Marten Transport Announces CEO Timothy Kohl’s Retirement and Strategic Leadership Transition
Marten Transport, Ltd., a recognized leader in temperature-sensitive and time-critical freight transportation, today announced the planned retirement of Chief Executive Officer Timothy Kohl, effective September 30, 2025. Following Mr. Kohl’s retirement, Randolph Marten, the company’s Executive Chairman and former CEO, will reassume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2025, while continuing as Chairman of the Board of Directors.
This transition marks the end of a highly impactful tenure for Mr. Kohl, who has served Marten Transport for nearly two decades, including pivotal leadership roles as both President and Chief Executive Officer. Under his guidance, the company has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a traditional trucking operation into a sophisticated, multi-platform transportation and logistics provider with a growing presence across North America.
“We are incredibly grateful to Tim for his remarkable leadership and dedication to Marten Transport over the past 18 years,” said Randolph Marten. “He was instrumental in steering the company through a period of dynamic change and expansion, helping us diversify our services, strengthen operational performance, and consistently deliver value to our customers and shareholders—even in the face of volatile market conditions.”
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Tim, and we sincerely wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement,” Mr. Marten added.
A Legacy of Growth, Innovation, and Resilience
Timothy Kohl joined Marten Transport in 2007, bringing with him decades of experience in the transportation industry. Shortly after joining, he assumed the role of President and later took on the responsibilities of CEO. His tenure was marked by strategic decision-making, operational agility, and a clear focus on customer service and technological advancement.
Kohl was at the helm during some of the most challenging economic and logistical periods in recent memory, including the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting supply chain upheavals. Despite these disruptions, Marten Transport expanded its business, introduced new service verticals, and grew its footprint across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Among his key accomplishments:
- Diversification of business operations: Under Kohl’s leadership, Marten expanded beyond its core temperature-sensitive truckload services into six distinct business platforms: Temperature-Sensitive and Dry Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage, and MRTN de Mexico.
- Technological innovation: Kohl championed the adoption of advanced logistics technologies, allowing the company to optimize routing, enhance shipment tracking, and improve fleet performance.
- Network expansion: He led efforts to grow Marten’s service reach, enabling efficient transportation of high-volume goods across borders and establishing stronger relationships with Fortune 500 customers.
- Sustainability efforts: Recognizing the importance of environmental stewardship, Kohl supported the implementation of eco-efficient practices and investments in fuel-saving equipment.
His ability to balance operational excellence with long-term strategy enabled Marten to not only survive during turbulent times but thrive and outperform many of its industry peers.
Randolph Marten to Resume CEO Role
With Timothy Kohl stepping down, the company has tapped Randolph Marten, its Executive Chairman, to reassume the Chief Executive Officer position. This is not unfamiliar ground for Mr. Marten, who previously served as the company’s CEO from 2005 to 2021, before transitioning to his current role.
Mr. Marten’s history with the company spans more than five decades, beginning as a full-time employee in 1974. Over the years, he has served in nearly every key leadership position, including:
- Director since October 1980
- President (1986–2008)
- Chief Operating Officer (1986–1998)
- Vice President (1980–1986)
- Chairman of the Board (1993–2021)
- Chief Executive Officer (2005–2021)
- Executive Chairman (2021–present)
His extensive experience and deep understanding of Marten’s culture, operations, and industry landscape position him well to lead the company through its next phase of strategic growth.
“I am honored to return as CEO and look forward to continuing our mission of delivering exceptional value to our customers while advancing our long-standing commitment to safety, service, and innovation,” said Randolph Marten. “As we look ahead, our goal remains the same: to be the transportation partner of choice for high-volume, time- and temperature-sensitive freight throughout North America.”
About Marten Transport
Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Mondovi, Wisconsin, Marten Transport has become one of North America’s most respected transportation providers, especially known for its expertise in temperature-sensitive logistics. The company specializes in transporting perishable food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other consumer goods that require precise environmental control.
Over the years, Marten has grown into a multifaceted logistics enterprise with a broad array of services, including:
- Temperature-Sensitive Truckload
- Dry Van Truckload
- Dedicated Fleet Services
- Intermodal Solutions
- Freight Brokerage Services
- Cross-Border Operations (MRTN de Mexico)
With operations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Marten maintains a strong customer base across food & beverage, retail, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors. The company’s focus on expedited, reliable, and high-quality transportation solutions continues to distinguish it in a competitive logistics landscape.
Marten Transport is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol MRTN.
A Vision for the Future
As the company transitions to new leadership, Marten Transport remains focused on its core mission: delivering reliable, high-performance transportation solutions that meet the complex and evolving needs of its customers.
In the years ahead, the company will continue to invest in:
- Fleet Modernization: Adding fuel-efficient and lower-emission trucks to reduce operating costs and environmental impact.
- Digital Transformation: Enhancing data analytics, route optimization, and real-time visibility tools for better decision-making.
- Talent Development: Recruiting and retaining skilled drivers and logistics professionals to maintain Marten’s standards of safety and customer service.
- Sustainable Growth: Expanding cross-border services, dedicated fleet operations, and brokerage capabilities to reach new markets.
The leadership team remains confident that with Randolph Marten’s return to the CEO role, the company will continue building on its strong foundation while embracing innovation and adapting to new market challenges.
This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These include, but are not limited to, leadership changes, market fluctuations, regulatory changes, and operational risks. A detailed discussion of these risks is available in Part I, Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Marten Transport undertakes no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.