By GTM Staff (July 16, 2025)
LOWELL, Ark. — J.B. Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) reported a dip in second-quarter earnings Tuesday, as rising healthcare claims, insurance expenses, and driver wages outpaced gains in shipping volume.
The trucking and logistics firm posted a net income of $128.6 million, or $1.31 per share, for the quarter ended June 30, down from $135.9 million, or $1.32 per share, a year earlier. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had projected earnings of $1.29 per share.
Total revenue was flat at $2.93 billion, slightly above estimates of $2.92 billion. The company said load volumes grew across its intermodal and truckload segments, but higher operating costs dragged down profits.
Revenues and Costs
“Elevated expenses related to group medical claims, casualty insurance, and equipment maintenance impacted earnings this quarter,” the company said in its earnings release.
J.B. Hunt’s intermodal segment, which moves freight using a combination of truck and rail and accounts for nearly half of its business, brought in $1.44 billion, up 2% from a year ago. Load volume rose 6%, with particularly strong growth in the Eastern U.S.
Truckload revenue climbed 5% to $177 million, supported by a 13% increase in loads. However, the segment’s operating income declined slightly due to rising driver pay and maintenance costs.
Other divisions saw mixed results. Dedicated Contract Services revenue was flat at $847 million, while Integrated Capacity Solutions fell 4% and Final Mile Services dropped 10%, reflecting softer demand in those areas.
Positive Outlook
Despite the margin pressures, J.B. Hunt highlighted operational improvements and ongoing investments in efficiency. Intermodal asset utilization and trailer turns improved, while productivity gains helped stabilize the dedicated business.
The company has also launched a $100 million cost-savings initiative aimed at boosting asset efficiency and deploying technology. Savings from the initiative are expected to materialize beginning in 2026.
J.B. Hunt repurchased approximately 2.4 million shares during the quarter at a cost of $319 million, and still has $335 million remaining under its current buyback authorization.
Looking ahead, executives said the company remains focused on managing costs and improving network efficiency amid a competitive freight environment.
J.B. Hunt is on the Go Trucking Magazine’s Golden Group.