February 9, 2006 12:30 PM, EST

P.A.M’s Fourth-Quarter Earnings Rise

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ruckload carrier P.A.M. Transportation Services reported a fourth-quarter profit of $4.3 million or 41 cents a share, rising from $1.8 million or 16 cents for the same period in 2004.

img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/pamlogo.gif" width=80 align=right>Operating revenue excluding fuel surcharges rose 8.2% to $83.9 million, the company said Wednesday.

For the full year, the company earned $13.1 million or $1.20 per share, compared with $10.6 million or 94 cents for 2004.

Revenue for the year rose 5.5% to $326.4 million.

“We had success in raising our rates by 14%” in the fourth quarter from the previous fourth quarter to an average rate of $1.35 per mile, said P.A.M. President Robert Weaver.

"Although we are pleased with these results we know we still have work to do to reduce our operating ratio and to continue to increase our revenues and bottom line profitability,” he said.

P.A.M., Tontitown, Ark., is ranked No. 67 on the Transport Topics 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian trucking companies.