USA Truck Lowers 2006 Earnings Outlook

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ruckload carrier USA Truck said Friday that its 2006 earnings will be below last year’s level because of “significantly” lower freight demand in the fourth quarter.

Full-year earnings per share will be $1.08 to $1.12, down from $1.51 in 2005, USA Truck said.

Revenue excluding fuel surcharges will be $378 million to $383 million, compared with $376.6 million last year, it said.

This year’s peak shipping season, which typically occurs in October and November, was “significantly below that of fourth quarter 2005 levels,” said Robert Powell, chairman and chief executive officer.

A tight driver market also has contributed to a 10% decline in miles per tractor per week this quarter, compared with the fourth quarter of 2005, he said in a statement.

USA Truck is ranked No. 55 on the Transport Topics 100 list of for-hire carriers in the United States and Canada.