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CEO Shelley Simpson cited disciplined execution of strategy for the company's first-quarter performance. (J.B. Hunt Transport Services)

J.B. Hunt Transport Services CEO Shelley Simpson described a “meaningfully different” freight environment while reporting first-quarter results April 15.

The Lowell, Ark.-based carrier posted net earnings of $141.6 million, or diluted earnings per share of $1.49, for the three months ending March 31. That compared with $117.7 million, $1.17, during the same time the previous year. Total operating revenue increased 5% to $3.06 billion from $2.92 billion.

During a call with investors, Simpson said the company outperformed the broader market despite ongoing headwinds.

“As we moved through the first quarter, the freight environment felt meaningfully different than what we’ve operated in over the past several years,” she said.

Simpson noted that continued regulatory enforcement to improve industry safety has removed noncompliant capacity. She also has seen early signs of improved demand, which together resulted in a tighter truckload market throughout the quarter.

“We believe we are on a path of recovery,” Simpson said. “The operational discipline we’ve established over the past several years is showing up in year-over-year financial improvements and enhanced customer responses.”

Simpson outlined three key priorities for the year ahead that are intended to position the company to be successful in the current dynamic freight environment. They are disciplined growth, improving margins and continuing to invest in the workforce, technology and capacity.

“Customer conversations during bid season have become more constructive, though there is still work to do to fully restore pricing and margins to expected levels,” Simpson said. “We remain focused on repairing margins and driving long-term shareholder value.”

Revenue by Segment

• Truckload: Increased 23% to $205.4 million from $166.6 million the prior year. This was primarily due to a 19% increase in load volume and a 3% increase in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue. Trailer turns in the quarter improved 15% from the prior-year period, with the carrier continuing to focus on improving asset utilization. Operating income increased 33% to $2.72 million from $2.04 million due to cost management, productivity and a more balanced network.

• Final Mile Services: Decreased 6% to $188 million from $200.7 million. This was primarily driven by the impact of lost business and a stabilization in demand across many end markets served. The decline was somewhat offset by improved revenue quality at underperforming accounts and new customer contracts implemented over the past year. Operating income increased 53% to $7.17 million from $4.68 million. This was primarily from improved revenue quality, lower personnel-related expense and lower insurance claim expense.

• Integrated Capacity Solutions: Increased 20% to $322.7 million from $268 million. The report highlighted that overall segment volume increased 10% versus the prior-year period, with growth in both contractual and transactional volume. Revenue per load increased 9% compared with the prior-year first quarter due to higher rates on both contractual and transactional volume. The segment had an operating loss of $4.65 million, compared with an operating loss of $2.67 million in 2025. Operating performance declined from the prior-year period largely due to higher purchased transportation expense as market capacity dynamics changed meaningfully.

• Dedicated Contract Services: Increased 2% to $840.6 million from $822.3 million. This was driven by an increase in productivity, meaning gross revenue per truck per week, since average trucks were flat versus the prior-year period. There were 19 fewer revenue-producing trucks in the fleet by the end of the quarter compared with the prior-year period, but customer retention rates have improved to about 96%. Operating income increased 9% to $87.4 million from $80.3 million.

• Intermodal: Increased 2% to $1.51 billion from $1.47 billion. The report highlighted that volume increased 3% when compared to the prior year and that overall demand for domestic intermodal services remained strong. This helped the carrier achieve its highest first-quarter volume in its history. The company also has seen strength in its Eastern network with it crediting service execution and value proposition for continuing to drive growth and mode conversion. Operating income increased 21% to $114.5 million from $94.4 million.

J.B. Hunt ranks No. 3 on the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest for-hire carriers in North America, No. 2 on the truckload/dedicated sector list and No. 1 in the intermodal/drayage segment. J.B. Hunt also ranks No. 4 on the TT Top 100 list of the largest logistics companies.