Swift posts strong profits for 2002

Feb. 10, 2003
Truckload carrier Swift Transportation Co. ended 2002 on a strong financial note, despite lower fuel surcharge revenue, charges to cover investment losses in a Mexican carrier and a multi-million legal judgement stemming from a vehicle crash. Phoenix, AZ-based Swift posted net earnings of $63.5 million on $2.1 billion in revenue, up from $27.2 million in earnings on revenues of $2.11 billion in 2001.
Truckload carrier Swift Transportation Co. ended 2002 on a strong financial note, despite lower fuel surcharge revenue, charges to cover investment losses in a Mexican carrier and a multi-million legal judgement stemming from a vehicle crash.

Phoenix, AZ-based Swift posted net earnings of $63.5 million on $2.1 billion in revenue, up from $27.2 million in earnings on revenues of $2.11 billion in 2001. For the fourth quarter, Swift said net earnings climbed to $20 million on revenues of $560.1 million, up from net earnings of $13 million on revenues of $530.7 million during the same quarter in 2001.

Swift posted those gains despite several negative financial situations last year. The company's fuel surcharge revenue dropped 36% to $37.8 million last year, down from $59.4 million in 2001.

Swift also had to make a $10.5 million noncash pretax adjustment to cover investment losses in Mexican carrier Transportes EASO, and had to take a $7 million noncash pretax adjustment to insurance and claims reserves and a $2 million charge to cover merger expenses related to the company's acquisition of Memphis, TN-based M.S. Carriers over two years ago.

About the Author

Sean Kilcarr | Editor in Chief

Sean previously reported and commented on trends affecting the many different strata of the trucking industry. Also be sure to visit Sean's blog Trucks at Work where he offers analysis on a variety of different topics inside the trucking industry.

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