Cover Story

Bill Taylor - Marten Transport, Ltd.

Bill Taylor has found his niche as a professional, over-the-road driver. The trucking veteran enjoys the challenge of consistently meeting customer deadlines, he prides himself on operating his tractor safely, and he appreciates the benefits of running with a top company like Mondovi, WI-based Marten Transport, Ltd.
     In early 1995, Bill was in his 15th year as a manager in the sportswear industry. Jobs were beginning to move overseas, and opportunities for meaningful career advancement seemed slim. That’s when he decided to try his hand at professional driving.
     “I’d always been interested in trucks, and it seemed like a way to make good money,” remembers Bill. “My wife Ella and I talked about it, and we agreed that it would be a smart move. Our three children were older at that point, so we knew that my time away from home wouldn’t be too much of a burden. In the end, it worked out great. I wish that I had done it years before!”
     Bill attended a driving school near his home in southwest Georgia, and upon graduation he had opportunities to drive dry van, reefer and flatbed freight. The young man opted for Marten Transport, and he’s been there ever since.   “I can’t quite remember why I chose Marten way back then, but I’m sure glad I did,” says Bill. “What I can tell you is how much I like running with them today. I have an excellent fleet manager who gives me plenty of miles each week, and with those miles comes great pay. I also drive nice equipment and I have a great driver package, too.”
     Bill runs in Marten’s Southeast Regional Fleet, which in recent years has expanded into what he calls a “super regional” fleet with occasional trips to Chicago. Marten also offers Midwest, South Central and Western Regional fleets.
     Bill estimates that he averages 2,700 miles per week, and he gets home every week or every other week. “I like to run, and I go where Marten asks me to go,” he says. “I enjoy pulling a refrigerated trailer because it gives me the chance to pull both reefer and dry van loads. That flexibility means more steady freight and more money for me.”
     In spite of his busy schedule, Bill understands the need to make safety a top priority 24/7. In fact, this past April, he reached the milestone of running one million safe miles with Marten. “It all comes down to attitude,” he explains. “You have to focus on safety all the time, because anything that goes wrong is your fault. You also have to do what is asked of you, because when we work together, we get the job done.”
     When he’s not out on the road for Marten, Bill enjoys doing yard work at home and taking time out to unwind. As for the future, he plans to continue driving over the road. “I learn something new every day, and things are just getting better and better.”
     The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Bill continued success with Marten Transport, Ltd. If you would like to learn more about opportunities available now at Marten, give one of their recruiters a call at 866-370-4468, visit their Web site at www.Drive4Marten.com or see their ad on pages 30-31 of this issue.