The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz removes a major choke point for global trade, but higher inflation, elevated oil prices and stickier interest rates keep pressure on costs and financing. For investors, that mix can reward companies that handle these cross-border flows efficiently while exposing weaker operators. This article looks at 3 global logistics and shipping stocks that appear positively exposed to the latest news, based on their business profiles and financial characteristics. The goal is simple: help you decide whether any of these companies deserve closer attention in your own research watchlist.

Heartland Express (HTLD)

Overview: Heartland Express is a US-based trucking company that moves dry van and temperature-controlled freight across the United States, Mexico and Canada, serving large retailers, manufacturers, parcel carriers and food and auto customers under several well known brands.

Operations: Heartland Express generates around US$763m in revenue from trucking transportation services, effectively all of it from within the United States.

Market Cap: US$1.1b

Heartland Express provides pure exposure to over-the-road trucking at a time when reopened sea lanes ease some shipping stress, while inland freight capacity and efficiency still matter for keeping goods moving. The stock is trading below one estimate of fair value. Forecasts indicate expectations for very strong earnings growth, even though the business is currently loss making with declining sales and return on capital. Financial risk is present through external borrowings and negative return on equity. The company continues to return some cash via a long running quarterly dividend and has also been active with buybacks. For investors, the combination of potential earnings recovery, disciplined governance and recent stock strength against a weak profit record raises the question of whether the market is already looking through today’s challenges.

Heartland Express looks like a classic earnings recovery story in the making, yet the recent share price strength and current losses leave big questions. Get the analyst forecasts for Heartland Express and see what the market might be missing.

Marten Transport (MRTN)

Overview: Marten Transport is a US based trucking company that focuses on temperature controlled freight, moving food and other consumer goods across the United States, Mexico and Canada through its Truckload, Dedicated and Brokerage segments, supported by a large company owned tractor fleet.

Operations: Marten Transport generates around US$422.7m from Truckload operations, US$268.3m from Dedicated services, and US$151.5m from its Brokerage segment, with a further US$21.6m from segment adjustments.

Market Cap: US$1.4b

Marten Transport provides direct exposure to freight and logistics volumes as supply chains work to normalise after the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, its recent results highlight why selectivity still matters. Earnings and margins have come under pressure, with net income and EPS down in the latest quarter and the P/E multiple sitting well above sector averages, so expectations are already high. At the same time, analysts see strong earnings growth potential alongside revenue growth and the company is continuing its dividend payments. For investors, the key question is whether Marten’s focus on temperature sensitive freight and its experienced, relatively modestly paid management team can turn that earnings outlook into more durable profitability without stretching the balance sheet further.

Marten Transport’s rich P/E and pressured earnings hint at a story that is still forming. Get the full analyst forecasts for Marten Transport to see whether current expectations are masking a sharper inflection point ahead.

James Fisher and Sons (LSE:FSJ)

Overview: James Fisher and Sons is a specialist marine services and engineering company that supports energy, defence and maritime transport customers with offshore wind and oil services, subsea decommissioning, submarine rescue and diving systems, and coastal shipping and port operations across the UK and key global trade routes.

Operations: James Fisher and Sons generates most of its revenue from Energy at £158.9m and Maritime Transport at £147m, with a further £88.8m from Defence and a small £0.3m reduction from inter segment sales, while serving customers across the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Africa & Americas.

Market Cap: £244.3m

James Fisher and Sons provides focused exposure to marine logistics and offshore services at a time when the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is easing some trade bottlenecks, while supply chains and financing costs remain tight. The company is rebuilding around higher margin Energy and Defence work. Management has highlighted cost discipline, portfolio simplification and measured investment as key priorities to keep debt in check, alongside efforts to improve the performance of previously loss making decommissioning activities. The shares are currently trading below some fair value estimates cited by analysts, who also note expectations for improved earnings and revenue. This suggests the market may be cautious given current losses and reliance on external borrowing. For investors, the central question is whether this leaner group can turn its order book into durable, cash backed profitability before funding risks become more acute.

James Fisher and Sons looks like an earnings rebuild that the market has only half priced in. Read the analyst forecasts for James Fisher and Sons to see whether the order book supports a sharper earnings shift or something more unsettling.

The three stocks covered here are only a starting point, and the full Global Logistics and Shipping Companies screener surfaces 22 more companies with equally compelling logistics and shipping narratives to weigh up. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts, balance sheet traits and business profiles that matter to you, so you can focus on the highest conviction ideas in this part of the market.

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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.