Heartland Express reported weaker financial results for the fourth quarter and for the year 2017 as revenue fell well short of analysts’ expectations and profits were dragged down by the acquisition of Interstate Distributor Co. in July. The company also paid out more to attract and retain drivers.

Heartland Express Inc. reported that profits slipped 11% year-over-year after a significant decline in revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, due to shorter hauls during the second quarter.

Two major truckload carriers have announced purchases, and one of the transactions will unite companies ranked among the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest North American for-hire carriers: Heartland Express and Interstate Distributor Co.

Heartland Express Inc. has purchased Interstate Distributor Co. from owner Saltchuk Resources Inc. in a $113 million deal that is the latest in a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in 2017.

Heartland Express Inc. reported profits fell 2.3% after a sharp decline in revenue due to the soft freight environment and poor weather in the western United States.

Truckload carrier Heartland Express remained strongly profitable but less so than a year ago as net income and revenue declined due to a tough pricing environment.

Heartland Express Inc., in North Liberty, Iowa, reported second-quarter net income rose 38% to $26.5 million, or 30 cents per share, from $19.1 million, or 23 cents, reflecting the effects of its late 2013 acquisition of Gordon Trucking.

Heartland Express’ first-quarter income fell 29% to $14.1 million, or 16 cents per share, as winter weather-related cost increases drove down profits.

Heartland Express Inc. net income rose 11% to $15.8 million, or 18 cents per share, from $14.3 million, or 17 cents per share, as fourth-quarter results reflected the acquisition of Gordon Trucking Inc. late last year.