Overview
- The company said Wednesday at Morgan Stanley’s Laguna conference that it expects third‑quarter earnings to decline 5% to 10% sequentially from the second quarter.
- J.B. Hunt quantified the squeeze as about a $10 million sequential fuel headwind and roughly $25 million in higher driver recruitment and retention costs tied to sign‑on bonuses, training, onboarding and advertising.
- Investors reacted sharply, sending JBHT shares down roughly 11%–13% and dragging other freight and logistics stocks lower in after‑hours and premarket trading.
- U.S. on‑highway diesel has topped $6 per gallon according to EIA data, prompting shippers to move freight to intermodal and rail where carriers report rising volumes but also warn that elevated fuel costs will pressure their operating metrics.
- Because fuel‑surcharge formulas and contract pricing lag fast cost swings, carriers say the coming intermodal bid season and interim 'mini‑bids' are likely spots to renegotiate rates while smaller, spot market truckers and drivers feel the most immediate financial strain.