XPO Logistics Earnings Miss Expectations
Despite “robust organic growth” thanks to e-commerce and freight brokerage, XPO Logistics’ third-quarter earnings came in lower than analysts’ expectations, as the company cut its earnings forecast due to the collapse of a large UK customer.

E-commerce and brokerage drove XPO's third-quarter earnings
Photo: XPO Logistics
Despite “robust organic growth” thanks to e-commerce and freight brokerage, XPO Logistics’ third-quarter earnings came in lower than analysts’ expectations, as the company cut its earnings forecast due to the collapse of a large UK customer.
The company reported adjusted earnings of 89 cents per share, compared to 59 cents for the same period a year ago, but Wall Street was expecting 98 cents per share.
The results included a 7-cent per-share charge related to its business with House of Fraser. XPO's British division shut down the distribution centers it ran for House of Fraser in the UK on August 10, as it was one in a long line of companies that say they are owed millions by the retailer.
XPO’s revenue increased 11.5% year-over-year to $4.34 billion, led by the company’s contract logistics and freight brokerage business. Net income was $100.8 million for the quarter, compared with net income attributable to common shareholders of $57.5 million for the same period in 2017. Adjusted net income was $121.3 million for the quarter, compared with $76.7 million for the same period in 2017.
“Our robust organic growth of 10.5% in the quarter was led by strong demand for e-commerce logistics and freight brokerage,” said Bradley Jacobs, chairman and CEO, in a release.
The company’s North American LTL business saw its adjusted operating ratio rise by 220 basis points from a year ago, he noted.
“Companywide, we again grew profitability faster than revenue, despite the impact of a customer bankruptcy.”
XPO closed $918 million of new business in the quarter, up 43% from last year, due in large part to an expanded sales organization and proprietary technology, according to Jacobs.
“In contract logistics, we implemented a record 90 customer contracts through September, enabled by intelligent automation. And in North American brokerage, we used dynamic freight-matching algorithms to realize 18% revenue growth and 370 basis points of margin improvement with fewer people.”
More Fleet Management

What the U.S.-Canada Trade War Means for Trucking
Escalating U.S.-Canada tariffs could disrupt cross-border freight, reduce truck volumes, raise costs, and create new uncertainty for carriers on both sides of the border.
Read More →
What Are Trucking’s Top Concerns for 2026?
The American Transportation Research Institute wants to know what's worrying trucking fleet managers, drivers, and other stakeholders in its annual Industry Issues survey.
Read More →
American Trucking Associations Looks for a New Leader
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear abruptly left his job at the association on August 21, at a pivotal time for the trucking industry.
Read More →
Public Wi-Fi Cybersecurity Risks: How Truck Drivers and Fleets Can Protect Their Data
Public Wi-Fi can expose truck drivers and fleets to credential theft, malware, and other cyber threats. Here’s how to reduce the risk on the road.
Read More →
For Nicky Cupp, Fleet Innovation Starts With Frustration
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Nicky Cupp turns everyday pain points at Fraley & Schilling into opportunities for better technology and smarter processes.
Read More →
Adam Buttgenbach’s Approach to Electric Trucks: Start With Where They Fit
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Adam Buttgenbach helped PepsiCo build one of North America’s largest EV fleets by focusing on where electric trucks make operational sense.
Read More →
Deen Albert: Let Automation Do the Math, People Make the Decisions
HDT Truck Fleet Innovator Deen Albert makes sure people are still at the heart of operations at Grand Island Express, even while adopting artificial intelligence tools. AI-assisted dispatch helped boost revenue 25% with the same number of trucks.
Read More →Trimble’s New AI Agent Takes Aim at Fleet Back-Office Busywork
Arc Agent works across Trimble TMS products to automate repetitive tasks such as freight orders, maintenance, invoices, fuel costs and more.
Read More →
How HDT’s 2026 Truck Fleet Innovators Are Rethinking Fleet Operations
Meet five trucking leaders who are challenging assumptions, solving operational problems, and putting innovative ideas to work.
Read More →
Tight Trucking Capacity Pushes Rates Higher Even as Freight Volumes Fall
“Spot rates moving ahead of contract rates have historically signaled a tightening market, but we haven’t seen a capacity-driven market quite like this one,” said DAT's Dean Croke.
Read More →
