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<SEC-DOCUMENT>0001104659-09-071002.txt : 20100301
<SEC-HEADER>0001104659-09-071002.hdr.sgml : 20100301
<ACCEPTANCE-DATETIME>20091222132152
<PRIVATE-TO-PUBLIC>
ACCESSION NUMBER:		0001104659-09-071002
CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE:	CORRESP
PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT:		1
FILED AS OF DATE:		20091222

FILER:

	COMPANY DATA:	
		COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:			MARTEN TRANSPORT LTD
		CENTRAL INDEX KEY:			0000799167
		STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:	TRUCKING (NO LOCAL) [4213]
		IRS NUMBER:				391140809
		STATE OF INCORPORATION:			DE
		FISCAL YEAR END:			1231

	FILING VALUES:
		FORM TYPE:		CORRESP

	BUSINESS ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		129 MARTEN ST
		CITY:			MONDOVI
		STATE:			WI
		ZIP:			54755
		BUSINESS PHONE:		7159264216

	MAIL ADDRESS:	
		STREET 1:		3400 PLAZA VII
		STREET 2:		45 SOUTH SEVENTH ST
		CITY:			MINNEAPOLIS
		STATE:			MN
		ZIP:			55402
</SEC-HEADER>
<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>CORRESP
<SEQUENCE>1
<FILENAME>filename1.htm
<TEXT>

<html>

<head>





</head>

<body lang="EN-US">

<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[OPPENHEIMER
WOLFF&nbsp;&amp; DONNELLY LLP LETTERHEAD]</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">December&nbsp;22,
2009</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">VIA
EDGAR SUBMISSION AND <br>
OVERNIGHT DELIVERY</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;text-transform:uppercase;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Securities and
Exchange Commission</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Division of
Corporation Finance</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">100 F Street,
N.E., Mail Stop 3561</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Washington, D.C.
20549</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Linda Cvrkel</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Effie Simpson</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 10.0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Re:</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="93%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:93.34%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten Transport, Ltd.</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 10.0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="93%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:93.34%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended
  December&nbsp;31, 2008</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 10.0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="93%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:93.34%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed March&nbsp;13, 2009</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="6%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:6.66%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt 10.0pt;text-align:left;text-indent:-10.0pt;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="93%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:93.34%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">File No.&nbsp;0-15010</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Dear Ms.&nbsp;Cvrkel:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">On behalf of
Marten Transport, Ltd., a Delaware corporation (the &#147;Company&#148;), I am responding
to the comment letter dated December&nbsp;9, 2009, from Ms.&nbsp;Linda Cvrkel
to Mr.&nbsp;Randolph L. Marten of Marten Transport, Ltd., regarding the Company&#146;s
Form&nbsp;10-K for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2008 received by the
Commission on March&nbsp;13, 2009.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The following
responses to your comments are numbered to correspond with the numbered
paragraphs contained in your letter dated December&nbsp;9, 2009.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk, page&nbsp;31</font></u><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">We note from the discussion in
Item 7A that the company is subject to risks associated with changes in the
price of diesel fuel and that significant increases in such costs could
materially and adversely affect the Company&#146;s results of operations.&#160; In future filings, please revise to include
the quantitative disclosures required about this market risk in one of the
suggested formats outlined in Item 305(a)(1)&nbsp;of Regulation S-K.</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Response</font></u></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">:&#160;
</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten intends to present the following disclosure
in Item 7A.&#160; Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk for its Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
2009 as well as its subsequent future Form&nbsp;10-K filings and Form&nbsp;10-Q
filings:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;We are exposed to a variety of market risks, most importantly the
effects of the price and availability of diesel fuel.&#160; We require substantial amounts of diesel fuel
to operate our tractors and power the temperature-control units on our
trailers.&#160; The price and availability of
diesel fuel can vary, and are subject to political, economic and market factors
that are beyond our control.&#160; Significant
increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our
results of operations and financial condition.&#160;
Based upon our 2009 fuel consumption, a 5% increase in the average cost
of diesel fuel would have increased our fuel expense in 2009 by $<u>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</u>.</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

</div>
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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">We have historically been able to pass through most long-term increases
in diesel fuel prices and related taxes to customers in the form of fuel
surcharges.&#160; 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.&#160; In
addition, we have worked diligently in 2009 to control fuel usage and costs by
improving our volume purchasing arrangements and optimizing our drivers&#146; 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&#146;
refrigeration units.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">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.&#148;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Critical
Accounting Policies, page&nbsp;28</font></u></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Note 1. Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies, page&nbsp;38</font></u></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Revenue
Recognition</font></u></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">In your business section on page&nbsp;4 under the heading &#147;Revenue
Equipment&#148;, you indicate that 8% of your fleet is provided by independent
contractors who own their own tractors and are responsible for all associated
expenses, including financing costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and
taxes.&#160; Please tell us and expand your
disclosure in the MD&amp;A and the notes to your financial statements in future
filings to clearly explain your accounting treatment for revenues and expenses
associated with this portion of your fleet and explain how the treatment used
complies with the guidance in EITF 99-19 or other applicable accounting
literature.</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Response</font></u></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">:&#160;
</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten&#146;s arrangements with independent contractors
typically involve single drivers who own their own tractors and agree to
transport freight in Marten&#146;s trailers exclusively for the company under annual
agreements.&#160; Marten pays independent
contractors a fixed rate per mile, including an amount for fuel expense, which
is adjusted weekly with the cost of fuel.&#160;
Freight that is transported by independent contractors is managed in the
same manner as freight transported by company-employed drivers, wherein Marten
is responsible for billing the entire amount of freight charges to the
customers.&#160; Marten has discretion to
choose to fulfill transportation services with either employee drivers (and
company-owned tractors) or independent contractor drivers.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten accounts for its independent contractor transactions on a gross
basis, with all revenue, including fuel surcharge revenue, classified as
operating revenue and all payments to independent contractors for services
provided classified as purchased transportation expense.&#160; Following is a summary of the key factors
Marten considered when evaluating these transactions under EITF 99-19:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2<a name="PB_2_031123_7056"></a></font></p>

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<div style="font-family:Times New Roman;">

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
is the primary obligor, which is a strong indicator of gross reporting, as
Marten is contractually obligated to provide services to the customers.&#160; For example, if the independent contractor
fails to deliver the load, the customer will look to Marten for remedy and not
the independent contractor.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">The
independent contractors only contract with Marten and not with the customers,
and the choice of which contractor to use for each load is at the sole
discretion of Marten.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
bears the primary risk of loss in the event of cargo claims by the customers
and is directly responsible for any claims made by the customers regardless of
who delivers the freight.&#160; In instances
where an independent contractor is used, Marten would potentially have the ability
to seek recourse from the independent contractor involved; however, the success
of the claim would not impact Marten&#146;s obligation to the customer.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
has the ability to set the price in these arrangements as Marten separately
negotiates the contracts with the customers and independent contractors.&#160; The fee arrangements with Marten&#146;s customers
are for the full value of the services, and are not cost-plus arrangements.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
bears credit risk as the company is responsible for payment to the independent
contractors for loads delivered upon proof of shipment, regardless of payment
by customers.&#160; Marten is responsible for
collection of amounts owed by customers.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten intends to expand its disclosure regarding revenue recognition
within the Critical Accounting Policies section of its Management&#146;s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for its Form&nbsp;10-K
for the year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009 as well as its subsequent future Form&nbsp;10-K
and Form&nbsp;10-Q filings.&#160; Marten also
intends to expand its disclosure regarding revenue recognition within the
footnote regarding Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements for its Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
2009 as well as its subsequent future Form&nbsp;10-K filings.&#160; Such disclosures will include the following:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;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.&#160; 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.&#148;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Furthermore, we note from the disclosures in Note 11 that your
logistics segment revenue is becoming an increasing part of your business.&#160; We also note that this business is non-asset
based resulting from services that involve arranging for another company to
transport freight for your customers, while you retain the billing collection,
and customer management responsibilities, similar to an agent.&#160; Supplementally advise us of how you account
for revenues and related expenses incurred in connection with this business and
explain how you considered the guidance in EITF 99-19 in determining whether to
recognize revenues and related expense associated with your logistics business
on a gross or net basis.&#160; As part of your
response and your revised disclosures in MD&amp;A and notes to</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3<a name="PB_3_031210_5335"></a></font></p>

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</div>
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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">your
financial statements in future filings, you should explain in detail how you
considered the various factors outlined in EITF 99-19 and how they support the
treatment that is being used by the Company.&#160;
We may have further comment upon reviewing your response and your
proposed disclosures.</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Response</font></u></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">:&#160;
</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten&#146;s Logistics segment revenue consists of
revenue from its internal brokerage and intermodal operations, and through its
45% interest in MW Logistics, LLC, a third-party provider of logistics services
to the transportation industry.&#160;
Brokerage services involve arranging for another company to transport
freight for Marten&#146;s customers while Marten retains the billing, collection and
customer management responsibilities.&#160;
Intermodal services involve transporting Marten&#146;s trailers on railroad
flatcars for a portion of a trip, with the balance of the trip using Marten&#146;s
tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten accounts for its Logistics segment transactions on a gross
basis, with all revenue, including fuel surcharge revenue, classified as
operating revenue and all payments to carriers for transportation services
Marten arranges in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities
classified as purchased transportation expense.&#160;
Following is a summary of the key factors Marten considered when evaluating
these transactions under EITF 99-19:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
is the primary obligor, which is a strong indicator of gross reporting, as
Marten is contractually obligated to provide services to the customers.&#160; For example, if the contracted carrier fails
to deliver the load, the customer will look to Marten for remedy and not the
contracted carrier.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">The
contracted carriers for transportation services only contract with Marten and
not with the customers, and the choice of which contracted carrier to use for
each load is at the sole discretion of Marten.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
bears the primary risk of loss in the event of cargo claims by the customers
and is directly responsible for any claims made by the customers regardless of
who delivers the freight.&#160; In instances
where a contracted carrier was used, Marten would potentially have the ability
to seek recourse from the contracted carrier involved; however, the success of
that claim would not impact Marten&#146;s obligation to the customer.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
has the ability to set the price in these arrangements as Marten separately
negotiates the contracts with the customers and the contracted carriers.&#160; The fee arrangements with Marten&#146;s customers
are for the full value of the services, and are not cost-plus arrangements.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">Marten
bears credit risk as the company is responsible for payment to the contracted
carriers for loads delivered upon proof of shipment, regardless of payment by
customers.&#160; Marten is responsible for
collection of amounts owed by customers.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Similar to Marten&#146;s response to your second question, Marten intends to
expand its disclosure regarding revenue recognition within the Critical
Accounting Policies section of its Management&#146;s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations for its Form&nbsp;10-K for the
year ended December&nbsp;31, 2009 as well as its subsequent future Form&nbsp;10-K
and Form&nbsp;10-Q filings.&#160; Marten also
intends to expand its disclosure regarding revenue recognition within the
footnote regarding Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the Notes to</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4<a name="PB_4_031408_2897"></a></font></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Consolidated Financial Statements for its Form&nbsp;10-K for the year
ended December&nbsp;31, 2009 as well as its subsequent future Form&nbsp;10-K
filings.&#160; Such disclosures will include
the following:</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&#147;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.&#160; 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.&#148;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">4.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">We urge all persons who are responsible for the accuracy and the
adequacy of the disclosure in the filing to be certain that the filing includes
all information required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that
they have provided all information investors require for an informed investment
decision.&#160; Since the company and its
management are in possession of all facts relating to a company&#146;s disclosure,
they are responsible for the accuracy and adequacy of the disclosures they have
made.</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">In
connection with responding to our comments, please provide, in writing, a statement
from the company acknowledging that:</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">the company is
responsible for the adequacy and accuracy of the disclosure in the filing;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">staff comments
or changes to disclosure in response to staff comments do not foreclose the
Commission from taking any action with respect to the filing; and</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Symbol" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#183;</font></b><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;font-weight:normal;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">the company may
not assert staff comments as a defense in any proceeding initiated by the
Commission or any person under the federal securities laws of the United
States.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="font-weight:bold;margin:0in 0in .0001pt .75in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></b></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><b><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">Response</font></u></b><b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">:&#160;
</font></b><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">In response to your fourth comment, the Company has
included a separate written statement acknowledging the foregoing.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:0in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">After you have
had an opportunity to review the above response to your comments, please call
me at (612) 607-7557 to discuss any further questions or comments you might
have.&#160; Thank you.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Very truly
yours,</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:justify;"><font size="3" face="Times New Roman">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ Patrick J. Pazderka</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="border:none;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Patrick J.
  Pazderka</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">PJP:klh</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.5in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">cc:</font><font size="1" style="font-size:3.0pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Mr.&nbsp;Randolph
L. Marten, Chief Executive Officer - Marten Transport, Ltd.<br>
Mr.&nbsp;James J. Hinnendael, Chief Financial Officer - Marten Transport, Ltd.</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">5<a name="PB_5_031445_3020"></a></font></p>

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<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><b><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;font-weight:bold;">[MARTEN TRANSPORT LETTERHEAD]</font></b></p>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">December&nbsp;22, 2009</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><u><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">VIA EDGAR SUBMISSION</font></u></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Securities and Exchange Commission</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Division of Corporation Finance</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">100 F Street, N.E., Mail Stop 3561</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Washington, D.C. 20549</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Linda Cvrkel</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Effie Simpson</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten Transport, Ltd.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Form&nbsp;10-K for the year ended December&nbsp;31,
2008</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Filed March&nbsp;13, 2009</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">File No.&nbsp;0-15010</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Ladies and Gentlemen:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">The undersigned, Marten Transport, Ltd., a Delaware
corporation (the &#147;Company&#148;), acknowledges, with respect to the Company&#146;s Form&nbsp;10-K
for the fiscal year ended December&nbsp;31, 2008, that:</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">1.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">the Company is responsible for the adequacy
and accuracy of the disclosure in the filing;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">2.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">staff comments or changes to disclosure in
response to staff comments do not foreclose the Commission from taking any
action with respect to the filing; and</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">3.</font><font size="1" style="font-size:8.5pt;">&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160; </font><font size="2" style="font-size:10.0pt;">the Company may not assert staff comments as
a defense in any proceeding initiated by the Commission or any person under the
federal securities laws of the United States.</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt .5in;text-align:left;text-indent:-.25in;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Very truly yours,</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="border-collapse:collapse;width:100.0%;">
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  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Marten Transport, Ltd.</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.0pt;padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">/s/ James J. Hinnendael</font></p>
  </td>
  <td width="50%" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:50.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:1.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
 <tr>
  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Name: James J. Hinnendael</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
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  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
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  <td width="100%" colspan="2" valign="top" style="padding:0in 0in 0in 0in;width:100.0%;">
  <p align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">Title: Chief
  Financial Officer</font></p>
  </td>
 </tr>
</table>

<p align="center" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:center;"><font size="2" face="Times New Roman" style="font-size:10.0pt;">&nbsp;</font></p>

<div align="left" style="margin:0in 0in .0001pt;text-align:left;"><hr size="3" width="100%" noshade color="#010101" align="left"></div>

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