Marten Transport's net income was up 29.1 percent in the second quarter from the same period of 2008, despite the fact that its operating revenue from truckload and logistics slipped 21.4 percent over the same time period.


Operating revenue fell to $125.8 million in the second quarter of 2009, compared with $160 million in the 2008 quarter, primarily due to fuel surcharge revenue, which declined to $12.6 million from $40.1 million.

Meanwhile, the company's net income was $4.5 million, or 20 cents a share, during the quarter, while it was $3.5 million, or 16 cents a share, for the same quarter of 2008. When looking at the six-month period of 2009, net income grew 39.3 percent to $8.5 million, or 39 cents a share, from $6.1 million, or 28 cents a share, for the same span of 2008.

The company's fuel and fuel tax expenses fell 53.1 percent to $24.3 million, compared with $51.8 million in the second quarter of 2008. Marten Transport attributes the change to lower fuel prices and fewer miles driven in the 2009 periods, as well as its efforts to control tractor and trailer fuel costs.

"Despite the ongoing difficult freight environment, our ability to continue to produce positive results was clearly demonstrated in the second quarter," said Randy Marten, chairman and CEO. "Most notably, our expansion of regional operations throughout the country, our continued growth of our logistics business, and our fuel efficiency initiatives have helped us improve our results."