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Tight truckload capacity is driving up rates and boosting business for less-than-truckload carriers, with demand from shippers providing a lift that positions trucking for continued growth, industry analysts said.

Four of the largest U.S. less-than-truckload operators improved profitability by 25% or more in the third quarter, powered by improved rates, carriers’ earnings reports showed last week.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said CEO Scott Wolfe will retire at the end of 2014 and be succeeded by former YRC Freight President Jeff Rogers.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. reported its first-quarter profit fell 29% as its contract-related business declined.

Comments with first-quarter earnings reports issued last week continued to trigger optimism about a pickup in freight in 2014, though severe winter weather dampened results for several prominent truckload fleets.

P.A.M. Transportation Services reported first-quarter net income of $1.36 million, or 17 cents per share, turning around a loss of $450,000, or 5 cents, in the prior year.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said it expects its first-quarter earnings to be in the range of 23 to 27 cents per share, down from 38 cents a share in the same quarter last year.

Universal Truckload Services Inc. said its net income rose in both the fourth quarter of 2013 and the full year.