USA Truck Inc., Van Buren, Ark., has announced operating revenues, before fuel surcharge, of $73,915,653 for the quarter ended Sept. 30, 2003, an increase of 4.6% from $70,651,305 for the same quarter of 2002.

Net income increased 18.8% to $1,510,141 for the third quarter of 2003, compared to net income of $1,271,086 for the same quarter of 2002.
For the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2003, operating revenues, before fuel surcharge, increased 5.3% to $211,895,040, from $201,221,745 for the same period of 2002. Earnings increased 6.7% to $2,214,892 for the nine months, compared to $2,075,088 for the same period of 2002.
Robert M. Powell, chairman and CEO of the company, said, "We continued to see improving freight demand throughout the quarter as evidenced by a favorable environment for increased rates per mile and low empty miles. Our top line revenue growth was driven by those increased rates as well as a 3.9% increase in our fleet size. In fact, our average tractor count topped 2,000 for the first time during the third quarter.
"In general, we are pleased with the progress that we've made on the bottom line. While some of our cost control initiatives have yet to impact our operating margin, we can see their benefits beginning to take hold. The operating ratio was flat year over year, but this year's third quarter was negatively impacted in the areas of maintenance and recruiting costs. Those are both areas where we have programs in place that we expect to yield future savings."