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Four of the nation’s largest truckload fleets, including Swift Transportation Co. and Knight Transportation Inc., announced sharply higher quarterly earnings tied to factors such as higher rates and fleet growth.

Specialty truck maker Oshkosh Corp. reported its fiscal first-quarter profit declined from a year ago, and Caterpillar Inc. said its fourth-quarter income fell.

UPS Inc. said fourth-quarter earnings per share will be $1.25, lagging Wall Street estimates, because of higher costs related to U.S. deliveries during the peak season.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services and Covenant Transportation Group reported stronger fourth-quarter profits, providing a positive early look at quarterly financial results for large, publicly traded trucking companies.

UPS Inc. said it expects to earn $5.45 to $5.70 per share in 2015, up 10% to 15% from this year’s adjusted results, and that revenue will rise 5% to 6% over 2014.

Transportation technology supplier Trimble Navigation Ltd. said third-quarter earnings fell from a year ago, due in large part to a legal judgment against the company and weaker-than-expected sales of its agricultural products.

Several trucking industry suppliers reported higher third-quarter earnings, citing strength in North American on-highway markets.

Heartland Express’ third-quarter profits climbed 43% from a year ago as freight demand remained strong.

Universal Truckload Services Inc.’s third-quarter earnings slipped to $13.1 million, or 44 cents per share, from $13.7 million, or 46 cents, a year ago.

Werner Enterprises’ third-quarter profit climbed 22% from a year ago, with the truckload carrier citing “consistent strength” in freight demand.