Third-party logistics provider Ceva Logistics reported an increase in first-quarter revenue compared with the same time in 2009.

UPS Inc.’s less-than-truckload unit is headed for a return to profitability in 2010 as part of a companywide increase in earnings, which jumped 32.9% in the first quarter, officials said last week.

Most publicly traded trucking companies have reported improved first-quarter earnings, adding evidence that the economic recovery is moving forward and offering hope that the second quarter will be even stronger.

Union Pacific Corp. said Thursday its first-quarter profit jumped 43% from a year ago as volumes increased.

Logistics, intermodal and brokerage firm Hub Group’s first-quarter profit grew to $8.7 million, or 23 cents a share, from $6.2 million, or 17 cents, a year ago.

Truck maker Paccar Inc.’s first-quarter profit grew to $68.3 million, or 19 cents a share, from $26.3 million, or 7 cents, a year ago.

Rush Enterprises’ fourth-quarter net income fell 70% to $1.5 million, or 4 cents a share, from $5.1 million, or 14 cents, a year earlier.

Tank and bulk carrier Patriot Transportation Holding’s fiscal first-quarter net income fell 23.5% to $1.34 million, or 43 cents per share, from $1.7 million, or 56 cents, a year ago.

Truck maker Paccar Inc.’s fourth-quarter profit fell to $46.1 million, or 13 cents a share, from $113.1 million, or 31 cents, a year ago.