3 Shipping And Logistics Stocks Linked To More Secure Trade Routes

Global shipping and logistics stocks are suddenly back in focus as talks around the Strait of Hormuz raise fresh questions about how secure key trade routes really are. A potential deal involving the U.S., Iran, and Oman, along with a sharp move in oil prices, is already feeding through to market expectations for companies that move goods and manage ports. For investors, this is less about guessing headlines and more about understanding which businesses are most exposed to this news. This article looks at 3 stocks from the screener that appear positively positioned for these developments.

Heartland Express (HTLD)

Overview: Heartland Express is a truckload carrier 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 companies under several brands including Heartland Express, Millis Transfer, Smith Transport, and CFI.

Operations: Heartland Express generates all of its US$736.3m in revenue from trucking transportation services in the United States.

Market Cap: US$947.3m

Heartland Express gives you exposure to freight volumes that are closely tied to trade flows, which become especially relevant when routes such as the Strait of Hormuz look more secure and global supply chains can run more smoothly. The company has returned to profit in 2026 after earlier losses, yet the shares still screen as trading well below some fair value estimates. At the same time, earnings are still rebuilding, revenue has been under pressure, and funding relies heavily on external borrowing, so there are meaningful risks to consider. The recent index inclusion, dividend continuity, and experienced leadership round out a story that may warrant closer examination.

Heartland Express has returned to profit while still screening as well below some fair value estimates, which raises a clear question about what the market might be missing. Get the full picture, including how funding risks and earnings rebuilding fit together, in the DCF valuation analysis for Heartland Express

Atlas Arteria (ASX:ALX)

Overview: Atlas Arteria operates toll roads across several countries, owning stakes in major motorway networks and key commuter routes in France, Germany, the United States and other regions that collect tolls from everyday traffic. For investors, it is essentially a portfolio of long term road concessions that convert vehicle flows into relatively predictable cash receipts.

Operations: Atlas Arteria generates most of its A$2.19b in revenue from the APRR motorway network at A$1.84b, with smaller contributions from ADELAC at A$42.6m, the Warnow Tunnel at A$29.5m, the Chicago Skyway at A$142.7m and the Dulles Greenway at A$130.5m.

Market Cap: A$7.33b

Atlas Arteria gives you exposure to global transport infrastructure at a time when secure trade corridors, including key oil and freight routes, are back in the spotlight. The stock is linked to a portfolio that produced about A$2.01b of proportional toll revenue and A$1.51b of proportional EBITDA with a margin around 75%. It also trades below some fair value estimates and below a recent takeover price reference of A$5.10 per security. That potential upside is balanced by heavy use of external debt funding, a dividend yield near 8% that is not fully covered by earnings, and governance questions after IFM’s stake moved past 60%. For investors willing to weigh those trade offs, the Hormuz news makes Atlas Arteria particularly notable at present.

Atlas Arteria’s toll road cash flows and current valuation gap raise a clear question about what the market might be missing. See how debt, dividends and takeover references all line up in the analysis report for Atlas Arteria

Proficient Auto Logistics (PAL)

Overview: Proficient Auto Logistics provides auto transportation and logistics services across North America, moving finished vehicles from factories, ports and rail yards to dealerships and other end customers using a fleet of around 800 car carriers. Its customer base spans traditional automakers, electric vehicle producers, dealers, auctions, rental fleets and leasing companies.

Operations: Proficient Auto Logistics generates about US$270.7m of revenue from its Subhaulers segment and US$158.2m from Company Drivers, all from operations in the United States.

Market Cap: US$197.7m

Proficient Auto Logistics stands out in this shipping and logistics screen because it links directly to finished vehicle flows while still being priced as a relatively small stock. Analysts expect very strong earnings growth, yet the shares trade at a deep discount to some fair value estimates and well below the consensus price target. This suggests the market is still focused on current losses and a weaker auto cycle. At the same time, the company is taking share, investing in its owned fleet and has been willing to repurchase stock. However, funding relies entirely on external borrowing and insider selling has picked up. For investors tracking how the Hormuz news could support trade and vehicle movements, that combination of growth potential and balance sheet risk may be a key consideration.

Proficient Auto Logistics sits at the crossroads of recovering vehicle flows and a stock that still prices in doubt. See how earnings expectations stack up against the current valuation in the analyst forecasts for Proficient Auto Logistics

The three stocks in this article are only a starting point, since the full Global Shipping and Logistics Stocks screen uncovered 17 more companies with equally compelling narratives in the Global Shipping and Logistics Stocks screener. Use Simply Wall St to identify and analyze the specific catalysts and storylines that matter to you so you can focus on the highest conviction opportunities in this space.

Take Control of Your Investment Journey

If Heartland Express or any of these companies sound like a great opportunity, register for FREE with Simply Wall St and add your companies to a Watchlist to monitor the share price against the fair value the ideal entry point. Once you've made your move, manage your holdings with our Portfolio Command Center that filters out the noise to deliver only the most critical, actionable updates. Throughout your journey, our Community allows you to filter the best ideas from thousands of investor perspectives. By uncovering hidden catalysts and risks early, you'll accelerate your decision-making and stay one step ahead of the market.

Seeking Fresh Alternatives Before They Fly

Some of the most interesting stocks can start moving before most investors even notice. Consider using these fresh idea lists while they are still relatively under the radar.

• Track companies where income and balance sheets work together by scanning the curated list of solid balance sheet and fundamentals (49 results) before other investors catch on and pricing momentum builds.
• Identify participants in resource markets by reviewing the hand picked 28 best rare earth metal stocks while valuations still reflect early stage expectations.
• Evaluate the infrastructure behind AI demand by assessing the focused 55 AI infrastructure stocks and reviewing how market attention is evolving around these enablers.

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.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team@simplywallst.com