JB Hunt Transport Services posted stronger fourth-quarter earnings as cost reductions offset weaker revenue, reports New York's FreightWaves.

Earnings per share came in at US$1.90, up 24 cents year on year and nine cents above consensus. Consolidated revenue fell two per cent to $3.1 billion, just shy of forecasts, but operating income rose 11 per cent on adjusted basis.

The company said it has achieved its $100 million annual cost reduction target and continues to find savings. Intermodal revenue dropped three per cent to $1.55 billion, with transcontinental loads down six per cent and Eastern shipments up five per cent. Operating ratio improved to 91.2 per cent.

Dedicated revenue edged up one per cent to $843 million, with new contracts covering 385 trucks signed in the quarter. Brokerage reported its 12th-straight loss, with a $3.3 million deficit, though expenses fell to their lowest in seven years.

Truckload volumes rose by mid-teen percentages for a third consecutive quarter, which management said may signal a market turn. However, JB Hunt flagged a $90 million revenue hit in 2026 from the loss of a final-mile customer, noting efforts are under way to replace the business.