Expeditors Tops Quarterly Estimates on Strong Customs Brokerage Demand

Freight forwarder sees boost from shifting U.S. trade policies under Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Global freight forwarder Expeditors International of Washington reported fourth-quarter profit and revenue above Wall Street estimates, driven by stronger demand for its customs brokerage services amid changing U.S. trade policies under the Trump administration. The company plans to invest in technology, including AI-driven tools, to improve efficiency and sharpen pricing to align with market conditions.

Why it matters

Expeditors' strong performance highlights the increased demand for customs brokerage services as businesses navigate shifting trade rules and tariffs under the Trump administration. The company's plans to invest in technology and optimize pricing could position it to better serve customers and maintain its competitive edge in the freight forwarding industry.

The details

Expeditors reported a profit of $1.49 per share for the fourth quarter, above analysts' average estimate of $1.46 per share. Revenue from the air freight segment rose to $1.11 billion, driven by higher export volumes out of North and South Asia, while the customs brokerage division reported revenue of $1.14 billion, up from $983.2 million in the same quarter a year earlier. The company posted total quarterly revenue of $2.86 billion, down more than 3% year-over-year but above analysts' estimate of $2.83 billion.

  • Expeditors reported fourth-quarter 2026 results on February 24, 2026.

The players

Expeditors International of Washington

A global freight forwarder headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

Daniel Wall

CEO of Expeditors International of Washington.

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What they’re saying

“Demand for customs brokerage remained strong, reflecting both the complexity and volume of work.”

— Daniel Wall, CEO (marketscreener.com)

“We will sharpen pricing and further align costs with market conditions in 2026, while directing capital toward AI and customer-focused vertical solutions.”

— Daniel Wall, CEO (marketscreener.com)

What’s next

Expeditors plans to invest in AI-driven tools and other technology to improve efficiency and optimize pricing to better serve customers.

The takeaway

Expeditors' strong performance in customs brokerage amid shifting U.S. trade policies highlights the importance of freight forwarders' ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and leverage technology to drive operational efficiency and pricing optimization.