TONTITOWN, Ark., April 23, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (Nasdaq:PTSI) today reported net income of $1,356,607 or diluted and basic earnings per share of $0.17 for the quarter ended March 31, 2014. These results compare to net loss of $456,267 or diluted and basic loss per share of $0.05 for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Operating revenues were $97,820,394 for the first quarter of 2014 compared to $99,981,938 for the first quarter of 2013.

Daniel H. Cushman, President of the Company, commented, "We are very pleased with our operating profit of $2.8 million, which represents a $3.1 million improvement over the comparable period last year. The first quarter was very challenging due to the severe winter weather conditions, which made it extremely difficult to maintain positive momentum. The ability to post positive results, despite the significant weather related delays and added costs, was satisfying and is an indicator of the success of the profit model we continue to develop.

"Industry capacity continues to tighten, which was primarily weather related in January and February, but we haven't seen any indication that this tightening will be short-lived. Indications from our customers and other shippers point to a growing concern over the long-term availability of capacity and the need to lock-in what capacity remains available.

"Just as significant, the weather made our driver recruiting results very inconsistent as potential new drivers were unable to travel to our training and orientation facilities. Our goal is to grow this year so adding drivers and reducing driver turnover is imperative to accomplishing that goal. We believe that our ability for growth hinges on our ability to provide our drivers with opportunities that help maximize their earnings and allow for their desired home time. Developing a freight base that attracts drivers and reduces turnover has been a top priority and we are beginning to see positive trends as we continue to secure freight that is driver-friendly.

"We continue to grow our Mexico, Expedited, Dedicated and Automotive Divisions. All of these divisions are profitable and we are also able to attract and keep drivers in these divisions. The random fleet is shrinking and I don't see that changing anytime soon. If drivers can't utilize their hours and get home they won't continue to perform in that business segment.

"This quarter also marks the three year anniversary date of moving forward with our goal of converting our truck fleet from one of the oldest in the industry to one of the newest. We have now met that goal as the average age of our truck fleet is 1.5 years which equals the age goal we set in 2011, when the average age was 3.5 years. We continue to experience increased performance and lower operating costs and plan to continue our three year replacement cycle going forward."

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. is a leading truckload dry van carrier transporting general commodities throughout the continental United States, as well as in the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The Company also provides transportation services in Mexico through its gateways in Laredo and El Paso, Texas under agreements with Mexican carriers.

Certain information included in this document contains or may contain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements may relate to expected future financial and operating results or events, and are thus prospective. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, excess capacity in the trucking industry; surplus inventories; recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, license and registration fees; the resale value of the Company's used equipment and the price of new equipment; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators; increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts relating to accident, cargo, workers' compensation, health, and other claims; unanticipated increases in the number or amount of claims for which the Company is self-insured; inability of the Company to continue to secure acceptable financing arrangements; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors including reductions in rates resulting from competitive bidding; the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations; a significant reduction in or termination of the Company's trucking service by a key customer; and other factors, including risk factors, included from time to time in filings made by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed above and in company filings might not transpire.

CONTACT: P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.
         P.O. BOX 188
         Tontitown, AR 72770
         Allen W. West
         (479) 361-9111