J.B. Hunt last week announced the creation of a separate intermodal segment and lower earnings expectations for the third quarter.

To help achieve a smooth and rapid transition from cabover tractors to new Freightliner conventionals and to ease the impact of rail service failures on both business, the company will separate its van truckload business into two distinct units.
For the second year in a row, problems with rail service are preventing J.B. Hunt's intermodal business from meeting its projected growth. Recent high fuel costs have also contributed to lower-than-expected earnings for the current quarter.
J.B. Hunt believes that separating the intermodal unit from the truckload business will help insulate the truck business from future rail disruption. It also will allow the intermodal operations to focus its attention in that area.