Tariff shocks are back on the table, and this time the proposals reach across 60 economies, from key allies to major trade partners like China and India. For US transportation and logistics stocks, higher trade barriers can reshuffle supply chains, alter freight volumes, and change where value is created. That can create fresh pressure for some companies and new openings for others. This article looks at 3 stocks from a US Transportation and Logistics Companies screener that appear positioned to be positively exposed to the latest tariff headlines and may warrant a closer look in your portfolio research.

ArcBest (ARCB)

Overview: ArcBest is an integrated logistics company that helps businesses move freight across the US and internationally through its less than truckload network, freight brokerage, premium logistics and moving services. It covers everything from food and furniture to industrial machinery by truck, air and ocean.

Operations: ArcBest generates about US$2.7b in revenue from its Asset-Based LTL operations and around US$1.4b from its Asset-Light logistics services, with virtually all of its US$4.0b revenue coming from customers in the United States.

Market Cap: US$3.1b

ArcBest provides exposure to domestic freight demand at a time when proposed tariffs could push more inventory, sourcing and production onshore, which may favor established US less than truckload carriers. The company is investing heavily in technology, AI driven routing and digital pricing to improve efficiency and support the shift toward higher margin, asset light services, even as margins are currently compressed and earnings have been under pressure. Several banks have recently lifted their price targets, but the P/E multiple and 100% reliance on higher risk funding sources mean expectations are already demanding. For investors who want the full picture on how these moving parts fit together, there is more to unpack on ArcBest’s risk reward trade off.

ArcBest’s push into tech driven, asset light freight could be masking a bigger story about how tariffs might reshape its earnings mix, and the 2 key rewards and 1 important warning sign hints at a twist investors often miss

XPO (XPO)

Overview: XPO is a freight transportation company that focuses on less than truckload shipping in North America and provides a wide range of transport, brokerage, and contract logistics services across Europe for consumer, trade, and industrial customers.

Operations: XPO generates about US$4.9b in revenue from its North American LTL segment and roughly US$3.4b from its European Transportation operations.

Market Cap: US$24.2b

XPO may appeal to investors who think the proposed US tariffs could nudge more freight and logistics spending into domestic networks, because its core US LTL business is paired with a broad European platform that can flex as trade routes shift. The company is leaning heavily on AI powered routing and cost control to support productivity and free cash flow. At the same time, it carries a high P/E, a slim 4.2% margin, and meaningful debt that raise questions about how much positive news is already reflected in the share price. With analysts differing on its long term potential and recent refinancing reshaping its risk profile, XPO’s tariff-related story presents several factors for investors to consider beyond the headlines.

XPO’s high P/E, slim 4.2% margin and fresh refinancing are only half the story; the real tension is how its tariff exposure and balance sheet interact in the XPO financial health report

Landstar System (LSTR)

Overview: Landstar System is an asset light trucking and logistics company that connects shippers with a network of independent agents and capacity providers to move everything from time critical freight and heavy haul loads to hazardous materials and cold chain shipments across the US, Canada, Mexico and overseas.

Operations: Landstar System generates about US$4.7b in revenue from Transportation Logistics and roughly US$129m from Insurance, partly offset by US$57m of internal revenue eliminations.

Market Cap: US$7.1b

Landstar System stands out in the tariff debate because its flexible, asset light model is built for rerouting freight as trade rules change, particularly around U.S. Mexico and U.S. Canada corridors that already contribute a meaningful share of revenue. Management describes direct China exposure as very small. Earnings calls highlight how tariff related pull forward shipping and cross border shifts are already influencing volumes. At the same time, you are weighing a high P/E, modest 2.6% margin, insider selling and reliance on external funding against high forecast ROE, consistent dividends and recent index inclusion. The key consideration is whether Landstar’s freight mix and earnings quality justify its premium once tariff volatility settles, or whether recent strength has pulled future returns forward.

Landstar System’s premium story hinges on whether its asset light freight engine and tariff exposure are being misread, so the full narrative for Landstar System pulls together one underappreciated thread that could change how you see its risk reward balance.

The three US transportation and logistics stocks covered here are just a starting point, and the full US Transportation and Logistics Companies screener surfaces 10 more companies with equally compelling tariff and supply chain narratives that could fit different portfolio styles. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the exact catalysts, balance sheet profiles and earnings stories that matter most to you so you can build your own transportation and logistics watchlist.

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This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.