Knight Transportation, Inc. (NYSE: KNX)(''Knight''), one of North America's largest and most diversified truckload transportation companies, today provided an update on its guidance for the fourth quarter of 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.

Based on preliminary results, Knight now expects earnings per diluted share will range from:

  • $0.24 to $0.25 for its fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013, compared with its prior estimates of $0.20 to $0.23; and
  • $0.19 to $0.21 for its first quarter ending March 31, 2014, compared with its prior estimates of $0.18 to $0.20.

Our improvement in results for the fourth quarter of 2013 was a result of better than expected performance in several key areas of our business. We experienced improvement in our revenue per tractor, growth in our non-asset based businesses, and more effective cost management. We believe this is a result of improved freight demand and meaningful progress on several internal initiatives focused on improving production, recruiting and developing driving associates, providing industry-leading service, and intensifying our cost control efforts.

The company expects to release its 2013 fourth quarter earnings on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, shortly before market open. Knight will be holding a live conference call with analysts and investors to discuss the earnings release, the results of operations, and other matters after its earnings press release on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, at 4:30 pm EST. Slides to accompany this call will be posted on the company's website and will be available to download just prior to the scheduled conference call. To view the presentation, please visit http://investor.knighttrans.com/events, ''Fourth Quarter 2013 Conference Call Presentation.''

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements generally may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as ''expects,'' ''estimates,'' ''anticipates,'' ''projects,'' ''believes,'' ''plans,'' ''intends,'' ''may,'' ''will,'' ''should,'' ''could,'' ''potential,'' ''continue,'' ''future,'' and terms or phrases of similar substance. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Accordingly, actual results may differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Readers should review and consider the factors that may affect future results and other disclosures by the Company in its press releases, stockholder reports, Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.

Knight Transportation, Inc.
Dave Jackson, President / Adam Miller, CFO
602-606-6349