Transport Topics Executive Editor Joe Howard talks with Senior Features Writer Daniel Bearth about the April 10 merger between Knight Transportation Inc. and Swift Transportation, forming the nation's largest full truckload company. What prompted the move between the carriers that rank No. 29 and No. 6 on the  for-hire TT100 list? Watch this short video analysis.

Knight Transportation Inc. and Swift Transportation are merging to create what they say will be the trucking industry's largest full truckload company: Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings Inc.

In this video posted April 10 on Knight Transportation's Facebook page, Knight Executive Chairman Kevin Knight says Swift Transportation and Knight Transportation will remain independent brands and operations after their merger announcement.

Swift Transportation profits plunged 30% in the fourth quarter following drops in revenue in every division except for the dedicated contract carriage.

Swift Transportation reported that the fourth quarter has been mixed so far, although there have been gains in volume versus late 2015 in the truckload and dedicated units. But the company is confident about 2017 being a favorable year, executives said Dec. 9 on a conference call for investors.

Swift Transportation reversed course after reporting third-quarter earnings were up 4.7% year-over-year to $38 million on Oct. 24, lowering the number to $24 million, or a 34% decline lower than a year ago.

Swift Transportation reported profits were up 4.7%, one of the few bright spots so far in the industry for the third quarter, and the company said it was the result of cutting expenses to deal with the challenging truckload environment.

Jerry Moyes, the founder and CEO of Swift Transportation will retire at the end of the year, the company announced Sept. 8.

Swift Transportation Co. improved fourth-quarter net income by 24% to $72.5 million, or 51 cents per share, helped by operational improvements throughout the company and improved profits at its dedicated freight unit.