Landstar still waiting for break in freight recession

Broker Landstar System said it’s readying for an inflection, noting largely normal seasonal trends on its first-quarter call. The fact that it isn’t in cost-cutting mode like the asset-based operators is a bit of a reprieve from the carnage this earnings season has delivered.  The company beat expectations for the first quarter, but its second-quarter…

Knight-Swift cutting costs, focuses on asset utilization 

Knight-Swift Transportation said it is focused on reducing costs throughout the organization. That includes culling trailer counts, as well as tractor counts in some areas, to improve asset utilization. It is prioritizing investment dollars toward the expansion of its less-than-truckload business in the near-term. Like many in the truckload arena, the company was busy adding…

Covenant’s operating numbers mostly hold up in challenging first quarter

In what has been a difficult quarter for trucking companies, both truckload and to a lesser degree LTL, Covenant Logistics reported first-quarter operating earnings that held up relatively well. Covenant’s adjusted earnings per share on a non-GAAP basis came in at 84 cents per share, down from 93 cents per share a year ago. According…