JB Hunt Transport Services (JBHT) saw its shares plummet 6.99% in Wednesday's intraday trading following the release of disappointing first-quarter 2025 earnings and ongoing concerns about trade uncertainties. The transportation and logistics giant reported lower profits and revenue compared to the same period last year, falling short of analysts' expectations.

For the quarter ended March 31, JB Hunt posted earnings per share of $1.17, down from $1.22 in the same quarter of 2024 and below the consensus estimate of $1.19. Total revenue declined 1% year-over-year to $2.92 billion, primarily due to decreased activity across several business segments. The company's performance was impacted by multiple factors, including a 5% reduction in average truck count in its Dedicated Contract Services unit, a 15% drop in Final Mile Services stops, and lower yields in its Intermodal segment.

JB Hunt's management highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the transportation industry, including what they termed a multi-year "freight recession" marked by higher costs and lower demand. Additionally, the company pointed to the impact of U.S.-led trade tensions, particularly with China, which are creating uncertainty for its customers. Spencer Frazier, JB Hunt's executive vice president of sales and marketing, noted that "most of them are waiting for the dust to settle to determine how tariffs might influence and change their short- and long-term business strategies." This uncertainty has led to some loss of business to competitors offering lower shipping prices, further pressuring the company's performance.