Safe harbor? Investors seek it in first qtr. Tide of caution lifts shipper Hub Group.(News)

Crain's Chicago Business, April, 2004

Byline: H. LEE MURPHY In the first three months of this year, investors were in a cautious mood, pouring money into companies that have cut costs and increased productivity. They also sought out companies that stand a chance of benefiting from the movement of manufacturing and jobs overseas.

To many investors, Hub Group Inc. of Downers Grove-which transports goods by rail, truck and cargo ship-appeared to fit both descriptions. Hub's shares rose 39% to the $30 range in the first quarter. Beginning in 2000, Hub started installing a $50-million computer system to automate everything from sales orders to truck movement, replacing the old practice of spending long hours on the phone with dispatchers. Since then, the company has been able to cut its workforce...

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