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Heartland Express reported lower revenue but higher profits in the fourth quarter of 2018 as the company continues a program to shrink its fleet and re-establish itself as one of the nation’s most efficient truck operators.

Heartland Express reported second-quarter net income of $17.8 million, or 22 cents per share, a 22% increase from $14.6 million, or 18 cents, recorded in the second quarter of 2017.

Heartland Express reported first-quarter net income of $13.4 million, or 16 cents earnings per share. In comparison, first-quarter 2017 net income was $14 million, or 17 cents per share. Analysts had predicted earnings per share of 11 cents.

Heartland Express reported weaker financial results for the fourth quarter and for the year 2017 as revenue fell well short of analysts’ expectations and profits were dragged down by the acquisition of Interstate Distributor Co. in July. The company also paid out more to attract and retain drivers.

Heartland Express Inc. reported that profits slipped 11% year-over-year after a significant decline in revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, due to shorter hauls during the second quarter.

Two major truckload carriers have announced purchases, and one of the transactions will unite companies ranked among the Transport Topics Top 100 list of the largest North American for-hire carriers: Heartland Express and Interstate Distributor Co.

Heartland Express Inc. has purchased Interstate Distributor Co. from owner Saltchuk Resources Inc. in a $113 million deal that is the latest in a flurry of mergers and acquisitions in 2017.

Heartland Express Inc. reported profits fell 2.3% after a sharp decline in revenue due to the soft freight environment and poor weather in the western United States.

Truckload carrier Heartland Express remained strongly profitable but less so than a year ago as net income and revenue declined due to a tough pricing environment.