodal services involve the transport of our trailers on railroad flatcars for a portion of a trip, with the balance of the trip using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers.

The following table sets forth for the years indicated our operating revenue and operating income by segment.  We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment.

(Dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue	$	378,383	$	357,787	$	325,791
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue		104,940		98,060		66,973
Total Truckload revenue		483,323		455,847		392,764
Logistics revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharge revenue(1)		138,960		132,890		115,223
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue		16,173		14,942		8,933
Total Logistics revenue		155,133		147,832		124,156
Total operating revenue	$	638,456	$	603,679	$	516,920
Operating income:
Truckload	$	36,805	$	35,298	$	28,680
Logistics		9,048		7,732		6,609
Total operating income	$	45,853	$	43,030	$	35,289

 (1) Logistics revenue is net of $9.7 million, $9.0 million and $9.1 million of inter-segment revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL that have been eliminated in consolidation.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $56.7 million, $54.4 million and $49.0 million, and Logistics segment depreciation expense was $4.2 million, $3.1 million and $2.9 million, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

52

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

14.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for 2012 and 2011:

2012 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	151,474	$	156,964	$	163,606	$	166,412
Operating income		9,519		13,283		9,840		13,211
Net income		5,446		7,584		6,518		7,719
Basic earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.30		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.29		0.35

2011 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	137,856	$	151,135	$	156,348	$	158,340
Operating income		7,609		11,359		11,111		12,951
Net income		4,095		6,194		6,333		7,663
Basic earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35

              The sum of each of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the 2011 quarters exceeds each of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for 2011, due to differences in rounding.

53

ITEM 9.           CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

No reports on Form 8-K have been required to be filed within the twenty-four months prior to December 31, 2012 involving a change of accountants or disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure.

ITEM 9A.        CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”), we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.  This evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2012.  There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  We intend to periodically evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures as required by the Exchange Act Rules.

We have included Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 8 above.

ITEM 9B.        OTHER INFORMATION

None.

54

PART III

ITEM 10.         DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

A.            Directors of the Registrant.

The information in the “Election of Directors--Information About Nominees” and “Election of Directors--Other Information About Nominees” sections of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

B.            Executive Officers of the Registrant.

Information about our executive officers is included in this Report under Item 4A, “Executive Officers of the Registrant.”

C.            Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

The information in the “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” section of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

D.            Procedure for Director Nominations by Security Holders.

There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend nominees to our board of directors.

E.            Audit Committee Financial Expert.

The information in the “Election of Directors—Board and Board Committees” section of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

F.             Identification of the Audit Committee.

The information in the “Election of Directors—Board and Board Committees” section of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

G.            Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Management.

Our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Management applies to all of our executive officers, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and controller, and meets the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We have posted our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Management on our website at www.marten.com.  We intend to disclose any amendments to and any waivers from a provision of our Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Management on our website within five business days following such amendment or waiver.

55

ITEM 11.        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information in the “Election of Directors--Director Compensation,” “Compensation and Other Benefits” and “Compensation Discussion and Analysis” sections of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

ITEM 12.        SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information in the “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Compensation and Other Benefits--Equity Compensation Plan Information” sections of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

ITEM 13.        CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information in the “Related Party Transactions” and “Election of Directors--Board and Board Committees” sections of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

ITEM 14.        PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information in the “Fees of Independent Auditors” section of our 2013 Proxy Statement is incorporated in this Report by reference.

56

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

(a)	1.	Financial Statements (See Part II, Item 8 of this Report):	Page
		Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting	33
		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	34
		Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and 2011	35
		Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	36
		Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	37
		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010	38
		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	39
	2.	Financial Statement Schedules (Consolidated Financial Statement Schedule Included in Part IV of this Report):
		Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	60
		Schedules not listed above have been omitted as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

57

3.	Exhibits:
	The exhibits to this Report are listed in the Exhibit Index on pages 61 through 64.  A copy of any of the exhibits listed will be sent at a reasonable cost to any shareholder as of March 6, 2013.  Requests should be sent to James J. Hinnendael, Chief Financial Officer, at our corporate headquarters.
	The following is a list of each management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Report under Item 15(a)(3):
	(1)	Marten Transport, Ltd. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan.
	(2)	Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
	(3)	Amendment to the Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
	(4)	Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement for the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan.
	(5)	Named Executive Officer Compensation.
	(6)	Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement.
	(7)	Form of First Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement.
	(8)	Form of Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement.
	(9)	Form of Non-employee Director Non-statutory Stock Option Agreement.
	(10)	Form of Indemnification Agreement.
	(11)	Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan.
	(12)	Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement.
	(13)	Executive Officer Performance Incentive Plan

58

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Marten Transport, Ltd., the Registrant, has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Dated: March 14, 2013	MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.
	By	/s/ Randolph L. Marten
		Randolph L. Marten
		Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below on March 14, 2013, by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Signature	Title
/s/ Randolph L. Marten	Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer
Randolph L. Marten	and Director (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ James J. Hinnendael	Chief Financial Officer
James J. Hinnendael	(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ Larry B. Hagness	Director
Larry B. Hagness
/s/ Thomas J. Winkel	Director
Thomas J. Winkel
/s/ Jerry M. Bauer	Director
Jerry M. Bauer
/s/ Robert L. Demorest	Director
Robert L. Demorest
/s/ G. Larry Owens	Director
G. Larry Owens

59

SCHEDULE II

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(In thousands)

Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses			Deductions			Balance at End of Year
Insurance and claims accruals:
Year ended December 31, 2012	$	13,042	$	32,548		$	(31,752	)(1)	$	13,838
Year ended December 31, 2011		17,653		27,675			(32,286	)(1)		13,042
Year ended December 31, 2010		19,222		24,892			(26,461	)(1)		17,653
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 2012		470		—			(136	)(2)		334
Year ended December 31, 2011		170		544			(244	)(2)		470
Year ended December 31, 2010		245		(21	)		(54	)(2)		170

(1) Claims payments

(2) Write-off of bad debts, net of recoveries

See report of independent registered public accounting firm.

60

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

EXHIBIT INDEX TO ANNUAL REPORT

ON FORM 10-K

For the Year Ended December 31, 2012

Item No.	Item	Filing Method
3.1	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effective August 11, 2003	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-2 (File No. 33-107367).
3.2	Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effective May 25, 2005	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 0-15010).
3.3	Bylaws of the Company, as amended	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 0-15010).
4.1	Specimen form of the Company’s Common Stock Certificate	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-8108).
4.2	Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effective August 11, 2003	See Exhibit 3.1 above.
4.3	Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation effective May 25, 2005	See Exhibit 3.2 above.
4.4	Bylaws of the Company	See Exhibit 3.3 above.
10.1	Marten Transport, Ltd. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (File No. 0-15010).
10.2	Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 0-15010).
10.3	Form of Non-Statutory Stock Option Agreement for the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 31, 2006.
10.4	Form of Non-employee Director Non-statutory Stock Option Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (File No. 0-15010).

61

Item No.	Item	Filing Method
10.5	Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006, by and among Marten Transport, Ltd., as borrower, the banks party thereto as lenders, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 6, 2006.
10.6	First Amendment to Credit Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2007, by and among Marten Transport, Ltd., as borrower, the banks party thereto as lenders, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 5, 2007.
10.7	Form of Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 2007.
10.8	Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, effective as of November 30, 2007, by and among Marten Transport, Ltd., as borrower, the banks party thereto as lenders, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 0-15010).
10.9	Form of First Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Severance Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 0-15010).
10.10	Form of Indemnification Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 22, 2010.
10.11	Amendment to the Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 0-15010).
10.12	Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 0-15010).
10.13	Form of Performance Unit Award Agreement	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 (File No. 0-15010).
10.14	Form of Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement	Incorporated by Reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 8, 2011.

62

Item No.	Item	Filing Method
10.15	Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 27, 2011, by and among Marten Transport, Ltd. as borrower, the banks party thereto as lenders, and U.S. Bank National Association, as agent for the lenders.	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 31, 2011.
10.16	Executive Officer Performance Incentive Plan	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 5, 2012.
10.17	Named Executive Officer Compensation	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 4, 2012.
10.18	Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2012, between Marten Transport, Ltd. as borrower and U.S. Bank National Association.	Filed with this Report.
23.1	Consent of KPMG LLP	Filed with this Report.
31.1	Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Randolph L. Marten, the Registrant’s Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	Filed with this Report.
31.2	Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by James J. Hinnendael, the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)	Filed with this Report.
32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002	Filed with this Report.

63

Item No.	Item	Filing Method
101	The following financial information from Marten Transport, Ltd.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012, filed with the SEC on March 14, 2013, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three years ended December 31, 2012, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three years ended December 31, 2012, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three years ended December 31, 2012, and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.**	Filed with this Report.

**Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be deemed part of a registration statement, prospectus or other document filed under Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liability of those sections, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filings.

64

EX-10.18

Exhibit 10.18

FOURTH AMENDMENT TO CREDIT AGREEMENT

THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT (this "Amendment"), dated as of December 10, 2012, amends and modifies a certain Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006, as amended by Amendments dated as of January 1, 2007, November 30, 2007 and May 27, 2011 (as so amended, the "Credit Agreement"), by and among MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD., a Delaware corporation (the "Borrower"), the Banks named therein, and U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as agent for the Banks (the "Agent").  Terms not otherwise expressly defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the Borrower, the Banks and the Agent agree as follows:

ARTICLE I -  AMENDMENT

1.1   Restricted Payments.  Section 6.7 is amended to read as follows:

"Section 6.7      Restricted Payments.  The Borrower will not make any Restricted Payments (a) during any fiscal year of the Borrower, exceeding 25% of the Borrower's total consolidated net income as shown on its audited income statement for its most recent prior fiscal year, provided, that notwithstanding such restriction, during the fiscal year of the Borrower ending December 31, 2012, the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in a total amount of up to $25,000,000, or (b) if any Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and continued hereunder."

1.2  Construction.  All references in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement", "herein" and similar references shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended by this Amendment.

ARTICLE II - REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

To induce the Banks and the Agent to enter into this Amendment and to make and maintain the Loansunder the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, the Borrower hereby warrants and represents to the Banks and the Agent that it is duly authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment, and to perform its obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended hereby, and that this Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms, subject to limitations as to enforceability which might result from bankruptcy, insolvency, moratorium and other similar laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject to equitable principles.

ARTICLE III - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

This Amendment shall become effective on the date first set forth above, provided, however, that the effectiveness of this Amendment is subject to the satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent:

3.1 Warranties.  Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, the representations and warranties in Article 4 of the Amended Credit Agreement shall be true and correct as though made on the date hereof, except for changes that are permitted by the terms of the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby and except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly refer to an earlier date.

3.2 Defaults.  Before and after giving effect to this Amendment, no Default and no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing under the Amended Credit Agreement.

3.3 Documents.  The Borrower shall have executed and delivered this Amendment and the Guarantor Subsidiaries shall have executed and delivered the Acknowledgement in the form attached hereto.

ARTICLE IV - GENERAL

4.1 Expenses.  The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Agent upon demand for all reasonable expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and legal expenses) incurred by the Agent in the preparation, negotiation and execution of this Amendment and any other document required to be furnished herewith, and in enforcing the obligations of the Borrower hereunder, and to pay and save the Agent and the Banks harmless from all liability for, any stamp or other taxes which may be payable with respect to the execution or delivery of this Amendment, which obligations of the Borrower shall survive any termination of the Credit Agreement.

4.2 Counterparts.  This Amendment may be executed in as many counterparts as may be deemed necessary or convenient, and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which, when so executed, shall be deemed an original but all such counterparts shall constitute but one and the same instrument.

4.3 Severability.  Any provision of this Amendment which is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such prohibition or unenforceability without invalidating the remaining portions hereof or affecting the validity or enforceability of such provisions in any other jurisdiction.

4.4 Law; Consent to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.  This Amendment shall be a contract made under the laws of the State of Minnesota, which laws shall govern all the rights and duties hereunder.    This Amendment shall be subject to the Consent to Jurisdiction and Waiver of Jury Trial provisions of the Credit Agreement.

4.5 Successors; Enforceability.  This Amendment shall be binding upon the Borrower, the Banks and the Agent and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower, the Banks and the Agent and the successors and assigns of the Banks and the Agent.  Except as hereby amended, the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby ratified and confirmed in all respects.

(signature page follows)

2

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be executed at Minneapolis, Minnesota by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized as of the date first written above.

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as

 Agent and as a Bank

By: 

    Edward B. Hanson

Title:           Vice President

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD., as the Borrower

By: 

    James J. Hinnendael

Title:           Chief Financial Officer

3

GUARANTOR'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The undersigned (the "Guarantors") have each, by guaranties each dated as of January 1, 2007 (the "Guaranties") guaranteed payment and performance of obligations of MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD. (the "Borrower") to the Banks and U.S. Bank National Association, as Agent, under the Credit Agreement, dated as of August 31, 2006, as amended by Amendments dated as of January 1, 2007 and November 30, 2007 (the "Credit Agreement") among the Borrower, the Banks and the Agent.  Each Guarantor acknowledges that such Guarantor has received a copy of the proposed Fourth Amendment to the Credit Agreement, to be dated on or about December 10, 2012 (the "Amendment").  Each Guarantor agrees and acknowledges that the Amendment shall in no way impair or limit the right of the Bank under its Guaranty, and confirms that by its Guaranty, such Guarantor continues to guaranty payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower to the Bank specified in such Guaranty, including without limitation obligations under the Credit Agreement as amended pursuant to the Amendment.  Each Guarantor hereby confirms that its Guaranty remains in full force and effect, enforceable against such Guarantor in accordance with its terms.

Dated as of December 10, 2012.

MARTEN TRANSPORT SERVICES, LTD.

By: 

James J. Hinnendael

Title:       Chief Financial Officer

MARTEN TRANSPORT LOGISTICS, LLC

By: 

James J. Hinnendael

Title:       Chief Financial Officer

MARTEN TRANSPORT HOLDINGS, LTD.

By: 

James J. Hinnendael

Title:       Chief Financial Officer

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors

Marten Transport, Ltd.:

We consent to incorporation by reference in the registration statements (No. 333-81494, 33-75648 and 333-128168) on Form S-8 of Marten Transport, Ltd. of our report dated March 14, 2013, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Marten Transport, Ltd. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows, and changes in stockholders’ equity for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2012, the related financial statement schedule, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, which appears in the December 31, 2012 annual report on Form 10-K of Marten Transport, Ltd.

KPMG LLP

Minneapolis, Minnesota

March 14, 2013

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION

I, Randolph L. Marten, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Marten Transport, Ltd.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  March 14, 2013	/s/ Randolph L. Marten
	Randolph L. Marten
	Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION

I, James J. Hinnendael, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Marten Transport, Ltd.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:  March 14, 2013	/s/ James J. Hinnendael
	James J. Hinnendael
	Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. §1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Marten Transport, Ltd. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), each of the undersigned certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the best knowledge of the undersigned:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date:  March 14, 2013	/s/ Randolph L. Marten
	Randolph L. Marten
	Chief Executive Officer
	/s/ James J. Hinnendael
	James J. Hinnendael
	Chief Financial Officer

XML

Note 6 - Earnings Per Common Share (Detail) - Basic and diluted earnings per common share: (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Numerator:
Net income (in Dollars)	$ 7,719	$ 6,518	$ 7,584	$ 5,446	$ 7,663	$ 6,333	$ 6,194	$ 4,095	$ 27,267	$ 24,285	$ 19,742
Denominator:
Basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares									22,064	21,979	21,927
Effect of dilutive stock options									86	96	104
Diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average shares and assumed conversions									22,150	22,075	22,031
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.30	$ 0.34	$ 0.25	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 1.24	$ 1.10	$ 0.90
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.34	$ 0.25	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 1.23	$ 1.10	$ 0.90

XML

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies (Detail) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 919,000
Revenue Equipment [Member]
Purchase Commitment, Remaining Minimum Amount Committed	$ 1,700,000

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Detail) - Nonvested performance unit award activity: (Performance Shares [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance Shares [Member]
Shares	60,166
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 19.76
Granted	39,500
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 20.95
Vested	(23,120)	[1]
Vested (in Dollars per share)	$ 20.24
Shares	76,546
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (in Dollars per share)	$ 20.23

[1] This number of performance unit award shares vested based on our financial performance in 2012 and was distributed or credited to the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan in March 2013. The fair value of unit award shares that vested in 2012 was $468,000.

XML

Note 4 - Related Party Transactions (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Purchase Of Fuel, Tires, and Related Services [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 988,000	$ 1,400,000	$ 815,000
Tire Purchases [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	1,700,000	1,700,000	1,700,000
Accounts Payable, Related Parties		28,000
Various Construction Projects [Member]
Related Party Transaction, Amounts of Transaction	$ 495,000	$ 615,000	$ 262,000

XML

Note 6 - Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income	$	27,267	$	24,285	$	19,742
Denominator:
Basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares		22,064		21,979		21,927
Effect of dilutive stock options		86		96		104
Diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		22,150		22,075		22,031
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.24	$	1.10	$	0.90
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.23	$	1.10	$	0.90

XML

Note 13 - Business Segments (Detail) - Operating Revenue and Operating Income by Segment (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Operating Revenue	$ 166,412	$ 163,606	$ 156,964	$ 151,474	$ 158,340	$ 156,348	$ 151,135	$ 137,856	$ 638,456		$ 603,679		$ 516,920
Operating Income	13,211	9,840	13,283	9,519	12,951	11,111	11,359	7,609	45,853		43,030		35,289
Truckload Revenue, Net of Fuel Surcharge [Member]
Operating Revenue									378,383		357,787		325,791
Truckload Fuel Surcharge Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenue									104,940		98,060		66,973
Total Truckload Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenue									483,323		455,847		392,764
Logistics Revenue, Net of Intermodal Fuel Surcharge [Member]
Operating Revenue									138,960	[1]	132,890	[1]	115,223	[1]
Intermodal Fuel Surcharge Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenue									16,173		14,942		8,933
Total Logistics Revenue [Member]
Operating Revenue									155,133		147,832		124,156
Truckload [Member]
Operating Income									36,805		35,298		28,680
Logistics [Member]
Operating Income									$ 9,048		$ 7,732		$ 6,609

[1] Logistics revenue is net of $9.7 million, $9.0 million and $9.1 million of inter-segment revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL that have been eliminated in consolidation.

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							1 Months Ended			12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member] 2005 Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member] 1995 Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Stock Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Performance Shares [Member] 2005 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2012 Performance Shares [Member]	Aug. 30, 2011 Performance Shares [Member]	Aug. 30, 2010 Performance Shares [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Performance Shares [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Non-Statutory Stock Options [Member] 1995 Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Performance-Based Option Awards [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Unvested Service-Based Option Awards [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Unvested Performance Unit Awards [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Service-Based Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Service-Based Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Service-Based Options [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Participants Less Than 50 Years Old [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Participants Over 50 Years Old [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2005 Plan [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2005 Plan [Member] Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 2005 Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 1995 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expiration Term																					7 years	10 years		10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period				1 year		1 year	5 years			5 years
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Award, Annual Percentage of Award Which Vests				20.00%	20.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized (in Shares)																							2,850,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Reserved For Issuance Under Awards Outstanding (in Shares)				638,050	25,314		122,083
Share-Based Compensation Award, Exercise Price, Required Percentage of Fair Market Value of Common Stock On the Date of Grant												85.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Expirations in Period (in Shares)													107,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted (in Shares)								39,500	41,600	63,400
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-Based Payment Awards, Annual Service Vesting Percentage										5.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Forfeiture Rate of Unvested Outstanding Awards	1.25%
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense	$ 1,225,000	$ 1,349,000	$ 1,264,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax	759,000	837,000	776,000
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax, Amount Per Basic And Diluted Share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.034	$ 0.038	$ 0.035
Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities	336,000	142,000	338,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized														1,300,000	1,300,000
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition	3 years 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number (in Shares)	663,364	690,768
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	4 years 36 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value	552,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number (in Shares)	465,144
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	3 years 255 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	513,000
Stock Granted During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Gross																695,000	350,000	922,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value	1,400,000	442,000	1,000,000
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised	968,000	137,000	303,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	751,000	856,000	729,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value											468,000
Defined Contribution Plan, Maximum Statutory Contribution Amount Allowed By Each Plan Participant																			17,000	22,500
Defined Contribution Plan, Percentage of Participant's Contribution Matched By Employer	35.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Max Percentage of Participant's Contributions Matched By Employer	6.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage	20.00%
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized	$ 909,000	$ 803,000	$ 633,000

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Net deferred tax liability: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reserves and accrued liabilities	$ 5,687	$ 5,326
Other	2,714	2,274
	8,401	7,600
Depreciation	111,794	106,113
Prepaid expenses	2,526	2,584
	114,320	108,697
Net deferred tax liability	$ 105,919	$ 101,097

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (Detail) - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Insurance and Claims Accruals [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Year	$ 13,042		$ 17,653		$ 19,222
Charged to Costs and Expenses	32,548		27,675		24,892
Deductions	(31,752)	[1]	(32,286)	[1]	(26,461)	[1]
Balance at End of Year	13,838		13,042		17,653
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]
Balance at Beginning of Year	470		170		245
Charged to Costs and Expenses			544		(21)
Deductions	(136)	[2]	(244)	[2]	(54)	[2]
Balance at End of Year	$ 334		$ 470		$ 170

[1] Claims payments

[2] Write-off of bad debts, net of recoveries

XML

Note 10 - Deferred Compensation Plan (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred Compensation Plan, Number of Common Shares Credited to Account Balances	35,040.2

XML

Note 3 - Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Debt Disclosure [Text Block]

3.  Long-Term Debt

We maintain a credit agreement that provides for an unsecured committed credit facility which matures in May 2016.  The aggregate principal amount of the credit facility of $50 million may be increased at our option, subject to completion of signed amendments with the lender, up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $75 million.  At December 31, 2012, the credit facility had an outstanding principal balance of $2.7 million, outstanding standby letters of credit of $7.4 million and remaining borrowing availability of $39.9 million.  At December 31, 2011, there was no outstanding principal balance on the credit facility.  This facility bears interest at a variable rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate or the lender’s Prime Rate, in each case plus/minus applicable margins.  The weighted average interest rate for the facility was 1.05% at December 31, 2012.

Our credit facility prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of a $0.75 per share of common stock special dividend in December 2012.  This facility also contains restrictive covenants which, among other matters, require us to maintain compliance with certain cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios.  We were in compliance with all of these covenants at December 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011.

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Detail) - Weighted average assumptions used to estimate fair value of service-based option awards granted as of the date of grant: (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Expected option life in years(1)	6 years 36 days	[1]	6 years 109 days	[1]	6 years 36 days	[1]
Expected stock price volatility percentage(2)	37.00%	[2]	39.00%	[2]	39.00%	[2]
Risk-free interest rate percentage(3)	1.10%	[3]	2.40%	[3]	2.70%	[3]
Expected dividend yield(4)	0.49%	[4]	0.38%	[4]	0.05%	[4]
Fair value as of the date of grant (in Dollars per share)	$ 7.22		$ 8.54		$ 9.31

[1] Expected option life - We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.

[2] Expected stock price volatility - We use our stock's historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. We have no reason to believe that its future volatility will differ from the past.

[3] Risk-free interest rate - The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

[4] Expected dividend yield - The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

XML

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets (in Dollars)	490,623,000	470,579,000
Liabilities (in Dollars)	158,700,000	150,220,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount (in Dollars)	7,400,000
Number of Operating Segments	6	6
Number of Reportable Segments	2	2
Customer 1 [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		11.00%
Customer 1 [Member]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage	9.00%	11.00%	18.00%
Customer 2 [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage		8.00%
Customer 2 [Member]
Entity-Wide Revenue, Major Customer, Percentage		10.00%	10.00%
Insurance Claims [Member]
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount (in Dollars)	7,400,000
Tractors [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	5 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	25.00%
Trailers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	7 years
Property, Plant and Equipment, Salvage Value, Percentage	35.00%
Service and other equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	3 years
Service and other equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	15 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	20 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	40 years
Tires In Service [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life	24 months
Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] | United States [Member] | Revenue [Member]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	99.00%
MWL [Member]
Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions	45.00%
Assets (in Dollars)	5,200,000
Liabilities (in Dollars)	2,700,000

XML

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]

2012 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	151,474	$	156,964	$	163,606	$	166,412
Operating income		9,519		13,283		9,840		13,211
Net income		5,446		7,584		6,518		7,719
Basic earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.30		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.29		0.35

2011 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	137,856	$	151,135	$	156,348	$	158,340
Operating income		7,609		11,359		11,111		12,951
Net income		4,095		6,194		6,333		7,663
Basic earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Detail) - Option activity in 2011: (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares	690,768
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 17.62
Exercisable at December 31, 2012	465,144
Exercisable at December 31, 2012 (in Dollars per share)	$ 19.23
Granted	96,250
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 20.48
Exercised	(111,954)
Exercised (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.65
Forfeited	(11,700)
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$ 19.29
Shares	663,364
Weighted Average Exercise Price (in Dollars per share)	$ 19.52

XML

Note 2. Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts (Detail) - Prepaid expenses and other: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Insurance premiums	$ 1,316	$ 1,334
Other	2,652	2,946
	15,490	15,426
Tires In Service [Member]
Prepaid Expenses	4,261	3,736
License Fees [Member]
Prepaid Expenses	4,194	4,070
Parts And Tires Inventory [Member]
Prepaid Expenses	$ 3,067	$ 3,340

XML

Note 2. Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts (Detail) - Accrued liabilities: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Accrued expenses	$ 4,649	$ 6,616
Current income taxes	4,032	661
Salaries and wages	3,773	3,956
Vacation	3,560	3,154
Other	967	1,044
	$ 16,981	$ 15,431

XML

Note 2. Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Supplemental Balance Sheet Disclosures [Text Block]

2.  Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts

Prepaid expenses and other:  As of December 31, prepaid expenses and other consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Tires in service	$	4,261	$	3,736
License fees		4,194		4,070
Parts and tires inventory		3,067		3,340
Insurance premiums		1,316		1,334
Other		2,652		2,946
	$	15,490	$	15,426

Accrued liabilities:  As of December 31, accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Accrued expenses	$	4,649	$	6,616
Current income taxes		4,032		661
Salaries and wages		3,773		3,956
Vacation		3,560		3,154
Other		967		1,044
	$	16,981	$	15,431

XML

Note 3 - Long-Term Debt (Detail) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$ 2,700,000	$ 2,700,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	7,400,000	7,400,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	39,900,000	39,900,000
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions, Percentage of Net Income Limit		25.00%
Dividend Payment Restrictions Schedule, Amounts Paid	0.75
Minimum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	50,000,000	50,000,000
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 75,000,000	$ 75,000,000
Credit Facility [Member]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.05%	1.05%

XML

Note 7 - Dividends (Detail) (USD $)	4 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			1 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	1 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012 Paid Quarterly [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Paid Quarterly [Member]	May 31, 2012 Paid Quarterly [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 Paid Quarterly [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Paid Quarterly [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Special Dividend [Member]
Payments of Dividends (in Dollars)	$ 877,000	$ 18,700,000	$ 1,800,000
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid		$ 0.845	$ 0.08	$ 0.04	$ 0.025	$ 0.025	$ 0.025	$ 0.02	$ 0.02	$ 0.75
Line of Credit Facility, Dividend Restrictions, Percentage of Net Income Limit		25.00%

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 3,473	$ 20,821
Trade, less allowances of $334 and $470, respectively	66,239	59,385
Other	7,177	3,430
Prepaid expenses and other	15,490	15,426
Deferred income taxes	3,155	2,738
Total current assets	95,534	101,800
Property and equipment:
Revenue equipment	484,350	468,966
Buildings and land	39,664	30,602
Office equipment and other	27,122	24,406
Less accumulated depreciation	(156,660)	(155,774)
Net property and equipment	394,476	368,200
Other assets	613	579
	490,623	470,579
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	16,081	17,912
Insurance and claims accruals	13,838	13,042
Accrued liabilities	16,981	15,431
Total current liabilities	46,900	46,385
Long-term debt, less current maturities	2,726
Deferred income taxes	109,074	103,835
Total liabilities	158,700	150,220
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value per share; 2,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $.01 par value per share; 48,000,000 shares authorized; 22,109,619 shares at December 31, 2012, and 21,984,597 shares at December 31, 2011, issued and outstanding	221	220
Additional paid-in capital	82,679	80,078
Retained earnings	246,460	237,872
Total Marten Transport, Ltd. stockholders’ equity	329,360	318,170
Noncontrolling interest	2,563	2,189
Total stockholders’ equity	331,923	320,359
	$ 490,623	$ 470,579

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Detail) - Nonvested option awards activity: (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Service-based options:
Granted	96,250
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 7.22	$ 8.54	$ 9.31
Forfeited	11,700
Service-Based Options [Member]
Service-based options:
Shares - Nonvested	204,740
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.23
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) - Nonvested	5 years
Granted	96,250
Granted (in Dollars per share)	$ 7.22
Granted	6 years 328 days
Vested	(92,870)
Vested (in Dollars per share)	$ 8.09
Vested	4 years 146 days
Forfeited	(9,900)
Forfeited (in Dollars per share)	$ 7.94
Forfeited	4 years 6 months
Shares - Nonvested	198,220
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value - Nonvested (in Dollars per share)	$ 7.82
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years) - Nonvested	5 years 73 days

XML

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operations:
Net income	$ 27,267,000	$ 24,285,000	$ 19,742,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation	60,904,000	57,531,000	51,916,000
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment	(5,302,000)	(3,800,000)	(1,110,000)
Deferred income taxes	4,822,000	10,076,000	10,550,000
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises	409,000	164,000	385,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises	(336,000)	(142,000)	(338,000)
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense	1,225,000	1,349,000	1,264,000
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest	497,000	807,000	631,000
Changes in other current operating items:
Receivables	(7,795,000)	1,247,000	(14,246,000)
Prepaid expenses and other	(64,000)	(2,020,000)	(1,078,000)
Accounts payable	1,021,000	(1,585,000)	348,000
Insurance and claims accruals	796,000	(4,611,000)	(1,569,000)
Accrued liabilities	2,095,000	2,905,000	(1,973,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,539,000	86,206,000	64,522,000
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Other	(34,000)	102,000	(26,000)
Net cash used for investing activities	(88,115,000)	(48,271,000)	(81,181,000)
CASH FLOWS (USED FOR) PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings under credit facility and long-term debt	21,517,000	37,632,000	160,395,000
Repayment of borrowings under credit facility and long-term debt	(18,791,000)	(56,978,000)	(142,548,000)
Dividends on common stock	(18,679,000)	(1,758,000)	(877,000)
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises	968,000	137,000	303,000
Excess tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises	336,000	142,000	338,000
Noncontrolling interest distributions	(123,000)	(529,000)	(451,000)
Change in net checks issued in excess of cash balances		(1,066,000)	(605,000)
Net cash (used for) provided by financing activities	(14,772,000)	(22,420,000)	16,555,000
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(17,348,000)	15,515,000	(104,000)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
Beginning of year	20,821,000	5,306,000	5,410,000
End of year	3,473,000	20,821,000	5,306,000
Cash paid (received) for:
Interest	9,000	36,000	225,000
Income taxes	8,836,000	(2,559,000)	13,789,000
Non-cash investing activities:
Change in property and equipment not yet paid for	(6,203,000)	1,499,000	253,000
Revenue Equipment [Member]
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(121,777,000)	(75,332,000)	(109,345,000)
Buildings And Land, Office Equipment And Other [Member]
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Additions to property, plant, and equipment	(13,576,000)	(9,573,000)	(11,959,000)
Revenue Equipment [Member]
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, and equipment	46,634,000	36,457,000	40,062,000
Buildings And Land, Office Equipment And Other [Member]
CASH FLOWS USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from disposition of property, plant, and equipment	$ 638,000	$ 75,000	$ 87,000

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Components of the provision for income taxes: (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Federal	$ 12,728	$ 6,524	$ 2,747
State	587	1,362	1,645
	13,315	7,886	4,392
Federal	5,542	9,837	10,761
State	(720)	239	(211)
	4,822	10,076	10,550
Total provision	$ 18,137	$ 17,962	$ 14,942

XML

Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block]

Nature of business:  Marten Transport, Ltd. is a long-haul and regional truckload carrier providing protective service transportation and distribution of time- and temperature-sensitive materials and general commodities to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Marten Transport, Ltd., its subsidiaries and its 45% owned affiliate, MW Logistics, LLC (“MWL”).  MWL is a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  We have applied the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, or FASB ASC, 810, Consolidation to our investment in MWL and have determined that Marten is the primary beneficiary based on MWL’s equity structure.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  As of December 31, 2012, MWL’s total assets and total liabilities, net of intercompany accounts and transactions, were $5.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  MWL has elected to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Consequently, federal income taxes are not payable by MWL.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and cash equivalents:  Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments.  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Changes in accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Trade accounts receivable:  Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectibility of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly.  Invoice balances over 30 days after the contractual due date are considered past due per our policy and are reviewed individually for collectibility.  Initial payments by new customers are monitored for compliance with contractual terms.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential recovery is considered remote.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and equipment:  Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost.  Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations.  Gains and losses on disposals of revenue equipment are included in operations as they are a normal, recurring component of our operations.

Depreciation is computed based on the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.  We begin depreciating assets in the month that each asset is placed in service and, therefore, is ready for its intended use.  Accelerated methods are used for income tax reporting purposes.  Following is a summary of estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes:

	Years
Tractors		5
Trailers		7
Service and other equipment		3-15
Buildings and improvements		20-40

In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned tractors within approximately 4.5 years and our trailers within approximately 5.5 years after purchase.  Our useful lives for depreciating tractors is five years and for trailers is seven years, with a 25% salvage value for tractors and a 35% salvage value for trailers.  These salvage values are based upon the expected market values of the equipment after five years for tractors and seven years for trailers.  Depreciation expense calculated in this manner approximates the continuing declining value of the revenue equipment, and continues at a consistent straight-line rate for units held beyond the normal replacement cycle.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.

Tires In Service [Policy Text Block]

Tires in service: The cost of original equipment and replacement tires placed in service is capitalized. Amortization is calculated based on cost, less estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over 24 months. The current portion of capitalized tires in service is included in prepaid expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion of capitalized tires in service and the estimated salvage value are included in revenue equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cost of recapping tires is charged to operations.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  We have reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions.  We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.  Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Internal Replacements of Insurance Contracts, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Insurance and claims:  We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo, and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels.  We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review.  We reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims, including legal costs. These reserves are periodically evaluated and adjusted based on our evaluation of the nature and severity of outstanding individual claims and an estimate of future claims development based on historical claims development factors.  Under agreements with our insurance carriers and regulatory authorities, we have $7.4 million in standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of claims.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue recognition:  We record revenue and related expenses on the date shipment of freight is completed.  Our largest customer accounted for 9% of our revenue in 2012.  We earned 11% and 10% of our revenue in 2011 from two single customers whose trade receivables represented 11% and 8%, respectively, of our trade receivables as of December 31, 2011. We earned 18% and 10% of our revenue in 2010 from two single customers.  During 2012, more than 99% of our revenue was generated within the United States.

We account for revenue of our Logistics segment and revenue on freight transported by independent contractors within our Truckload segment on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor in the arrangements, we have the ability to establish prices, we have the risk of loss in the event of cargo claims and we bear credit risk with customer payments.  Accordingly, all such revenue billed to customers is classified as operating revenue and all corresponding payments to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment are classified as purchased transportation expense.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Share-based payment arrangement compensation:  Under our stock incentive plans, all of our employees and any subsidiary employees, as well as all of our non-employee directors, may be granted stock-based awards, including incentive and non-statutory stock options and performance unit awards.  We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of employee stock options and performance unit awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Earnings per common share:  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares related to stock options and performance unit awards had been issued using the treasury stock method.

Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Segment reporting:  We report our operating segments in accordance with accounting standards codified in FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting.  We have six operating segments that have been aggregated into two reporting segments (Truckload and Logistics) for financial reporting purposes.  See Note 13 for more information.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Use of estimates:  We must make estimates and assumptions to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates are primarily related to insurance and claims accruals and depreciation.  Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Detail) - Federal income tax reconciled to the effective income tax rate:	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Per diem and other non-deductible expenses	5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Increase in taxes arising from state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		3.00%	3.00%
Other		(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Effective tax rate	39.90%	42.50%	43.00%

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2012			2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	12,728		$	6,524	$	2,747
State		587			1,362		1,645
		13,315			7,886		4,392
Deferred:
Federal		5,542			9,837		10,761
State		(720	)		239		(211	)
		4,822			10,076		10,550
Total provision	$	18,137		$	17,962	$	14,942

Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]

	2012			2011			2010
Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
Per diem and other non-deductible expenses		5			6			6
Increase in taxes arising from state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-			3			3
Other		-			(1	)		(1	)
Effective tax rate		40	%		43	%		43	%

Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves and accrued liabilities	$	5,687	$	5,326
Other		2,714		2,274
		8,401		7,600
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		111,794		106,113
Prepaid expenses		2,526		2,584
		114,320		108,697
Net deferred tax liability	$	105,919	$	101,097

XML

Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]

1.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business:  Marten Transport, Ltd. is a long-haul and regional truckload carrier providing protective service transportation and distribution of time- and temperature-sensitive materials and general commodities to customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Principles of consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Marten Transport, Ltd., its subsidiaries and its 45% owned affiliate, MW Logistics, LLC (“MWL”).  MWL is a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  We have applied the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification, or FASB ASC, 810, Consolidation to our investment in MWL and have determined that Marten is the primary beneficiary based on MWL’s equity structure.  All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  As of December 31, 2012, MWL’s total assets and total liabilities, net of intercompany accounts and transactions, were $5.2 million and $2.7 million, respectively.  MWL has elected to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. Consequently, federal income taxes are not payable by MWL.

Cash and cash equivalents:  Cash in excess of current operating requirements is invested in short-term, highly liquid investments.  We consider all highly liquid investments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.  Changes in accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included as a financing activity in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

Trade accounts receivable:  Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectibility of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation where a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  We review the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts monthly.  Invoice balances over 30 days after the contractual due date are considered past due per our policy and are reviewed individually for collectibility.  Initial payments by new customers are monitored for compliance with contractual terms.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential recovery is considered remote.

Property and equipment:  Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost.  Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations.  Gains and losses on disposals of revenue equipment are included in operations as they are a normal, recurring component of our operations.

Depreciation is computed based on the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.  We begin depreciating assets in the month that each asset is placed in service and, therefore, is ready for its intended use.  Accelerated methods are used for income tax reporting purposes.  Following is a summary of estimated useful lives for financial reporting purposes:

	Years
Tractors		5
Trailers		7
Service and other equipment		3-15
Buildings and improvements		20-40

In 2012, we replaced most of our company-owned tractors within approximately 4.5 years and our trailers within approximately 5.5 years after purchase.  Our useful lives for depreciating tractors is five years and for trailers is seven years, with a 25% salvage value for tractors and a 35% salvage value for trailers.  These salvage values are based upon the expected market values of the equipment after five years for tractors and seven years for trailers.  Depreciation expense calculated in this manner approximates the continuing declining value of the revenue equipment, and continues at a consistent straight-line rate for units held beyond the normal replacement cycle.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.  Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.

Tires in service: The cost of original equipment and replacement tires placed in service is capitalized. Amortization is calculated based on cost, less estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method over 24 months. The current portion of capitalized tires in service is included in prepaid expenses and other in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The long-term portion of capitalized tires in service and the estimated salvage value are included in revenue equipment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The cost of recapping tires is charged to operations.

Income taxes: Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.  We have reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions.  We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates.  For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information.  For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements.  Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Insurance and claims:  We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo, and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels.  We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review.  We reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims, including legal costs. These reserves are periodically evaluated and adjusted based on our evaluation of the nature and severity of outstanding individual claims and an estimate of future claims development based on historical claims development factors.  Under agreements with our insurance carriers and regulatory authorities, we have $7.4 million in standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of claims.

Revenue recognition:  We record revenue and related expenses on the date shipment of freight is completed.  Our largest customer accounted for 9% of our revenue in 2012.  We earned 11% and 10% of our revenue in 2011 from two single customers whose trade receivables represented 11% and 8%, respectively, of our trade receivables as of December 31, 2011. We earned 18% and 10% of our revenue in 2010 from two single customers.  During 2012, more than 99% of our revenue was generated within the United States.

We account for revenue of our Logistics segment and revenue on freight transported by independent contractors within our Truckload segment on a gross basis because we are the primary obligor in the arrangements, we have the ability to establish prices, we have the risk of loss in the event of cargo claims and we bear credit risk with customer payments.  Accordingly, all such revenue billed to customers is classified as operating revenue and all corresponding payments to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment are classified as purchased transportation expense.

Share-based payment arrangement compensation:  Under our stock incentive plans, all of our employees and any subsidiary employees, as well as all of our non-employee directors, may be granted stock-based awards, including incentive and non-statutory stock options and performance unit awards.  We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of employee stock options and performance unit awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant.

Earnings per common share:  Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year.  Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares related to stock options and performance unit awards had been issued using the treasury stock method.

Segment reporting:  We report our operating segments in accordance with accounting standards codified in FASB ASC 280, Segment Reporting.  We have six operating segments that have been aggregated into two reporting segments (Truckload and Logistics) for financial reporting purposes.  See Note 13 for more information.

Use of estimates:  We must make estimates and assumptions to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period.  These estimates are primarily related to insurance and claims accruals and depreciation.  Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Trade allowance (in Dollars)	$ 334	$ 470
Preferred stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	48,000,000	48,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,109,619	21,984,597
Common stock, shares outstanding	22,109,619	21,984,597

XML

Note 11 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

11.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  The carrying amount of our long-term debt approximates fair value as its interest rate is based upon prevailing market rates.

XML

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 28, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD
Document Type	10-K
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		22,110,819
Entity Public Float			$ 360,852,000
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000799167
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY

XML

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

12.  Commitments and Contingencies

We are committed to: (a) purchase $1.7 million of new revenue equipment in 2013; and (b) operating lease obligation expenditures totaling $919,000 through 2016.

We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels. We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review, and reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims.

We are also involved in other legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  In the opinion of management, based upon present knowledge of the facts, it is remote that the ultimate outcome of any such legal actions will have a material adverse effect upon our long-term financial position or results of operations.

XML

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating revenue	$ 638,456	$ 603,679	$ 516,920
Operating expenses (income):
Salaries, wages and benefits	163,242	147,646	131,519
Purchased transportation	124,269	120,332	110,408
Fuel and fuel taxes	163,596	155,595	114,927
Supplies and maintenance	39,919	40,311	35,218
Depreciation	60,904	57,531	51,916
Operating taxes and licenses	6,741	6,373	6,222
Insurance and claims	20,718	18,170	16,573
Communications and utilities	4,939	4,605	3,964
Gain on disposition of revenue equipment	(5,302)	(3,800)	(1,110)
Other	13,577	13,886	11,994
	592,603	560,649	481,631
Operating income	45,853	43,030	35,289
Net interest income	(48)	(24)	(26)
Income before income taxes	45,901	43,054	35,315
Less: Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest	497	807	631
Income before income taxes attributable to Marten Transport, Ltd.	45,404	42,247	34,684
Provision for income taxes	18,137	17,962	14,942
Net income	$ 27,267	$ 24,285	$ 19,742
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.24	$ 1.10	$ 0.90
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 1.23	$ 1.10	$ 0.90
Dividends paid per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.845	$ 0.08	$ 0.04

XML

Note 6 - Earnings Per Common Share

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Text Block]

6.  Earnings Per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share were computed as follows:

(In thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2010
Numerator:
Net income	$	27,267	$	24,285	$	19,742
Denominator:
Basic earnings per common share - weighted-average shares		22,064		21,979		21,927
Effect of dilutive stock options		86		96		104
Diluted earnings per common share - weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		22,150		22,075		22,031
Basic earnings per common share	$	1.24	$	1.10	$	0.90
Diluted earnings per common share	$	1.23	$	1.10	$	0.90

Options totaling 465,150, 372,900 and 351,000 shares were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, because including the options in the denominator would be antidilutive, or decrease the number of weighted-average shares, due to their exercise prices exceeding the average market price of the common shares or due to inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation. Performance-based option awards totaling 107,000 shares in 2010 were also not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the performance condition was not met.

Unvested performance unit awards (see Note 9) totaling 43,600, 46,180 and 29,164 shares for 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were considered outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation would cause the performance units to be antidilutive.

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]

5.  Income Taxes

The components of the provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012			2011		2010
Current:
Federal	$	12,728		$	6,524	$	2,747
State		587			1,362		1,645
		13,315			7,886		4,392
Deferred:
Federal		5,542			9,837		10,761
State		(720	)		239		(211	)
		4,822			10,076		10,550
Total provision	$	18,137		$	17,962	$	14,942

The statutory federal income tax rate is reconciled to the effective income tax rate as follows:

	2012			2011			2010
Statutory federal income tax rate		35	%		35	%		35	%
Per diem and other non-deductible expenses		5			6			6
Increase in taxes arising from state income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		-			3			3
Other		-			(1	)		(1	)
Effective tax rate		40	%		43	%		43	%

Our effective income tax rate decreased to 39.9% in 2012 from 42.5% in 2011 primarily due to a decrease to our deferred income tax liability as a result of a change in income apportionment for several states.

As of December 31, the net deferred tax liability consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Deferred tax assets:
Reserves and accrued liabilities	$	5,687	$	5,326
Other		2,714		2,274
		8,401		7,600
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation		111,794		106,113
Prepaid expenses		2,526		2,584
		114,320		108,697
Net deferred tax liability	$	105,919	$	101,097

We have not provided a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets at December 31, 2012 or 2011. We believe the deferred tax assets will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) and future taxable income.

Our reserves for unrecognized tax benefits were $281,000 as of December 31, 2012 and $288,000 as of December 31, 2011.  The $7,000 decrease in the amount reserved in 2012 relates to current period tax positions offset by the removal of the reserve relating to 2007.  The amount reserved as of December 31, 2011 was added in 2007 through 2011 relating to current period tax positions.  If recognized, $183,000 of the unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2012 would impact our effective tax rate.  No potential interest or penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits were recognized in our financial statements as of December 31, 2012.  We do not expect the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly within the next twelve months.

The federal statute of limitations remains open for 2009 and forward.  We file tax returns in numerous state jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations.

XML

Note 2. Details of Consolidated Balance Sheet Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Tires in service	$	4,261	$	3,736
License fees		4,194		4,070
Parts and tires inventory		3,067		3,340
Insurance premiums		1,316		1,334
Other		2,652		2,946
	$	15,490	$	15,426

Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]

(In thousands)	2012		2011
Accrued expenses	$	4,649	$	6,616
Current income taxes		4,032		661
Salaries and wages		3,773		3,956
Vacation		3,560		3,154
Other		967		1,044
	$	16,981	$	15,431

XML

Note 13 - Business Segments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]

13.  Business Segments

We have six operating segments that have been aggregated into two reporting segments (Truckload and Logistics) for financial reporting purposes.  The primary source of our operating revenue is truckload revenue, which we generate by transporting freight for our customers and report within our Truckload segment.  Generally, we are paid by the mile for our services.  We also derive truckload revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other ancillary services.

Our operating revenue also includes revenue reported within our Logistics segment, which consists of revenue from our internal brokerage and intermodal operations, and through our 45% interest in MWL, a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry.  Brokerage services involve arranging for another company to transport freight for our customers while we retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities.  Intermodal services involve the transport of our trailers on railroad flatcars for a portion of a trip, with the balance of the trip using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers.

The following table sets forth for the years indicated our operating revenue and operating income by segment.  We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment.

(Dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue	$	378,383	$	357,787	$	325,791
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue		104,940		98,060		66,973
Total Truckload revenue		483,323		455,847		392,764
Logistics revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharge revenue(1)		138,960		132,890		115,223
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue		16,173		14,942		8,933
Total Logistics revenue		155,133		147,832		124,156
Total operating revenue	$	638,456	$	603,679	$	516,920
Operating income:
Truckload	$	36,805	$	35,298	$	28,680
Logistics		9,048		7,732		6,609
Total operating income	$	45,853	$	43,030	$	35,289

 (1) Logistics revenue is net of $9.7 million, $9.0 million and $9.1 million of inter-segment revenue in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively, for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL that have been eliminated in consolidation.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $56.7 million, $54.4 million and $49.0 million, and Logistics segment depreciation expense was $4.2 million, $3.1 million and $2.9 million, in 2012, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]

9.  Employee Benefits

Stock Incentive Plans - Under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”), all of our employees and any subsidiary employees, as well as all of our non-employee directors, may be granted stock-based awards, including non-statutory stock options and performance unit awards.  Stock options expire within 7 or 10 years after the date of grant and the exercise price must be at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Stock options issued to non-employee directors upon their annual re-election to our Board of Directors are generally exercisable at the date of grant.  Stock options issued to employees are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in cumulative amounts of 20% per year. Performance unit awards are subject to vesting requirements over a five-year period, primarily based on our earnings growth.  Options exercised and performance unit award shares issued represent newly issued shares.  The maximum number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2005 Plan is 2.85 million shares.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 638,050 shares reserved for issuance under options outstanding and 122,083 shares reserved for issuance under outstanding performance unit awards under the 2005 Plan.

Under our 1995 Plan, officers, directors and employees were granted incentive and non-statutory stock options.  Incentive stock option exercise prices were required to be at least the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Non-statutory stock option exercise prices were required to be at least 85% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant.  Stock options expire within 10 years after the date of grant.  Stock options issued to non-employee directors upon their annual re-election to our Board of Directors are generally exercisable at the date of grant.  Stock options issued to employees are generally exercisable beginning one year from the date of grant in cumulative amounts of 20% per year.  Options exercised represent newly issued shares.  As of December 31, 2012, there were 25,314 shares reserved for issuance under options outstanding under the 1995 Plan.  No additional options will be granted under the 1995 Plan.

We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with FASB ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation, which requires all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors, including grants of stock options and performance unit awards, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values at the date of grant.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of option awards.  The fair value of service-based option awards granted was estimated as of the date of grant using the following weighted average assumptions:

	2012			2011			2010
Expected option life in years(1)		6.1			6.3			6.1
Expected stock price volatility percentage(2)		37	%		39	%		39	%
Risk-free interest rate percentage(3)		1.1	%		2.4	%		2.7	%
Expected dividend yield(4)		0.49	%		0.38	­%		0.05	%
Fair value as of the date of grant	$	7.22		$	8.54		$	9.31

 (1) Expected option life – We use historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation.  We believe that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option.  We use a weighted-average expected life for all awards.

(2) Expected stock price volatility – We use our stock’s historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life.  We have no reason to believe that its future volatility will differ from the past.

(3) Risk-free interest rate – The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

(4) Expected dividend yield – The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

We use the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all service-based option awards with graded vesting.  Service-based option awards become immediately exercisable in full in the event of retirement, death or disability and upon a change in control with respect to all options that have been outstanding for at least six months.  To be eligible for retirement, an employee must reach age 65.

Compensation costs associated with service-based option awards are recognized, net of an estimated forfeiture rate, over the requisite service period, which is the period between the grant date and the earlier of the award’s stated vesting term or the date the employee is eligible for retirement.  We immediately recognize the entire amount of share-based compensation cost for employees that are eligible for retirement at the date of grant.  For awards granted to employees approaching retirement eligibility, we recognize compensation cost on a straight-line basis over the period from the grant date through the retirement eligibility date.  Share-based compensation expense for employees who are not retirement eligible is recognized on a straight-line basis over the stated vesting period of the award.

We had previously issued 107,000 performance-based option shares, and the exercisability of these options was based upon our achievement of certain operating ratios for a period of fiscal years ending with 2010.  These criteria were not met, the options expired unvested effective December 31, 2010, and no compensation expense was recorded relating to these option awards.

In August 2010, we granted 63,400 performance unit awards under our 2005 Stock Incentive Plan to certain employees.  This was our first grant of such awards.  As of December 31, 2010 and each December 31st thereafter through December 31, 2014, each award vests and becomes the right to receive a number of shares of common stock equal to a total vesting percentage multiplied by the number of units subject to such award.  The total vesting percentage for each of the five years is equal to the sum of a performance vesting percentage, which is the percentage increase, if any, in our diluted net income per share for the year being measured over the prior year, and a service vesting percentage of five percentage points.  The goal of the awards is to incentivize the certain employees to increase our earnings an average of fifteen percent per year over five years, which, when combined with the five percent per year service-based component, would result in full vesting over five years.  The performance vesting percentage could be achieved earlier than in five years if annual earnings growth exceeds the average of fifteen percent, or not fully achieved if the annual earnings growth averages less than fifteen percent over the five-year period.  All payments will be made in shares of our common stock.  One half of the vested performance units will be paid to the employees immediately upon vesting, with the other half being credited to the employees’ accounts within the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan, which restricts the sale of vested shares to the later of each employee’s termination of employment or attainment of age 62.

In August 2011, we also granted 41,600 performance unit awards with similar terms to the awards granted in 2010, and which vest from December 31, 2011 through December 31, 2015.

In May 2012, we also granted 39,500 performance unit awards with similar terms to the awards granted in 2010 and 2011, and which vest from December 31, 2012 through December 31, 2016.

The fair value of each performance unit is based on the closing market price on the date of grant.  We recognize compensation expense for these awards based on the estimated number of units probable of achieving the vesting requirements of the awards, net of an estimated forfeiture rate.

The amount of share-based compensation recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest.  Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.  We currently expect, based on an analysis of our historical forfeitures and known forfeitures on existing awards, that approximately 1.25% of unvested outstanding awards will be forfeited each year.  This analysis will be re-evaluated quarterly and the forfeiture rate will be adjusted as necessary.  Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest.

Total share-based compensation expense recorded in 2012 was $1.2 million ($759,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.034 of earnings per basic and diluted share), in 2011 was $1.3 million ($837,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.038 of earnings per basic and diluted share) and in 2010 was $1.3 million ($776,000 net of income tax benefit, $0.035 of earnings per basic and diluted share).  All share-based compensation expense was recorded in salaries, wages and benefits expense.

The benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs (excess tax benefits) are recorded as a financing cash inflow rather than a deduction of taxes paid in operating cash flows.  In 2012, 2011 and 2010, there was $336,000, $142,000 and $338,000, respectively, of excess tax benefits recognized resulting from exercises of options.

As of December 31, 2012, there was a total of $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested service-based option awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 3.1 years, and $1.3 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested performance unit awards, which will be recorded based on the estimated number of units probable of achieving the vesting requirements of the awards through 2016.

Option activity in 2012 was as follows:

	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		690,768		$	17.62
Granted		96,250			20.48
Exercised		(111,954	)		8.65
Forfeited		(11,700	)		19.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		663,364		$	19.52
Exercisable at December 31, 2012		465,144		$	19.23

The 663,364 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2012 have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.1 years and an aggregate intrinsic value based on our closing stock price on December 31, 2012 for in-the-money options of $552,000.  The 465,144 shares exercisable as of the same date have a weighted average remaining contractual life of 3.7 years and an aggregate intrinsic value similarly calculated of $513,000.

The fair value of options granted in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $695,000, $350,000 and $922,000, respectively, for service-based options.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised in 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $1.4 million, $442,000 and $1.0 million, respectively.  Intrinsic value is the difference between the fair value of the acquired shares at the date of exercise and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised.  Proceeds received from option exercises in 2012, 2011 and 2010 were $968,000, $137,000 and $303,000, respectively.

Nonvested option awards as of December 31, 2012 and changes during 2012 were as follows:

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
Service-based options:
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		204,740		$	8.23		5.0
Granted		96,250			7.22		6.9
Vested		(92,870	)		8.09		4.4
Forfeited		(9,900	)		7.94		4.5
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		198,220		$	7.82		5.2

The total fair value of options which vested during 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $751,000, $856,000 and $729,000, respectively.

             The following table summarizes our nonvested performance unit award activity in 2012:

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		60,166		$	19.76
Granted		39,500			20.95
Vested		(23,120)	(1)		20.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		76,546		$	20.23

(1) This number of performance unit award shares vested based on our financial performance in 2012 and was distributed or credited to the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan in March 2013.  The fair value of unit award shares that vested in 2012 was $468,000.

Retirement Savings Plan - We sponsor a defined contribution retirement savings plan under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Employees are eligible for the plan after three months of service. Participants are able to contribute up to the limit set by law, which in 2012 was $17,000 for participants less than age 50 and $22,500 for participants age 50 and above.  We contribute 35% of each participant’s contribution, up to a total of 6% contributed.  Our contribution vests at the rate of 20% per year for the first through fifth years of service.  In addition, we may make elective contributions as determined by the Board of Directors.  No elective contributions were made in 2012, 2011 or 2010.  Total expense recorded for the plan was $909,000 in 2012, $803,000 in 2011 and $633,000 in 2010.

Stock Purchase Plans - An Employee Stock Purchase Plan and an Independent Contractor Stock Purchase Plan are sponsored to encourage employee and independent contractor ownership of our common stock. Eligible participants specify the amount of regular payroll or contract payment deductions and voluntary cash contributions that are used to purchase shares of our common stock.  The purchases are made at the market price on the open market.  We pay the broker’s commissions and administrative charges for purchases of common stock under the plans.

XML

Note 7 - Dividends

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Dividends [Text Block]

7.  Dividends

In August 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a regular cash dividend program to our stockholders, subject to approval each quarter.  In 2012, we paid cash dividends totaling $18.7 million which consisted of quarterly dividends of $0.02 per share of common stock in March and $0.025 per share in May, September and December, along with a special dividend of $0.75 per share in December.  We paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.02 per share in 2011 totaling $1.8 million, and in September and December 2010 totaling $877,000.  Our ability to pay cash dividends is currently limited by restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility, which prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year.  A waiver of the 25% limitation was obtained from the lender prior to payment of the special dividend in December 2012.

XML

Note 8 - Share Repurchase Program

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Treasury Stock [Text Block]

8.  Share Repurchase Program

In December 2007, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase up to one million shares of our common stock either through purchases on the open market or through private transactions.  The timing and extent to which we will repurchase shares depends on market conditions and other corporate considerations.  In the first quarter of 2008 we repurchased and retired 67,500 shares of our common stock.  We have made no purchases since the first quarter of 2008.  The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

XML

Note 10 - Deferred Compensation Plan

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Postemployment Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]

10.  Deferred Compensation Plan

In August 2010, our Board of Directors approved and adopted the Marten Transport, Ltd. Deferred Compensation Plan.  The deferred compensation plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan designed to allow board elected officers and other select members of our management designated by our Compensation Committee to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis.

Under the terms of the plan, each participant is eligible to defer portions of their base pay, annual bonus, or receipt of common stock otherwise payable under a vested performance unit award.  Each participant can elect a fixed distribution date for the participant’s deferral account other than certain required performance unit award deferrals credited to the discretionary account, which will be distributed after the later of the date of the participant’s termination of employment or the date the participant attains age 62.  Upon termination of a participant’s employment with the company, the plan requires a lump-sum distribution of the deferral account, excluding the required performance unit award deferrals, unless the participant had elected an installment distribution.  Upon a participant’s death, the plan provides that a participant’s distributions accelerate and will be paid in a lump sum to the participant’s beneficiary.  We may terminate the plan and accelerate distributions to participants, but only to the extent and at the times permitted under the Internal Revenue Code.  We may terminate the plan and accelerate distributions upon a change in control, which is not a payment event under the plan.  In conjunction with the approval of the plan, our Board of Directors also adopted an amendment to the Marten Transport, Ltd. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan to allow for deferral of receipt of income from a performance unit award under the plan.  As of December 31, 2012, 35,040.2 shares of Company common stock were credited to account balances within the plan.  These shares were required performance unit award deferrals of vested awards, and dividends earned on such shares.

XML

Note 5 - Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations	39.90%	42.50%	43.00%
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$ 281,000	$ 288,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease)	(7,000)
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate	$ 183,000

XML

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Detail) - Quarterly results of operations: (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating revenue	$ 166,412	$ 163,606	$ 156,964	$ 151,474	$ 158,340	$ 156,348	$ 151,135	$ 137,856	$ 638,456	$ 603,679	$ 516,920
Operating income	13,211	9,840	13,283	9,519	12,951	11,111	11,359	7,609	45,853	43,030	35,289
Net income	$ 7,719	$ 6,518	$ 7,584	$ 5,446	$ 7,663	$ 6,333	$ 6,194	$ 4,095	$ 27,267	$ 24,285	$ 19,742
Basic earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.30	$ 0.34	$ 0.25	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 1.24	$ 1.10	$ 0.90
Diluted earnings per common share (in Dollars per share)	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.34	$ 0.25	$ 0.35	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.19	$ 1.23	$ 1.10	$ 0.90

XML

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

SCHEDULE II

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves

(In thousands)

Description	Balance at Beginning of Year		Charged to Costs and Expenses			Deductions			Balance at End of Year
Insurance and claims accruals:
Year ended December 31, 2012	$	13,042	$	32,548		$	(31,752	)(1)	$	13,838
Year ended December 31, 2011		17,653		27,675			(32,286	)(1)		13,042
Year ended December 31, 2010		19,222		24,892			(26,461	)(1)		17,653
Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Year ended December 31, 2012		470		—			(136	)(2)		334
Year ended December 31, 2011		170		544			(244	)(2)		470
Year ended December 31, 2010		245		(21	)		(54	)(2)		170

(1) Claims payments

(2) Write-off of bad debts, net of recoveries

XML

Note 9 - Employee Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

	2012			2011			2010
Expected option life in years(1)		6.1			6.3			6.1
Expected stock price volatility percentage(2)		37	%		39	%		39	%
Risk-free interest rate percentage(3)		1.1	%		2.4	%		2.7	%
Expected dividend yield(4)		0.49	%		0.38	­%		0.05	%
Fair value as of the date of grant	$	7.22		$	8.54		$	9.31

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]

	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at December 31, 2011		690,768		$	17.62
Granted		96,250			20.48
Exercised		(111,954	)		8.65
Forfeited		(11,700	)		19.29
Outstanding at December 31, 2012		663,364		$	19.52
Exercisable at December 31, 2012		465,144		$	19.23

Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block]

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (in Years)
Service-based options:
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		204,740		$	8.23		5.0
Granted		96,250			7.22		6.9
Vested		(92,870	)		8.09		4.4
Forfeited		(9,900	)		7.94		4.5
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		198,220		$	7.82		5.2

Schedule of Nonvested Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]

	Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Nonvested at December 31, 2011		60,166		$	19.76
Granted		39,500			20.95
Vested		(23,120)	(1)		20.24
Nonvested at December 31, 2012		76,546		$	20.23

XML

Note 13 - Business Segments (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Number of Operating Segments	6	6
Number of Reportable Segments	2	2
MWL [Member]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	45.00%
Logistics [Member]
Segment Reporting Information, Intersegment Revenue	$ 9.7	$ 9.0	$ 9.1
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	4.2	3.1	2.9
Truckload [Member]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization	$ 56.7	$ 54.4	$ 49.0

XML

Note 8 - Share Repurchase Program (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased		1,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares	67,500

XML

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at December 31, 2009 at Dec. 31, 2009	$ 219	$ 76,477	$ 196,480	$ 1,731	$ 274,907
Balance at December 31, 2009 (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2009	21,885
Net income			19,742		19,742
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards	1	302			303
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards (in Shares)	65
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		385			385
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		1,264			1,264
Dividends on common stock			(877)		(877)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest				631	631
Noncontrolling interest distributions				(451)	(451)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	220	78,428	215,345	1,911	295,904
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	21,950
Net income			24,285		24,285
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards		137			137
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards (in Shares)	35
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		164			164
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		1,349			1,349
Dividends on common stock			(1,758)		(1,758)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest				807	807
Noncontrolling interest distributions				(529)	(529)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	220	80,078	237,872	2,189	320,359
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2011	21,985
Net income			27,267		27,267
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards	1	967			968
Issuance of common stock from share-based payment arrangement exercises and vesting of performance unit awards (in Shares)	125
Tax benefits from share-based payment arrangement exercises		409			409
Share-based payment arrangement compensation expense		1,225			1,225
Dividends on common stock			(18,679)		(18,679)
Income before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interest				497	497
Noncontrolling interest distributions				(123)	(123)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 221	$ 82,679	$ 246,460	$ 2,563	$ 331,923
Balance (in Shares) at Dec. 31, 2012	22,110

XML

Note 4 - Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

4.  Related Party Transactions

The following related party transactions occurred during the three years ended December 31, 2012;

(a)           We purchase fuel and obtain tires and related services from a company in which one of our directors is the chairman of the board and chief executive officer and the principal stockholder.  We paid that company $988,000 in 2012, $1.4 million in 2011 and $815,000 in 2010 for fuel and tire services.  In addition, we paid $1.7 million in each of 2012, 2011 and 2010 to tire manufacturers for tires that we purchased from the tire manufacturers but were provided by the same company.  The same company received commissions from the tire manufacturers related to these purchases.  We did not have any accounts payable to that company as of December 31, 2012 or December 31, 2011.

(b)           We paid $495,000 in 2012, $615,000 in 2011 and $262,000 in 2010 for various construction projects to a company in which one of our directors is the president and owner.  We did not have any accounts payable to that company as of December 31, 2012, and had accrued liabilities of $28,000 as of December 31, 2011.

XML

Note 13 - Business Segments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]

(Dollars in thousands)	2012		2011		2010
Operating revenue:
Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue	$	378,383	$	357,787	$	325,791
Truckload fuel surcharge revenue		104,940		98,060		66,973
Total Truckload revenue		483,323		455,847		392,764
Logistics revenue, net of intermodal fuel surcharge revenue(1)		138,960		132,890		115,223
Intermodal fuel surcharge revenue		16,173		14,942		8,933
Total Logistics revenue		155,133		147,832		124,156
Total operating revenue	$	638,456	$	603,679	$	516,920
Operating income:
Truckload	$	36,805	$	35,298	$	28,680
Logistics		9,048		7,732		6,609
Total operating income	$	45,853	$	43,030	$	35,289

XML

Note 6 - Earnings Per Common Share (Detail)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Stock Options [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	465,150	372,900	351,000
Performance-Based Option Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount			107,000
Unvested Performance Unit Awards [Member]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	43,600	46,180	29,164

XML

Note 14 - Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]

14.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of the quarterly results of operations for 2012 and 2011:

2012 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	151,474	$	156,964	$	163,606	$	166,412
Operating income		9,519		13,283		9,840		13,211
Net income		5,446		7,584		6,518		7,719
Basic earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.30		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.25		0.34		0.29		0.35

2011 Quarters (In thousands, except per share amounts)	First		Second		Third		Fourth
Operating revenue	$	137,856	$	151,135	$	156,348	$	158,340
Operating income		7,609		11,359		11,111		12,951
Net income		4,095		6,194		6,333		7,663
Basic earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35
Diluted earnings per common share		0.19		0.28		0.29		0.35

              The sum of each of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for the 2011 quarters exceeds each of the basic and diluted earnings per common share for 2011, due to differences in rounding.