TFI International Q1 profits jump ahead of UPS Freight deal closure

Canadian trucking and logistics firm starts 2021 on firm footing ahead of UPS Freight acquisition’s closure

TFI International's profit engine continued to move in the first quarter. (Photo:Jim Allen/ Freightwaves)

TFI International (NYSE:TFII) reported a 17% increase in operating income in the first quarter on Tuesday as the Canadian trucking and logistics giant’s growth started the year with strong momentum ahead of the close of its acquisition of UPS Freight.

TFI reported adjusted net income of $73.6 million, or 77 cents per share, on $1.15 billion in revenue. Revenue grew by 24%, while adjusted net income increased by 40% compared to a year ago.

“During a quarter that marked the one-year anniversary of both our listing on the New York Stock Exchange and the pandemic outbreak across North America, TFI International produced strong year-over-year results,” CEO Alain Bedard said in a statement.

TFI reported growth across its operating businesses during the quarter. Operating income increased by 17% to $101.7 million — helped in part by $6 million received from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program.

The most dramatic growth came from its logistics segment: Revenue jumped 87% to $378.5 million, and operating income rose by more than 50% to $29.1 million.

TFI’s largest segment, truckload, grew more modestly. Revenue increased by 5% while operating income rose by 7.7%.

Only less-than-truckload reported a decline in revenue — dropping by 3% to $22.1 million.

Bedard will discuss the results during a call with financial analysts on Wednesday morning. But perhaps more importantly, he’ll shed more light on the $800 million acquisition of UPS Freight, which is set to close this quarter and boost that lagging LTL segment.

Click for more FreightWaves articles by Nate Tabak

Upcoming FreightWaves Events
Compliance

Brokerage Compliance Symposium

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Awards

F3 Awards Dinner

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

October 26, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
FreightTech

F3: Future of Freight Festival

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

October 27, 2026 – October 28, 2026
The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN
Register Now
Compliance Brokerage Compliance Symposium Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The day before F3. Every compliance issue you face - fraud exposure, carrier liability, FMCSA rules, cargo theft, insurance gaps - navigated by attorneys and operators defining best practices in a changing industry.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
Awards F3 Awards Dinner Oct 26 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

The night before F3. FreightTech100 companies honored. FreightTech 25 and Shipper of Choice winners revealed live. Cocktail reception into dinner and live music - 300 industry leaders in one purpose-built room.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now
FreightTech F3: Future of Freight Festival Oct 27 – Oct 28 • The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN

Industry-defining keynotes, rapid-fire technology demos, and industry leaders networking in experiences across Chattanooga - plus the inaugural F3 Awards Dinner featuring the FreightTech and Shipper of Choice reveals.

The Signal at Chattanooga Choo Choo • Chattanooga, TN Register Now