Universal Truckload's 4Q Earnings Slip

Universal Truckload Services, Warren, Mich., said it earned about $4.8 million, or 30 cents a share in the fourth quarter of 2007, down from $5.3 million, or 33 cents, in the previous quarter.

Revenue for the quarter was $171.5 million, up from $163.8 million a year ago.

"We are pleased with our revenue growth of 4.7% in the fourth quarter of 2007," said Don Cochran, Universal Truckload’s chief executive officer. "Even in a weak freight environment, we were able to make gains in both load volumes and pricing. Given the uncertainty in the market, we had a good quarter."

For the full year, the company said it earned $17.8 million, or $1.11 cents a share, down from $21 million, or $1.30 a share.

2007 revenue was $680.4 million, up from $641.6 million in 2006, the company said.

Universal Truckload ranks No. 41 on the Transport Topics 100 list of the largest U.S. and Canadian for-hire carriers.