C.H. Robinson reports air freight profit growth

Both Global Forwarding (GF) and North American Surface Transportation (NAST) reported year-over-year productivity improvements of more than 15% in the third quarter. Since the end of 2022, productivity across both segments has increased by over 65%, reflecting the sustained impact of AI-driven operational efficiencies.

As per global forwarding Q3’26 results by service, air-adjusted gross profit (AGP) increased, driven by a 28.5% rise in AGP per metric tonne shipped, partially offset by a 4% decline in shipment volumes. The sector recorded AGP of $43.1 million in Q3'26, up 23.2% from $34.9 million in the same quarter last year. 

Global Forwarding also achieved its mid-cycle operating margin targets. Adjusted operating margins, excluding specified items, reached 36.6%.

President & CEO, Dave Bozeman, said, “Our scalable model and operating leverage contributed to a 26% year-over-year increase in adjusted operating income, with both NAST and GF achieving mid-cycle operating margin targets.”

Global disruptions and supply-side constraints led to higher ocean and air freight rates. Air adjusted gross profit (AGP) per metric tonne increased 28.5% year over year, while ocean AGP per shipment increased 20.5%. The business also continued to implement Lean AI practices and technologies across its operations to improve efficiency.

NAST Q3’26 Results by Service
Total NAST truckload and less-than-truckload (LTL) volumes increased 3.5% year over year, marking the 14th consecutive quarter of market share growth. This outperformed the Cass Freight Shipment Index, which declined 0.3%.

All Other & Corporate
Robinson Fresh recorded a 5.1% year-over-year decline in adjusted gross profit (AGP) in the third quarter, while Managed Solutions reported a 4.1% increase.