FedEx fleet restructure poses threat to freighter operators

FedEx has portrayed its new air network redesign in terms of streamlining the high-cost overnight parcel operation, but internal communications show the express delivery giant also sees an opportunity to aggressively go after heavyweight cargo booked by logistic providers to offset slower growth in the main express product and declining postal business. FedEx Express (NYSE:…

C.H. Robinson’s Q4 sees little improvement; shift at top of brokerage unit

Any rebound in the fiscal performance at 3PL giant C.H. Robinson looks to be a ways off. Earnings for the fourth quarter of 2023, released Wednesday, had little good news, whether the comparison was with the fourth quarter a year earlier or sequentially from the third quarter, when the company named its still relatively new…

Landstar’s Q4 in line; Q1 outlook disappoints

Freight broker Landstar System’s fourth quarter was largely as expected, but its outlook for the first quarter was well below analysts’ expectations. Landstar (NASDAQ: LSTR) reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.62 Wednesday after the market closed. The result was in line with the consensus estimate but nearly $1 lower year over year (y/y). The…

Heartland Express reports another tough quarter

Heartland Express reported net income of $5.1 million for the fourth quarter, which included the benefit of $25.6 million in gains from the sale of three terminals. Excluding the gains, which are unlikely to be replicated on an ongoing basis, the company again booked a notable loss. “This challenging freight environment combined with two acquisitions…