** Deutsche Bank initiates coverage on some U.S. trucking firms, including CH Robinson CHRW.O and Old Dominion ODFL.O, with "buy" rating
** Says ODFL's financial position will strengthen in the next up-cycle, "as the co benefits from better fixed-cost absorption"; PT at $236
** Sets PT of $129 on CHRW, a 31% upside to stock's last close
** Also starts J B Hunt JBHT.O with "hold" rating; PT at $167, a 3% upside to stock's last close
** Rates for cross-border trucking to and from the U.S. jumped amid new tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as cos scrambled to accelerate shipments ahead of an expected increase in costs
** YTD, S&P 500 Transportation Index .SPLRCTRN down 1.4%
(Reporting by Anshuman Tripathy)
((Anshuman.Tripathy@thomsonreuters.com))