XPO Logistics Inc. on Tuesday announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2016 with both revealing it moved well into the black.
Earnings Watch: XPO Logistics Reports Annual Profit of $69 Million
XPO Logistics moved well into the black for the fourth quarter and full year 2016, with a number of fourth-quarter metrics setting company records as strong e-commerce offset weak intermodal numbers.

For the fourth quarter of 2016, revenue increased 10% from the same time in 2015 to $3.68 billion. Net income was $29.8 million, or 22 cents per share, compared with a net loss $63.1 million, or a loss of 58 cents per share, for the same period in 2015.
"I'm pleased that we delivered record fourth quarter results for net income, cash flow from operations, adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow,” said Bradley Jacobs, chairman and CEO. “We generated the strongest growth in last mile and contract logistics, driven primarily by e-commerce, more than offsetting a weak intermodal environment. Our less-than-truckload operations in North America capped an outstanding year with a 40% increase in fourth quarter adjusted operating income.”
XPO’s transportation segment generated total revenue of $2.33 billion for the quarter, compared with $2.1 billion for the same period in 2015.
The year-over-year increase in revenue was primarily attributed to the acquisition of Con-way Inc. in October 2015 and to organic growth in both North America and Europe, partially offset by the divestiture of the former Con-way Truckload in October 2016.
“Organic revenue growth for the segment was led by the last-mile unit, primarily driven by an increase in e-commerce business. Revenue growth was partially offset by softness in North American intermodal volumes,” XPO said in a statement.
Operating income for the transportation segment increased to $84 million, compared with an operating loss of $6.1 million a year ago.
The company's logistics segment generated total revenue of $1.38 billion for the quarter, compared with $1.27 billion for the same period in 2015.
In Europe, organic growth from new contracts with e-commerce and cold-chain customers was negated by the adverse impact of foreign exchange rates. In North America, growth was largely driven by gains in e-commerce, food and beverage, and aerospace business, partially offset by softness in automotive.
Operating income for the logistics segment increased to $51.2 million, compared with $34.8 million a year ago.
For all of 2016 XPO nearly doubled its revenue from 2015, totaling $14.62 billion. Last year’s net income of $69 million, or 53 cents per share, compares to a net loss of $191.1 million in 2015, or a loss of $2.65 per share.
The company reaffirmed its full year targets for adjusted EBITDA of at least $1.35 billion for 2017 and $1.575 billion for 2018. XPO’s adjusted EBITDA for 2016 totaled $937.1 million, up 189.2% from 2015.
More Fleet Management

ATA’s Spear Warns Fuel Prices, Trade Policy, and Global Conflict Could Stall Trucking Recovery
Speaking at the TMC Annual Meeting in Nashville, ATA President Chris Spear said trucking faces mounting pressure from rising fuel prices, geopolitical instability, and uncertainty around trade policy.
Read More →
New Entrants, Chameleon Carriers, and Safety: Is It Too Easy to Start a Trucking Company?
More than 100,000 new trucking companies enter the industry each year, but regulators manage to audit only a fraction of them. That churn creates opportunities for inexperienced startups — and for “chameleon carriers” that shut down after safety violations and reappear under new identities. Read more from Deborah Lockridge in this commentary.
Read More →
Fleet Managers Invited to Apply for Exclusive HDT Exchange Event
HDTX is an intimate event that connects heavy-duty trucking fleet managers with industry suppliers through small-group discussions, educational sessions, and structured one-on-one meetings.
Read More →
DAT Launches iPhone Widget to Help Owner-Operators Find Loads Faster
New DAT One feature shows top-paying loads directly on an iPhone’s home screen, helping carriers react faster to spot-market opportunities.
Read More →
Optimal Dynamics Launches AI System to Help Carriers Choose Better Freight
Optimal Dynamics says its new Scale platform uses AI agents and optimization to help carriers find and secure freight that improves network balance and profitability.
Read More →
DAT: Flatbed Demand Climbs as Van and Reefer Rates Soften
DAT Freight & Analytics data shows tightening flatbed capacity, easing produce markets, and softening van and reefer rates.
Read More →
Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]
NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.
Read More →
Federal Court Lets NYC Congestion Pricing Continue
A federal court ruling allows New York City’s congestion pricing program to continue, leaving truck tolls in place for fleets delivering into Manhattan.
Read More →
Fontaine Modification Launches Real-Time Truck Modification Tracking Portal
Fontaine Modification has introduced a new customer portal designed to give fleets real-time visibility into the truck modification process, addressing one of the most common questions fleet managers face: “Where’s my truck?”
Read More →
FTR: Trucking Conditions Index Climbs to Highest Level Since 2022
Strong freight rates, rising volumes and tighter capacity push trucking conditions higher, though diesel prices could temper gains in the near term, FTR cautions.
Read More →
