Preston Corp.

Revenue gains and cost controls helped Preston Corp. reduce its losses in the first quarter this year.

The Preston-based transportation holding company lost $533,000, or 9 cents a share, compared with a loss of $733,000, or 13 cents a share in the first quarter of last year. Revenues increased to $139.3 million from $135.6 million.

Company President William B. Potter said a strong performance by its Saia Motor Freight Line of Houma, La., and improved results at its Smalley Transportation Co. in Tampa, Fla., and its Preston Trucking Co. in Maryland helped cut losses.

Three months ended 03/31/92

.. .. .. ..Revenue.. .. .. .. .. Net.. .. .. .. .. .. Share

'92.. .. ..$139,319,000.. .. .. ..$(533,000).. .. .. .. ..$(0.09)

'91.. .. ..$135,666,000.. .. .. ..$(733,000).. .. .. .. ..$(0.13)

% change.. .. .. .. +2.7.. .. .. .. .. --.. .. .. .. .. .. --