Trucking Struggles Through Slow Times
Any benefits from the nation's budding economic recovery gave little boost to trucking's first-quarter earnings, as carriers reported that they scrounged for freight in January and February before enjoying a modest March uptick.Less-than-truckload carriers bore the brunt of the continuing freight drought, posting thin margins at best, as well as some losses.
Slender operating profits at Yellow Corp. and Arkansas Best Corp. were more than wiped out by non-cash charges for accounting changes.
The most efficient and cost-conscious truckload carriers had the most to crow about, although that sector did not enjoy uniformly strong performances.
