Looking back on ground transportation stocks’ Q1 earnings, we examine this quarter’s best and worst performers, including Universal Logistics (NASDAQ: ULH) and its peers.

The growth of e-commerce and global trade continues to drive demand for shipping services, especially last-mile delivery, presenting opportunities for ground transportation companies. The industry continues to invest in data, analytics, and autonomous fleets to optimize efficiency and find the most cost-effective routes. Despite the essential services this industry provides, ground transportation companies are still at the whim of economic cycles. Consumer spending, for example, can greatly impact the demand for these companies’ offerings while fuel costs can influence profit margins.

The 16 ground transportation stocks we track reported a slower Q1. As a group, revenues missed analysts’ consensus estimates by 2.2%.

Luckily, ground transportation stocks have performed well with share prices up 11% on average since the latest earnings results.

Universal Logistics (NASDAQ: ULH)

Founded in 1932, Universal Logistics (NASDAQ: ULH) is a provider of customized transportation and logistics solutions operating throughout the United States and in Mexico, Canada, and Colombia.

Universal Logistics reported revenues of $382.4 million, down 22.3% year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 4.5%. Overall, it was a disappointing quarter for the company with a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and EPS estimates.

"Our performance in the first quarter reflects the sluggish start to 2025," stated Universal's CEO Tim Phillips.

Universal Logistics delivered the slowest revenue growth of the whole group. Unsurprisingly, the stock is down 6.5% since reporting and currently trades at $25.16.

Read our full report on Universal Logistics here, it’s free.

Best Q1: Schneider (NYSE: SNDR)

Employing thousands of drivers across the country to make deliveries, Schneider (NYSE: SNDR) makes full truckload and intermodal deliveries regionally and across borders.

Schneider reported revenues of $1.40 billion, up 6.3% year on year, in line with analysts’ expectations. The business had a very strong quarter with an impressive beat of analysts’ EBITDA estimates.

The market seems happy with the results as the stock is up 11.4% since reporting. It currently trades at $23.92.

Is now the time to buy Schneider? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.

Heartland Express (NASDAQ: HTLD)

Founded by the son of a trucker, Heartland Express (NASDAQ: HTLD) offers full-truckload deliveries across the United States and Mexico.

Heartland Express reported revenues of $219.4 million, down 18.8% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.

Interestingly, the stock is up 10.5% since the results and currently trades at $8.66.

Read our full analysis of Heartland Express’s results here.

Hertz (NASDAQ: HTZ)

Started with a dozen Model T Fords, Hertz (NASDAQ: HTZ) is a global car rental company providing vehicle rental services to leisure and business travelers.

Hertz reported revenues of $1.81 billion, down 12.8% year on year. This print missed analysts’ expectations by 10.5%. It was a softer quarter as it also logged a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income and EPS estimates.

Hertz had the weakest performance against analyst estimates among its peers. The stock is up 3.5% since reporting and currently trades at $7.21.

Read our full, actionable report on Hertz here, it’s free.

Ryder (NYSE: R)

As one of the first companies to introduce the idea of leasing trucks, Ryder (NYSE: R) provides rental vehicles to businesses and delivers packages directly to homes or businesses.

Ryder reported revenues of $3.13 billion, up 1.1% year on year. This result was in line with analysts’ expectations. It was a strong quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates and full-year EPS guidance beating analysts’ expectations.

The stock is up 13.1% since reporting and currently trades at $155.88.

Read our full, actionable report on Ryder here, it’s free.

Market Update

In response to the Fed’s rate hikes in 2022 and 2023, inflation has been gradually trending down from its post-pandemic peak, trending closer to the Fed’s 2% target. Despite higher borrowing costs, the economy has avoided flashing recessionary signals. This is the much-desired soft landing that many investors hoped for. The recent rate cuts (0.5% in September and 0.25% in November 2024) have bolstered the stock market, making 2024 a strong year for equities. Donald Trump’s presidential win in November sparked additional market gains, sending indices to record highs in the days following his victory. However, debates continue over possible tariffs and corporate tax adjustments, raising questions about economic stability in 2025.

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