Roadrunner Loss Widens Amid Financial Probe
The asset-light trucking and logistics provider Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. reported its first quarter operating results on Monday that showed a bigger loss than it reported a year earlier as it also said its now in compliance with government reporting rules.

The asset-light trucking and logistics provider Roadrunner Transportation Systems Inc. reported its first quarter operating results on Monday that showed a bigger loss than it reported a year earlier as it also said its now in compliance with government reporting rules.
Its net loss increased to $23.6 million for the first quarter of 2018, compared to a net loss of $19.9 million for the first quarter of 2017. According to the company, this was primarily due to higher interest costs related to the company’s preferred stock issued in May 2017.
Revenues for the quarter ended March 31 totaled $570, a 19% increase from $478.9 million for the quarter a year earlier.
“Comparable quarter to quarter operating results in our truckload and express services and Ascent segments improved significantly in the first quarter of 2018 versus 2017,” said Curt Stoelting, CEO. “We expect positive trends in these segments to continue in 2018. As part of our investment in turning around the LTL segment, we expected to incur higher operating losses in the first quarter of 2018 than in the prior year.”
According to him, the company’s less-than-truckload management team is working to improve the quality of freight and the density within the company’s key lanes as well as improving its service and operating metrics.
“By accelerating our focus on reducing our service area and eliminating unprofitable freight, we expect a reduction in 2018 second quarter revenue as compared to the prior year second quarter, Stoelting said. “We expect a sequential quarterly improvement in LTL operating results in the 2018 second quarter and we anticipate improvements in operating trends in the second half of 2018 compared to the first half.”
Earlier this year the company announced the integration and rebranding of several operating companies, including Roadrunner Truckload Plus, into Ascent Global Logistics. More recently the company announced the integration of its time definite ground and air transportation operations. Also the company restructured its temperature controlled truckload business by completing the integration of multiple operating companies into one business unit.
These latest numbers follow Roadrunner releasing full 2017 numbers about two weeks earlier in which it reported a net loss was $91.2 million compared to a net loss of $360.3 million all of 2016.
According to Roadrunner, the company is now current when it comes to reporting requirements from the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Earlier, Roadrunner said it discovered significant financial errors made by the company’s previous management team when it came to its accounting practices and has been working clear up past financial statements.
The matter has gotten the attention of the U.S. Justice Department. So far, at least two former Roadrunner executives have been indicted for their alleged role in an accounting fraud scheme.
Related: 5 More Fleets Report Improved 1st Quarter Results
More Fleet Management

Color Match Smarter: Tools That Restore & Perform
For fleet managers and collision repair professionals keeping heavy-duty trucks on the road, getting the color right the first time isn't just about appearance — it's about efficiency, turnaround time, and bottom-line results. Discover how today's digital color tools are transforming the repair process from guesswork to precision.
Read More →
FMCSA Pauses Biennial-Update Enforcement Amid Motus Transition
Carriers whose updates were due on or after June 1 have more time, while FMCSA works to stabilize its new registration system and warns of phishing sites impersonating its new carrier registration system, Motus.
Read More →
2026 Blueprint for Countering Smarter Supply Chain Theft
Cargo theft is no longer just the cost of doing business. It's a multi-billion-dollar criminal enterprise exploiting vulnerabilities across your fleet, drivers, and supply chain.
Read More →
How Telematics Improves Visibility, Control, and Performance in Refrigerated Fleets
Explore how telematics help refrigerated fleets improve visibility, uptime, efficiency, compliance, and cargo protection across connected cold chain operations.
Read More →
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 →


