Titanium Transportation is focusing on becoming more asset-light and reducing its debt as it navigates the uncertainty caused by a global trade war.
It reported overall Q1 revenue of $121 million, a 7.5% increase year over year, while its logistics revenue jumped 17.6% with 9% volume growth. The company divested $1.7 million in non-core assets in the quarter and paid $10.7 million toward loan and lease liabilities.
However, it reported a $3.39 million loss on the quarter compared to a $681,000 profit during Q1 2024.
“Titanium entered 2025 delivering 7.5% year-over-year consolidated revenue growth in Q1, despite ongoing market headwinds,” Ted Daniel, CEO of Titanium said in a release. “The results were driven in large part by strong performance in our logistics segment, which grew revenue by over 17%. Our asset-light, high return on invested capital logistics model continues to scale efficiently, with new U.S. freight brokerage offices demonstrating attractive early returns and strong customer uptake.”
He noted early indications from the second quarter point to a continued recovery in freight markets.
“As we progress through 2025, the freight market remains challenging, marked by ongoing rate pressure, demand softness, and uncertainty around tariffs. While cross-border activity may encounter headwinds, it is worth highlighting that approximately two-thirds of Titanium’s volume is non-cross border and not directly exposed to potential tariff risks,” Daniel said.
In a conference call with analysts, Daniel added more color, indicating “We are starting to see some signs of stabilization and opportunities in select regional markets, particularly within our logistics operations, further substantiated by the recent announcement of the de-escalation of tariffs between the two largest economies in the world.”
However, he cautioned the recovery “will likely be gradual and a little uneven.”
Asset-light approach
The company has taken steps to derisk by becoming more asset-light. Its truck fleet is comprised of an equal mix of company-owned and owner-operator controlled trucks. And it continues to grow its U.S.-based 3PL business.
“The trucking [segment] is a lot harder to grow because it is very taxing on your balance sheet,” Daniel said. “So, we have to be mindful of that.”
He said the company is well positioned to pivot as necessary, in response to tariffs, temporary onshoring or other potential trends.
Customers cautious
Chief operating officer Marilyn Daniel said Q1 results reflect economic uncertainty that preceded the imposition of tariffs, as well as extreme weather, which put pressure on margins.
The Titanium fleet is updated so there are no major capital investments required this year, and likely not next year either, Ted Daniel said.
And as for the tariff situation, Marilyn Daniel said customers continue to exercise caution in their investment decisions.
“None of them have halted their business,” she said of the company’s customer base. “They are careful with how they’re moving their freight at the moment, and the volumes of it, because every day is a little different and every week is drastically different. So, everyone’s a little uncertain of timing and there’s certainly an element of chaos.”
