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Freight volumes and rates rose enough to overcome weather and fuel-price increase headwinds, four publicly traded less-than-truckload carriers said last week, reporting improved first-quarter results.

Seven of the eight publicly traded less-than-truckload carriers reported improved financial performance in the fourth quarter, as pricing and tonnage gained across the industry, giving hope for better 2011 results.

Second-quarter earnings reports from the less-than-truckload sector show a tepid recovery compared with truckload companies, although executives said tightening truckload supply could divert freight into LTL terminals.

Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc., Cudahy, Wis., has completed trucking’s first initial public stock offering since 2003, raising $148.4 million to repay debt as the company considers acquisition.