Intermodal helps drive trucker earnings growth
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefJ.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. on Wednesday announced record first-quarter 2011 net earnings of $50.1 million vs. first-quarter 2010 net earnings of $37.5 million.
Total operating revenue was $1 billion, up from $845 million for the first quarter of 2010.
“All four segments contributed to this increase in operating revenue. Load growth of 15% in Intermodal (JBI) helped drive a 23% increase in segment revenue,” said the company in a statement. “Our Integrated Capacity Solutions (ICS) and Dedicated Contract Services (DCS) segments increased operating revenue by 22% and 15%, respectively, while Truck (JBT) segment revenue rose 6%. Current quarter total operating revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 13% vs. the comparable quarter 2010.
“An extremely harsh winter impacted rail service in several markets during the current quarter. While customers were affected by service interruptions, we believe that the overall impact on volume was minimal. Expanded service offerings into Mexico, as well as newly opened lanes in the Eastern Network, continue to expand the geography where Intermodal can assist its customers. The added dimension of selling our Intermodal service through our ICS business unit is expanding our reach with smaller customers,” the company said.
