SCS Reports Higher Third-Quarter Earnings

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CS Transportation late Tuesday reported a third-quarter profit of $7 million or 47 cents a share, an increase from $6.6 million or 43 cents a year earlier.

SCS said its revenue rose 11% to $284.5 million from the same period last year. Its operating income rose 3% to $13.9 million.

The company’s regional less-than-truckload unit Saia Motor Freight Line saw its revenue rise 15% to $198.8 million, its LTL tonnage rise 7% from a year ago and its operating income gain 27% to $13.4 million.

LTL and truckload unit Jevic Transportation reported a 1% gain in revenue to $85.7 million, though tonnage weakness at the unit continued, declining 4% from a year earlier, SCS said.

"Saia's momentum in growth and profitability improvement continued, despite significant impact from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita," Chief Executive Officer Bert Trucksess said.

"Jevic's priority is to improve profitability and we are pleased with the early progress under Dave Gorman's new leadership," he said in a statement.

Year-to-date earnings per share are $1.10, but SCS said it will discontinue providing annual earnings guidance, and will instead offer long-term perspectives rather than shorter-term projected ranges.

SCS Transportation is ranked No. 24 on the Transport Topics 100 listing of U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.