ANNUAL REPORT 2021
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC.
2019
2020
2021
Total revenue
(in thousands)
Freight revenue
(in thousands)
Net income (loss)
(in thousands)
Net margin(1)
Earnings (loss) per share (diluted)
$
$
$
$
885,387
791,260
8,477
1.1%
0.45
Tangible book value at December 31 (in thousands)
$
277,977
Operating ratio
Adjusted operating ratio(2)(3)
Net income to average invested capital
Adjusted ROIC(3)(4)
99.0%
98.5%
1.4%
3.0%
$
$
$
$
$
838,561
776,218
(42,718)
(5.5%)
(2.46)
223,606
101.7%
96.5%
(7.8%)
4.6%
$
$
$
$
$
1,046,003
949,913
60,731
6.4%
3.57
283,860
93.6%
92.5%
15.1%
15.8%
(1) Net margin is net income (loss) as a percentage of freight revenue.
(2) Adjusted operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue and amortization of intangibles, as a percentage of
freight revenue.
(3) Adjusted operating ratio and Adjusted ROIC are non-GAAP financial measures. Please see the reconciliation on
pages iii and iv of this Annual Report.
(4) Calculated as follows: (i) the sum of adjusted operating income after tax applying our effective tax rate, plus
contribution from equity investment, divided by (ii) the sum of average quarterly balance sheet debt (net of cash
and cash equivalents) plus average quarterly stockholders' equity.
This Annual Report contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or
phrases such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” “outlook,”
“focus,” “seek,” “potential,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “continue,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,”
“mission” derivations thereof, and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are based upon the current
beliefs and expectations of our management and inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot
be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth
in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Readers should review and consider the factors
discussed in the “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report, along with various disclosures in our press releases,
stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to
update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the
forward-looking information.
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC.
Dear Fellow Stockholders:
2021 was a milestone year for our company.
$1 billion in total revenue, our highest ever
$3.57 in earnings per diluted share, our highest ever
19% return on average equity
Reduced total debt and capital lease obligations, net of cash, to $28 million at December 31, 2021
37% of revenue and 52% of adjusted operating income from asset-light business units
Through strong execution and market tailwinds, we achieved our three-year plan in the first year, which presents a
new challenge: building on record performance in a cyclical industry. While every year won’t result in new record
earnings, we believe we have the right plan and the right team to grow our value and moderate the impact of economic
cycles over time.
For the past several years we have been reshaping our company, and results in 2021 reflected another incremental step
on this journey. We can see the power of our asset-based and asset-light business units working together to deliver
the best value for customers and most effective use of our professional drivers’ valuable time.
Our Brokerage and other asset light units contributed approximately 37% of total revenue and 52% of
adjusted operating income for 2021. We believe this outstanding volume and margin performance was in
part due to customers valuing a combination of asset-based capacity and brokerage capability more highly
than stand-alone brokerage models. While we believe the execution by our team and the value proposition
for our customers will be ongoing, the supply chain volatility and sheer volume of overflow freight from our
Truckload operations will not always be present. Our goal remains to seamlessly deliver asset-based and
asset-light capacity to our customers to optimize their service and our return on invested capital.
Our Expedited division generated 32% of our total revenue and 47% of adjusted operating income for 2021.
As one of the industry’s largest expedited service providers for ecommerce, high value, hazardous materials,
and time-sensitive freight, our customers depend on us and recognize the value we bring to their supply
chains. This strong foundation supports the growth and development of our Brokerage, Dedicated, and other
services. We expect to continue to supplement Expedited services with a combination of steadier and less
capital-intensive business units, while expanding multi-year arrangements where possible.
Our Dedicated unit generated 31% of our total revenue and improved in the second half of 2021 to deliver
positive earnings for the year. This business unit represents the combination of three historical operations –
Star’s automotive operations, Covenant’s legacy dedicated operations, and Landair’s operations – each with
its distinct personnel, systems, and customers. Approximately 18 months into integration, we have identified
customers, contracts, and costs that still need to be addressed. Based on the start to 2022, we expect additional
progress toward our multi-year goal as contracts renew.
Our equity investment in TEL is an underappreciated asset. TEL has grown to approximately $104.9 million
in revenue, and our 49% ownership yielded $14.8 million in pre-tax income during 2021, or approximately
19% of consolidated pre-tax earnings. TEL has approximately 2,000 tractors and 6,500 trailers under
management, approximately 56% which are under long-term leases, and with an additional 1,200 tractors
and 1,300 trailers due for delivery during 2022. The value of our $4.9 million investment has compounded
many times. As TEL continues to mature, we expect the portfolio to generate significant cash flows for
growth and for distribution to the owners.
Where do we go from here? Our operating plan is simple: (A) Grow Brokerage and other asset-light capacity rapidly
in coordination with asset-based customers to defend against cyclical volume and gross margin pressures, while
recognizing that some gross margin contraction may occur over time; (B) Grow Expedited judiciously, extend the
duration of contracts, and continue to operate at a low 90’s to high 80’s operating ratio; and (C) Improve Dedicated
to a low 90’s to high 80’s operating ratio and then grow. Our goal is for this plan to produce, on a rolling multi-year
basis, steady revenue growth, double-digit return on invested capital, and significant excess cash for allocation across
the full range of capital allocation opportunities. Moreover, even in an industry down-cycle, we expect less than
historical revenue and operating ratio volatility.
We are confident in our plan because we have the right team and the right culture. Our next generation is
demonstrating leadership in key areas, from our chief operating officer, to leaders of our finance team and business
i
units, to leaders of key areas like safety, talent development, technology, maintenance, and sustainability. We continue
to plan better, analyze better, and make better decisions because of this team.
While some things have changed, our core values have not wavered. Our team remains both motivated to perform
and grounded in our guiding principles of empathy, servanthood, and virtue. Together, we are intently focused on
performing for our customers, our drivers and other fellow associates, and our stockholders.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
Respectfully,
David R. Parker
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
ii
Non-GAAP Reconciliation Tables
The following tables present the calculations for adjusted operating ratio and adjusted ROIC (non-GAAP financial
measures) for the periods presented. Adjusted operating ratio and adjusted ROIC are not substitutes for the
corresponding financial measures computed in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP
financial measures. We believe the use of adjusted operating ratio and adjusted ROIC allow us to more effectively
compare periods, while excluding the potentially volatile effect of changes in fuel prices, as well as amortization of
intangibles. Our Board and management focus on these non-GAAP measures as indicators our performance from
period to period. We believe our presentation of these non-GAAP measures is useful because it provides investors and
securities analysts the same information that we use internally to assess our core operating performance. Although we
believe that these non-GAAP measures improve comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could
limit comparability to other companies in our industry, if those companies define such measures differently. Because
of these limitations, these non-GAAP measures should not be considered a measure of income generated by our
business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for
these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental
basis.
GAAP Presentation
Total revenue
Total operating expenses
Operating ratio
Non-GAAP Presentation
Total revenue
Fuel surcharge revenue
Freight revenue
Operating expenses
Adjusted for:
Fuel surcharge revenue
Amortization of intangibles
Bad debt expense associated with customer bankruptcy and
high credit risk customers
Insurance policy erosion
Strategic restructuring items:
Gain on disposal of terminals, net
Impairment of real estate and related tangible assets
Impairment of revenue equipment and related charges
Restructuring related severance and other
Abandonment of information technology infrastructure
Contract exit costs and other restructuring
Adjusted operating expenses
Adjusted operating ratio
$
$
$
$
2019
885.4
876.6
99.0%
2020
2021
$
838.5
852.6
101.7%
$ 1,046.0
978.8
93.6%
2019
2020
885.4
94.1
791.3
876.6
(94.1)
(2.9)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
779.6
$
$
$
838.5
62.3
776.2
852.6
(62.3)
(5.0)
(2.6)
(4.4)
4.7
(9.8)
(17.6)
(4.3)
(1.0)
(0.7)
749.4
2021
$ 1,046.0
96.1
949.9
$
978.8
(96.1)
(4.0)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
878.7
$
98.5%
96.5%
92.5%
iii
GAAP Presentation
Net income (loss)
Average net balance sheet debt
Average equity
Average invested capital
Net income to average invested capital
Non-GAAP Presentation
Net income
Add: Interest expense, net (after tax)
Net operating profit after tax (“NOPAT”)
Add: Amortization of intangibles
Add: Bad debt expense associated with customer bankruptcy
and high credit risk customers
Add: Insurance policy erosion
Strategic restructuring items:
Add: Discontinued operations loss contingency, net
Less: Gain on disposal of terminals, net
Add: Impairment of real estate and related tangible assets
Add: Impairment of revenue equipment and related charges
Add: Restructuring related severance and other
Add: Abandonment of information technology
infrastructure
Add: Contract exit costs and other restructuring
Less: Non-recurring income tax adjustments
Adjusted NOPAT
Average invested capital
Adjusted ROIC
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
2019
2020
2021
8.5
$
(42.7)
$
60.7
280.7
348.2
628.9
$
$
233.0
318.1
551.1
$
$
87.1
316.1
403.2
1.4%
(7.8%)
15.1%
2019
2020
2021
8.5
8.0
16.5
2.9
$
$
(42.7)
6.6
(36.1)
5.0
$
$
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
(0.7)
18.7
$
2.6
4.4
40.4
(4.7)
9.8
17.6
4.3
1.0
0.7
(19.9)
25.1
$
60.7
2.5
63.2
4.0
-
-
(3.4)
-
-
-
-
-
-
(0.1)
63.7
628.7
$
551.1
$
403.2
3.0%
4.6%
15.8%
iv
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
BUSINESS
This Annual Report contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical or current
fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any
projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of
management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any
statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statements
of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this Annual Report, statements relating to our ability to achieve
our strategic plan and the anticipated impact of our restructuring activities, strategic plan, and other strategic
initiatives, our ability to recruit and retain qualified independent contractors and qualified driver and non-driver
employees, our ability to react to market conditions and gain market share, future demand for and supply of new
and used tractors and trailers (including expected prices of such equipment), expected functioning and
effectiveness of our information systems and other technology we implement, our ability to leverage technology to
gain efficiencies, expected sources and adequacy of working capital and liquidity, future relationships, use,
classification, compensation, and availability with respect to third-party service providers, future driver market
conditions, including future driver pay and the impact of our cost-saving measures, expected improvements to
financial and operational measures, future allocation of capital, including equipment purchases and upgrades and
the allocation of capital among our segments, future insurance and claims levels and expenses, including the
erosion of available limits in our aggregate insurance policies, future impact of pending litigation, future tax rates,
expense, and deductions, future fuel management, expense, and the future effectiveness of fuel surcharge
programs, future interest rates and effectiveness of interest rate swaps, future investments in and the growth of
individual segments and services, expected capital expenditures (including the future mix of lease and purchase
obligations), future asset dispositions, future asset utilization and efficiency, future fleet size, management, and
upgrades, future trucking capacity, expected freight demand and volumes, future rates, future depreciation and
amortization, future compliance with and impact of existing and proposed federal and state laws and regulations,
future salaries, wages, and related expenses, future earnings from and value of our investments, including our
equity investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC (“TEL”), any future indemnification obligations related
to the Transport Financial Services (“TFS”) Portfolio, future customer relationships, potential results of a default
and testing of our fixed charge covenant under the Credit Facility or other debt agreements, future payment of
financing and operating lease liabilities, future unforeseen events such as strikes, work stoppages, and weather
catastrophes, future acquisitions, future credit availability, future repurchases, if any, future stock prices, future
goodwill impairment, future indebtedness, expected transition to and effect of new accounting standards, expected
effect of deferred tax assets, our mix of single and team operations, the effect of safety ratings and hours-of-service
expectations, future operating and maintenance expenses, and the future impact of the COVID-19 outbreak or
other similar outbreaks and related vaccination mandates on our business and results of operations, among others,
are forward-looking statements. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as
"believes," "may," "could," “would,” “will,” "expects," "estimates," "projects," "mission," "anticipates," "plans,"
“outlook,” “focus,” “seek,” “potential,” “continue,” “goal,” “target,” “objective,” "intends," derivations thereof,
and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available operating, financial,
and competitive information. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some
of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially
from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause
or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled "Risk
Factors," set forth below. Readers should review and consider the factors discussed in "Risk Factors," along with
various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”).
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. You are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to
release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change
in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any
such statement is based.
References in this Annual Report to "we," "us," "our," or the "Company" or similar terms refer to
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
1
GENERAL
Background and Strategy
We were founded in 1986 as a provider of expedited freight transportation, primarily using two-person driver
teams in transcontinental lanes. Since that time, we have grown from 25 tractors to approximately 2,300 tractors
and expanded our services to include a wide array of transportation and logistics services for our customers. The
expansion of our fleet and service offerings have placed us among the nation's twenty-five largest truckload
transportation companies based on 2021 revenue. We are strategically focused on continuing to integrate into the
supply chain of our customers and reducing our seasonal and cyclical volatility. Our 2018 acquisition of Landair
Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., and Landair Leasing, Inc., (“Landair”), is an
example of that commitment. Landair is a leading dedicated truckload carrier and supplier of transportation
management, warehousing, and logistics inventory management systems.
As our fleet has grown over three and a half decades and our service platform matured, several important trends
dramatically affected the truckload industry and our business. First, supply chain patterns became more fluid in
response to dynamic changes in labor and transportation costs, ocean freight and rail-intermodal service standards,
retail distribution center networks, governmental regulations, and other industry-wide factors. Second, the cost
structure of the truckload business rose dramatically, particularly equipment, driver wages, insurance premiums,
and, at times, fuel prices, impacting us and our customers' freight decisions. Third, customers used technology to
constantly optimize their supply chains, which necessitated expanding our own technological capability to
optimize our asset allocation, manage yields, and drive operational efficiency. Fourth, a confluence of regulatory
constraints, safety and security demands, and scarcity of qualified driver applicants, negatively impacted our asset
productivity and reinforced what a precious resource professional truck drivers are (and we believe increasingly
will be) in our industry.
In 2020, we implemented a number of operational adjustments as part of our strategic plan, including: 1) the
disposition of three separate facilities within our terminal network, 2) a fleet reduction of approximately 600
tractors and 1,100 trailers, 3) the disposition and discontinuation of our Factoring reportable segment and 4) a
reduction in force of our non-driver employees. As a result of these strategic changes, it is difficult to compare
2020 to other years. We are proud of the operational improvements we have made, especially in light of headwinds
we faced around the COVID-19 pandemic, rising casualty insurance costs and the challenging supply shortage of
professional drivers. We believe we have made significant progress in achieving our strategic plan, but remain
focused on seven initiatives that fall under the following key tenets:
● Organizational Excellence and Entrepreneurial Spirit. In 2021, we made further refinements to
our management team, added talent, and implemented additional best practices to bring a new focus to metrics,
accountability and ownership.
● Focus on the Driver. Drivers are the lifeblood of our company and our industry. We employ a broad range of
safety, lifestyle, compensation, equipment technology, and personal recognition methods to convey our respect
and appreciation for our drivers and to improve their careers. A portion of these techniques involve analytics to
identify likely candidates, match teams, evaluate recruiting spending, deliver training content to drivers, and design
tractor specifications.
● Focus on the Customer Experience. We offer premium service in sectors where we can make a difference,
and we use our brokerage services to cover loads that cannot be as efficiently serviced through our asset based
transportation services. With each interaction, we seek to enhance the value we bring to the customer relationship.
● Rigorous Capital Allocation Process. Our senior management evaluates capital investment opportunities
against available capital and acceptable leverage levels, and material investments must pass return on investment
and capital investment committee approval processes. Our leverage ratio decreased in both 2021 and 2020 as
compared to the respective prior years, as we remain focused on investing capital when we can obtain acceptable
returns while maintaining our current leverage. We believe our disciplined investment review has contributed to
our improved results by allocating capital to more profitable business units and downsizing other units into greater
profitability. In the first quarter of 2022, due to our improved results, we have implemented a quarterly cash
dividend program of $0.0625 per share, subject to quarterly approval by our Board of Directors, and adopted a
10b5-1 plan for the purchase of up to $30.0 million in shares subject to defined trading parameters, under our
current stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $38.0 million of our Class A common stock.
2
● Risk Management—Assess and Mitigate. We evaluate risk areas with significant volatility, as well as the
costs and benefits associated with mitigating the volatility. Diesel fuel prices, interest rates, insurance and claims
cost, and used equipment prices are all areas where we identified significant risk and volatility for our business. To
manage these risks, we have at times employed fuel hedging contracts on a portion of our fuel usage not covered
by customer fuel surcharges, maintain lower self-insured accident liability retention when economically feasible,
and expanded our ability to sell our used equipment to increase bargaining power with the tractor and trailer
manufacturers.
● Technology. We purchase and deploy technology that we believe will allow us to operate more safely, securely,
and efficiently. Our operational information systems are tailored to the needs of our various service offerings,
utilizing software developed internally and purchased off-the-shelf depending on the operational needs. We will
continue to seek out technology to improve efficiencies and expand our resources while still providing enterprise
wide visibility for critical operating functions.
● Safety. The Company experienced its safest year on record in 2021, as measured by accident rates. The DOT
accident rate per million miles, as defined by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA"),
decreased 11% year over year and was the lowest in the Company’s history. The critical accident rate per million
miles, certain accident types defined internally by the Company, decreased 17% year over year and was the lowest
in the Company’s history. We believe that the key to the improved safety results is a combination of continual
training, consistent and proactive coaching, utilizing proven safety technologies, and consistent collaboration
between all of our business units. Also, the expansion of our safety training program is expected to allow us to
further increase new driver training, provide specific training, and sustain consistent messaging around the culture
of safety. We are looking forward in the coming year to be part of several pilot programs, including the Safe
Driver Apprenticeship Program and a new pilot with E-Smart, an advanced driver assistance system. We also have
developed a robust 2022 enterprise safety tactical plan that will continue to drive sustainability across our
enterprise.
We believe the ongoing execution of our strategic plan has contributed to the substantial improvement in operating
results and profitability we have generated over the past several years. Some of the significant successes resulting
from our strategic planning efforts include the Landair Acquisition in 2018; consolidation of our back-office
operations; enhancements
information
technology; focus on service and on time delivery; and sale of TFS. Each of these accomplishments positively
impacted the success of the key initiatives identified above, our overarching financial goals, and ultimately, the
Company. However, we still have significant work ahead to achieve our goals, deliver a strong and stable product
for our customers, provide a bright future for our employees and independent contractors, and create meaningful
value for our stockholders.
retention, and business
intelligence; upgraded
recruiting,
to
The Company
We operate a relatively new tractor fleet and employ sophisticated tractor technology that enhances our operational
efficiencies and our drivers' safety. Our company-owned tractor fleet has an average age of approximately 2.1
years, compared to an average U.S. Class 8 tractor age of approximately 7.3 years in 2019. Some of the
technologies we employ include the following: (1) freight optimization software that can perform sophisticated
analyses of profitability and other measures on each customer, route, and load; (2) routing software that selects the
best route, identifies fuel stops, and warns of deviations from routing instructions; (3) a tracking and
communications system that permits direct communication between drivers and fleet managers, as well as constant
location and delivery updates; (4) electronic logging devices (“ELDs”) in all of our tractors; (5) aerodynamics and
other fuel efficiency systems that have significantly improved fuel mileage; and (6) safety technology, including
rollover stability control, collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, and lane-change warning. We believe our
modern fleet lowers maintenance costs, improves fuel mileage, improves safety, contributes to better customer
service, and assists with driver retention.
Reportable Operating Segments and Service Offerings
Our asset based transportation services include two separate reportable operating segments: (i) Expedited and (ii)
Dedicated, both of which transport full trailer loads of freight from origin to destination with minimal intermediate
stops or handling. We provide truckload transportation services primarily throughout the continental United
States utilizing equipment we own or lease or equipment owned by independent contractors. Our Expedited
reportable operating segment transports freight over nonroutine routes. Our Dedicated reportable operating
segment provides similar transportation services, but does so pursuant to agreements whereby we make our
equipment available to a specific customer for shipments over particular routes at specified times.
3
To complement our asset based transportation services, we also offer non-asset based or asset light logistics
services through our Managed Freight reportable operating segment. Our Managed Freight reportable operating
("Brokerage") and (ii)
segment
transportation management services (“TMS”) to our customers.
technology and provides:
relies heavily on
freight brokerage
(i)
Lastly, to further our goal of becoming more critical throughout the supply chain, we offer day-to-day warehouse
management services through our Warehousing reportable segment. At this point we own no Warehouse facilities
but either lease space coterminous with the underlying customer contract or manage the customer's facility.
Our combined asset based and non-asset based capabilities, allow us to transport many types of freight for a diverse
customer base. We concentrate on service offerings where we believe our capacity in relation to sector size and
our operating proficiency can make a meaningful difference to customers. The primary service offerings are further
described below:
● Expedited: In our Expedited business, we operate approximately 850 tractors substantially all of which are
driven by two-person driver teams. The Expedited reportable operating segment primarily provides truckload
services to customers with high service freight and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15-
minute delivery windows. Expedited services generally require two-person driver teams on equipment either
owned or leased by the Company.
● Dedicated: In our Dedicated business, we operate approximately 1,450 tractors, substantially all of which are
driven by a solo driver. The Dedicated segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over
contracted periods with the goal of three to five years in length. Equipment is either owned or leased by the
Company. Many of our Dedicated contract customers are automotive companies or shippers of produce, where
the nature of the product we ship requires high service standards.
● Managed Freight: Our Managed Freight business, includes our brokerage services and TMS. Brokerage
services provide logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third parties. TMS
provides comprehensive logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to outsource their
logistics needs.
● Warehousing: The Warehousing segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to customers
who have chosen to outsource this function. We also provide shuttle and switching services related to shuttling
containers and trailers in or around freight yards and to/from warehouses.
Additionally, we participate in the market for used equipment sales and leasing through our 49% ownership of
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC (“TEL”).
The following table reflects the size of each of our reportable segments measured by 2021 total revenue, net of
fuel surcharge revenue, which we refer to as "freight revenue":
2021
Warehousing (6%)
Expedited (32%)
Managed Freight (31%)
Dedicated (31%)
4
Distribution of Freight Revenue Among Service Offerings
Expedited
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total
32 %
31 %
31 %
6 %
100 %
In our Expedited and Dedicated segments, we generate revenue by transporting freight for our customers.
Generally, we are paid a predetermined rate per mile for our truckload services. We enhance our truckload revenue
by charging for tractor and trailer detention, loading and unloading activities, and other specialized services, as
well as through the collection of fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of fuel. The main
factors that could affect our Expedited and Dedicated revenue are the revenue per mile we receive from our
customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, and the number of shipments and miles we
generate. These factors relate, among other things, to the general level of economic activity in the United States,
inventory levels, specific customer demand, the level of truck capacity in the trucking industry, and driver
availability.
The main expenses that impact the profitability of our Expedited and Dedicated segments are the variable costs of
transporting freight for our customers. These costs include fuel expenses, driver-related expenses, such as wages,
benefits, training, and recruitment, and purchased transportation expenses, which primarily include compensating
independent contractors. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire
expense and our total cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but
also have a controllable component based on safety, self-insured retention versus insurance premiums, fleet age,
efficiency, and other factors. Historically, our main fixed costs include rentals and depreciation of long-term assets,
such as revenue equipment and terminal facilities, and the compensation of non-driver personnel.
We measure the productivity of our Expedited segment with three key performance metrics: average freight
revenue per total mile (excluding fuel surcharges), average miles per tractor, and average freight revenue per
tractor per week. We primarily measure the productivity of our Dedicated segment with the average freight revenue
per tractor per week metric. A description of each follows:
Average Freight Revenue Per Total Mile. Our average freight revenue per total mile is primarily a function of
1) the allocation of assets among our subsidiaries, 2) the macro U.S. economic environment including
supply/demand of freight and carriers, and 3) individual negotiations with customers.
Average Miles Per Tractor. Average miles per tractor reflect 1) economic demand, 2) driver availability, 3)
regulatory constraints, and 4) the allocation of tractors among the service offerings.
Average Freight Revenue Per Tractor Per Week. We use average freight revenue per tractor per week as our
main measure of asset productivity. This operating metric accumulates the effects of freight rates, non-revenue
miles, and miles per tractor. In addition, because we calculate average freight revenue per tractor using all of our
tractors, it takes into account the percentage of our fleet that is unproductive due to lack of drivers, repairs, and
other factors.
A summary of these metrics for our Expedited segment for 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Average freight revenue per total mile
Average miles per tractor
Average freight revenue per tractor per week
2021
2020
$
$
1.97 $
172,080
6,498 $
1.82
144,636
5,031
A summary of the key performance metrics for our Dedicated segment for 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
Average freight revenue per total mile
Average miles per tractor
Average freight revenue per tractor per week
2021
2020
$
$
2.19 $
81,284
3,417 $
1.88
85,284
3,066
5
Average Miles Per Tractor
Average Freight Revenue Per
Total Mile (excludes fuel
surcharge revenue)
2.15
2.05
1.95
1.85
1.75
175,000
150,000
125,000
100,000
75,000
50,000
2020
2021
Expedited
Dedicated
2020
2021
Expedited
Dedicated
Average Freight Revenue Per
Tractor Per Week (excludes
fuel surcharge revenue)
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
2020
2021
Expedited
Dedicated
Within our Managed Freight segment, we derive revenue from providing Brokerage and TMS services, particularly
arranging transportation services for customers directly and through relationships with thousands of third-party
carriers and integration with our Expedited segment. Additionally, utilizing technology and process management
to provide detailed visibility into a customer’s movement of freight – inbound and outbound – throughout the
customer’s network providing focused customer support through multi-year contracts. We provide Brokerage
services directly and through agents, who are paid a commission for the freight they provide. The main factors that
impact profitability in terms of expenses are the variable costs of outsourcing the transportation freight for our
customers and managing fixed costs, including salaries, facility warehousing costs, and selling, general, and
administrative expenses.
Within our Warehousing segment we empower customers to outsource warehousing management including
moving containers and trailers in or around freight yards. The main factors that impact profitability in terms of
expenses are managing fixed costs, including salaries, facility warehousing costs, and selling, general, and
administrative expenses.
In May 2011, we acquired a 49.0% interest in TEL. TEL is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and
used equipment reseller. We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and
thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL's net income since May 2011, or $14.8 million in
2021 and $3.9 million in 2020.
Refer to Note 15, "Segment Information," of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for further
information about our reporting segment's operating and financial results.
Customers and Operations
We focus on targeted markets throughout the United States where we believe our service standards can provide a
competitive advantage. We are a major carrier for transportation companies such as parcel freight forwarders, less-
than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers that require a high level of service to support their
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businesses, as well as for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage
shippers.
We had no customers and one customer that accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in 2021
and 2020, respectively. Such customer for 2020 was serviced by our Expedited, Dedicated, and Managed Freight
segments. Our top ten customers accounted for approximately 53% and 48% of our total revenue in 2021 and
2020, respectively.
Within our asset based transportation service offerings (Expedited and Dedicated), we operate tractors driven by
a single driver and also tractors assigned to two-person driver teams. Our single driver tractors generally operate
in shorter lengths of haul, generate fewer miles per tractor, and experience more non-revenue miles, but the lower
productive miles are expected to be offset by generally higher revenue per loaded mile and the reduced employee
expense of compensating only one driver. In contrast, our two-person driver tractors generally operate in longer
lengths of haul, generate greater miles per tractor, and experience fewer non-revenue miles, but we typically
receive lower revenue per loaded mile and incur higher employee expenses of compensating both drivers. We
expect operating statistics and expenses to shift with the mix of single and team operations.
Our reportable segments operate on a variety of operating systems to maximize the effectiveness of the unique
attributes associated with each service offering. We have one primary financial system and continue to focus on
cloud based solutions for data storage versus storing on local servers when possible. We continue to evaluate where
we can leverage technology to add further efficiencies across the Company and for our customers.
Drivers and Other Personnel
Driver recruitment, retention, and satisfaction are essential to our success, and we have made each of these factors
a primary element of our strategy. We recruit both experienced and student drivers as well as independent
contractor drivers who own and drive their own tractor and provide their services to us under contract. We conduct
recruiting and/or driver orientation efforts from four of our locations, and we offer ongoing training throughout
our terminal network. We emphasize driver-friendly operations throughout our organization. We have
implemented automated programs to signal when a driver is scheduled to be routed toward home, and we assign
fleet managers specific tractors, regardless of geographic region, to foster positive relationships between the
drivers and their principal contact with us.
The truckload industry has experienced difficulty in attracting and retaining enough qualified truck drivers. It is
also common for the driver turnover rate of individual carriers to exceed 100% in a year. At times, there are driver
shortages in the trucking industry. In past years, when there were driver shortages, the number of qualified drivers
had not kept pace with freight growth because of (i) changes in the demographic composition of the workforce;
(ii) alternative employment opportunities other than truck driving that became available in a growing economy;
(iii) individual drivers' desire to be home more often; and (iv) regulatory requirements that limit the available pool
of drivers.
Despite our reduced fleet, driver recruitment and retention remained extremely challenging in 2021, as the
COVID-19 pandemic has continued to slow the ability to train, test, and license drivers. Other employment
opportunities have attracted professional drivers away from trucking. Our average number of teams as a
percentage of our fleet increased for 2021 as compared to 2020. Our average open tractors, including
wrecked tractors, increased to 7.3% for the year ended December 31, 2021, from approximately 4.7% for the year
ended December 31, 2020.
We believe having a happy, healthy, and safe driver is the key to our success, both in the short term and over a
longer period. As a result, we are actively working to enhance our drivers' experience in an effort to recruit and
retain more drivers.
Independent contractors provide a tractor and a driver and are responsible for all operating expenses in exchange
for a fixed payment per mile. We do not have the capital outlay of purchasing the tractor. The payments to
independent contractors are recorded in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation. When
independent contractor tractors are utilized, we avoid expenses generally associated with company-owned
equipment, such as driver compensation, fuel, interest, and depreciation. Obtaining equipment from independent
contractors and under operating leases effectively shifts financing expenses from interest to "above the line"
operating expenses.
7
We continue to educate our drivers and non-driver personnel regarding the FMCSA Compliance Safety
Accountability program ("CSA"). We believe CSA, in conjunction with other U.S. Department of Transportation
("DOT") regulations, including those related to hours-of-service and ELDs, has reduced and will likely continue
to impact effective capacity in our industry as well as negatively impact equipment utilization. Nevertheless, for
carriers that are able to successfully manage this regulation-laden environment with driver-friendly equipment,
compensation, and operations, we believe opportunities to increase market share may be available. Driver pay may
increase as a result of regulation and economic expansion, which could provide more alternative employment
opportunities. If economic growth is sustained, however, we expect the supply/demand environment to be
favorable enough for us to offset expected compensation increases with better freight pricing.
We use driver teams in a substantial portion of our tractors. Driver teams permit us to provide expedited service
on selected long haul lanes because teams are able to handle longer routes and drive more miles while remaining
within DOT hours-of-service rules. The use of teams contributes to greater equipment utilization of the tractors
they drive than obtained with single drivers. The use of teams, however, increases the accumulation of miles on
tractors and trailers, personnel costs as a percentage of revenue, and the number of drivers we must recruit.
We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement. At December 31, 2021, we employed
approximately 3,000 drivers and approximately 1,500 non-driver personnel. At December 31, 2021, we
engaged 159 independent contractor drivers.
Revenue Equipment
At December 31, 2021, we operated 2,291 tractors and 5,331 trailers. Of such tractors, 1,467 tractors were
owned, 665 tractors were financed under operating leases, and 159 tractors were provided by independent
contractors, who own and drive their own tractors. Of such trailers, 4,607 trailers were owned, 103 trailers were
financed under an operating lease or as short-term rentals, and 621 trailers were financed under finance
leases. Furthermore, at December 31, 2021, approximately 79% of our trailers were dry vans, and the remaining
trailers were refrigerated vans.
We believe that operating high quality, late-model equipment contributes to operating efficiency, helps us recruit
and retain drivers, and is an important part of providing excellent service to customers. We operate a modern fleet
of tractors, with the majority of tractors under warranty, to minimize repair and maintenance costs and reduce
service interruptions caused by breakdowns. We also order most of our equipment with uniform specifications to
reduce our parts inventory and facilitate maintenance. At December 31, 2021, our tractor fleet had an average age
of approximately 2.1 years, and our trailer fleet had an average age of approximately 5.1 years. We equip our
tractors with a satellite-based tracking and communications system that permits direct communication between
drivers and fleet managers. We believe that this system enhances our operating efficiency and improves customer
service and fleet management. This system also updates the tractor's position approximately every fifteen minutes,
which allows us and our customers to locate freight and accurately estimate pick-up and delivery times. We also
use the system to monitor engine idling time, speed, performance, and other factors that affect operating efficiency.
At December 31, 2021, all of our tractors were equipped with ELDs, which electronically monitor tractor miles
and facilitate enforcement of hours-of-service regulations.
Over the past decade, the price of new tractors has risen dramatically and there has been significant volatility in
the used equipment market. This has substantially increased our costs of operation. Currently, tractor and trailer
manufacturers are experiencing significant shortages of semiconductor chips and other component parts and
supplies, including steel, forcing many manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which has led to a
lower supply of tractors and trailers, higher prices, and lengthened trade cycles, and which could lead to, among
other things, higher maintenance expense and driver retention.
Industry and Competition
Truckload is the largest segment of the for-hire ground freight transportation market based on revenue, surpassing
the combined market size of less-than-truckload, railroad, intermodal, and parcel delivery combined. The
truckload market is further segmented into sectors such as regional dry van, temperature-controlled van, flatbed,
dedicated contract, expedited, and irregular route.
The U.S. trucking industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of "for-hire" motor carriers, none of which
dominate the market. Service and price are the principal means of competition in the trucking industry. We
compete to some extent with railroads and rail-truck intermodal service but attempt to differentiate ourselves from
our competition on the basis of service. Rail and rail-truck intermodal movements are more often subject to delays
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and disruptions arising from rail yard congestion, which reduce the effectiveness of such service to customers with
time-definite pick-up and delivery schedules. Historically, in times of high fuel prices or decreased consumer
demand, however, rail-intermodal competition has been more significant.
Our industry is subject to dynamic factors that significantly affect our operating results. These factors include the
availability of qualified truck drivers, the volume of freight in the sectors we serve, the price of diesel fuel, and
government regulations that impact productivity and costs. Recently, our industry has experienced volatile freight
demand, increased fuel costs, tight new and used equipment market, scarcity of qualified truck drivers, and
regulations that limit productivity. In 2021, the rates increased from 2020, and costs such as driver pay also
increased. For at least the first few months of 2022, we anticipate a strong freight market accompanied by
constrained capacity due to a national driver and equipment shortage. We expect cost pressure to persist even if
freight demand moderates. We believe large and diversified companies, like ourselves, are best positioned to
capitalize on the current industry environment, because we can offer significant capacity commitments to major
customers, safe and comfortable new equipment to drivers, and optimized routing and other business analytics to
make the most of our drivers' federally limited operating hours.
We believe that the cost and complexity of operating trucking fleets are increasing and that economic and
competitive pressures are likely to force many smaller competitors and private fleets to consolidate or exit the
industry. As a result, we believe that larger, better-capitalized companies, like us, will have opportunities to
increase profit margins and gain market share. In the market for dedicated services, we believe that truckload
carriers, like us, have a competitive advantage over truck lessors, which are the other major participants in the
market, because we expect to be able to offer lower prices by utilizing back-haul freight within our network that
traditional lessors may not have.
Regulation
Transportation Regulations
Our operations are regulated and licensed by various U.S. agencies. Our company drivers and independent
contractors also must comply with the safety and fitness regulations of the DOT, including those relating to drug
and alcohol testing and hours-of-service. Such matters as weight and equipment dimensions are also subject to
U.S. regulations. We also may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations relating to fuel emissions,
drivers' hours-of-service, ergonomics, or other matters affecting safety or operating methods. Other agencies, such
as the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"), the Department of Homeland Security ("DHS"), and the U.S.
Department of Defense also regulate our equipment, operations, drivers, and environment.
The DOT, through the FMCSA, imposes safety and fitness regulations on us and our drivers, including rules that
restrict driver hours-of-service. Changes to such hours-of-service rules can negatively impact our productivity and
affect our operations and profitability by reducing the number of hours per day or week our drivers may operate
and/or disrupting our network. However, in August 2019, the FMCSA issued a proposal to make changes to its
hours-of-service rules that would allow truck drivers more flexibility with their 30-minute rest break and with
dividing their time in the sleeper berth. It also would extend by two hours the duty time for drivers encountering
adverse weather, and extend the shorthaul exemption by lengthening the drivers’ maximum on-duty period from
12 hours to 14 hours. In June 2020, the FMCSA adopted a final rule substantially as proposed, which became
effective in September 2020. Certain industry groups have challenged these rules in court, and it remains unclear
what, if anything, will come from such challenges. Any future changes to hours-of-service rules could materially
and adversely affect our operations and profitability.
The DOT uses two methods of evaluating the safety and fitness of carriers. The first method is the application of
a safety rating that is based on an onsite investigation and affects a carrier’s ability to operate in interstate
commerce. All of our subsidiaries with operating authority currently have a satisfactory DOT safety rating under
this method, which is the highest available rating under the current safety rating scale. If we received a conditional
or unsatisfactory DOT safety rating, it could adversely affect our business, as some of our existing customer
contracts require a satisfactory DOT safety rating. In January 2016, the FMCSA published a Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking outlining a revised safety rating measurement system which would replace the current methodology.
Under the proposed rule, the current three safety ratings of "satisfactory," "conditional," and "unsatisfactory"
would be replaced with a single safety rating of "unfit." Thus, a carrier with no rating would be deemed fit.
Moreover, data from roadside inspections and the results of all investigations would be used to determine a
carrier’s fitness on a monthly basis. This would replace the current methodology of determining a carrier’s fitness
based solely on infrequent comprehensive onsite reviews. The proposed rule underwent a public comment period
that ended in June 2016 and several industry groups and lawmakers expressed their disagreement with the proposed
9
rule, arguing that it violates the requirements of the FAST Act (as defined below) and that the FMCSA must first
finalize its review of the CSA scoring system, described in further detail below. Based on this feedback and other
concerns raised by industry stakeholders, in March 2017, the FMCSA withdrew the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking related to the new safety rating system. In its notice of withdrawal, the FMCSA noted that a new
rulemaking related to a similar process may be initiated in the future. Therefore, it is uncertain if, when, or under
what form any such rule could be implemented. The FMCSA also indicated that it is in the early phases of a new
study on the causation of crashes. Although it remains unclear whether such study will ultimately be completed,
the results of such study could spur further proposed and/or final rules in regards to safety and fitness.
In addition to the safety rating system, the FMCSA has adopted the CSA program as an additional safety
enforcement and compliance model that evaluates and ranks fleets on certain safety-related standards. The CSA
program analyzes data from roadside inspections, moving violations, crash reports from the last two years, and
investigation results. The data is organized into seven categories. Carriers are grouped by category with other
carriers that have a similar number of safety events (e.g., crashes, inspections, or violations) and carriers are ranked
and assigned a rating percentile to prioritize them for interventions if they are above a certain threshold. Currently,
these scores do not have a direct impact on a carrier’s safety rating. However, the occurrence of unfavorable scores
in one or more categories may (i) affect driver recruiting and retention by causing high-quality drivers to seek
employment with other carriers, (ii) cause our customers to direct their business away from us and to carriers with
higher fleet rankings, (iii) subject us to an increase in compliance reviews and roadside inspections, (iv) cause us
to incur greater than expected expenses in our attempts to improve unfavorable scores or (v) increase our insurance
costs, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.
Under the CSA, these scores were initially made available to the public in five of the seven categories. However,
pursuant to the, Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act (the "FAST Act"), which was signed into law in
December 2015, the FMCSA was required to remove from public view the previously available CSA scores while
it reviews the reliability of the scoring system. During this period of review by the FMCSA, we will continue to
have access to our own scores and will still be subject to intervention by the FMCSA when such scores are above
the intervention thresholds. A study was conducted and delivered to the FMCSA in June 2017 with several
recommendations to make the CSA program more fair, accurate, and reliable. In June 2018, the FMCSA provided
a report to Congress outlining the changes it may make to the CSA program in response to the study. Such changes
include the testing and possible adoption of a revised risk modeling theory, potential collection and dissemination
of additional carrier data and revised measures for intervention thresholds. The adoption of such changes is
contingent on the results of the new modeling theory and additional public feedback. Therefore, it is unclear if,
when and to what extent such changes to the CSA program will occur. However, any changes that increase the
likelihood of us receiving unfavorable scores could adversely affect our results of operations and profitability.
In May 2020 the FMCSA announced that effective immediately it is making permanent a pilot program that will
not count a crash in which a motor carrier was not at fault when calculating the carrier’s safety measurement
profile, called the Crash Preventability Demonstration Program (“CPDP”). The CPDP will expand the types of
eligible crashes, modify the Safety Measurement System to exclude crashes with not preventable determinations
from the prioritization algorithm and note the not preventable determinations in the Pre-Employment Screening
Program. Under the program, carriers with eligible crashes that occurred on or after August 2019, may submit a
Request for Data Review with the required police accident report and other supporting documents, photos or videos
through the FMCSA’s DataQs website. If the FMCSA determines the crash was not preventable, it will be listed
on the Safety Measurement System but not included when calculating a carrier’s Crash Indicator Behavior
Analysis and Safety Improvement Category measure in SMS. Additionally, the not preventable determinations
will be noted on a driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program report.
Currently, certain of our subsidiaries are exceeding the established intervention thresholds in one or more of the
seven categories of CSA, in comparison to their peer groups; however, they all continue to maintain a satisfactory
rating with the DOT. We will continue to promote improvement of these scores in all seven categories with
ongoing reviews of all safety-related policies, programs, and procedures for their effectiveness.
The FMCSA published a final rule in December 2015 that required the use of ELDs or automatic on board
recording devices (“AOBRs”) by nearly all carriers by December 2017 (the "2015 ELD Rule"). Use of AOBRs
was permitted until December 2019, at which time use of ELDs became required. We ultimately had ELDs (not
AOBRs) installed on 100% of our fleet by the December 2019 deadline. We believe that more effective hours-of-
service enforcement under the 2015 ELD Rule may improve our competitive position by causing all carriers to
adhere more closely to hours-of-service requirements and may further reduce industry capacity.
10
In December 2016, the FMCSA issued a final rule establishing a national clearinghouse for drug and alcohol
testing results and requiring motor carriers and medical review officers to provide records of violations by
commercial drivers of FMCSA drug and alcohol testing requirements. Motor carriers are required to query the
clearinghouse to ensure drivers and driver applicants do not have violations of federal drug and alcohol testing
regulations that prohibit them from operating commercial motor vehicles. The final rule became effective in
January 2017, with a compliance date in January 2020. In December 2019, however, the FMCSA announced a
final rule extending by three years the date for state driver’s licensing agencies to comply with certain Drug and
Alcohol Clearinghouse requirements. The December 2016 commercial driver’s license rule required states to
request information from the Clearinghouse about individuals prior to issuing, renewing, upgrading, or transferring
to a CDL. This new action will allow states’ compliance with the requirement, which was set to begin January
2020, to be delayed until January 2023. That being said, the FMCSA has indicated that it will allow states the
option to voluntarily query Clearinghouse information beginning January 2020. The compliance date of January
2020 remained in place for all other requirements set forth in the Clearinghouse final rule, however. Upon
implementation, the rule may reduce the number of available drivers in an already constrained driver market.
Pursuant to a new rule finalized by the FMCSA, effective November 2021, states are required to query the
Clearinghouse when issuing, renewing, transferring, or upgrading a commercial driver's license and must revoke
a driver's commercial driving privileges if such driver is prohibited from driving a motor vehicle for one or more
drug or alcohol violations.
In September 2020, the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) announced proposed mandatory
guidelines to allow employers to drug test truck drivers and other federal workers for pre-employment and random
testing using hair specimens. However, the proposal also requires a second sample using either urine or an oral
swab test if a hair test is positive, if a donor is unable to provide a sufficient amount of hair for faith-based or
medical reasons, or due to an insufficient amount or length of hair. The proposal specifically requires that the
second test be done simultaneously at the collection event or when directed by the medical review officer after
review and verification of laboratory-reported results for the hair specimen. DHHS indicated the two-test approach
is intended to protect federal workers from issues that have been identified as limitations of hair testing, and related
legal deficiencies identified in two prior court cases. The American Trucking Associations (“ATA”) has voiced
concerns with the new guidelines, characterizing them as “weak” and “misguided,” and specially taking issue with
the second sample requirement, which the ATA feels diminishes the value of hair testing. It is unclear if, and when,
a final rule may be put in place. Any final rule may reduce the number of available drivers. We currently perform
urine testing and will continue monitor any developments in this area to ensure compliance.
Other rules have been recently proposed or made final by the FMCSA, including (i) a rule requiring the use of
speed limiting devices on heavy duty tractors to restrict maximum speeds, which was proposed in 2016, and (ii) a
rule setting forth minimum driver training standards for new drivers applying for commercial driver’s licenses for
the first time and to experienced drivers upgrading their licenses or seeking a hazardous materials endorsement,
which was made final in December 2016, with a compliance date in February 2020. However, in May 2020, the
FMCSA approved an interim rule delaying implementation of the final rule by two years, which extends the
compliance date to February 2022. In July 2017, the DOT announced that it would no longer pursue a speed limiter
rule, but left open the possibility that it could resume such a pursuit in the future. In May 2021, however, the
Cullum Owings Large Truck Safe Operating Speed Act was reintroduced into the U.S. House of Representatives
and would require commercial motor vehicles with a gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds to be equipped
with a speed limiter that would limit the vehicle’s speed to no more than 65 M.P.H. The effect of these rules, to
the extent they become effective, could result in a decrease in driver availability, which could adversely affect our
business or operations.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (“IIJA”), signed into law by President Biden in November 2021,
created an apprenticeship program for drivers younger than 21 to eventually qualify to drive commercial trucks in
interstate commerce. The provision drew certain mechanics from the bills introduced in Congress in 2019 related
to lowering the age requirements for interstate commercial driving. The FMCSA announced the establishment of
this apprenticeship program in January 2022 in an effort to help the industry’s ongoing driver shortage. The
program is open to 18 to 20-year-old drivers who already hold intrastate commercial driver's licenses and sets a
strict training regimen for participating drivers and carriers to comply with. Motor carriers interested in
participating must complete an application for participation and submit monthly data on an apprentice’s driver
activity, safety outcomes, and additional supporting information. It remains unclear whether any regulatory
changes will stem from the apprenticeship program.
In December 2018, the FMCSA granted a petition filed by the ATA and in doing so determined that federal law
does preempt California’s wage and hour laws, and interstate truck drivers are not subject to such laws. The
FMCSA’s decision has been appealed by labor groups and multiple lawsuits have been filed in federal courts
11
seeking to overturn the decision. In January 2021, the Ninth Circuit upheld the FMCSA's determination that federal
law does preempt California's meal and rest break laws, as applied to drivers of property-carrying commercial
motor vehicles. Other current and future state and local laws, including laws related to employee meal breaks and
rest periods, may also vary significantly from federal law. Further, driver piece rate compensation, which is an
industry standard, has been attacked as non-compliant with state minimum wage laws and lawsuits have recently
been filed and/or adjudicated against carriers demanding compensation for sleeper berth time, layovers, rest breaks
and pre-trip and post-trip inspections, the outcome of which could have major implications for the treatment of
time that drivers spend off-duty (whether in a truck’s sleeper berth or otherwise) under applicable wage laws. Both
of these issues are adversely impacting the Company and the industry as a whole, with respect to the practical
application of the laws, thereby resulting in additional cost. As a result, we, along with other companies in the
industry, could become subject to an uneven patchwork of laws throughout the United States. In the past, certain
legislators have proposed federal legislation to preempt certain state and local laws; however, passage of such
legislation is uncertain. If federal legislation is not passed, we will either need to comply with the most restrictive
state and local laws across our entire network, or overhaul our management systems to comply with varying state
and local laws. Either solution could result in increased compliance and labor costs, driver turnover, decreased
efficiency, and amplified legal exposure.
Tax and other regulatory authorities, as well as independent contractors themselves, have increasingly asserted
that independent contractors in the trucking industry are employees rather than independent contractors, for a
variety of purposes, including income tax withholding, workers' compensation, wage and hour compensation,
unemployment, and other issues. Federal legislators have introduced legislation in the past to make it easier for
tax and other authorities to reclassify independent contractors as employees, including legislation to increase the
recordkeeping requirements for those that engage independent contractors and to heighten the penalties of
companies who misclassify their employees and are found to have violated employees' overtime and/or wage
requirements. The most recent example being the Protecting the Rights to Organize ("PRO") Act, which was
passed by the House of Representatives and received by the Senate in March 2021 and remains with the Senate's
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. The PRO Act proposes to apply the "ABC Test" for
classifying workers under Federal Fair Labor Standards Act claims. It is unknown whether any of the proposed
legislation will become law or whether any industry-based exemptions from any resulting law will be granted.
Additionally, federal legislators have sought to abolish the current safe harbor allowing taxpayers meeting certain
criteria to treat individuals as independent contractors if they are following a long-standing, recognized practice,
extend the Fair Labor Standards Act to independent contractors, and impose notice requirements based upon
employment or independent contractor status and fines for failure to comply. Some states have put initiatives in
place to increase their revenues from items such as unemployment, workers' compensation, and income taxes, and
a reclassification of independent contractors as employees would help states with these initiatives.
Recently, courts in certain states have issued decisions that could result in a greater likelihood that independent
contractors would be judicially classified as employees in such states. In September 2019, California enacted A.B.
5 (“AB5”), a new law that changed the landscape of the state’s treatment of employees and independent
contractors. AB5 provides that the three-pronged “ABC Test” must be used to determine worker classification in
wage-order claims. Under the ABC Test, a worker is presumed to be an employee, and the burden to demonstrate
their independent contractor status is on the hiring company through satisfying all three of the following criteria:
the worker is free from control and direction in the performance of services; and
the worker is performing work outside the usual course of business of the hiring company; and
the worker is customarily engaged in an independently established trade, occupation, or business.
How AB5 will be enforced is still to be determined. In January 2021, however, the California Supreme Court ruled
that the ABC Test could apply retroactively to all cases not yet final as of the date the original decision was
rendered, April 2018. While AB5 was set to go into effect in January 2020, a federal judge in California issued a
preliminary injunction barring the enforcement of AB5 on the trucking industry while the California Trucking
Association (“CTA”) moves forward with its suit seeking to invalidate AB5. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
rejected the reasoning behind the injunction in April 2021, ruling that AB5 is not pre-empted by federal law, but
granted a stay of the AB5 mandate in June 2021 (preventing its application and temporarily continuing the
injunction) while the CTA petitioned the United States Supreme Court (the “Supreme Court”) to review the
decision. In November 2021, the Supreme Court requested that the U.S. solicitor general weigh in on the case. The
injunction will remain in place until the Supreme Court makes a decision on whether to proceed in hearing the
case. While the stay of the AB5 mandate provides temporary relief to the enforcement of AB5, it remains unclear
12
how long such relief will last, and whether the CTA will ultimately be successful in invalidating the law. It is also
possible AB5 will spur similar legislation in states other than California, which could adversely affect our results
of operations and profitability.
Further, class actions and other lawsuits have been filed against certain members of our industry seeking to
reclassify independent contractors as employees for a variety of purposes, including workers' compensation and
health care coverage. In addition, companies that utilize lease-purchase independent contractor programs, such as
us, have been more susceptible to reclassification lawsuits and several recent decisions have been made in favor
of those seeking to classify as employees certain independent contractors that participated in lease-purchase
programs. Taxing and other regulatory authorities and courts apply a variety of standards in their determination of
independent contractor status. Our classification of independent contractors has been the subject of audits by such
authorities from time to time. While we have been successful in continuing to classify our independent contractor
drivers as independent contractors and not employees, we may be unsuccessful in defending that position in the
future. If our independent contractors are determined to be our employees, we would incur additional exposure
under federal and state tax, workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment, and tort laws,
including for prior periods, as well as potential liability for employee benefits and tax withholdings.
Environmental Regulations
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the hauling and handling of hazardous
materials, fuel storage tanks, air emissions from our vehicles and facilities, engine idling, and discharge and
retention of storm water. Our tractor terminals often are located in industrial areas where groundwater or other
forms of environmental contamination could occur. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage,
environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. Certain of our facilities have waste oil or
fuel storage tanks, and fueling islands. A certain portion of our freight consists of low-grade hazardous substances,
which subjects us to a wide array of regulations, and another portion consists of high security cargo such as arms,
ammunition, and explosives, which subjects us to a myriad of regulatory requirements concerning the storage,
handling and transportation of hazardous materials, chemicals, and explosives. Accidents or malfeasance involving
these services or cargo, or a failure of a product (including as a result of cyberattack), could cause personal injury,
loss of life, damage or destruction of property, equipment or the environment, or suspension of operations, any of
which could materially and adversely affect our operations and profitability. Additionally, increasing efforts to
control emissions of greenhouse gases may have an adverse effect on us. Although we have instituted programs to
monitor and control environmental risks and promote compliance with applicable environmental laws and
regulations, if we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, if there are releases of
hazardous substances we transport, if soil or groundwater contamination is found at our facilities or results from
our operations, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to
cleanup costs and liabilities, including substantial fines or penalties or civil and criminal liability, any of which
could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results.
In August 2011, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ("NHTSA") and the EPA adopted final rules
that established the first-ever fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for medium-and heavy-duty vehicles,
including the tractors we employ (the "Phase 1 Standards"). The Phase 1 Standards apply to tractor model years
2014 to 2018 and require the achievement of an approximate 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption by the 2018
model year, which equates to approximately four gallons of fuel for every 100 miles traveled. In addition, in
February 2014, President Obama announced that his administration would begin developing the next phase of
tighter fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards for medium-and heavy-duty tractors and trailers (the "Phase
2 Standards"). In October 2016, the EPA and NHTSA published the final rule mandating that the Phase 2 Standards
will apply to trailers beginning with model year 2018 and tractors beginning with model year 2021. The Phase 2
Standards require nine percent and 25 percent reductions in emissions and fuel consumption for trailers and
tractors, respectively, by 2027. The final rule was effective in December 2016, but has since faced challenges and
delays. In October 2017, the EPA announced a proposal to repeal the Phase 2 Standards as they relate to gliders
(which mix refurbished older components, including transmissions and pre-emission-rule engines, with a new
frame, cab, steer axle, wheels, and other standard equipment). The outcome of such proposal is still undetermined.
Additionally, implementation of the Phase 2 Standards as they relate to trailers has been challenged in the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. In November 2021, a panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the
District of Columbia ruled in favor of the association challenging the standards and vacated all portions of the
Phase 2 Standards that applied to trailers, and consequently, the Phase 2 Standards will only require reductions in
emissions and fuel consumption for tractors. The Company’s new tractor purchases in 2021 complied with the
emission and fuel consumption reductions required by the Phase 2 Standards. Even though the trailer provisions
of the Phase 2 standards have been removed, we will still need to ensure the majority of our fleet is compliant with
the California Phase 2 standards.
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In January 2020, the EPA announced it is seeking input on reducing emissions of nitrogen oxides and other
pollutants from heavy-duty trucks. The EPA is aiming to release proposed rulemaking for the new plan, commonly
referred to as the “Cleaner Trucks Initiative,” and anticipates taking final action as soon as 2022. The EPA is
targeting 2027 for these new standards to take effect and is also working on enacting more stringent greenhouse
gas emission standards (beginning with model year 2030 vehicles) by the end of 2024.
The California Air Resources Board ("CARB") also adopted emission control regulations that will be applicable
to all heavy-duty tractors that pull 53-foot or longer box-type trailers within the state of California. The tractors
and trailers subject to these CARB regulations must be either EPA SmartWay certified or equipped with low-
rolling, resistance tires and retrofitted with SmartWay-approved aerodynamic technologies. Enforcement of these
CARB regulations for model year 2011 equipment began in January 2010 and have been phased in over several
years for older equipment. We currently purchase Smart Way certified equipment in our new tractor and trailer
acquisitions. In addition, in February 2017 CARB proposed California Phase 2 standards that generally align with
the federal Phase 2 Standards, with some minor additional requirements, and as proposed would stay in place even
if the federal Phase 2 Standards are affected. In February 2019, the California Phase 2 standards became final.
Thus, even though the trailer provisions of the Phase 2 Standards were removed, we will still need to ensure the
majority of our fleet is compliant with the California Phase 2 standards, which may result in increased equipment
costs and could adversely affect our operating results and profitability. CARB has also recently announced
intentions to adopt regulations ensuring that 100% of tractors operating in California are operating with battery or
fuel cell-electric engines in the future. Whether these regulations will ultimately be adopted remains unclear.
Federal and state lawmakers also have proposed a variety of other regulatory limits on carbon emissions and fuel
consumption. Compliance with these regulations could increase the cost of new tractors and trailers, impair
equipment productivity, and increase operating expenses. These effects, combined with the uncertainty as to the
operating results that will be produced by the newly designed diesel engines and the residual values of these
vehicles, could increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations. In June 2020 CARB
also passed the Advanced Clean Trucks (“ACT”) regulation, which became effective in March 2021 and generally
requires original equipment manufacturers to begin shifting towards greater production of zero-emission heavy
duty tractors starting in 2024. Under ACT, by 2045, every new tractor sold in California will need to be zero-
emission. While ACT does not apply to those simply operating tractors in California, it could affect the cost and/or
supply of traditional diesel tractors and may lead to similar legislation in other states or at the federal level.
In order to reduce exhaust emissions, some states and municipalities have begun to restrict the locations and
amount of time where diesel-powered tractors may idle. These restrictions could force us to purchase on-board
power units that do not require the engine to idle or to alter our drivers' behavior, which could result in a decrease
in productivity or increase in driver turnover.
Food Safety Regulations
In April 2016, the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) published a final rule establishing requirements for
shippers, loaders, carriers by motor vehicle and rail vehicle, and receivers engaged in the transportation of food,
to use sanitary transportation practices to ensure the safety of the food they transport as part of the Food Safety
Modernization Act of 2011 (the "FSMA"). This rule sets forth requirements related to (i) the design and
maintenance of equipment used to transport food, (ii) the measures taken during food transportation to ensure food
safety, (iii) the training of carrier personnel in sanitary food transportation practices, and (iv) maintenance and
retention of records of written procedures, agreements, and training related to the foregoing items. These
requirements took effect for larger carriers such as us in April 2017 and are applicable when we perform as a
carrier or as a broker. We believe we have been in compliance with these requirements since that time. However,
if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations related to the FSMA or if we transport food or
goods that are contaminated or are found to cause illness and/or death, we could be subject to substantial fines,
lawsuits, penalties and/or criminal and civil liability, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, and results of operations.
As the FDA continues its efforts to modernize food safety, it is likely additional food safety regulations will take
effect in the future. In July 2020, the FDA released its “New Era of Smarter Food Safety” blueprint, which creates
a ten year roadmap to create a more digital, traceable and safer food system. This blueprint builds on the work
done under the FSMA, and while it is still unclear what, if any, changes to the current governing framework may
ultimately take effect, further regulation in this area could negatively affect our business by increasing our
compliance obligations and related expenses going forward.
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Executive and Legislative Climate
It is still to be determined how President Biden’s leadership will impact our industry. That being said, President
Biden has indicated his intent to make a green infrastructure package a top priority for his administration. Any
measure in furtherance thereof could draw from the Build Back Better Act (the “BBB”), which passed the U.S.
House of Representatives, but is facing resistance in the U.S. Senate. As currently proposed, the BBB would impact
transportation by allocating funds to address various industry related issues such as port congestion and traffic
safety enforcement. The bill also promotes a myriad of low-emission programs, transit services and clean energy
projects, as well as funding for climate change research. It is unclear whether these legislative initiatives will be
signed into law and what changes they may undergo. However, adoption and implementation could negatively
impact our business by increasing our compliance obligations and related expenses.
President Biden also has indicated an intention to make substantial changes to the current U.S. tax laws during his
administration, including changes to the way capital gains are treated. Any changes to U.S. tax laws may have an
adverse impact on our business and profitability.
The United States Mexico Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) was entered into effect in July 2020. The USMCA is
designed to modernize food and agriculture trade, advance rules of origin for automobiles and trucks, and enhance
intellectual property protections, among other matters, according to the Office of U.S. Trade Representative. It is
difficult to predict at this stage what could be the impact of the USMCA on the economy, including the
transportation industry. However, given the amount of North American trade that moves by truck, it could have a
significant impact on supply and demand in the transportation industry, and could adversely impact the amount,
movement, and patterns of freight we transport.
The IIJA was signed into law by President Biden in November 2021. The roughly $1.2 trillion bill contains an
estimated $550 billion in new spending, which will impact transportation. In particular, it dedicates more than
$100 billion for surface transportation networks and roughly $66 billion for freight and passenger rail operations.
Among provisions in the law specific to trucking is the aforementioned apprenticeship program for drivers younger
than 21 to eventually qualify to drive commercial trucks in interstate commerce. It remains unclear how the IIJA
will be implemented into and effect our industry. The IIJA may result in increased compliance and implementation
related expenses, which could have a negative impact on our operations.
Given COVID-19’s considerable effect on our industry, the FMCSA issued and/or extended various temporary
responsive measures throughout the year. Although, to date, these measures have largely been enacted in order to
assist industry participants in operating under adverse circumstances, any further responsive measures remain
unclear and could have a negative impact on our operations.
In November 2021 the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”)
published an emergency temporary standard (the “Emergency Rule”) requiring all employers with at least 100
employees to ensure that their employees are fully vaccinated or require any employees who remain unvaccinated
to produce a negative COVID-19 test result on at least a weekly basis before coming to work. The Emergency
Rule has been blocked by the Supreme Court. Any future vaccination, testing or mask mandates that are allowed
to go into effect, could, among other things, (i) cause our unvaccinated employees to go to smaller employers, if
such employers are not subject to future mandates, or leave us or the trucking industry, especially our unvaccinated
drivers, (ii) result in logistical issues, increased expenses, and operational issues from arranging for weekly tests
of our unvaccinated employees, especially our unvaccinated drivers, (iii) result in increased costs for recruiting
and retention of drivers, as well as the cost of weekly testing, and (iv) result in decreased revenue if we are unable
to recruit and retain drivers. Any vaccination, testing or mask mandates that are interpreted as applying to drivers
would significantly reduce the pool of drivers available to us and our industry, which would further impact the
extreme shortage of available drivers. Accordingly, any vaccination, testing or mask mandates, if allowed to go
into effect, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Fuel Availability and Cost
The cost of fuel trended higher in 2021 as compared to 2020, as demonstrated by an increase in the Department of
Energy ("DOE") national average for diesel to approximately $3.29 per gallon for 2021 compared to $2.55 per
gallon for 2020. There were $0.4 million of fuel hedging gains in 2021 compared to $0.3 million of losses in 2020.
We actively manage our fuel costs by routing our drivers through fuel centers with which we have negotiated
volume discounts and through jurisdictions with lower fuel taxes, where possible. We have also reduced the
maximum speed of many of our trucks, implemented strict idling guidelines for our drivers, purchased technology
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to enhance our management and monitoring of out-of-route miles, encouraged the use of shore power units in truck
stops, and imposed standards for accepting broker freight that includes minimum rates and fuel surcharges. These
initiatives have contributed to significant improvements in fleet wide average fuel mileage. Moreover, we have a
fuel surcharge program in place with the majority of our customers, which has historically enabled us to recover
some of the higher fuel costs. However, even with the fuel surcharges, the price of fuel can affect our
profitability. Our fuel surcharges are billed on a lagging basis, meaning we typically bill customers in the current
week based on a previous week's applicable index. Therefore, in times of increasing fuel prices, we do not recover
as much as we are currently paying for fuel. In periods of declining prices, the opposite is true. In addition, we
incur additional costs when fuel prices rise that cannot be fully recovered due to our engines being idled during
cold or warm weather, empty or out-of-route miles, and for fuel used by refrigerated trailers that generally is not
billed to customers. In addition, from time-to-time customers attempt to modify their surcharge programs, some
successfully, which can result in recovery of a smaller portion of fuel price increases. Rapid increases in fuel costs
or shortages of fuel could have a materially adverse effect on our operations or future profitability.
To reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel prices, we have
periodically entered into various derivative instruments, including forward futures swap contracts. We have
historically entered into hedging contracts with respect to ultra-low sulfur diesel ("ULSD"). Under these contracts,
we would pay a fixed rate per gallon of ULSD and receive the monthly average price of Gulf Coast ULSD. Because
the fixed price is determined based on market prices at the time we enter into the hedge, in times of increasing fuel
prices the hedge contracts become more valuable, whereas in times of decreasing fuel prices the opposite is true.
At December 31, 2021, we had no forward futures swap contracts on diesel. We had no fuel hedging contracts at
December 31, 2021, and at December 31, 2020, the fair value of our fuel hedging contracts represented a $0.2
million asset.
Seasonality
Our tractor productivity decreases during the winter season because inclement weather impedes operations, and
some shippers reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. Our Expedited segment, historically has
experienced a greater reduction in first quarter demand than our other operations. Revenue also can be affected by
bad weather, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period, since revenue is directly
related to available working days of shippers. At the same time, operating expenses increase and fuel efficiency
declines because of engine idling and harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims, and
more equipment repairs. In addition, many of our customers, particularly those in the retail industry where we have
a large presence, demand additional capacity during the fourth quarter, which limits our ability to take advantage
of more attractive spot market rates that generally exist during such periods. Further, despite our efforts to meet
such demands, we may fail to do so, which may result in lost future business opportunities with such customers,
which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations. Recently, the duration of this increased period of
demand in the fourth quarter has shortened, with certain customers requiring the same volume of shipments over
a more condensed timeframe, resulting in increased stress and demand on our network, people, and systems. If
this trend continues, it could make satisfying our customers and maintaining the quality of our service during the
fourth quarter increasingly difficult. We may also suffer from natural disasters and weather-related events, such as
tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, and fires, which may increase in frequency and severity due
to climate change, as well as other man-made disasters. These events may disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs,
disrupt freight shipments or routes, affect regional economies, destroy our assets, or adversely affect the business
or financial condition of our customers, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations or make our results of operations more volatile. Weather and other seasonal events could adversely
affect our operating results.
Additional Information
Our headquarters is located at 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419, and our website address
is www.covenantlogistics.com. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on Form 8-K, and all other reports we file or furnish with the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") are available free of charge through our
website. Information contained in or available through our website is not incorporated by reference into, and you
should not consider such information to be part of this Annual Report.
Additionally, you may read all of the materials that we file with the SEC by visiting the SEC's website at
www.sec.gov. This site contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding the
Company and other companies that file electronically with the SEC.
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RISK FACTORS
Our future results may be affected by a number of factors over which we have little or no control. The following
discussion of risk factors contains forward-looking statements as discussed in “Cautionary Note Regarding
Forward-Looking Statements” under “Business”. The following issues, uncertainties, and risks, among others,
should be considered in evaluating our business and growth outlook.
STRATEGIC RISKS
Our business is subject to economic, credit, business, and regulatory factors affecting the truckload industry
that are largely beyond our control, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating
results.
The truckload industry is highly cyclical, and our business is dependent on a number of factors that may have a
materially adverse effect on our results of operations, many of which are beyond our control. We believe that some
of the most significant of these factors include (i) recessionary economic cycles; (ii) changes in customers’
inventory levels and practices, including shrinking product/package sizes, and in the availability of funding for
their working capital; (iii) changes in the way our customers choose to utilize our services; (iv) downturns in our
customers’ business cycles, including declines in consumer spending, (v) excess trucking capacity in comparison
with shipping demand, (vi) driver shortages and increases in driver’s compensation, (vii) industry compliance with
ongoing regulatory requirements, (viii) the availability and price of new revenue equipment and/or declines in the
resale value of used revenue equipment; (ix) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; (x) compliance with ongoing
regulatory requirements; (xi) strikes, work stoppages or work slowdowns at our facilities, or at customer, port,
border crossing or other shipping-related facilities; (xii) increases in interest rates, fuel taxes, insurance, tolls, and
license and registration fees; and (xiii) rising costs of healthcare.
Economic conditions that decrease shipping demand or increase the supply of available tractors and trailers can
exert downward pressure on rates and equipment utilization, thereby decreasing asset productivity. The risks
associated with these factors are heightened when the United States economy is weakened. Some of the principal
risks during such times, are as follows:
we may experience a reduction in overall freight levels, which may impair our asset utilization;
certain of our customers may face credit issues and could experience cash flow problems that may lead
to payment delays, increased credit risk, bankruptcies, and other financial hardships that could result
in even lower freight demand and may require us to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts;
freight patterns may change as supply chains are redesigned, resulting in an imbalance between our
capacity and our customers' freight demand;
customers may solicit bids for freight from multiple trucking companies or select competitors that offer
lower rates from among existing choices in an attempt to lower their costs, and we might be forced to
lower our rates or lose freight; and
we may be forced to accept more freight from freight brokers, where freight rates are typically lower,
or may be forced to incur more non-revenue miles to obtain loads.
We are also subject to potential increases in various costs and other events that are outside our control that could
materially reduce our profitability if we are unable to increase our rates sufficiently. Further, we may not be able
to appropriately adjust our costs and staffing levels to changing market demands.
In addition, events outside our control, such as deterioration of U.S. transportation infrastructure and reduced
investment in such infrastructure, further developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, strikes or other work
stoppages at our facilities or at customer, port, border or other shipping locations, armed conflicts or terrorist
attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against a foreign state or group located in a foreign state or
heightened security requirements could lead to wear, tear and damage to our equipment, driver dissatisfaction,
reduced economic demand and freight volumes, reduced availability of credit, increased prices for fuel, or
temporary closing of the shipping locations or U.S. borders. Such events or enhanced security measures in
connection with such events could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating
costs.
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We may not be successful in achieving our strategic plan.
Our initiatives include continuing to steadily and intentionally grow the percentage of our business generated by
Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing segments, selectively investing in the Expedited segment, reducing
unnecessary overhead, improving our safety, service, and productivity, diversifying our customer base, improving
customer contracts, and investing in systems, technology, and people to support the growth of previously under-
invested areas. Such initiatives will require time, management and financial resources, changes in our operations
and sales functions, and monitoring and implementation of technology. We may be unable to effectively and
successfully implement, or achieve sustainable improvement from, our strategic plan and initiatives or achieve
these objectives. In addition, our operating margins could be adversely affected by future changes in and expansion
of our business. Further, our operating results may be negatively affected by a failure to further penetrate our
existing customer base, cross-sell our services, pursue new customer opportunities, or manage the operations and
expenses. There is no assurance that we will be successful in achieving our strategic plan and initiatives. Even if
we are successful in achieving our strategic plan and initiatives, we still may not achieve our goals. If we are
unsuccessful in implementing our strategic plan and initiatives, our financial condition, results of operations, and
cash flows could be adversely affected.
We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and numerous competitive factors could
impair our ability to improve our profitability, limit growth opportunities, and could have a materially
adverse effect on our results of operations.
Numerous competitive factors present in our industry could impair our ability to maintain or improve our current
profitability, limit our prospects for growth, and could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations. These factors include the following:
we compete with many other truckload carriers of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with (i) less-than-
truckload carriers, (ii) railroads, intermodal companies, and (iii) other transportation and logistics
companies, many of which have access to more equipment and greater capital resources than we do;
many of our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially during times
of reduced growth in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase freight rates or to
maintain or expand our business or may require us to reduce our freight rates in order to maintain business
and keep our equipment productive;
many of our customers, including several in our top ten, are other transportation companies or also operate
their own private trucking fleets, and they may decide to transport more of their own freight;
we may increase the size of our fleet during periods of high freight demand during which our competitors
also increase their capacity, and we may experience losses in greater amounts than such competitors
during subsequent cycles of softened freight demand if we are required to dispose of assets at a loss to
match reduced customer demand;
a significant portion of our business is in the retail industry, which continues to undergo a shift away from
the traditional brick and mortar model towards e-commerce, and this shift could impact the manner in
which our customers source or utilize our services;
many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called "core carriers" as approved
service providers or by engaging dedicated providers, and we may not be selected;
the trend toward consolidation in the trucking industry may create large carriers with greater financial
resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size, and we may have difficulty competing
with these larger carriers;
the market for qualified drivers is increasingly competitive, and our inability to attract and retain drivers
could reduce our equipment utilization or cause us to increase compensation to our drivers and
independent contractors we engage, both of which would adversely affect our profitability;
competition from freight logistics and freight brokerage companies may adversely affect our customer
relationships and freight rates;
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the Covenant brand name is a valuable asset that is subject to the risk of adverse publicity (whether or
not justified), which could result in the loss of value attributable to our brand and reduced demand for our
services; and
advances in technology may require us to increase investments in order to remain competitive, and our
customers may not be willing to accept higher freight rates to cover the cost of these investments.
We may not grow substantially in the future and we may not be successful in improving our profitability.
We may not be able improve profitability in the future. Achieving profitability depends upon numerous factors,
including our ability to effectively and successfully implement other strategic initiatives, increase our average
revenue per tractor, improve driver retention, and control expenses. If we are unable to improve our profitability,
then our liquidity, financial position, and results of operations may be adversely affected.
There is no assurance that in the future, our business will grow substantially or without volatility, nor can we assure
you that we will be able to effectively adapt our management, administrative, and operational systems to respond
to any future growth. Furthermore, there is no assurance that our operating margins will not be adversely affected
by future changes in and expansion of our business.
Should the growth in our operations stagnate or decline, our results of operations could be adversely affected. We
may encounter operating conditions in new markets, as well as our current markets, that differ substantially from
our current operations, and customer relationships and appropriate freight rates in new markets could be
challenging to attain.
We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be successful in our acquisition
strategy.
Acquisitions have provided a substantial portion of our growth. We may not have the financial capacity or be
successful in identifying, negotiating, or consummating any future acquisitions. If we fail to make any future
acquisitions, our historical growth rate could be materially and adversely affected. Any acquisitions we undertake
could involve the dilutive issuance of equity securities and/or incurring indebtedness. Any future acquisitions we
may consummate involve numerous risks, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, and results of operations, including:
some of the acquired businesses may not achieve anticipated revenue, earnings, or cash flows;
we may assume liabilities that were not disclosed to us or otherwise exceed our estimates;
we may be unable to integrate acquired businesses successfully, or at all, and realize anticipated
economic, operational and other benefits in a timely manner, which could result in substantial costs
and delays or other operational, technical, or financial problems;
transaction costs and acquisition-related integration costs could adversely affect our results of
operations in the period in which such charges are recorded;
we may incur future impairment charges, write-offs, write-downs, or restructuring charges that could
adversely impact our results of operations;
acquisitions could disrupt our ongoing business, distract our management, and divert our resources;
we may experience difficulties operating in markets in which we have had no or only limited direct
experience;
we could lose customers, employees, and drivers of any acquired company; and
we may incur additional indebtedness.
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OPERATIONAL RISKS
Increases in driver compensation or difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers could have a
materially adverse effect on our profitability and the ability to maintain or grow our fleet.
Like many truckload carriers, we experience substantial difficulty in attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of
qualified drivers, which includes the engagement of independent contractors. The truckload industry periodically
experiences a shortage of qualified drivers, particularly during periods of economic expansion, in which alternative
employment opportunities, including in the construction and manufacturing industries, are more plentiful and
freight demand increases, or during periods of economic downturns, in which unemployment benefits might be
extended and financing is limited for independent contractors who seek to purchase equipment or for students who
seek financial aid for driving school. Furthermore, capacity at driving schools may be limited by COVID-19
related social distancing requirements. Regulatory requirements, including those related to safety ratings,
ELDs, hours-of-service changes, COVID-19 mitigation measures, such as vaccine, testing, and mask
requirements, and an improved economy could further reduce the number of eligible drivers or force us to increase
driver compensation to attract and retain drivers. We have seen evidence that stricter hours-of-service regulations
adopted by the DOT in the past have tightened, and, to the extent new regulations are enacted, may continue to
tighten, the market for eligible drivers. The lack of adequate tractor parking along some U.S. highways and
congestion caused by inadequate highway funding may make it more difficult for drivers to comply with hours-
of-service regulations and cause added stress for drivers, further reducing the pool of eligible drivers. Further, the
compensation we offer our drivers and independent contractor expenses are subject to market conditions, and we
may find it necessary to increase driver and independent contractor compensation in future periods.
In addition, we and many other truckload carriers suffer from a high turnover rate of drivers and independent
contractors, and our turnover rate is higher than the industry average and compared to our peers. This high turnover
rate requires us to spend significant resources recruiting a substantial number of drivers and independent
contractors in order to operate existing revenue equipment and maintain our current level of capacity and subjects
us to a higher degree of risk with respect to driver and independent contractor shortages than our competitors. We
also employ driver hiring standards that we believe are more rigorous than the hiring standards employed in general
in our industry and could further reduce the pool of available drivers from which we would hire. Our use of team-
driven tractors in our Expedited segment requires two drivers per tractor, which further increases the number of
drivers we must recruit and retain in comparison to operations that require one driver per tractor. If we are unable
to continue to attract and retain a sufficient number of drivers, we could be forced to, among other things, adjust
our compensation packages, increase the number of our tractors without drivers, or operate with fewer trucks and
face difficulty meeting shipper demands, any of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.
Our engagement of independent contractors to provide a portion of our capacity exposes us to different
risks than we face with our tractors driven by company drivers.
As independent business owners, independent contractors may make business or personal decisions that may
conflict with our best interests. For example, if a load is unprofitable, route distance is too far from home, personal
scheduling conflicts arise, or for other reasons, independent contractors may deny loads of freight from time to
time. Additionally, independent contractors may be unable to obtain or retain equipment financing, which could
affect their ability to continue to act as a third-party service provider for the Company. In these circumstances, we
must be able to deliver the freight timely in order to maintain relationships with customers, and if we fail to meet
certain customer needs or incur increased expenses to do so, this could materially adversely affect our relationship
with customers and our results of operations.
We provide financing to certain qualified independent contractors. If we are unable to provide such financing in
the future, due to liquidity constraints or other restrictions, we may experience a decrease in the number of
independent contractors we are able to engage. Further, if independent contractors we engage default under or
otherwise terminate the financing arrangement and we are unable to find a replacement independent contractor or
seat the tractor with a company driver, we may incur losses on amounts owed to us with respect to the tractor.
Our agreements with the independent contractors we engage are governed by the federal leasing regulations, which
impose specific requirements on us and the independent contractors. If more stringent federal leasing regulations
are adopted, independent contractors could be deterred from becoming independent contractor drivers, which
could materially adversely affect our goal of growing our current fleet levels of independent contractors.
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We derive a significant portion of our revenues from our major customers, and the loss of, or a significant
reduction of business with, one or more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
A significant portion of our revenues is generated from a small number of major customers. Generally, we do not
have long-term contracts with our major customers. A substantial portion of our freight is from customers in the
retail industry. As such, our volumes are largely dependent on consumer spending and retail sales, and our results
may be more susceptible to trends in unemployment and retail sales than carriers that do not have this
concentration. In addition, our major customers engage in bid processes and other activities periodically (including
currently) in an attempt to lower their costs of transportation. We may not choose to participate in these bids or, if
we participate, may not be awarded the freight, either of which could result in a reduction of our freight volumes
with these customers. In this event, we could be required to replace the volumes elsewhere at uncertain rates and
volumes, suffer reduced equipment utilization, or reduce the size of our fleet. Failure to retain our existing
customers, or enter into relationships with new customers, each on acceptable terms, could materially impact our
business, financial condition, results of operations, and ability to meet our current and long-term financial
forecasts.
Generally, we do not have contractual relationships that guarantee any minimum volumes with our customers, and
there can be no assurance that our customer relationships will continue as presently in effect. Our Dedicated
segment is typically subject to longer term written contracts than our other segments. However, certain of these
contracts contain cancellation clauses, including our “evergreen” contracts, which automatically renew for one
year terms but that can be terminated more easily. There is no assurance any of our customers, including our
Dedicated customers, will continue to utilize our services, renew our existing contracts, or continue at the same
volume levels. For our multi-year and Dedicated contracts, the rates we charge may not remain advantageous.
Further, despite the existence of contractual arrangements, certain of our customers may nonetheless engage in
competitive bidding processes that could negatively impact our contractual relationship. In addition, certain of our
major customers may increasingly use their own truckload and delivery fleets, which would reduce our freight
volumes. A reduction in or termination of our services by one or more of our major customers, including our
Dedicated customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations.
While we review and monitor the financial condition of our key customers on an ongoing basis to determine
whether to provide services on credit, our customers' financial difficulties could nevertheless negatively impact
our results of operations and financial condition, especially if these customers were to delay or default on payments
to us.
Fluctuations in the price or availability of fuel, the volume and terms of diesel fuel purchase commitments,
surcharge collection, and hedging activities may increase our costs of operation, which could have a
materially adverse effect on our profitability.
Fuel is one of our largest operating expenses. Diesel fuel prices fluctuate greatly due to factors beyond our control,
such as political events, terrorist activities, armed conflicts, commodity futures trading, devaluation of the dollar
against other currencies, weather events and other natural disasters, which could increase in frequency and severity
due to climate change, as well as other man-made disasters, each of which may lead to an increase in the cost of
fuel. Fuel prices also are affected by the rising demand for fuel in developing countries and could be materially
adversely affected by the use of crude oil and oil reserves for purposes other than fuel production and by diminished
drilling activity. Such events may lead not only to increases in fuel prices, but also to fuel shortages and disruptions
in the fuel supply chain. Because our operations are dependent upon diesel fuel, significant diesel fuel cost
increases, shortages, rationings, or supply disruptions would materially and adversely affect our business, financial
condition, and results of operations.
Fuel also is subject to regional pricing differences and is often more expensive in certain areas where we
operate. Increases in fuel costs, to the extent not offset by rate per mile increases or fuel surcharges, have a
materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability. While we have fuel surcharge programs in place with
a majority of our customers, which historically have helped us offset the majority of the negative impact of rising
fuel prices associated with loaded or billed miles, we also incur fuel costs that cannot be recovered even with
respect to customers with which we maintain fuel surcharge programs, such as those associated with non-revenue
generating miles, time when our engines are idling, and fuel for refrigeration units on our refrigerated
trailers. Moreover, the terms of each customer’s fuel surcharge program vary, and certain customers have sought
to modify the terms of their fuel surcharge programs to minimize recoverability for fuel price increases. In addition,
because our fuel surcharge recovery lags behind changes in fuel prices, our fuel surcharge recovery may not
capture the increased costs we pay for fuel, especially when prices are rising. This could lead to fluctuations in our
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levels of reimbursement, which have occurred in the past. During periods of low freight volumes, shippers can use
their negotiating leverage to impose fuel surcharge policies that provide a lower reimbursement of our fuel costs.
There is no assurance that our fuel surcharge programs can be maintained indefinitely or will be sufficiently
effective. Our results of operations would be negatively affected to the extent we cannot recover higher fuel costs
or fail to improve our fuel price protection through our fuel surcharge program.
From time to time, we use hedging contracts and volume purchase arrangements to attempt to limit the effect of
price fluctuations. We may be forced to make cash payments under the hedging contracts or volume purchase
arrangements. Our hedging and volume purchase arrangements effectively allow us to pay a fixed rate for fuel on
a specified number of gallons that is determined based on the market rate at the time we enter into the arrangement.
In times of falling diesel fuel prices, our costs will not be reduced to the same extent they would have reduced if
we had not entered into the hedging contracts or volume purchase arrangements and we may incur significant
expense in connection with our obligation to make cash payments under such contracts. Accordingly, in times of
falling diesel fuel prices, our profitability and cash flows may be negatively impacted to a greater extent than if
we had not entered into the hedging contracts.
We depend on third-party providers, particularly in our Managed Freight segment where we offer
brokerage and other logistics services, and service instability from these providers could increase our
operating costs and reduce our ability to offer such services, which could adversely affect our revenue,
results of operations, and customer relationships.
Our Managed Freight segment is dependent upon the services of third-party capacity providers, including other
truckload carriers. For this business, we do not own or control the transportation assets that deliver our customers'
freight, and we do not employ the people directly involved in delivering the freight. This reliance could also cause
delays in reporting certain events, including recognizing revenue and claims. These third-party providers may seek
other freight opportunities and may require increased compensation in times of improved freight demand or tight
truckload capacity. If we are unable to secure the services of these third parties or if we become subject to increases
in the prices we must pay to secure such services, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may
be materially adversely affected, and we may be unable to serve our customers on competitive terms. Our ability
to secure sufficient equipment or other transportation services may be affected by many risks beyond our control,
including equipment shortages increased equipment prices, interruptions in service due to labor disputes, driver
shortages, changes in regulations impacting transportation, and changes in transportation rates.
We depend on the proper functioning and availability of our management information and communication
systems and other information technology assets (including the data contained therein) and a system failure
or unavailability, including those caused by cybersecurity breaches, or an inability to effectively upgrade
such systems and assets could cause a significant disruption to our business and have a materially adverse
effect on our results of operations.
We depend heavily on the proper functioning, availability, and security of our management information and
communication systems and other information technology assets, including financial reporting and operating
systems and the data contained in such systems and assets, in operating our business. Our operating system is
critical to understanding customer demands, accepting and planning loads, dispatching equipment and drivers, and
billing and collecting for our services. Our financial reporting system is critical to producing accurate and timely
financial statements and analyzing business information to help us manage effectively. Furthermore, recently
enacted data privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act that became effective on January 1, 2020
and provides new data privacy rights for consumers and operational requirements for companies, may result in
increased liability and amplified compliance and monitoring costs, any of which could have a material adverse
effect on our financial performance and business operations.
Our operations and those of our technology and communications service providers are vulnerable to interruption
by natural disasters, such as fires, storms, and floods, which may increase in frequency and severity due to climate
change, as well as, power loss, telecommunications failure, cyberattacks, terrorist attacks, Internet failures,
computer viruses, and other events beyond our control. More sophisticated and frequent cyberattacks in recent
years have also increased security risks associated with information technology systems. We also maintain
information security policies to protect our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and the
data contained therein) from cybersecurity breaches and threats, such as hackers, malware, and viruses; however,
such policies cannot ensure the protection of our systems, networks, and other information technology assets (and
the data contained therein). In addition, remote or flexible work options for our employees could create increased
demand for information technology resources and increase the avenues for unauthorized access to sensitive
information, phishing, and other cyberattacks. If any of our critical information systems fail or become otherwise
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unavailable, whether as a result of a system upgrade project or otherwise, we would have to perform the functions
manually, which could temporarily impact our ability to manage our fleet efficiently, to respond to customers'
requests effectively, to maintain billing and other records reliably, and to bill for services and prepare financial
statements accurately or in a timely manner. Our business interruption insurance may be inadequate to protect us
in the event of an unforeseeable and extreme catastrophe. Any significant system failure, upgrade complication,
security breach (including cyberattacks), or other system disruption could interrupt or delay our operations,
damage our reputation, cause us to lose customers, or impact our ability to manage our operations and report our
financial performance, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business. In addition, we are
currently dependent on a single vendor to support several information technology functions. If the stability or
capability of such vendor became compromised and we were forced to migrate such functions to a new platform,
it could adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations
could be harmed.
We are dependent upon the services of our executive management team and other key personnel. Turnover,
planned or otherwise, in these or other key leadership positions may materially adversely affect our ability to
manage our business efficiently and effectively, and such turnover can be disruptive and distracting to
management, may lead to additional departures of existing personnel, and could have a material adverse effect on
our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers and
attract, develop, and retain sufficient additional managers if we are to continue to improve our profitability and
have appropriate succession planning for key management personnel.
Seasonality and the impact of weather and other catastrophic events affect our operations and profitability.
Our tractor productivity decreases during the winter season because inclement weather impedes operations, and
some shippers reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. Our Expedited segment, historically has
experienced a greater reduction in first quarter demand than our other operations. Revenue also can be affected by
bad weather, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period, since revenue is directly
related to available working days of shippers. At the same time, operating expenses increase and fuel efficiency
declines because of engine idling and harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims, and
more equipment repairs. In addition, many of our customers, particularly those in the retail industry where we have
a large presence, demand additional capacity during the fourth quarter, which limits our ability to take advantage
of more attractive spot market rates that generally exist during such periods. Further, despite our efforts to meet
such demands, we may fail to do so, which may result in lost future business opportunities with such customers,
which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations. Recently, the duration of this increased period of
demand in the fourth quarter has shortened, with certain customers requiring the same volume of shipments over
a more condensed timeframe, resulting in increased stress and demand on our network, people, and systems. If
this trend continues, it could make satisfying our customers and maintaining the quality of our service during the
fourth quarter increasingly difficult. We may also suffer from natural disasters and weather-related events, such as
tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, and fires, which may increase in frequency and severity due
to climate change, as well as other man-made disasters. These events may disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs,
disrupt freight shipments or routes, affect regional economies, destroy our assets, or adversely affect the business
or financial condition of our customers, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations or make our results of operations more volatile. Weather and other seasonal events could adversely
affect our operating results.
COMPLIANCE RISKS
We self-insure for a significant portion of our claims exposure, which could significantly increase the
volatility of, and decrease the amount of, our earnings.
Our business results in a substantial number of claims and litigation related to personal injuries, property damage,
workers’ compensation, employment issues, health care, and other issues. We self-insure a significant portion of
our claims exposure, which could increase the volatility of, and decrease the amount of, our earnings, and could
have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations. See Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies," of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information regarding our self-insured
retention amounts. Our future insurance and claims expenses may exceed historical levels, which could reduce our
earnings. We currently accrue amounts for liabilities based on our assessment of claims that arise and our insurance
coverage for the periods in which the claims arise, and we evaluate and revise these accruals from time to time
based on additional information. Actual settlement of such liabilities could differ from our estimates due to a
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number of uncertainties, including evaluation of severity, legal costs, and claims that have been incurred but not
reported. Due to our significant self-insured amounts, we have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number
and severity of claims and the risk of being required to accrue or pay additional amounts if our estimates are revised
or the claims ultimately prove to be more severe than originally assessed. Historically, we have had to significantly
adjust our reserves on several occasions, and future significant adjustments may occur. Further, our self-insured
retention levels could change and result in more volatility than in recent years. If we are required to accrue or pay
additional amounts because our estimates are revised or the claims ultimately prove to be more severe than
originally assessed or if our self-insured retention levels change, our financial condition and results of operations
may be materially adversely affected.
We maintain insurance for most risks above the amounts for which we self-insure with licensed insurance carriers.
If any claim were to exceed our coverage, or fall outside the aggregate coverage limit, we would bear the excess
or uncovered amount, in addition to our other self-insured amounts. Insurance carriers have recently raised
premiums for our industry, and premiums in the near term are expected to continue to increase. Our insurance and
claims expense could increase if we have a similar experience at renewal, or we could find it necessary to raise
our self-insured retention or decrease our aggregate coverage limits when our policies are renewed or replaced.
Additionally, with respect to our insurance carriers, the industry is experiencing a decline in the number of carriers
and underwriters that offer certain insurance policies or that are willing to provide insurance for trucking
companies, and the necessity to go off-shore for insurance needs has increased. This may materially adversely
affect our insurance costs or make insurance in excess of our self-insured retention more difficult to find, as well
as increase our collateral requirements for policies that require security. Should these expenses increase, we
become unable to find excess coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, we experience a claim in excess of our
coverage limits, we experience a claim for which we do not have coverage, or we have to increase our reserves or
collateral, there could be a materially adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Our auto liability insurance policy contains a provision under which we have the option, on a retroactive basis, to
assume responsibility for the entire cost of covered claims during the policy period in exchange for a refund of a
portion of the premiums we paid for the policy. This is referred to as "commuting" the policy. We have elected to
commute policies on several occasions in the past. In exchange, we have assumed the risk for all claims during the
years for the policies commuted. Our subsequent payouts for the claims assumed have been less than the refunds.
We expect the total refunds to exceed the total payouts; however, not all of the claims have been finally resolved
and we cannot assure you of the result. We may continue to commute policies for certain years in the future. To
the extent we do so, and one or more claims result in large payouts, we will not have insurance, and our financial
condition, results of operation, and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.
Our self-insurance for auto liability claims and our use of captive insurance companies could adversely
impact our operations.
Covenant Transport, Inc. has been approved to self-insure for auto liability by the FMCSA. We believe this status,
along with the use of captive insurance companies, allows us to post substantially lower aggregate letters of credit
and restricted cash than we would be required to post without this status or the use of captive insurance companies.
We have two wholly owned captive insurance subsidiaries which are regulated insurance companies through which
we insure a portion of our auto liability claims in certain states. An increase in the number or severity of auto
liability claims for which we self-insure through the captive insurance companies or pressure in the insurance and
reinsurance markets could adversely impact our earnings and results of operations. Further, both arrangements
increase the possibility that our expenses will be volatile.
Our captive insurance companies are regulated by state authorities. State regulations generally provide protection
to policy holders, rather than stockholders. Such regulations may increase our costs, limit our ability to change
premiums, restrict our ability to access cash held by these subsidiaries, and otherwise impede our ability to take
actions we deem advisable.
To comply with certain state insurance regulatory requirements, cash and cash equivalents must be paid to our
captive insurance subsidiaries as capital investments and insurance premiums, which are restricted as collateral for
anticipated losses. Significant future increases in the amount of collateral required by third-party insurance carriers
and regulators would reduce our liquidity and could adversely affect our results of operations and capital resources.
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We have experienced, and may experience additional, erosion of available limits in our aggregate insurance
policies. Furthermore, we may experience additional expense to reinstate insurance policies due to liability
claims.
Our insurance program includes multi-year policies with specific insurance limits that may be eroded over the
course of the policy term. If that occurs, we will be operating with less liability coverage insurance at various
levels of our insurance tower. For discussion regarding the erosion of the $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million
coverage layer for the policy period that ran from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2021, please see "Insurance and
Claims" under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
Also, we may face mandatory reinstatement charges for expired policies due to liability claims. In the event of
such developments, we may experience additional expense accruals, increased insurance and claims expenses, and
greater volatility in our insurance and claims expenses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, and results of operations.
We operate in a highly regulated industry, and changes in existing regulations or violations of existing or
future regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability.
We, our drivers, and our equipment are regulated by the DOT, the EPA, the DHS, the U.S. Department of Defense,
and other agencies in states in which we operate. The sections of Environmental and Other Regulation included in
“Regulation” under “Business” discuss several proposed, pending, suspended, and final regulations that could
materially impact our business and operations. Our recent acquisition of an arms, ammunitions, and explosives
(“AA&E) carrier requires us to meet stringent rules relating to those operations and failure to comply could result
in loss of all business purchased and our related investment. Future laws and regulations may be more stringent,
require changes in our operating practices, influence the demand for transportation services or require us to incur
significant additional costs. Higher costs incurred by us, or by our suppliers who pass the costs onto us through
higher supplies and materials pricing, or liabilities we may incur related to our failure to comply with existing or
future regulations could adversely affect our results of operations.
If our independent contractor drivers are deemed by regulators or judicial process to be employees, our
business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Tax and other regulatory authorities, as well as independent contractors themselves, have increasingly asserted
that independent contractor drivers in the trucking industry are employees rather than independent contractors, for
a variety of purposes, including income tax withholding, workers' compensation, wage and hour compensation,
unemployment, and other issues. Federal legislators have introduced legislation in the past to make it easier for
tax and other authorities to reclassify independent contractor drivers as employees, including legislation to increase
the recordkeeping requirements for those that engage independent contractors and to heighten the penalties of
companies who misclassify their employees and are found to have violated employees' overtime and/or wage
requirements. Additionally, federal legislators have sought to abolish the current safe harbor allowing taxpayers
meeting certain criteria to treat individuals as independent contractors if they are following a long-standing,
recognized practice, extend the Fair Labor Standards Act to independent contractors, and impose notice
requirements based upon employment or independent contractor status and fines for failure to comply. Some states
have put initiatives in place to increase their revenues from items such as unemployment, workers' compensation,
and income taxes, and a reclassification of independent contractors as employees would help states with these
initiatives. Additionally, courts in certain states have issued recent decisions that could result in a greater likelihood
that independent contractors would be judicially classified as employees in such states. Further, class actions and
other lawsuits have been filed against certain members of our industry seeking to reclassify independent
contractors as employees for a variety of purposes, including workers' compensation and health care coverage. In
addition, companies that utilize lease-purchase independent contractor programs, such as us, have been more
susceptible to reclassification lawsuits and several recent court decisions have been made in favor of those seeking
to classify as employees certain independent contractors that participated in lease-purchase programs. Taxing and
other regulatory authorities and courts apply a variety of standards in their determination of independent contractor
status. Our classification of independent contractors has been the subject of audits by such authorities from time
to time. While we have been successful in continuing to classify our independent contractor drivers as independent
contractors and not employees, we may be unsuccessful in defending that position in the future. If our independent
contractors are determined to be our employees, we would incur additional exposure under federal and state tax,
workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment, and tort laws, including for prior periods, as
well as potential liability for employee benefits and tax withholdings. For further discussion of the laws impacting
the classification of independent contractors, please see "Regulation" under "Business."
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Developments in labor and employment law and any unionizing efforts by employees could have a
materially adverse effect on our results of operations.
We face the risk that Congress, federal agencies or one or more states could approve legislation or regulations
significantly affecting our businesses and our relationship with our employees which would have substantially
liberalized the procedures for union organization. None of our domestic employees are currently covered by a
collective bargaining agreement, but any attempt by our employees to organize a labor union could result in
increased legal and other associated costs. Additionally, given the National Labor Relations Board’s “speedy
election” rule, our ability to timely and effectively address any unionizing efforts would be difficult. If we entered
into a collective bargaining agreement with our domestic employees, the terms could materially adversely affect
our costs, efficiency, and ability to generate acceptable returns on the affected operations. Failure to comply with
existing or future labor and employment laws could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating
results. For further discussion of the labor and employment laws, please see "Regulation" under “Business.”
The CSA program adopted by the FMCSA could adversely affect our profitability and operations, our
ability to maintain or grow our fleet, and our customer relationships.
Under CSA, fleets are evaluated and ranked against their peers based on certain safety-related standards. As a
result, our fleet could be ranked poorly as compared to peer carriers, which could have an adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, and results of operations. We recruit and retain first-time drivers to be part of our
fleet, and these drivers may have a higher likelihood of creating adverse safety events under CSA. The occurrence
of future deficiencies could affect driver recruitment by causing high-quality drivers to seek employment with
other carriers, limit the pool of available drivers, or could cause our customers to direct their business away from
us and to carriers with higher fleet safety rankings, either of which would adversely affect our results of operations.
Further, we may incur greater than expected expenses in our attempts to improve unfavorable scores.
Certain of our subsidiaries are currently exceeding the established intervention thresholds in a number of the seven
CSA safety-related categories. Based on these unfavorable ratings, we may be prioritized for an intervention action
or roadside inspection, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations. In addition, customers may
be less likely to assign loads to us. For further discussion of the CSA program, please see "Regulation" under
“Business.”. Insofar as any changes in the CSA Program increase the likelihood of us receiving unfavorable scores
or mandate FMCSA to restore public access to scores, it could adversely affect our results of operation and
profitability.
Receipt of an unfavorable DOT safety rating could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and
profitability.
All of our motor carriers currently have a satisfactory DOT safety rating, which is the highest available rating
under the current safety rating scale. One of our motor carriers, through which we operate over half of our tractors,
is at greater risk of a DOT Compliance Review as a result of its CSA Scores. In the event of a DOT Compliance
Review, we believe there is a possibility of a conditional rating at such motor carrier. If any of our motor carriers
receive a conditional or unsatisfactory rating, certain provisions in customer contracts could allow the customer to
reduce or terminate their relationship, it could affect our insurance costs and our ability to self-insure for personal
injury and property damage relating to the transportation of freight, and it could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition, and results of operations. For further discussion of the DOT safety rating, please see
"Regulation" under “Business.”.
Compliance with various environmental laws and regulations upon which our operations are subject may
increase our costs of operations and non-compliance with such laws and regulations could result in
substantial fines or penalties.
In addition to direct regulation under the DOT and related agencies, we are subject to various environmental laws
and regulations dealing with the hauling and handling of hazardous materials, fuel storage tanks, air emissions
from our vehicles and facilities, and discharge and retention of storm water. Our tractor terminals often are located
in industrial areas where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination may have occurred or could
occur. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste
disposal, among others. We also maintain above-ground bulk fuel storage tanks and fueling islands at several of
our facilities and one leased facility has below-ground bulk fuel storage tanks. A small percentage of our freight
consists of low-grade hazardous substances, which subjects us to a wide array of regulations. Although we have
instituted programs to monitor and control environmental risks and promote compliance with applicable
environmental laws and regulations, if we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances,
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if there are releases of hazardous substances we transport, if soil or groundwater contamination is found at our
facilities or results from our operations, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, we
could be subject to cleanup costs and liabilities, including substantial fines or penalties or civil and criminal
liability, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. For further
discussion of environmental laws and regulations, please see "Regulation" under “Business.”
Changes to trade regulation, quotas, duties, or tariffs, caused by the changing U.S. and geopolitical
environments or otherwise, may increase our costs and materially adversely affect our business.
The imposition of additional tariffs or quotas or changes to certain trade agreements, including tariffs applied to
goods traded between the United States and China, could, among other things, increase the costs of the materials
used by our suppliers to produce new revenue equipment or increase the price of fuel. Such cost increases for our
revenue equipment suppliers would likely be passed on to us, and to the extent fuel prices increase, we may not be
able to fully recover such increases through rate increases or our fuel surcharge program, either of which could
have a material adverse effect on our business.
Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, independent contractors, customers, vendors,
government agencies, stockholders, and other parties through private actions, class actions, administrative
proceedings, regulatory actions, and other processes. Recently, trucking companies, including us, have been and
currently are subject to lawsuits, including class action lawsuits, alleging violations of various federal and state
wage and hour laws regarding, among other things, employee meal breaks, rest periods, overtime eligibility, and
failure to pay for all hours worked. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial
settlements or damages by the defendants. We recently acquired a business that hauls arms, ammunitions, and
explosives (“AA&E”) that could increase our exposure if there were an accident involving this freight.
The outcome of litigation, particularly class action lawsuits and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify,
and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of
time. The cost to defend litigation may also be significant. Not all claims are covered by our insurance, and there
can be no assurance that our coverage limits will be adequate to cover all amounts in dispute. To the extent we
experience claims that are uninsured, exceed our coverage limits, involve significant aggregate use of our self-
insured retention amounts, or cause increases in future premiums, the resulting expenses could have a materially
adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.
In addition, we may be subject, and have been subject in the past, to litigation resulting from trucking accidents.
The number and severity of litigation claims may be worsened by distracted driving by both truck drivers and other
motorists. These lawsuits have resulted, and may result in the future, in the payment of substantial settlements or
damages and increases of our insurance costs.
Increasing attention on environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) matters may have a negative impact
on our business, impose additional costs on us, and expose us to additional risks.
Companies are facing increasing attention from stakeholders relating to ESG matters, including environmental
stewardship, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion. Organizations that provide information to investors
on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their
approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions.
Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward the Company, which could have a
negative impact on our stock price.
We recently published our Corporate Social Responsibility Report. This report reflects our current initiatives and
is not a guarantee that we will be able to achieve them. Our ability to successfully execute these initiatives and
accurately report our progress presents numerous operational, financial, legal, reputational and other risks, many
of which are outside our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business.
Additionally, the implementation of these initiatives imposes additional costs on us. If our ESG initiatives fail to
satisfy our stakeholders, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain employees, and our attractiveness as an
investment and business partner could be negatively impacted. Similarly, our failure, or perceived failure, to pursue
or fulfill our goals, targets and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards within the timelines we
announce, or at all, could also have similar negative impacts and expose us to government enforcement actions
and private litigation.
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FINANCIAL RISKS
Our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (our "Credit Facility") and other financing
arrangements contain certain covenants, restrictions, and requirements, and we may be unable to comply
with such covenants, restrictions, and requirements.
We have a $110.0 million Credit Facility and numerous other financing arrangements. Our Credit Facility contains
certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and
dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, affiliate transactions, and a fixed charge coverage ratio, if
availability is below a certain threshold. We have had difficulty meeting budgeted results and have had to request
amendments or waivers in the past. If we are unable to meet budgeted results or otherwise comply with our Credit
Facility, we may be unable to obtain amendments or waivers under our Credit Facility, or we may incur fees in
doing so.
Certain other financing arrangements contain certain restrictions and non-financial covenants, in addition to those
contained in our Credit Facility. If we fail to comply with any of our financing arrangement covenants, restrictions,
and requirements, we will be in default under the relevant agreement, which could cause cross-defaults under our
other financing arrangements. In the event of any such default, if we failed to obtain replacement financing,
amendments to, or waivers under the applicable financing arrangements, our lenders could cease making further
advances, declare our debt to be immediately due and payable, fail to renew letters of credit, impose significant
restrictions and requirements on our operations, institute foreclosure procedures against their collateral, or impose
significant fees and transaction costs. If acceleration occurs, economic conditions such as the recent credit market
crisis may make it difficult or expensive to refinance the accelerated debt or we may have to issue equity securities,
which would dilute stock ownership. Even if new financing is made available to us, credit may not be available to
us on acceptable terms. A default under our financing arrangements could result in a materially adverse effect on
our liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations.
In the future, we may need to obtain additional financing that may not be available or, if it is available, may
result in a reduction in the percentage ownership of our stockholders.
We may need to raise additional funds in order to:
finance working capital requirements, capital investments, or refinance existing indebtedness;
develop or enhance our technological infrastructure and our existing products and services;
fund strategic relationships;
respond to competitive pressures; and
acquire complementary businesses, technologies, products, or services.
If the economy and/or the credit markets weaken, or we are unable to enter into finance or operating leases to
acquire revenue equipment on terms favorable to us, our business, financial results, and results of operations could
be materially adversely affected, especially if consumer confidence declines and domestic spending decreases.
If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our strategic
initiatives, take advantage of unanticipated opportunities, develop or enhance technology or services, or otherwise
respond to competitive pressures or market changes could be significantly limited. If we raise additional funds by
issuing equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders may be reduced, and
holders of these securities may have rights, preferences, or privileges senior to those of our stockholders.
Our indebtedness and finance and operating lease obligations could adversely affect our ability to respond
to changes in our industry or business.
As a result of our level of debt, finance leases, operating leases, and encumbered assets, we believe:
our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions and competitive pressures is heightened;
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we will continue to be required to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to
lease payments and repayment of debt, limiting the availability of cash for our operations, capital
expenditures, and future business opportunities;
our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry will be limited;
our profitability is sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates because some of our debt obligations are
subject to variable interest rates, and future borrowings and lease financing arrangements will be
affected by any such fluctuations;
our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, debt
service requirements, acquisitions, or other purposes may be limited;
it may be difficult for us to comply with the multitude of financial covenants, borrowing conditions,
or other obligations contained in our debt agreements, thereby increasing the risk that we trigger certain
cross-default provisions;
we may be required to issue additional equity securities to raise funds, which would dilute the
ownership position of our stockholders;
we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage relative to some of our competitors that have less, or
less restrictive, debt than us; and
our results of operations and cash flows are sensitive to fluctuations in interest rates because some of
our debt obligations are subject to variable interest rates, and future borrowings and lease financing
arrangements may be affected by any such fluctuations.
Our financing obligations could negatively impact our future operations, ability to satisfy our capital needs, or
ability to engage in other business activities. We also cannot assure you that additional financing will be available
to us when required or, if available, will be on terms satisfactory to us. Finally, we may be unsuccessful in our
strategy to maintain lower leverage than we have historically.
Our profitability may be materially adversely impacted if our capital investments do not match customer
demand or if there is a decline in the availability of funding sources for these investments.
Our operations require significant capital investments. The amount and timing of such investments depend on
various factors, including anticipated freight demand and the price and availability of assets. If anticipated demand
differs materially from actual usage, we may have too many or too few assets. Moreover, resource requirements
vary based on customer demand, which may be subject to seasonal or general economic conditions. Our ability to
select profitable freight and adapt to changes in customer transportation requirements is important to efficiently
deploy resources and make capital investments in tractors and trailers (with respect to our asset based operations)
or obtain qualified third-party capacity at a reasonable price (with respect to our Managed Freight segment).
Although our business volume is not highly concentrated, our customers’ financial failures or loss of customer
business may also affect us.
We expect to pay for projected capital expenditures with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our Credit
Facility, proceeds from the sale of our used revenue equipment, proceeds under other financing facilities, and
leases of revenue equipment. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on
favorable terms in the future, we may have to limit our fleet size, enter into less favorable financing arrangements,
or operate our revenue equipment for longer periods, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our
profitability.
Increased prices for new revenue equipment, design changes of new engines, future uses of autonomous
tractors, volatility in the used equipment market, decreased availability of new revenue equipment, and the
failure of manufacturers to meet their sale or trade-back obligations to us could have a materially adverse
effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and profitability.
We are subject to risk with respect to higher prices for new tractors, including significant increase in recent
quarters. We have at times experienced an increase in prices for new tractors and the resale values of the tractors
have not always increased to the same extent. Prices have increased and may continue to increase, due, in part, to
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(i) government regulations applicable to newly manufactured tractors and diesel engines, (ii) higher commodity
prices, and (iii) the pricing discretion of equipment manufacturers. In addition, we have recently equipped our
tractors with safety, aerodynamic, and other options that increase the price of new equipment. Compliance with
such regulations has increased the cost of our new tractors, may increase the cost of new trailers, could impair
equipment productivity, in some cases, result in lower fuel mileage, and increase our operating expenses. Our
business could be harmed if we are unable to continue to obtain an adequate supply of new tractors and trailers for
these or other reasons, and future use of autonomous tractors could increase the price of new tractors and decrease
the value of used, non-autonomous tractors. As a result, we expect to continue to pay increased prices for
equipment and incur additional expenses and related financing costs for the foreseeable future. Furthermore,
reduced equipment efficiency may result from new engines designed to reduce emissions, thereby increasing our
operating expenses.
Furthermore, a decrease in vendor output may have a materially adverse effect on our ability to purchase a quantity
of new revenue equipment that is sufficient to sustain our desired growth rate and to maintain a late-model fleet.
Tractor and trailer vendors may reduce their manufacturing output in response to lower demand for their products
in economic downturns or shortages of component parts. Currently, tractor and trailer manufacturers are
experiencing significant shortages of semiconductor chips and other component parts and supplies, including steel,
forcing many manufacturers to curtail or suspend their production, which has led to a lower supply of tractors and
trailers, higher prices, and lengthened trade cycles, which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition, and results of operations, particularly our maintenance expense and driver retention.
A depressed market for used equipment could require us to trade our revenue equipment at depressed values or to
record losses on disposal or impairments of the carrying values of our revenue equipment that is not protected by
residual value arrangements. Used equipment prices are subject to substantial fluctuations based on freight
demand, the supply of used tractors, the availability of financing, the presence of buyers for export to foreign
countries, and commodity prices for scrap metal. If there is a deterioration of resale prices, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Certain of our revenue equipment financing arrangements have balloon payments at the end of the finance terms
equal to the values we expect to be able to obtain in the used market. To the extent the used market values are
lower than that, we may be forced to sell the equipment at a loss and our results of operations would be materially
adversely affected.
Our 49% owned subsidiary, TEL, faces certain additional risks particular to its operations, any one of
which could adversely affect our operating results.
In May 2011, we acquired a 49% interest in TEL, a used equipment leasing company and reseller. We account for
our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting. TEL faces several risks similar to those we face
and additional risks particular to its business and operations. TEL has significant ongoing capital requirements and
carries significant debt. The ability to secure financing and market fluctuations in interest rates could impact TEL's
ability to grow its leasing business and its margins on leases. Adverse economic activity may restrict the number
of used equipment buyers and their ability to pay prices for used equipment that we find acceptable. In addition,
TEL's leasing customers are typically small trucking companies without substantial financial resources, and TEL
is subject to risk of loss should those customers be unable to make their lease payments. In 2019, TEL had a
significant customer that declared bankruptcy, which resulted in a reduction in TEL’s profitability into 2020. A
portion of TEL’s business includes leasing equipment to individual independent contractors who are generally not
required to provide significant amounts to secure their obligations under the lease agreements with TEL. Such
independent contractors generally have few assets and are at a heightened risk of defaulting under such lease
agreements, which may cause TEL to incur unreimbursed costs related to the recovery of equipment, equipment
maintenance and repair, missed lease payments, and the reletting of the equipment. In addition, the shrinking
independent contractor market may decrease the number of drivers available to utilize such portion of TEL’s
business and could decrease TEL’s revenues. Further, we believe the used equipment market will significantly
impact TEL's results of operations and such market has been volatile in the past. There can be no assurance that
TEL will experience gains on sale similar to those it has experienced in the past and it may incur losses on sale. As
regulations change, the market for used equipment may be impacted as such regulatory changes may make used
equipment costly to upgrade to comply with such regulations or we may be forced to scrap equipment if such
regulations eliminate the market for particular used equipment. Further, there is an overlap in providers of
equipment financing to TEL and our wholly owned operations and those providers may consider the combined
exposure and limit the amount of credit available to us.
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TEL's majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to certain
permitted transferees, without our consent. There is no assurance that we will be able to agree on any proposed
sale or transfer of interests in TEL, whether by us or the other owners.
Finally, we do not control TEL's ownership or management. Our investment in TEL is subject to the risk that
TEL's management and controlling members may make business, financial, or management decisions with which
we do not agree or that the management or controlling members may take risks or otherwise act in a manner that
does not serve our interests. If any of the foregoing were to occur, the value of our investment in TEL could
decrease, and our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow could suffer as a result.
We may incur additional charges in connection with the disposition of substantially all of the operations
and assets of TFS, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows,
available liquidity, and total indebtedness.
During the third quarter of 2020, we sold substantially all of the operations and assets of TFS. In connection with
the sale of TFS’ assets, we agreed to indemnify the purchaser of TFS’ assets for certain advances we made to
specified clients prior to the sale. We are responsible for and will indemnify the purchaser for 100% of the first
$30 million of any losses incurred by the purchaser related to these advances, and for 50% of the next $30 million
of any losses incurred by the purchaser, for total indemnification by us of $45.0 million (the "TFS Settlement").
Our indemnification obligations are secured by certain revenue equipment.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, triggering events caused us to assess our likely indemnification obligation,
which resulted in recording a $44.2 million contingent loss charge, which reflects nearly all of our potential
exposure. During the first quarter of 2021, we received an indemnification call of $35.6 million related to the TFS
Settlement, all of which was reserved during the fourth quarter of 2020. Additionally, the purchaser of TFS’ assets
was able to collect some funds related to our fourth quarter 2020 accrual that allowed us the opportunity to reverse
$3.4 million of our accrual during the first quarter of 2021. During the second quarter of 2021 we repaid $31.0
million of the borrowings under the Draw Note and during the third quarter of 2021 we repaid the remaining
balance. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Draw Note and a remaining
contingent liability of $5.1 million. The payment of amounts with respect to the indemnification obligations could
create volatility in our reported future financial results and could have an adverse effect on our cash flows, available
liquidity, and total indebtedness.
We could determine that our goodwill and other intangible assets are impaired, thus recognizing a related
loss.
As of December 31, 2021, we had goodwill of $42.5 million and other intangible assets of $20.5 million, solely
from the Landair Acquisition. We evaluate our goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment. We could
recognize impairments in the future, and we may never realize the full value of our intangible assets. If these events
occur, our profitability and financial condition will suffer.
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and his wife control a large portion of our stock
and have substantial control over us, which could limit other stockholders' ability to influence the outcome
of key transactions, including changes of control.
Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, David Parker, and his wife, Jacqueline Parker,
beneficially own or have sole voting and dispositive power over approximately 11% of our outstanding Class A
common stock and 100% of our Class B common stock. On all matters with respect to which our stockholders
have a right to vote, including the election of directors, each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote,
while each share of Class B common stock is entitled to two votes. All outstanding shares of Class B common
stock are owned by the Parkers and are convertible to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at the
election of the Parkers or automatically upon transfer to someone outside of the Parker family. This voting
structure gives the Parkers approximately 32% of the voting power of all of our outstanding stock. As such, the
Parkers are able to substantially influence decisions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our
entire Board of Directors, the adoption or extension of anti-takeover provisions, mergers, and other business
combinations. This concentration of ownership could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay
for the Class A common stock, and could allow the Parkers to prevent or could discourage or delay a change of
control, which other stockholders may favor. The interests of the Parkers may conflict with the interests of other
holders of Class A common stock, and they may take actions affecting us with which other stockholders disagree.
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Provisions in our charter documents or Nevada law may inhibit a takeover, which could limit the price
investors might be willing to pay for our Class A common stock.
Our Third Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Articles of Incorporation”), our Sixth Amended and
Restated Bylaws ("Bylaws"), and Nevada corporate law contain provisions that could delay, discourage, or prevent
a change of control or changes in our Board of Directors or management that a stockholder might consider
favorable. For example, our Articles of Incorporation authorize our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock
without stockholder approval and to set the rights, preferences and other terms thereof, including voting rights of
those shares; our Articles of Incorporation do not provide for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which
would otherwise allow holders of less than a majority of stock to elect some directors; our Class B common stock
possesses disproportionate voting rights; and our Bylaws provide that a stockholder must provide advance notice
of business to be brought before an annual meeting or to nominate candidates for election as directors at an annual
meeting of stockholders. These provisions will apply even if the change may be considered beneficial by some of
our stockholders, and thereby negatively affect the price that investors might be willing to pay in the future for our
Class A common stock. In addition, to the extent that these provisions discourage an acquisition of our company
or other change in control transaction, they could deprive stockholders of opportunities to realize takeover
premiums for their shares of our Class A common stock.
The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile.
The price of our Class A common stock may fluctuate widely, depending upon a number of factors, many of which
are beyond our control. In addition, stock markets generally experience significant price and volume volatility
from time to time which may adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock for reasons unrelated
to our performance.
We cannot guarantee the timing or amount of repurchases of our Class A common stock, or the declaration
of future dividends, if any.
The timing and amount of future repurchases of our Class A common stock, including repurchases under our
current stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up to $38 million of our Class A common stock, as
well as the declaration of future dividends, is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on many
factors such as our financial condition, earnings, cash flows, capital requirements, any future debt service
obligations, covenants under our existing or future debt agreements, industry practice, legal requirements,
regulatory constraints, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant. While it is expected that we will
continue to pay a quarterly dividend under the dividend program initiated in January 2022, there is no assurance
that we will declare or pay any future dividends or as to the amount or timing of those dividends, if any.
If we fail to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting in the future, there could be an
elevated possibility of a material misstatement, and such a misstatement could cause investors to lose
confidence in our financial statements, which could have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
If we fail to maintain effective internal controls in the future, including any future acquisitions, it could result in a
material misstatement of our financial statements, which could cause investors to lose confidence in our financial
statements or cause our stock price to decline.
COVID-19 RISKS
We could be negatively impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak or other similar outbreaks.
We have experienced an increase in absences or terminations among our driver and non-driver personnel due to
the outbreak of COVID-19, including its variants, which have disrupted our operations, particularly for our
maintenance personnel. Our operations, particularly in areas of increased COVID-19 infections could be disrupted.
Furthermore, government vaccine, testing, and mask mandates could increase our turnover and make recruiting
more difficult, particularly among our driver, warehouse, and maintenance personnel. See "Risk Factors” for
additional details regarding COVID-19 vaccine, testing, and mask mandates.
Negative financial results, operational disruptions and a tightening of credit markets, caused by COVID-19, other
similar outbreaks, or a recession, could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, reduce credit options
available to us, adversely impact the ability of our customers to pay for our services, make it more difficult to
obtain amendments, extensions, and waivers, and adversely impact our ability to effectively meet our short- and
long-term obligations.
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The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly increased uncertainty in the economy. Risks related to a slowdown
or recession are described in our risk factor titled “Our business is subject to economic, credit, business, and
regulatory factors affecting the truckload industry that are largely beyond our control, any of which could have a
materially adverse effect on our operating results”.
Short-term and long-term developments related to COVID-19 have been unpredictable and the extent to which
further developments could impact our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and cash
flows is highly uncertain. Such developments may include the duration of the virus, the distribution and availability
of vaccines, vaccine hesitancy, the severity of the disease, and the actions that may be taken by various
governmental authorities and other third parties in response to the outbreak.
We continue to diligently monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all aspects of our business, including
the impact on our customers, teammates, suppliers and communities.
PROPERTIES
We own or lease administrative offices and truck terminals (which provide a transfer location for trailer relays on
transcontinental routes, parking space for equipment dispatch, facilities for recruiting and orientation, sales offices,
and warehouses) throughout the continental United States, none of which are individually material.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Information about our legal proceedings is included in Note 14, "Commitments and Contingent Liabilities" of the
accompanying consolidated financial statements and is incorporated by reference herein.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS, AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Price Range of Common Stock
Our Class A common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, under the symbol "CVLG."
As of February 24, 2022, we had approximately 74 stockholders of record of our Class A common stock; however,
we estimate our actual number of stockholders is much higher because a substantial number of our shares are held
of record by brokers or dealers for their customers in street names. As of February 24, 2022, Mr. Parker, together
with certain of his family members, owned all of the outstanding Class B common stock.
Dividend Policy
On January 26, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend program of $0.0625 per share
subject to quarterly approval by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has approved the first dividend,
which will be for stockholders of record as of March 4, 2022, and payable on March 25, 2022. It is the current
intention of our Board of Directors to continue to pay a quarterly dividend under the dividend program, however,
there is no assurance that we will declare or pay any future dividends or as to the amount or timing of those
dividends, if any. The payment of cash dividends is currently limited by our financing arrangements. Future
payments of cash dividends will depend upon our financial condition, earnings, cash flows, capital requirements,
any future debt service obligations, covenants under our existing or future debt agreements, industry practice, legal
requirements, regulatory constraints, and other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
Refer to Note 4, "Stock-Based Compensation," of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for certain
information concerning shares of our Class A common stock authorized for issuance under our equity
compensation plans.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read
together with the “Business” section of this Annual Report, as well as the consolidated financial statements and
notes thereto. This discussion contains forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those set
forth under “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” of this Annual Report,
33
and elsewhere in this report. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject
to risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those discussed.
EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW
We are a leading provider of high-service truckload transportation and logistics services. Our strategy is to focus
on value-added, less commoditized portions of our customers’ supply chains and thereby become embedded in
their business processes. We believe disciplined planning and execution of our strategy will reduce the cyclicality
and seasonality of our financial results through growth in higher margin, less volatile services, which in turn will
enhance sustainable long-term earnings power and return on invested capital for our stockholders.
Our four reportable segments are Expedited, Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing, each as described
under “Reportable Operating Segments and Service Offerings” above. In 2020, we discontinued our solo-driver
refrigerated services. Within our Dedicated reportable segment we have continued reducing our business with less
profitable customers while working to grow our relationships with customers that are more profitable. We have a
robust pipeline of opportunities for our Dedicated service offering and will continue to transition business to new
customers in instances where we are unable to come to terms with existing customers. Managed Freight produced
record performance in 2021 as a result of strong execution and effective coordination with our Expedited and
Dedicated segments, while Warehousing grew revenue, but fell short of our 2021 margin goals as a result of start-
up rent on a new facility and increased labor costs. The table below reflects the total revenue trends in each of
these reportable segments:
(in thousands)
Revenues:
Expedited
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total revenues
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
337,063 $
324,541
321,236
63,163
1,046,003 $
320,202
288,652
177,579
52,128
838,561
During 2020 we strategically repositioned our enterprise around our reportable segments, reduced our fixed
overhead and capital deployed in non-core businesses, flattened our management structure, and improved our
margins on an adjusted basis. At the same time, we paid down over $200 million in debt and lease obligations. As
a result of those changes, for 2020 we incurred approximately $69 million non-cash restructuring related charges,
including an approximately $44 million contingent loss charge in relation to our discontinued TFS factoring
business in the fourth quarter of 2020. Our results for 2021 exhibited the power of these changes to our operating
model and show what our team can accomplish with diligent execution and teamwork.
The following is a summary of infrequent and non-cash transactions that occurred during 2020:
(in thousands)
$
Intangible asset amortization
Bad debt expense associated with customer bankruptcy and high credit risk customers
Insurance policy erosion
Strategic restructuring adjusting items:
Discontinued operations loss contingency, net
Gain on disposal of terminals, net
Impairment of real estate and related intangible assets
Impairment of revenue equipment and related charges
Restructuring related separation and other
Abandonment of information technology infrastructure
Contract exit costs and other restructuring
Total pre-tax adjustments
$
34
Twelve Months
Ended
December 31,
2020
5,097
2,617
4,447
40,431
(4,740 )
9,790
17,604
4,334
1,048
695
81,323
Our consolidated financial results are summarized as follows:
Total revenue was $1,046.0 million, compared with $838.6 million for 2020, and freight revenue
(which excludes revenue from fuel surcharges) was $949.9 million, compared with $776.2 million for
2020;
Operating income from continuing operations was $67.2 million, compared with operating loss from
continuing operations of $14.0 million for 2020;
Net income was $60.7 million, or $3.57 per diluted share, compared with net loss of $42.7 million,
or $2.46 per diluted share, for 2020; Net income from continuing operations was $79.2 million, or
$3.42 per diluted share, for 2021 compared to $16.9 million net loss from continuing operations or
$0.81 per diluted share in 2020. Net income from discontinued operations of $2.5 million, or $0.15 per
diluted share, for 2021 compared to net loss from discontinued operations of $28.6 million, or $1.65
per diluted share in 2020;
With available borrowing capacity of $83.6 million under our Credit Facility as of December 31, 2021,
we do not expect to be required to test our fixed charge covenant in the foreseeable future;
Our equity investment in TEL provided $14.8 million of pre-tax earnings in 2021, compared to $3.9
million for 2020;
Since December 31, 2020, total indebtedness, net of cash, decreased by $36.1 million to $65.8 million;
Leverage ratio (average total indebtedness, net of cash, divided by the sum of operating income (loss,
depreciation and amortization, gain on disposition of property and equipment, net, and impairment of
long lived property and equipment) was 0.72 at December 31, 2021, compared to 2.89 at December
31, 2020;
Stockholders' equity at December 31, 2021 was $349.7 million; and
Tangible book value per end-of-quarter basic share at December 31, 2021 was $17.10, compared to
$13.03 at December 31, 2020.
COVID-19
The health and safety of our team members and the community is our first priority. To protect our customers,
teammates, and communities, while we continue to operate we:
continue to execute our Infectious Disease Response Plan and Incident Management Crisis Response
Protocols;
follow our established process for the reporting of COVID-19 symptoms, exposures and positive test
results of teammates. This reporting process enables us to follow appropriate quarantine protocols and
to communicate to our workforce in a timely and appropriate manner;
communicate with teammates through videos, virtual meetings and emails about safety protocols and
CDC requirements and recommendations;
continue increased sanitation protocols to sanitize equipment and common areas multiple times per
day in order to mitigate risk and exposure situations;
promote hygiene practices recommended by the CDC, including social distancing requiring six or more
feet between teammates where possible, and staggered work times;
support work-from-home routines for teammates whose work duties permit it and are utilizing virtual
technology to replace many of our in-person meetings; and
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follow a comprehensive Return to Office Program of Guidelines to manage a phased, measured
approach and to prepare our higher density locations with safety modifications, signage and process
changes to promote a safe work environment.
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs, however we continue to evaluate and act, as
necessary, to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure our ability to operate during these unprecedented times. The
extent to which COVID-19 could impact our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, and
cash flows is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments. We will continue to evaluate the nature
and extent of the potential short-term and long-term impacts to our business.
Outlook
Going forward, we intend to steadily and intentionally grow the percentage of our revenue generated by Dedicated,
Managed Freight, and Warehousing segments, while selectively investing in the Expedited segment to remain a
leader in that sector. At the same time, we will continue to diligently pursue reducing unnecessary overhead,
improving our safety, service, and productivity, diversifying our customer base with less seasonal and cyclical
exposure, improving customer contracts, and investing in systems, technology, and people to support the growth
of these previously under-invested areas. Over time, we expect Expedited and Dedicated to generate high single-
digit to low double-digit operating margins, and Managed Freight and Warehousing to generate mid-to-high
single-digit operating margins. Based on our expected asset intensity, these operating margins should produce
double-digit returns on invested capital.
With diligence and accountability, we expect to grow our market share organically and through acquisitions,
continue to improve our operations, and be a stronger, more profitable, and more predictable business with the
opportunity for significant and sustained value creation. Based on our anticipated cash flow generation profile, we
will be able to continue our cash dividend program and evaluate a full range of capital allocation alternatives,
including debt paydown, organic growth, acquisition and disposition opportunities, and stock repurchases.
Our outlook is positive for continued operational progress during 2022. For at least the first few months of 2022,
we anticipate a strong freight market accompanied by constrained capacity due to a national driver and equipment
shortage. During this period, we expect a continuation of significant increases in pricing and operating costs, and
we expect to continue to improve the margin expectation in certain Dedicated contracts and the duration of fleet
commitments in certain Expedited contracts. Later in the year, we expect demand to become more balanced as
supply chains gain fluidity, economic growth potentially slows, and consumer spending on services rebounds.
We expect cost pressure to persist even if freight demand moderates. From wages and insurance, to equipment and
parts, to fuel prices and interest rates, the cost of our business is increasing. During the first half of 2022, we will
have difficult comparisons due to unusually low insurance and claims and overhead expense during the 2021
period. Overall, absent a substantial, near-term deterioration in market forces, we expect a combination of pricing
gains, improvement in our Dedicated segment, revenue growth, and continued focus on cost control, to support
2022 operating results similar to those in 2021, although the timing of various market factors and the speed of our
execution could cause a range of possible results.
RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in this
document generally discusses 2021 and 2020 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2021 and
2020. Discussions of 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019 that are not included in
this document can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020.
36
The following table sets forth total revenue and freight revenue (total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) for the
periods indicated:
Revenue
(in thousands)
Revenue:
Freight revenue
Fuel surcharge revenue
Total revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
949,913 $
96,090
1,046,003 $
776,218
62,343
838,561
The increase in freight revenue resulted from a $143.7 million, $21.4 million, and $10.8 million increase in
Managed Freight, Dedicated, and Warehousing freight revenue, respectively, partially offset by a $2.1 million
decrease in freight revenue from our Expedited reportable segment.
Our Expedited total revenue increased $16.9 million, as fuel surcharge revenue increased $19.0 million and
freight revenue decreased $2.1 million. The decrease in 2021 Expedited freight revenue relates to a 254 (or 22.9%)
average tractor decrease partially offset by an increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week of 29.2%
compared to 2020. The increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week is the result of an approximately
19.0% increase in average miles per tractor and an 8.3%, or 15.0 cents per mile, increase in average rate per total
mile when compared to 2020. Seated team driven tractors decreased approximately 6.2% to an average of 784
teams in 2021 from 836 teams in 2020.
Our Dedicated total revenue increased $35.9 million, as freight revenue increased $21.4 million and fuel surcharge
revenue increased $14.5 million. The increase in 2021 Dedicated freight revenue relates to an increase in average
freight revenue per tractor per week of 11.5%, partially offset by a 40 (or 2.5%) average tractor decrease, compared
to 2020. The increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week is the result of a 16.6%, or 31.2 cents per
mile increase in average rate per total mile, partially offset by 4.7% fewer miles per tractor. As part of our focus
to improve Dedicated profitability we seek to continue to improve revenue per tractor per week in 2022.
Managed Freight total revenue increased $143.7 million in 2021 compared to 2020 as the result of a robust freight
market, executing various spot rate opportunities, and handling overflow freight from both our Expedited and
Dedicated truckload operations.
The $11.0 million increase in Warehousing revenue is primarily the result of new customer business that began
operations during the third quarter of 2020.
For comparison purposes in the discussion below, we use total revenue and freight revenue (total revenue less fuel
surcharge revenue) when discussing changes as a percentage of revenue.
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
(dollars in thousands)
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
350,246
$
33.5 %
36.9 %
2020
315,023
37.6 %
40.6 %
The increase in salaries, wages, and related expenses on a dollars basis is primarily due to substantial cents per
mile driver pay increases made throughout 2021, management incentive compensation attributable to favorable
2021 results, and increases in contract labor and workers' compensation costs for 2021 compared to 2020. The
increase in driver pay was partially offset by a 7.7% decrease on total miles compared to 2020. The decreases on
a percentage basis are due to increased revenue over which to spread those costs.
We believe salaries, wages, and related expenses will continue to increase going forward as a result of driver pay
changes put in place in the tight freight market. Additionally, we expect salaries, wages, and related expenses to
continue to increase as the result of wage inflation, higher healthcare costs, and, in certain periods, increased
incentive compensation due to better performance. In addition to the driver pay increases put into place during the
fourth quarter of 2020 for our Dedicated reportable segment, in 2021 we implemented the largest driver pay
37
increases in our history. If freight market rates increase further, we would expect to, as we have historically, pass
a portion of those rate increases on to our professional drivers. Salaries, wages, and related expenses will fluctuate
to some extent based on the percentage of revenue generated by independent contractors and our Managed Freight
segment, for which payments are reflected in the purchased transportation line item.
Fuel expense
(dollars in thousands)
Fuel expense
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
103,641
$
9.9 %
10.9 %
77,443
9.2 %
10.0 %
The changes in total fuel expense are primarily related to higher fuel prices in 2021, partially offset by
a 7.7% decrease in total miles.
We receive a fuel surcharge on our loaded miles from most shippers; however, in times of increasing fuel prices,
this does not cover the entire increase in fuel prices for several reasons, including the following: surcharges cover
only loaded miles we operate; surcharges do not cover miles driven out-of-route by our drivers; and surcharges
typically do not cover refrigeration unit fuel usage or fuel burned by tractors while idling. Moreover, most of our
business relating to shipments obtained from freight brokers does not carry a fuel surcharge. Finally, fuel
surcharges vary in the percentage of reimbursement offered, and not all surcharges fully compensate for fuel price
increases even on loaded miles.
The rate of fuel price changes also can have an impact on results. Most fuel surcharges are based on the average
fuel price as published by the DOE for the week prior to the shipment, meaning we typically bill customers in the
current week based on the previous week's applicable index. Therefore, in times of increasing fuel prices, we do
not recover as much as we are currently paying for fuel. In periods of declining prices, the opposite is true. Fuel
prices as measured by the DOE averaged approximately $0.74 per gallon, or 29.0%, higher in 2021 than 2020.
To measure the effectiveness of our fuel surcharge program, we subtract fuel surcharge revenue (other than the
fuel surcharge revenue we reimburse to independent contractors and other third parties, which is included in
purchased transportation) from our fuel expense. The result is referred to as net fuel expense. Our net fuel expense
as a percentage of freight revenue is affected by the cost of diesel fuel net of fuel surcharge revenue, the percentage
of miles driven by company tractors, our fuel economy, and our percentage of deadhead miles, for which we do
not receive material fuel surcharge revenues. Net fuel expense is shown below:
(dollars in thousands)
Total fuel surcharge
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue reimbursed to independent
contractors and other third parties
Company fuel surcharge revenue
Total fuel expense
Less: Company fuel surcharge revenue
Net fuel expense
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
96,090 $
62,343
$
$
$
7,683
88,407 $
103,641 $
88,407
15,234 $
1.6 %
7,153
55,190
77,443
55,190
22,253
2.9 %
Net fuel expense decreased $7.0 million, or 32.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to 2020. As
a percentage of freight revenue, net fuel expense decreased 1.3% for the year ended December 31, 2021, compared
to 2020. These decreases primarily resulted from increased fuel surcharge revenue and fewer total miles, partially
offset by higher fuel costs. Also, as a result of the change in our business mix our fleet was more fuel efficient due
to less
fuel
expense. Additionally, $0.4 million of gains and $0.3 million of losses were reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) to our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and
2020, respectively, as changes to fuel expense related to the fuel hedge contracts that expired. As of December 31,
2021, we have no remaining fuel hedge contracts.
temperature-controlled
refrigerated
reducing
freight
trailer
idling
thus
less
and
38
We expect to continue managing our idle time and tractor speeds, investing in more fuel-efficient tractors to
improve our miles per gallon, locking in fuel hedges when deemed appropriate, and partnering with customers to
adjust fuel surcharge programs that are inadequate to recover a fair portion of fuel costs. Going forward, our net
fuel expense is expected to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue based on factors such as diesel fuel prices,
percentage recovered from fuel surcharge programs, percentage of uncompensated miles, percentage of revenue
generated by team-driven tractors (which tend to generate higher miles and lower revenue per mile, thus
proportionately more fuel cost as a percentage of revenue), percentage of revenue generated by refrigerated
operations (which uses diesel fuel for refrigeration but usually does not recover fuel surcharges on refrigeration
fuel), percentage of revenue generated from independent contractors, and the success of fuel efficiency initiatives.
Operations and maintenance
(dollars in thousands)
Operations and maintenance
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
59,269
$
5.7 %
6.2 %
2020
48,368
5.8 %
6.2 %
The increase in operations and maintenance expense on a dollars basis was primarily related to an additional $6.8
million in costs related to the recruitment and onboarding of drivers when compared to 2020, despite having a
smaller fleet in 2021. This increase is attributable to the extremely tight driver market and our focused effort to
seat more of our tractors. Additionally, maintenance costs, including parts and labor, have increased as compared
to the 2020 year as a result of the global supply chain disruptions.
Going forward, we believe this category will fluctuate based on several factors, including the condition of the
driver market and our ability to hire and retain drivers, our continued ability to maintain a relatively young fleet,
accident severity and frequency, weather, the reliability of new and untested revenue equipment models, and the
global disruption of the supply chain. For 2022, due to the relatively new age of our tractor fleet and remaining
unexpired warranty coverage for most of our tractors, we do not expect the percentage of our equipment being
operated outside of warranty coverage to increase in any material respect even if delays occur; however, operations
and maintenance costs may increase regardless due to wage and parts inflation.
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
(dollars in thousands)
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
331,685
$
31.7 %
34.9 %
2020
222,705
26.6 %
28.7 %
The increase in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation was primarily the result of a more
competitive market for sourcing third-party capacity and growth in the Managed Freight reportable segment,
partially offset by a reduction in the percentage of the total miles run by independent contractors from 11.1% for
2020 to 8.2% for 2021.
We expect revenue equipment rentals to decrease going forward as we transition from tractors held under operating
leases to owned equipment in 2022. However, we expect purchased transportation to fluctuate as volumes in our
Managed Freight reportable segment may be volatile. In addition, if fuel prices increase, it would result in a further
increase in what we pay third party carriers and independent contractors. However, this expense category will
fluctuate with the number and percentage of loads hauled by independent contractors, loads handled by Managed
Freight, and tractors, trailers, and other assets financed with operating leases. In addition, factors such as the cost
to obtain third party transportation services and the amount of fuel surcharge revenue passed through to the third
party carriers and independent contractors will affect this expense category. If industry-wide trucking capacity
continues to tighten in relation to freight demand, we may need to increase the amounts we pay to third-party
transportation providers and independent contractors, which could increase this expense category on an absolute
basis and as a percentage of freight revenue absent an offsetting increase in revenue. If we were to recruit more
independent contractors we would expect this line item to increase as a percentage of revenue.
39
Operating taxes and licenses
(dollars in thousands)
Operating taxes and licenses
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
10,899
$
1.0 %
1.1 %
2020
11,621
1.4 %
1.5 %
Operating taxes and licenses remained relatively flat in 2021 compared to 2020.
Insurance and claims
(dollars in thousands)
Insurance and claims
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
38,788
$
3.7 %
4.1 %
2020
53,052
6.3 %
6.8 %
Insurance and claims per mile cost decreased to 14.2 cents per mile for 2021 from 17.5 cents per mile in 2020.
The decrease is primarily a result of the occurrence and development of large claims in 2020 and additional
premium expense during 2020 as a result of the erosion of our excess insurance coverage layer $9.0 million in
excess of $1.0 million, partially offset by the 2020 refund of $7.3 million of previously expensed premiums from
our commutation of the April 10, 2015 through March 31, 2018 policy for our primary auto liability insurance and
a 7.7% reduction in total miles as compared to 2020. Additionally, incident rates during 2021 decreased as
compared to 2020.
Our insurance program includes multi-year policies with specific insurance limits that may be eroded over the
course of the policy term. If that occurs, we will be operating with less liability coverage insurance at various
levels of our insurance tower. For the policy period that ran from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2021, the aggregate
limits available in the coverage layer $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million were estimated to be fully eroded based
on claims expense accruals. We replaced our $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million layer with a new $7.0 million
in excess of $3.0 million policy that runs from January 28, 2021 to April 1, 2024. Due to the erosion of the $9.0
million in excess of $1.0 million layer, any adverse developments in claims filed between April 1, 2018 and
March 31, 2021, could result in additional expense accruals. Effective April 1, 2021, consistent with an extremely
difficult insurance market for the industry, our insurance renewal terms include a higher fixed premium expense
of approximately $0.4 million per quarter. We maintained our retention and limits set in place during the prior
renewal cycle. Due to these developments, we may experience additional expense accruals, increased insurance
and claims expenses, and greater volatility in our insurance and claims expenses, which could have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We expect insurance and claims expense to continue to be volatile over the long-term. Recently the trucking
industry has experienced a decline in the number of carriers and underwriters that write insurance policies or that
are willing to provide insurance for trucking companies.
Communications and utilities
(dollars in thousands)
Communications and utilities
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
4,558
$
0.4 %
0.5 %
5,898
0.7 %
0.8 %
Communications and utilities remained relatively flat in 2021 compared to 2020.
40
General supplies and expenses
(dollars in thousands)
General supplies and expenses
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
29,673
$
2.8 %
3.1 %
2020
34,143
4.1 %
4.4 %
The decrease in general supplies and expenses primarily relates to the additional reserves in place in 2020 for
potentially uncollectible accounts receivable. Additionally we made strategic planning and process improvement
investments that were part of our organizational restructuring in 2020.
Depreciation and amortization
(dollars in thousands)
Depreciation and amortization
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
$
2021
53,881
$
5.2 %
5.7 %
2020
65,472
7.8 %
8.4 %
Depreciation and amortization consists primarily of depreciation of tractors, trailers and other capital assets
(including those under finance leases), as well as amortization of intangible assets.
Depreciation, consisting primarily of depreciation of revenue equipment, decreased $10.5 million in
2021 compared to 2020, to $49.8 million, primarily due to the mix change in the overall business that reduced total
tractor count and increased utilization, along with reductions in terminals and other capital assets. Amortization of
intangible assets decreased $1.1 million in 2021 compared to 2020, to $4.0 million. This decrease is the result
of the 2020 termination of the non-compete agreement with a former Landair executive partially offset by the
revised remaining useful life of the Landair trade name to 15 months as of June 30, 2020, as a result of management
changes, a change in the branding of the organization, and the expected use of the Landair trade name.
We expect depreciation and amortization to increase going forward as the cost of new equipment increases and as
we transition from revenue equipment held under operating leases to more owned revenue equipment, especially
during the second half of 2022. Additionally, changes in the used tractor market could cause us to adjust residual
values, increase depreciation, hold assets longer than planned, or experience increased losses on sale.
(Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment, net
(dollars in thousands)
Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
(3,799 )
$
(0.4 %)
(0.4 %)
(7,706 )
(0.9 %)
(1.0 %)
The decreases in gain on disposition of property and equipment, net are primarily the result of the $5.7 million
gain on a terminal in the second quarter of 2020, as part of the Company's restructuring plan, partially offset by
the timing of the trade cycle of our equipment and the strategic reduction of our tractors that began during the
second quarter of 2020.
Impairment of long-lived property, equipment, and right-of use assets
(dollars in thousands)
Impairment of long lived property and equipment
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
$
-
$
0.0 %
0.0 %
2020
26,569
3.2 %
3.4 %
During the second quarter of 2020, as part of our restructuring, we discontinued the use of a significant amount of
property and equipment and adjusted the carrying value of the owned property and equipment to fair market value
41
less estimated costs to sell. As a result, we recognized impairment of $16.8 million on revenue equipment, $7.3
million on our Texarkana, AR terminal, related leasehold improvements, and equipment, $2.2 million on an office
facility in Chattanooga, TN held under an operating lease, and $0.2 million on a training and orientation facility
in Chattanooga, TN. We incurred no restructuring charges in 2021.
Interest expense, net
(dollars in thousands)
Interest expense, net
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
2,791
$
0.3 %
0.3 %
6,841
0.8 %
0.9 %
Interest expense, net decreased in 2021 compared to 2020 as a result of the reduction of our total indebtedness.
This line item will fluctuate based on our decision with respect to purchasing revenue equipment with balance
sheet debt versus operating leases as well as our ability to continue to generate profitable results and maintain
lower leverage than we have historically. Going forward, we expect this line item to be similar to that of 2021.
Income from equity method investment
(in thousands)
Income from equity method investment
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
14,782 $
3,944
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results
include our proportionate share of TEL's net income. For the year ended December 31, 2021, our earnings resulting
from our investment in TEL increased to $14.8 million. The increase in 2021 as compared to 2020 is the result
of constricted used equipment capacity in the transportation market that increased income from both equipment
sales and leasing.
Income tax expense (benefit)
(dollars in thousands)
Income tax expense (benefit)
% of total revenue
% of freight revenue
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
20,962
$
2.0 %
2.2 %
(2,804 )
(0.3 %)
(0.4 %)
The increase in tax expense primarily relates to the increase in operating income and earnings on investment in
TEL as described above. As 2021 results show income as compared to 2020 that showed a loss, the impact of
permanent differences has increased our effective tax rate for 2021, while in 2020 these items decreased our
effective tax benefit rate.
The effective tax rate is different from the expected combined tax rate due primarily to state tax expense
and permanent differences, such as executive compensation disallowance in 2021 and our per diem pay structure
for drivers in 2020. The nondeductible effect of the per diem payments is temporarily suspended for 2021 and
2022 in accordance with IRS guidance issued during the quarter ended December 31, 2021. The rate impact of
these items will fluctuate in future periods as income fluctuates.
RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
We have four reportable segments, Expedited, Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing each as described
under "Reportable Operating Segments and Service Offerings" above.
42
The following table summarizes revenue and operating income data by reportable segment and service offering:
(in thousands)
Revenues:
Expedited
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total revenues
Operating Income (Loss):
Expedited
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total operating income
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
337,063 $
324,541
321,236
63,163
$ 1,046,003 $
320,202
288,652
177,579
52,128
838,561
$
$
33,064 $
(1,357 )
32,461
2,994
67,162 $
(7,038 )
(15,534 )
4,482
4,063
(14,027 )
Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2021 to Year Ended December 31, 2020
For discussion of the changes in segment revenue, see "Revenue" within "Results of Consolidated Operations"
above.
Total operating income was $67.2 million in 2021 compared to operating loss of $14.0 million in 2020. In addition
to the changes in revenue described above, the change was impacted by a $115.7 million, $21.7 million, and $12.1
million increase in Managed Freight, Dedicated, and Warehousing operating expenses, respectively, partially
offset by a $23.2 million decrease in Expedited operating expenses.
The decrease in Expedited operating expenses was primarily due to the 2020 restructuring costs incurred related
to downsizing our solo-driver refrigerated, one-way irregular routes, and other less profitable operations, a
22.9% average operating fleet reduction, and a reduction in insurance and claims costs, partially offset by higher
variable costs associated with driver pay increases. The increase in Dedicated operating expenses was primarily
related to driver pay increases and increased driver recruiting costs, partially offset by the aforementioned 2020
restructuring costs.
See Note 3, "Restructuring and Cost Savings Initiatives" in the financial statements for one-time impairment and
restructuring related costs that further contributed to the reduction of operating income for 2020.
The increase in Managed Freight operating expenses is the result of increased revenue driving an increase in
variable expenses, primarily purchased transportation. The increase in operating expenses for Warehousing was
primarily driven by the new customer business that began operations during the latter portion of third quarter of
2020, as well as increased contract labor costs as a result of the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic and
escalating real estate costs for a newly leased facility.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our business requires significant capital investments over the short-term and the long-term. Historically, we have
financed our capital requirements with borrowings under our Credit Facility, cash flows from operations, long-
term operating leases, finance leases, secured installment notes with finance companies, and proceeds from the
sale of our used revenue equipment. Going forward, we expect revenue equipment acquisitions through purchases
and finance leases to increase as a percentage of our fleet as we decrease our use of operating leases. Further, we
expect to increase our capital allocation toward our Dedicated, Managed Freight, and Warehousing reportable
segments to become the go-to partner for our customers’ most critical transportation and logistics needs. We had
working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) of $45.8 million and $14.4 million at December
31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our working capital on any particular day can vary significantly due to the timing
of collections and cash disbursements. Based on our expected financial condition, net capital expenditures, results
of operations, related net cash flows, installment notes, and other sources of financing, we believe our working
capital and sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our current and projected needs and we do not expect to
experience material liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.
43
With an average tractor fleet age of 2.1 years, we believe we have flexibility to manage our fleet, and we plan to
regularly evaluate our tractor replacement cycle, new tractor purchase requirements, and purchase options. If we
were to grow our independent contractor fleet, our capital requirements would be reduced.
As of December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 we had $74.3 million and $110.4 million in debt and lease
obligations, respectively, consisting of the following:
No and $15.0 million outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility, respectively;
No outstanding borrowings under the Draw Note, respectively;
$4.5 million and $17.8 million in revenue equipment installment notes, respectively;
$21.5 million and $22.7 million in real estate notes, respectively;
$10.8 million and $16.4 million of the principal portion of financing lease obligations, respectively;
and
$37.4 million and $38.5 million of the operating lease obligations, respectively.
The decrease in our revenue equipment installment notes and financing lease obligations was primarily due to a
strategic decision to reduce our debt and lease obligations through December 31, 2021, as well as a reduced fleet
size.
As of December 31, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of
approximately $26.4 million, and available borrowing capacity of $83.6 million under the Credit Facility.
Additionally, we had availability of a $45.0 million line of credit from Triumph Bank ("Triumph") which is
available solely to fund any indemnification owed to Triumph in relation to the sale of TFS. See Note 1, "Summary
of Significant Accounting Policies," of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for more information
regarding our indemnification obligation to Triumph. Fluctuations in the outstanding balance and related
availability under our Credit Facility are driven primarily by cash flows from operations and the timing and nature
of property and equipment additions that are not funded through notes payable and leases, as well as the nature
and timing of collection of accounts receivable, payments of accrued expenses, and receipt of proceeds from
disposals of property and equipment. Refer to Note 8, “Debt” of the accompanying consolidated financial
statements for further information about material debt agreements.
Our net capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $8.9 million of expenditures as
compared to $28.2 million of proceeds for the prior year. For 2022, we are planning for a sizable increase in net
capital expenditures as we return to a more normalized equipment replacement cycle. This replacement effort will
occur against a backdrop of substantial price increases for new equipment, strong prices for used equipment, and
industry-wide order cutbacks and deferrals by equipment manufacturers. The timing, cost, and projected fleet net
capital expenditures will depend on how these factors play out. Our baseline expectation for 2022 fleet net capital
expenditures is a range of $50 million to $70 million. Net gains on disposal of equipment and real estate for 2021
were $3.8 million compared to $7.7 million in 2020.
totaling
We had commitments outstanding at December 31, 2021,
approximately $73.8 million in 2022 versus commitments at December 31, 2020 of approximately $34.8 million.
These commitments are cancelable, subject to certain adjustments in the underlying obligations and benefits.
to acquire revenue equipment
We believe we have sufficient liquidity to satisfy our cash needs, however we continue to evaluate and act, as
necessary, to maintain sufficient liquidity to ensure our ability to operate during these unprecedented times. The
extent to which COVID-19 and its variants could impact our operations, financial condition, liquidity, results of
operations, and cash flows is highly uncertain and will depend on future developments. We will continue to
evaluate the nature and extent of the potential short-term and long-term impacts to our business.
44
Cash Flows
Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased to $73.2 million in 2021 compared with $63.0 million
in 2020, primarily due to a $103.4 million increase in net income partially offset by decreases to non-cash expenses
compared to the prior year.
Net cash flows provided by investing activities were $10.3 million in 2021 compared with $138.0 million provided
in 2020. The change in net cash flows related to investing activities was primarily the result of the 2020 disposal
of substantially all of the operations and assets of TFS, which included substantially all of the assets and operations
of our former Factoring reportable segment, as well as the 2020 disposal of our Orlando and Hutchins properties.
The change is also due to the timing of our trade cycle whereby our average number of tractors has remained
relatively flat compared to our ending 2020 tractors while we reduced our ending fleet size by 560 tractors during
2020.
Net cash flows used in financing activities were approximately $83.6 million in 2021, compared to $236.3
million in 2020. The change in net cash flows used in financing activities was primarily a function of paying down
approximately $70.7 million of debt and lease obligations during 2021 compared to over $200.0 million in
2020. Additionally, we repurchased shares of our Class A common stock for $10.3 million and $17.5 million in
2021 and 2020, respectively.
On February 10, 2020, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $20.0 million of our Class A
common stock. The program was suspended on March 26, 2020 with approximately $2.5 million remaining
authorized.
On January 25, 2021, our Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $40.0 million of our outstanding
Class A common stock. Under such authorization, we repurchased 0.5 million shares of our Class A common stock
for $8.4 million between January 2021 and April 2021. On August 5, 2021, our Board of Directors increased such
authorization to $40.0 million. On August 9, 2021 we commenced a modified Dutch Auction tender offer to
purchase for cash shares of our Class A common stock for an aggregate purchase price of not more than $40.0
million and at a price per share of not less than $21.00 and not more than $23.00 per share. The tender offer expired
on September 3, 2021. Through the tender offer, we accepted for purchase 86,132 shares of our Class A common
stock at a purchase price of $23.00 per share for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million,
excluding fees and expenses. The shares of Class A common stock purchased through the tender offer were
immediately retired. The excess purchase price over par value was recorded as a reduction of retained earnings on
the consolidated balance sheet. Including the tender offer, we repurchased 0.6 million and 1.4 million shares for
$10.3 million and $17.5 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have the ability to repurchase up to $38.0
million of the Company's outstanding Class A common stock under the current stock repurchase program as
circumstances warrant based on market conditions, cash flow requirements, securities law limitations, and other
factors. In the first quarter of 2022, we adopted a 10b5-1 plan for the purchase of up to $30.0 million in shares
subject to defined trading parameters, under such repurchase program.
Our cash flows may fluctuate depending on capital expenditures, future stock repurchases, strategic investments
or divestitures, any indemnification calls related to the TFS settlement, and the extent of future income tax
obligations and refunds.
45
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Operating Ratio
Operating Ratio (“OR”) For 2021 and 2020:
(dollars in thousands)
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021
GAAP Operating Ratio:
Total revenue
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Operating ratio
Combined Expedited Dedicated
$ 1,046,003 $ 337,063 $ 324,541 $ 321,236 $
978,841 303,999 $ 325,898 288,775
(1,357 ) $ 32,461 $
$
89.9 %
100.4 %
67,162 $ 33,064 $
90.2 %
Managed
Freight Warehousing
63,163
60,169
2,994
95.3 %
93.6 %
(dollars in thousands)
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2021
Adjusted Operating Ratio:
Total revenue
Fuel surcharge revenue
Freight revenue (total revenue,
excluding fuel surcharge)
Total operating expenses
Adjusted for:
Fuel surcharge revenue
Amortization of intangibles (1)
Adjusted operating expenses
Adjusted operating income
Adjusted operating ratio
Combined Expedited Dedicated
$ 1,046,003 $ 337,063 $ 324,541 $ 321,236 $
-
(96,090 ) (47,713 ) (47,678 )
Managed
Freight Warehousing
63,163
(699 )
949,913 289,350 276,863 321,236
62,464
978,841 303,999 325,898 288,775
60,169
(96,090 ) (47,713 ) (47,678 )
(2,097 )
(4,043 )
-
(525 )
-
878,708 256,286 276,123 288,250
740 $ 32,986 $
$
89.7 %
99.7 %
71,205 $ 33,064 $
88.6 %
92.5 %
(699 )
(1,421 )
58,049
4,415
92.9 %
(1) "Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.
(dollars in thousands)
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
GAAP Operating Ratio:
Total revenue
Total operating expenses
Operating (loss) income
Operating ratio
Combined Expedited Dedicated
$ 838,561 $ 320,202 $ 288,652 $ 177,579 $
852,590 327,240 304,188 173,097
4,482 $
$ (14,029 ) $
97.5 %
101.7 %
(7,038 ) $ (15,536 ) $
105.4 %
102.2 %
Managed
Freight Warehousing
52,128
48,065
4,063
92.2 %
(dollars in thousands)
For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020
Adjusted Operating Ratio:
Total revenue
Fuel surcharge revenue
Freight revenue (total revenue, excluding
Combined Expedited Dedicated
$ 838,561 $ 320,202 $ 288,652 $ 177,579 $
-
(62,343 ) (28,731 ) (33,149 )
Managed
Freight Warehousing
52,128
(463 )
fuel surcharge)
776,218 291,471 255,503 177,579
51,665
Total operating expenses
Adjusted for:
Fuel surcharge revenue
Amortization of intangibles (1)
Bad debt expense associated with customer
852,590 327,240 304,186 173,097
48,065
(62,343 ) (28,731 ) (33,149 )
(2,778 )
(5,097 )
-
-
(633 )
(463 )
(1,686 )
bankruptcy and high credit risk customers
(2,617 )
(972 )
(867 )
(778 )
Insurance policy erosion and premium
reinstatement expense
(4,447 )
46
(2,627 )
(1,820 )
-
-
-
Strategic restructuring adjusting items:
Gain on sale of terminal
Impairment of real estate and related
tangible assets
Impairment of revenue equipment and
related charges
Restructuring related severance and other
Abandonment of information technology
infrastructure
Contract exit costs and other restructuring
Adjusted operating expenses
Adjusted operating income
Adjusted operating ratio
4,740
2,505
2,235
-
(9,790 )
(3,991 )
(3,563 )
(2,236 )
(17,604 )
(4,334 )
(8,046 )
(2,290 )
(9,558 )
(2,044 )
-
-
(554 )
(367 )
(1,048 )
(695 )
-
-
749,355 282,167 251,820 169,450
8,129 $
$ 26,863 $
95.4 %
96.5 %
3,683 $
98.6 %
9,304 $
96.8 %
(494 )
(328 )
-
-
-
-
-
-
45,916
5,749
88.9 %
(1) "Amortization of intangibles" reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets.
In addition to operating ratio, we use "adjusted operating ratio" as a key measure of profitability. Adjusted
operating ratio means operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue and intangibles amortization, expressed
as a percentage of revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue. Adjusted operating ratio is not a substitute for
operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures.
We believe the use of adjusted operating ratio allows us to more effectively compare periods, while excluding the
potentially volatile effect of changes in fuel prices. Our Board of Directors and management focus on our adjusted
operating ratio as an indicator of our performance from period to period. We believe our presentation of adjusted
operating ratio is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts the same information that we use
internally to assess our core operating performance. Although we believe that adjusted operating ratio improves
comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could limit comparability to other companies in
our industry, if those companies define adjusted operating ratio differently. Because of these limitations, adjusted
operating ratio should not be considered a measure of income generated by our business or discretionary cash
available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily
relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make decisions based upon
estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the
selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which
impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances
may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those
anticipated. A summary of the significant accounting policies followed in preparation of the financial statements
is contained in Note 1, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," of the consolidated financial statements
attached hereto. The following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that
are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and that require significant
judgment or use of complex estimates.
Revenue Equipment
Management estimates the useful lives and salvage value of revenue equipment based upon, among other things,
the expected use, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and
prevailing industry practice. We generally depreciate new tractors over five years to salvage values of
approximately 35% of cost, depending on the operating segment profile of the equipment. We generally depreciate
new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of
approximately 28% and 21% of their cost, respectively. Historically, changes in estimated useful life or salvage
values have typically resulted from us transferring tractors to different operating segments with different operating
profiles. Significant fluctuations in the used equipment market could have a material effect on our results of
operations.
A portion of our tractors are protected by non-binding indicative trade-in values or binding trade-back agreements
with the manufacturers. The remainder of our tractors and substantially all of our owned trailers are subject to
fluctuations in market prices for used revenue equipment. Moreover, our trade-back agreements are contingent
upon reaching acceptable terms for the purchase of new equipment. Declines in the price of used revenue
47
equipment or failure to reach agreement for the purchase of new tractors with the manufacturers issuing trade-back
agreements could result in impairment of, or losses on the sale of, revenue equipment.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets into two categories: (i) goodwill and (ii) intangible assets with finite lives subject to
amortization.
We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
impairment may have occurred. We may elect to perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether
it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount,
including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the impact of factors
including, but not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial performance of each
reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the Company believes it more
likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's carrying amount, or periodically
as deemed appropriate by management, we will prepare an estimation of the respective reporting unit's fair value
utilizing a quantitative approach. When using a quantitative approach, the fair value of our reporting units is based
on a blend of estimated discounted cash flows and publicly traded company multiples. The results of these models
are then weighted and combined into a single estimate of fair value for our reporting units. Estimated discounted
cash flows are based on projected sales and related cost of sales. Publicly traded company multiples and
acquisitions are derived from information on traded shares and analysis of recent acquisitions in the marketplace,
respectively, for companies with operations similar to ours. The primary assumptions used in these various models
include earnings multiples of acquisitions in a comparable industry, future cash flow estimates of each of the
reporting units, weighted average cost of capital, working capital and capital expenditure requirements.
We completed our annual goodwill impairment test as of October 1, 2021, for each of our reporting units. As a
result of the most recent goodwill impairment analysis performed (October 1, 2021), no impairment was indicated
and the fair value of the Dedicated reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount by approximately 8.5%.
We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may
not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the
assessment of future operations. We record an impairment charge when the carrying value of the finite lived
intangible asset is not recoverable by the cash flows generated from the use of the asset. We determine the useful
lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each
intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement,
the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which
could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market
conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized, generally on a straight-line basis,
over their useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.
Self-Insurance Accruals
We record a liability for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims and the estimated allocated
loss adjustment expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with a claim. Estimates require, among
other things, judgments concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, advice from third-party
administrators and insurers, the size of any potential damage award based on factors such as the specific facts of
individual cases, the jurisdictions involved, the prospect of punitive damages, future medical costs, and inflation
estimates of future claims development, and the legal and other costs to settle or defend the claims.
Self-insured liabilities represent management's best estimate of our ultimate obligations.
Accounting for Income Taxes
Significant management judgment is required to determine whether deferred income taxes will be realized.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We believe
the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary
differences and future taxable income, except for when a valuation allowance has been provided.
48
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess
our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's
evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions
where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax
benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that
has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not
that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Potential accrued
interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
INFLATION, NEW EMISSIONS CONTROL REGULATIONS, AND FUEL COSTS
Most of our operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of
operations. In recent years, the most significant effects of inflation have been on revenue equipment prices and the
related depreciation, litigation and claims, and driver and non-driver wages. New emissions control regulations
and increases in wages of manufacturing workers and other items have resulted in higher tractor prices, while
the market value of used equipment fluctuated significantly. The cost of fuel has been volatile over the last several
years, with costs increasing in 2019 and 2021 but decreasing in 2018 and 2020. Health care prices have increased
faster than general inflation, primarily due to the rapid increase in prescription drug costs and more people on our
health plan. The nationwide shortage of qualified drivers has caused us to raise driver wages per mile at a rate
faster than general inflation for the past four years, and this trend may continue as additional government
regulations constrain industry capacity. Additionally, competition and the related cost to employ non-drivers have
increased, especially for the more skilled or technical positions, including mechanics, those with information
technology related skills, and degreed professionals.
Geographic Areas
We operate throughout the U.S. and all of our tractors are domiciled in the U.S. All of our revenue generated was
generated within the U.S. in 2021 and 2020. We do not separately track domestic and foreign revenue from
customers, and providing such information would not be meaningful. Excluding a de minimis number of trailers,
all of our long-lived assets are, and have been for the last two fiscal years, located within the United States.
SEASONALITY
Our tractor productivity decreases during the winter season because inclement weather impedes operations, and
some shippers reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. Our Expedited segment, historically has
experienced a greater reduction in first quarter demand than our other operations. Revenue also can be affected by
bad weather, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period, since revenue is directly
related to available working days of shippers. At the same time, operating expenses increase and fuel efficiency
declines because of engine idling and harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims, and
more equipment repairs. In addition, many of our customers, particularly those in the retail industry where we have
a large presence, demand additional capacity during the fourth quarter, which limits our ability to take advantage
of more attractive spot market rates that generally exist during such periods. Further, despite our efforts to meet
such demands, we may fail to do so, which may result in lost future business opportunities with such customers,
which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations. Recently, the duration of this increased period of
demand in the fourth quarter has shortened, with certain customers requiring the same volume of shipments over
a more condensed timeframe, resulting in increased stress and demand on our network, people, and systems. If
this trend continues, it could make satisfying our customers and maintaining the quality of our service during the
fourth quarter increasingly difficult. We may also suffer from natural disasters and weather-related events, such as
tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, and fires, which may increase in frequency and severity due
to climate change, as well as other man-made disasters. These events may disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs,
disrupt freight shipments or routes, affect regional economies, destroy our assets, or adversely affect the business
or financial condition of our customers, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of
operations or make our results of operations more volatile. Weather and other seasonal events could adversely
affect our operating results.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We experience various market risks, including changes in interest rates and fuel prices. We do not enter into
derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, or when there are no underlying
49
related exposures. Because our operations are mostly confined to the United States, we are not subject to a material
amount of foreign currency risk.
COMMODITY PRICE RISK
We engage in activities that expose us to market risks, including the effects of changes in fuel prices and in interest
rates. Financial exposures are evaluated as an integral part of our risk management program, which seeks, from
time-to-time, to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of fuel markets and interest rate risk may
have on operating results.
In an effort to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel
prices, we have periodically entered into various derivative instruments, including forward futures swap
contracts. We have historically entered into hedging contracts with respect to ULSD. Under these contracts, we
paid a fixed rate per gallon of ULSD and received the monthly average price of Gulf Coast ULSD. The
retrospective and prospective regression analyses provided that changes in the prices of diesel fuel and ULSD were
deemed to be highly effective based on the relevant authoritative guidance. As of December 31, 2021, we have no
remaining fuel hedge contracts in our consolidated balance sheet. We do not engage in speculative transactions,
nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.
A one dollar increase in the price of diesel per gallon would decrease our net income by $2.1 million. This
sensitivity analysis considers that we expect to purchase approximately 38.9 million gallons of diesel annually,
with an assumed fuel surcharge recovery rate of 92.7% of the cost (which was our fuel surcharge recovery rate
during the year ended December 31, 2021).
INTEREST RATE RISK
In August 2015, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $28.0 million, which
was designated as a hedge against the variability in future interest payments due on the debt associated with the
purchase of our corporate headquarters. The terms of the swap agreement effectively convert the variable rate
interest payments on this note to a fixed rate of 4.2% through maturity on August 1, 2035. In 2016, we also entered
into several interest rate swaps, which were designated to hedge against the variability in future interest rate
payments due on rent associated with the purchase of certain trailers. Because the critical terms of the swap and
hedged item coincide, in accordance with the requirements of ASC 815, the change in the fair value of the
derivative is expected to exactly offset changes in the expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate
over the term of the debt instrument, and therefore no ongoing assessment of effectiveness is required. For the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the fair value of the swap agreements, amounts reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into our results of operations, and amounts expected to be reclassified from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into our results of operations during the next twelve months due to interest
rate changes, are immaterial. The amounts actually realized will depend on the fair values as of the date of
settlement.
Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates. Historically, we have used a combination of fixed-
rate and variable-rate obligations to manage our interest rate exposure. Fixed-rate obligations expose us to the risk
that interest rates might fall. Variable-rate obligations expose us to the risk that interest rates might rise. Of our
total $74.3 million of debt including operating and finance leases, we had $26.1 million of variable rate debt
outstanding at December 31, 2021, including our Credit Facility, a real-estate note and certain equipment notes,
of which the real-estate note of $21.5 million was hedged with the interest rate swap agreement noted above at
4.2% and certain of our equipment notes totaling $4.5 million were hedged at a weighted average interest rate of
2.9%. Our earnings would be affected by changes in these short-term interest rates. Risk can be quantified by
measuring the financial impact of a near-term adverse increase in short-term interest rates. At our December 31,
2021 level of borrowing on our non-hedged variable rate debt, a 1% increase in our applicable rate would reduce
annual net income by less than $0.1 million. Our remaining debt is fixed rate debt, and therefore changes in market
interest rates do not directly impact our interest expense.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The consolidated financial statements of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. and subsidiaries, including the
consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related statements of operations,
statements of comprehensive income, statements of stockholders' equity, and statements of cash flows for each of
the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2021, together with the related notes, and the report of Grant
Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm as of December 31, 2021, and for each of the
50
years in the two year period ended December 31, 2021, are set forth at pages 53 through 86 elsewhere in this
report.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
There has been no change in or disagreement with accountants on accounting or financial disclosure during our
two most recent fiscal years.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us, including
our consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members
of senior management and the Board of Directors.
As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the
effectiveness of the design and operations of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021.
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as
defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Management, including our Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer under the oversight of our Board of Directors, assessed the effectiveness of
our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, our management
used the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in “Internal Control-Integrated
Framework (2013),” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial
reporting is effective based on those criteria.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with GAAP. A company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with GAAP, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition,
use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can
only provide reasonable assurance of achieving its control objectives.
An internal control system, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute,
assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system
must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to
their costs. As a result of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can
provide absolute assurance that all our control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
51
The Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, has been audited by Grant
Thornton, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm as stated in its report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-
15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2021, that have materially affected,
or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
52
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (a Nevada
holding company) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the related consolidated
statements of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended,
and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020,
and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021,
based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated February 28, 2022
expressed an unqualified opinion.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered
with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S.
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and
the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical audit matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to
accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved especially challenging,
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our
opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters
below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they
relate.
Auto Liability Self-Insurance Reserves
As described further in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has significant self-insured
amounts related to its auto liability and has exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims and to
variations between estimated and actual ultimate payouts. The Company records a liability for the uninsured
portion of pending claims and claims related expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with the
claim. Estimates require judgment concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, and other
relevant information based on specific facts and circumstances for individual claims. We identified the estimation
of the Company’s auto liability accrual subject to self-insured insurance retention amounts as a critical audit matter.
Incurred auto claim liabilities are determined by projecting the estimated ultimate loss related to a claim, less actual
costs paid to date, based upon the nature and severity of the claim and historical trends.
The principal considerations for assessing auto liability claims as a critical audit matter are the high level of
estimation uncertainty related to determining the severity of these types of claims, as well as the inherent
subjectivity in management’s judgment in estimating the total costs to settle or dispose of these claims.
53
Our audit procedures related to this critical audit matter included the following, among others:
● We tested the design and operating effectiveness of key controls over the accrued auto liability,
including, but not limited to, controls to validate that claims were reported and recorded accurately
and controls related to the review and approval of initial claim reserves, subsequent changes to claim
reserves, and projected claim liabilities.
● We tested a sample of underlying claims through analysis of accident reports and insurance and legal
records to validate information utilized by management in determining the accrual was complete
and accurate.
● We reconciled claims data to the actuarial software used to determine loss development factors and
used in management’s estimation methodology.
● We utilized a specialist in evaluating management’s calculated loss development factors to test that
the factors provide a reasonable basis for determining estimated loss reserves.
● We performed a retrospective review of prior year and current year reserves to validate that changes
in estimated losses were appropriate and supported by current year claim development.
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2020.
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2022
54
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
Opinion on internal control over financial reporting
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc. (a Nevada holding
company) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in the 2013
Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control
over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—
Integrated Framework issued by COSO.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended
December 31, 2021, and our report dated February 28, 2022 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial
statements.
Basis for opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting
was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over
financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Charlotte, North Carolina
February 28, 2022
/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
55
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands, except share data)
Current assets:
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $4,112 in 2021 and $2,992 in 2020
Drivers' advances and other receivables, net of allowance of $542 in 2021 and $764 in 2020
Inventory and supplies
Prepaid expenses
Assets held for sale
Income taxes receivable
Other short-term assets
$
Total current assets
Property and equipment, at cost
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
Net property and equipment
Goodwill
Other intangibles, net
Other assets
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations
2021
2020
8,412 $
142,362
8,792
3,323
12,536
2,925
10,177
-
188,527
8,407
91,295
13,624
3,119
11,924
15,007
4,155
265
147,796
518,406
(171,923 )
346,483
541,276
(149,824 )
391,452
42,518
20,475
52,384
1,275
42,518
24,518
60,897
9,535
Total assets
Current liabilities:
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
$
651,662 $
676,716
Checks outstanding in excess of bank balances
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Accrued purchased transportation
Current maturities of long-term debt
Current portion of finance lease obligations
Current portion of operating lease obligations
Current portion of insurance and claims accrual
Other short-term liabilities
Current liabilities of discontinued operations, net
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt
Long-term portion of finance lease obligations
Long-term portion of operating lease obligations
Insurance and claims accrual
Deferred income taxes
Other long-term liabilities
Other long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
Total liabilities
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' equity:
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 16,125,786 shares issued
and 14,414,159 outstanding as of December 31, 2021; and 40,000,000 authorized; 16,183,139
shares issued and 14,784,214 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2020
Class B common stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,350,000 shares issued and
outstanding
Additional paid-in-capital
Treasury stock at cost; 1,711,627 and 1,398,925 shares as of December 31, 2021 and December
31, 2020, respectively
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Retained earnings
Total stockholders' equity
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
- $
29,907
38,001
24,689
5,722
6,848
15,811
21,210
557
-
142,745
20,347
3,969
21,554
21,438
84,661
2,149
5,100
301,963
-
1,215
31,695
27,830
10,708
7,577
5,687
16,989
30,221
643
816
133,381
47,888
10,756
21,474
44,077
74,553
9,794
44,151
386,074
-
161
173
24
149,406
24
143,438
(23,662 )
(1,306 )
225,076
349,699
651,662 $
(17,067 )
(2,251 )
166,325
290,642
676,716
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
56
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands, except per share data)
Revenues
Freight revenue
Fuel surcharge revenue
Total revenue
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
Fuel expense
Operations and maintenance
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
Operating taxes and licenses
Insurance and claims
Communications and utilities
General supplies and expenses
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on disposition of property and equipment, net
Impairment of long lived property, equipment, and right-of-use assets
Total operating expenses
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense, net
Income from equity method investment
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income tax expense (benefit)
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Basic income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Diluted income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
2021
2020
$
$
949,913 $
96,090
1,046,003 $
776,218
62,343
838,561
350,246
103,641
59,269
331,685
10,899
38,788
4,558
29,673
53,881
(3,799 )
-
978,841
67,162
2,791
(14,782 )
79,153
20,962
58,191
2,540
60,731 $
3.46 $
0.15 $
3.61 $
3.42 $
0.15 $
3.57 $
16,803
17,020
315,023
77,443
48,368
222,705
11,621
53,052
5,898
34,143
65,472
(7,706 )
26,569
852,588
(14,027 )
6,841
(3,944 )
(16,924 )
(2,804 )
(14,120 )
(28,598 )
(42,718 )
(0.81 )
(1.65 )
(2.46 )
(0.81 )
(1.65 )
(2.46 )
17,358
17,358
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements
57
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands)
2021
2020
Net income (loss)
$
60,731 $
(42,718 )
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss) on effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax of
($263) and $548 in 2021 and 2020, respectively
Reclassification of cash flow hedge losses into statement of operations, net of
tax of ($78), and ($189) in 2021 and 2020, respectively
Unrealized holding (gain) loss on investments classified as available-for-sale
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
817
(1,898 )
191
655
(63 )
945
6
(1,237 )
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
61,676 $
(43,955 )
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
58
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands)
Common
Stock
Class
A
Class
B
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
Treasury
Stock
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
Retained
Earnings
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
- $
Balances at December 31, 2019 $ 173 $ 24 $ 141,885 $
-
Net loss
-
- (17,486 )
Share repurchase
Other comprehensive loss
-
-
Stock-based employee
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
compensation expense
-
Issuance of restricted shares, net
419
Balances at December 31, 2020 $ 173 $ 24 $ 143,438 $ (17,067 ) $
-
Net income
-
- (8,367 )
Share repurchase
-
-
Other comprehensive income
Stock-based employee
2,270
(717 )
-
(1 )
-
-
-
-
compensation expense
9,059
-
Issuance of restricted shares, net
(3,091 ) 1,772
Balances at December 31, 2021 $ 161 $ 24 $ 149,406 $ (23,662 ) $
-
(11 )
-
-
(1,014 ) $ 209,043 $
- (42,718 )
-
-
-
(1,237 )
-
-
-
-
(2,251 ) $ 166,325 $
- 60,731
(1,980 )
-
-
945
-
-
-
-
(1,306 ) $ 225,076 $
350,111
(42,718 )
(17,486 )
(1,237 )
2,270
(298 )
290,642
60,731
(10,348 )
945
9,059
(1,330 )
349,699
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
59
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
(In thousands)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net (loss) income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
Reversal of gain on sales to equity method investee, net
Depreciation and amortization
Impairment of property and equipment
Amortization of deferred financing fees
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense
Income tax (expense) benefit arising from restricted share vesting and stock options
exercised
Stock-based compensation expense
Equity in income of affiliate
Return on investment in affiliated company
Gain on disposition of property and equipment
(Gain) loss on disposition of reportable segment
Return on investment in available-for-sale securities
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables and advances
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Inventory and supplies
Insurance and claims accrual
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in affiliated company
Redemption of available-for-sale securities
Acquisition of property and equipment
Proceeds from disposition of reportable segment
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
Net cash flows provided by investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Change in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
Repayments of notes payable
Repayments of finance lease obligations
Proceeds under revolving credit facility
Repayments under revolving credit facility
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation
Common stock repurchased
Net cash flows used in financing activities
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
Interest, net of capitalized interest
Income taxes
Non-cash transactions during the year for:
Equipment purchased under finance leases
Contingent liabilities
2021
2020
$
60,731 $
(42,718 )
1,338
52
53,881
-
-
18,413
(334 )
9,059
(14,782 )
4,900
(3,799 )
(3,412 )
(63 )
(36,544 )
(710 )
(204 )
(31,653 )
16,345
73,218
(13 )
1,508
(35,285 )
-
44,134
10,344
3,134
14
65,480
26,569
154
(15,092 )
167
2,270
(3,944 )
1,470
(7,677 )
40,431
(25 )
(60,849 )
531
1,091
32,203
19,831
63,040
-
1,442
(94,049 )
108,375
122,278
138,046
(1,215 )
-
(14,397 )
(5,626 )
644,874
(695,513 )
(1,332 )
(10,348 )
(83,557 )
839
75,591
(289,834 )
(20,083 )
1,341,678
(1,326,678 )
(297 )
(17,486 )
(236,270 )
5
(35,184 )
8,407
8,412 $
43,591
8,407
2,762 $
10,236 $
- $
- $
7,365
870
3,258
44,151
$
$
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
60
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
DECEMBER 31, 2021 AND 2020
1.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business
Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries offers
transportation and logistics services to customers throughout the continental United States.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., a holding company
incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1994, and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Covenant Transport, Inc., a
Tennessee corporation; Star Transportation, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, each d/b/a Covenant
Transport Services and Covenant Logistics; Southern Refrigerated Transport, LLC, an Arkansas limited liability
company; Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; Covenant Logistics, Inc., a
Nevada corporation; Covenant Asset Management, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; CTG Leasing
Company, a Nevada corporation; IQS Insurance Risk Retention Group, Inc., a Vermont corporation; Heritage
Insurance, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Transport, Inc.,
a Tennessee corporation; Landair Logistics, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Landair Leasing, Inc., a Tennessee
corporation; and Transport Management Services, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company.
References in this report to "it," "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant
Logistics Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
We have four reportable operating segments, which include:
Non-dedicated truckload services ("Expedited"), which services customers with high service freight
and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15-minute delivery windows.
Dedicated contract truckload services (“Dedicated”), which consists of our truckload business that
involves longer-term contracts that allocate a specified number of tractors and trailers to a specific
customer, with fixed and variable compensation.
Managed Freight services, which consists of our brokerage and transportation management services
("TMS") and provides logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of customers' freight to third
parties, as well as, comprehensive logistics services on a contractual basis to customers who prefer to
outsource their logistics needs.
Warehousing services (“Warehousing”), provides day-to-day warehouse management services to
customers who have chosen to outsource this function.
The following table summarizes our revenue by our four reportable operating segment, at the service offering
level, as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc.,
for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Revenues:
Expedited
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total revenues
Year ended December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
337,063 $
324,541
321,236
63,163
1,046,003 $
320,202
288,652
177,579
52,128
838,561
61
Investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC
Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL") is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment
reseller. We evaluated our investment in TEL to determine whether it should be recorded on a consolidated
basis. Our percentage of ownership interest (49%), an evaluation of control, and whether a variable interest entity
("VIE") existed were all considered in our consolidation assessment. Based on the analysis, the Company is not
the primary beneficiary of TEL and TEL should not be consolidated. We have accounted for our investment in
TEL using the equity method of accounting given our 49% ownership interest and ability to exercise significant
influence over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for
our share of equity in the earnings of TEL and reduced by distributions received and our proportionate share of
TEL's net income is included in our earnings.
On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the fair value of our investment in TEL may
be impaired. The investment is impaired only if the estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the
carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent
impairment has occurred, the loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over
the fair value of the investment. As a result of TEL's earnings, no impairment indicators were noted that would
provide for impairment of our investment during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Risks and Uncertainties
We are continuing to monitor the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic, further government response,
including, vaccine, testing, and mask mandates, and development of treatments and vaccines and their potential
effect on our short-term and long-term financial position, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. These
events could have an impact in future periods on certain estimates used in the preparation of our financial results,
including, but not limited to impairment of goodwill, other intangible assets and other long-lived assets, income
tax provision and recoverability of certain receivables. Local, state and national governments continue to
emphasize the importance of transportation and have designated it as an essential service. The health and safety of
our team members and the community is our first priority, as such, we've put certain measures into place, including
remote work arrangements, enforced social distancing and increased sanitation protocols, among others. Adverse
developments in the pandemic could the impact our operations and have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition, results of operations, cash flows and liquidity.
Our insurance program includes multi-year policies with specific insurance limits that may be eroded over the
course of the policy term. If that occurs, we will be operating with less liability coverage insurance at various
levels of our insurance tower. For the policy period that ran from April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2021, the aggregate
limits available in the coverage layer $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million were estimated to be fully eroded based
on claims expense accruals. We replaced our $9.0 million in excess of $1.0 million layer with a new $7.0 million
in excess of $3.0 million policy that runs from January 28, 2021 to April 1, 2024. Due to the erosion of the $9.0
million in excess of $1.0 million layer, any adverse developments in claims filed between April 1, 2018 and
March 31, 2021, could result in additional expense accruals. Effective April 1, 2021, consistent with an extremely
difficult insurance market for the industry, our insurance renewal terms include a higher fixed premium expense
of approximately $0.4 million per quarter. Due to these developments, we may experience additional expense
accruals, increased insurance and claims expenses, and greater volatility in our insurance and claims expenses,
which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
On July 8, 2020, we sold a portfolio of accounts receivable, contract rights, and associated assets consisting of
approximately $103.3 million in net funds employed (the “Portfolio”) previously held by Transport Financial
Services ("TFS"), a division of Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company, to a subsidiary of Triumph Bancorp, Inc. ("Triumph") for approximately $122.3 million, consisting of
$108.4 million in cash and $13.9 million in Triumph stock, plus an earn-out opportunity of up to $9.9 million.
After the transaction closed, the Company and Triumph became involved in a dispute over the nature of
approximately $66.0 million of the assets included in the Portfolio. The dispute was resolved on September 23,
2020 with an amendment of the purchase agreement and related funding arrangements that reduced the purchase
price of the Portfolio to approximately $108.4 million, representing the cash amount received by us at closing.
Additionally, the earnout opportunity was terminated and we were required to sell, and subsequently sold,
the Triumph stock we received at closing for $28.1 million and remitted the proceeds to Triumph upon settlement.
The amended purchase agreement specifically identified approximately $62.0 million of accounts within the
Portfolio, which related to advances on services that had not yet been performed, that were placed in a loss sharing
pool to be repaid with proceeds other than those generated from ordinary working capital factoring. To the extent
62
losses on covered accounts are incurred, we will indemnify Triumph on a dollar for dollar basis for up to the first
$30.0 million of losses, and on a 50% basis for up to the next $30.0 million of losses, for total indemnification
exposure of up to $45.0 million. The amended purchase agreement resulted in a gain on the sale of the Portfolio
of $3.7 million, net of related expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company recorded $44.2 million
of contingent liabilities, reflected as other long-term liabilities from discontinued operations in our consolidated
balance sheet, because as of December 31, 2020 it was probable and estimable that such amount would be due to
Triumph under the amended purchase agreement. During the first quarter of 2021, we received an indemnification
call from Triumph of $35.6 million related to the TFS Settlement, all of which was reserved during the fourth
quarter of 2020. Additionally, Triumph was able to collect some funds related to our fourth quarter 2020 accrual
that allowed us the opportunity to reverse $3.4 million of our accrual during the first quarter of 2021. During the
second quarter of 2021 we repaid $31.0 million of the borrowings under the Draw Note and during the third quarter
of 2021 we repaid the remaining balance. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under
the Draw Note and a remaining contingent liability of $5.1 million. The payment of amounts with respect to the
indemnification obligations could create volatility in our reported future financial results and could have an adverse
effect on our cash flows, available liquidity, and total indebtedness.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue, drivers' wages, and other direct operating expenses generated by our Expedited and Dedicated reportable
segments are recognized proportionally as the transportation service is performed based on the percentage of miles
completed as of the period end. Revenue is recognized on a gross basis at amounts charged to our customers
because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of the promised service. Revenue includes
transportation revenue, fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, and other
accessorial services.
Revenue generated by our Managed Freight reportable segment is recognized upon completion of the services
provided. Revenue is recorded on a gross basis, without deducting third party purchased transportation costs, as
we act as a principal with substantial risks as primary obligor. Revenue for the Warehousing reportable segment is
generally recognized as the service is performed, based upon a weekly rate.
There are no assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than accounts receivable
and allowance for doubtful accounts. We recognized in-process revenue of $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We had accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts, of $142.4 million and $91.3 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as
relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use
of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future
economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions.
Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at acquisition to be cash
equivalents. Additionally, we are also subject to concentrations of credit risk related to deposits in banks in excess
of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits.
Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business, which are generally due within 30-45 days of
the services performed. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Trade
accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate
the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual
payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. We maintain reserves for
potential credit losses based upon loss history and specific receivables aging analysis. Receivable balances are
written off when collection is deemed unlikely.
63
Accounts receivable are comprised of a diversified customer base that mitigates the level of concentration of credit
risk. During 2021 and 2020, our top ten customers generated 53% and 48% of total revenue, respectively. No
customers in 2021 and one customer in 2020 accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue in each
year. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet for accounts receivable approximates fair
value based on the fact that the receivables collection averaged approximately 44 days and 38 days in 2021 and
2020, respectively.
The following table provides a summary (in thousands) of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for
2021 and 2020:
Years ended December 31:
2021
2020
Inventories and Supplies
Beginning
balance
January 1,
Additional
provisions
to allowance
Write-offs
and other
adjustments
Ending
balance
December
31,
$
$
2,992 $
1,338 $
(218 ) $
4,112
1,440 $
3,011 $
(1,459 ) $
2,992
Inventories and supplies consist of parts, tires, fuel, and supplies. Tires on new revenue equipment are capitalized
as a component of the related equipment cost when the tractor or trailer is placed in service and recognized through
depreciation over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and parts on hand at year end are recorded at the lower
of cost or net realizable value with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Replacement tires
are expensed when placed in service.
Assets Held for Sale
Assets held for sale include property and revenue equipment no longer utilized in continuing operations which are
available and held for sale. Assets held for sale are no longer subject to depreciation, and are recorded at the lower
of depreciated book value or fair market value less selling costs. We periodically review the carrying value of
these assets for possible impairment. We expect to sell these assets within twelve months.
Change in Estimates
The Company reviews the estimated useful lives and salvage values of its assets on an ongoing basis, based upon,
among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and
prevailing industry practice. During the second quarter of 2020, the Company adjusted the useful lives of certain
intangible finite-lived assets, including the Landair trade name and non-compete agreement, and certain revenue
equipment held under operating leases as the result of management changes, a change in the branding of the
organization, and the forward looking use of these assets. These changes are being treated as a change in
accounting estimate, which during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, resulted in an increase in
depreciation and amortization expense of approximately $3.2 million, or a $2.5 million, or $0.14, per diluted share
decrease to net income.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is
determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Depreciation of revenue
equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We generally depreciate new tractors over five years to salvage
values that range from 10% to 35% of their cost. We generally depreciate new trailers over seven years for
refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 28% and 21% of their
cost, respectively. We annually review the reasonableness of our estimates regarding useful lives and salvage
values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with
similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. Changes in the
useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could
have a material effect on our results of operations.
64
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84
months. Amortization of assets under finance and operating leases are included in depreciation and amortization
expense and revenue and equipment rentals and purchased transportation, respectively.
Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for
impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates impairment may exist. Expected future cash flows are used to
analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the
carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by
comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on a discounted cash
flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate. We recognized an impairment of $26.6 million
during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020. There were no such events in during the twelve months ended
December 31, 2021. See Note 3, "Cost Savings and Restructuring" for additional discussion around the
impairment.
A portion of our tractors are protected by non-binding indicative trade-in values or binding trade-back agreements
with the manufacturers. The remainder of our tractors and substantially all of our owned trailers are subject to
fluctuations in market prices for used revenue equipment. Moreover, our trade-back agreements are contingent
upon reaching acceptable terms for the purchase of new equipment. Declines in the price of used revenue
equipment or failure to reach agreement for the purchase of new tractors with the manufacturers issuing trade-back
agreements could result in impairment of, or losses on the sale of, revenue equipment.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
We classify intangible assets into two categories: (i) intangible assets with finite lives subject to amortization and
(ii) goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that impairment may have occurred. We test intangible assets with finite lives for impairment if conditions exist
that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a
geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. We record an impairment charge when the
carrying value of the finite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the cash flows generated from the use of
the asset.
We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and
circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the
contractual term of any agreement, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws
or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including
competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have finite lives are amortized,
generally on a straight-line basis, over their remaining useful lives, ranging from 3 to 15 years.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for
impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates an impairment may exist. Expected future cash flows are used
to analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the
carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by
comparing the fair value of the asset less its disposal cost to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on
a discounted cash flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate.
Insurance and Other Claims
The primary claims arising against us consist of auto liability (personal injury and property damage), workers'
compensation, cargo, commercial liability, and employee medical expenses. At December 31, 2021, our insurance
program involves self-insurance with the following risk retention levels (before giving effect to any commutation
of an auto liability policy):
auto liability - $7.0 million in excess of $3.0 million policy that runs from January 28, 2021 to April
1, 2024
workers' compensation - $1.3 million
cargo - $0.3 million
65
employee medical - $0.4 million
physical damage - 100%
Due to our significant self-insured retention amounts, we have exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity
of claims and to variations between our estimated and actual ultimate payouts. We record a liability for the
estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims and the estimated allocated loss adjustment expenses
including legal and other direct costs associated with a claim. Estimates require judgments concerning the nature
and severity of the claim, historical trends, advice from third-party administrators and insurers, the size of any
potential damage award based on factors such as the specific facts of individual cases, the jurisdictions involved,
the prospect of punitive damages, future medical costs, and inflation estimates of future claims development, and
the legal and other costs to settle or defend the claims. We have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number
and severity of claims. If there is an increase in the frequency and severity of claims, or we are required to accrue
or pay additional amounts if the claims prove to be more severe than originally assessed, or any of the claims
would exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, our profitability could be adversely affected.
In addition to estimates within our self-insured retention layers, we also must make judgments concerning claims
where we have third party insurance and for claims outside our coverage limits. Upon settling claims and expenses
associated with claims where we have third party coverage, we are generally required to initially fund payment to
the claimant and seek reimbursement from the insurer. We had no receivables from insurers for claims and
expenses we paid on behalf of insurers at December 31, 2021 and 2020. When such receivables exist, they are
included in drivers' advances and other receivables on our consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, we accrue
claims above our self-insured retention and record a corresponding receivable for amounts we expect to collect
from insurers upon settlement of such claims. We have $0.9 million and $7.4 million as other short-term assets
and a corresponding accrual in the short-term portion of insurance and claims accruals and $6.5 million and $24.4
million as other long-term assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims
accruals on our consolidated balance sheet for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is
reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims at December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. We evaluate collectability of the receivables based on the credit worthiness and surplus of the
insurers, along with our prior experience and contractual terms with each. If any claim occurrence were to exceed
our aggregate coverage limits, we would have to accrue for the excess amount. Our critical estimates include
evaluating whether a claim may exceed such limits and, if so, by how much.
We also make judgments regarding the ultimate benefit versus risk of commuting certain periods within our auto
liability policy. If we commute a policy, we assume 100% risk for covered claims in exchange for a policy refund.
Effective April 2018, we entered into an auto liability policy with a three-year term. The policy included a limit
for a single loss of $9.0 million, an aggregate of $18.0 million for each policy year, and a $30.0 million aggregate
for the 36 month term ended March 31, 2021. The policy included a release premium refund or commutation
option of up to $14.0 million, less any future amounts paid on claims by the insurer. We decided not to commute
this policy. Our prior auto liability policy that ran from October 1, 2014 through March 31, 2018, was commuted,
resulting in a premium release of $7.3 million. Management cannot predict whether or not future claims or the
development of existing claims will justify a commutation of either policy period, and accordingly, no related
amounts were recorded at December 31, 2021. We carry excess policy layers above the primary auto liability
policy described above.
Interest
We capitalize interest on major projects during construction. Interest is capitalized based on the average interest
rate on related debt. Capitalized interest was less than $0.1 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, available-for-sale
securities, accounts payable, debt, and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents,
accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term
maturity of these instruments. Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with
similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily
consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes
approximated the carrying value at December 31, 2021, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes
66
approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility approximate fair
value due to the variable interest rate on the facility. Additionally, certain investments intended to serve the
purposes of capital preservation and to fund insurance losses are designated as available-for-sale and are valued
based on quoted prices in active markets. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is determined using
the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted
expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates
(forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms
of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves
and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our
counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the
likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate
swap agreements.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between
the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in
which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We have
reflected the net liability after offsetting our deferred tax assets and liabilities in the deferred income taxes line in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally
through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income, except for when a
valuation allowance has been provided as discussed in Note 10.
In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess
our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's
evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions
where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax
benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that
has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not
that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Potential accrued
interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Our policy is to recognize income tax benefit arising from the exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting
based on the ordering provisions of the tax law as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, including indirect tax
effects, if any.
Lease Accounting
At the commencement date of a new lease agreement with contractual terms longer than twelve months, we
recognize an asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet and categorize the lease as either finance or operating.
Certain lease agreements have lease and non-lease components, and we have elected to account for these
components separately.
Right-of-use assets and lease liabilities are initially recorded based on the present value of lease payments over the
term of the lease. When the rate implicit in the lease is readily determinable, this rate is used for calculating the
present value of remaining lease payments; otherwise, our incremental borrowing rate is used. The incremental
borrowing rate represents an estimate of the interest rate we would incur at the lease commencement to borrow an
amount equal to the lease payments on a collateralized basis over the term of the lease. Right-of-use assets also
include prepaid lease expenses and initial direct costs of executing the leases, which are reduced by landlord
incentives. Options to extend or terminate a lease agreement are included in or excluded from the lease term,
respectively, when those options are reasonably certain to be exercised. Right-of-use assets are tested for
impairment in the same manner as long-lived assets.
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with
certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility and may contain guarantees of the residual
value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a
balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments.
These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our
operating lease obligations do not typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
67
Right-of-use assets are included in net property and equipment. For finance leases, right-of-use assets are
amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected useful life or the lease term, and the carrying
amount of the lease liability is adjusted to reflect interest expense, which is recorded in interest expense, net.
Operating lease right-of-use assets are amortized over the lease term on a straight-line basis, and the lease liability
is measured at the present value of the remaining lease payments. Variable lease payments not included in the
lease liability for mileage charges on leased revenue equipment are expensed as incurred. Operating lease costs
are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease within operating expenses.
Capital Structure
The shares of Class A and B common stock are substantially identical except that the Class B shares are entitled
to two votes per share and immediately convert to Class A shares if beneficially owned by anyone other than our
Chief Executive Officer or certain members of his immediate family, while Class A shares are entitled to one vote
per share. The terms of any future issuances of preferred shares will be set by our Board of Directors.
Income Per Share
Basic income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders
by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per share reflects
the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted
into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. There were
approximately 374,000 shares and 195,000 shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares for the
years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Of such shares, 157,000 unvested shares have been
excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because the performance targets were not achieved as
of December 31, 2021. Additionally, none and 195,000 unvested shares have been excluded from the calculation
of diluted earnings per share since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive
for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. There were approximately 158,000 shares and
70,000 shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options for the years ended December 31,
2021 and 2020, respectively. Of such options, 34,000 unvested options have been excluded from the calculation
of diluted earnings per share because the performance targets were not attained as of December 31, 2021.
Additionally, 124,000 and 195,000 unvested options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings
per share since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive for the year ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The following table sets forth the calculation of net income per share included in the consolidated statements of
operations for each of the two years ended December 31:
(in thousands except per share data)
Numerators:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Net income (loss)
Denominator:
2021
2020
$
$
58,191 $
2,540
60,731 $
(14,120 )
(28,598 )
(42,718 )
Denominator for basic income per share – weighted-average shares
16,803
17,358
Effect of dilutive securities:
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted shares
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock
options
Denominator for diluted income per share adjusted weighted-average shares
and assumed conversions
217
-
-
-
17,020
17,358
Basic income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
Diluted income (loss) per share:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Net income (loss)
68
$
$
$
$
$
$
3.46 $
0.15 $
3.61 $
3.42 $
0.15 $
3.57 $
(0.81 )
(1.65 )
(2.46 )
(0.81 )
(1.65 )
(2.46 )
Stock-Based Employee Compensation
We issue several types of stock-based compensation, including awards that vest based on service, market, and
performance conditions or a combination of the conditions. Performance-based and market-based awards vest
contingent upon meeting certain performance or market criteria, respectively, established by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors. All awards require future service. For performance-based awards,
determining the appropriate amount to expense in each period is based on likelihood and timing of achieving the
stated targets for performance-based awards and requires judgment, including forecasting future financial results.
The estimates are revised periodically based on the probability and timing of achieving the required performance
and adjustments are made as appropriate. Awards that are only subject to time vesting provisions are amortized
using the straight-line method.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Accounting Standards not yet adopted
In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial
Instruments, which will require an entity to measure credit losses for certain financial instruments and financial
assets, including trade receivables. Under this update, on initial recognition and at each reporting period, an entity
will be required to recognize an allowance that reflects the entity’s current estimate of credit losses expected to be
incurred over the life of the financial instrument. This update will be effective for us for our annual reporting
period beginning January 1, 2023, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is
permitted. We are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this standard will have on the consolidated
financial statements.
There are no other new accounting pronouncements that are expected to have a significant impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
2.
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
As of June 30, 2020, our previously identified Factoring reportable segment was classified as discontinued
operations as it: (i) was a component of the entity, (ii) met the criteria as held for sale, and (iii) had a material
effect on the Company's operations and financial results. On July 8, 2020, we closed on the disposition of
substantially all of the operations and assets of TFS, which included substantially all of the assets and operations
of our Factoring reportable segment. The sale consisted primarily of $103.3 million of net accounts receivable,
which included $108.7 million of gross accounts receivable, less advances and rebates of $5.4 million.
We have reflected the former Factoring reportable segment as discontinued operations in the consolidated
statements of operations for all periods presented. Prior periods have been adjusted to confirm to the current
presentation.
The following table summarizes the results of our discontinued operations for the twelve months ended December
31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Total revenue
Operating expenses
Gain on disposal
(Reversal of) loss contingency
Operating income (loss)
Interest expense
Income (loss) before income taxes
Income tax expense (benefit)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
Twelve months ended
December 31
2021
2020
- $
25
-
(3,412 )
3,387
-
3,387
847
2,540 $
5,397
1,149
(3,720 )
44,151
(36,183 )
1,950
(38,133 )
(9,535 )
(28,598 )
$
$
Operating income for the year ended December 31, 2021 relates to the gain on the reversal of our contingent loss
liability in the amount of $3.4 million. Reversal of contingent loss liability relates to the reduced exposure of future
69
indemnification by the Company to Triumph as a result of the collection of covered receivables identified in the
amended purchase agreement, as described in Note 1.
Interest expense not directly attributable to or related to other operations has been allocated to discontinued
operations in a manner consistent with debt needed to finance the net average funds employed by the Factoring
reportable segment, multiplied by the Company's weighted average interest rate.
The following table summarizes the major classes of assets and liabilities included as discontinued operations as
of December 31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Noncurrent deferred tax asset
Noncurrent assets from discontinued operations
Total assets from discontinued operations
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
Contingent liabilities
Total liabilities from discontinued operations
December 31,
2021
December 31,
2020
1,275
1,275
1,275 $
9,535
9,535
9,535
- $
-
5,100
5,100 $
816
816
44,151
44,967
$
$
$
There were no net cash flows related to discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2021. The net
cash flows for operating activities related to discontinued operations provided $11.7 million for the year ended
December 31, 2020, and there were no related investing or financing cash flows related to discontinued operations
for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following unaudited summary information is presented on a consolidated pro forma basis as if the Factoring
assets were sold as of January 1, 2020:
(in thousands)
Total revenue
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) per basic share from continuing operations
Income (loss) per diluted share from continuing operations
Twelve months ended
December 31,
2021
1,046,003 $
58,191
3.46 $
3.42 $
2020
838,561
(14,120 )
(0.81 )
(0.81 )
$
$
$
Refer to Note 1, "Significant Accounting Policies" of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for
further information about the amended TFS purchase agreement.
3.
RESTRUCTURING AND COST SAVINGS INITIATIVES
Since the first quarter of 2020, we made significant changes to our operational business units, overhead structure
and branding strategy in an effort to streamline our business in a manner that we believe will allow us to
significantly lower our fixed costs, pay down debt and produce consistent acceptable margins. These changes
include (i) a reduction in our fleet of tractors and refrigerated trailers, which have historically produced
unacceptable or unprofitable operating income, (ii) reallocation of our operating fleet toward our more profitable
expedited, dedicated and irregular route operations, (iii) the sale of our Hutchins, Texas terminal and discontinued
use of our Texarkana, Arkansas terminal, (iv) changes to key management and reductions to headcount, (v) the
closure and early termination of our leased office space in Chattanooga, Tennessee that our brokerage group
occupied, (vi) the installation of new operational processes allowing us to abandon or discontinue the use of a
number of peripheral information technology infrastructure and applications and (vii) a change in our branding
strategy to focus on one company name, phasing out the use of the Landair trade name.
Although the significant majority of restructuring and cost savings initiatives were completed in the second quarter
of 2020, we incurred additional costs in the third and fourth quarters of 2020 as we continued to optimize our fleet
profile and management team.
70
In the second quarter of 2020 we discontinued the use of a significant amount of property and equipment, including
assets owned and held under operating leases. We adjusted the carrying value of the owned property and equipment
down to fair market value less estimated costs of disposal and classified them as available held for sale as of June
30, 2020. We expect to sell all the assets within the next twelve months. We terminated the lease agreement on a
leased office facility in Chattanooga, TN during the second quarter of 2020 and recognized the related loss on the
termination of the right of use asset and the abandonment of leasehold improvements within the impairment of
property and equipment line item of the consolidated statements of operations. The following table provides a
summary of the asset groups impaired, amount of the impairment and a description of the valuation technique used
to determine fair value. There were no such charges in 2021.
(in thousands)
Description
Revenue equipment
$
Terminal facility, leasehold improvements, and equipment,
Texarkana, AR
Leased office facility, Chattanooga, TN
Training and orientation center, Chattanooga, TN
Impairment of right-of use asset, long lived properties, and
Twelve
months ended
December 31,
2020
Segment(s)
Impacted
Expedited
and
Dedicated
Expedited
and
Dedicated
16,779
7,319
Managed
Freight
Expedited
and
Dedicated
2,236
235
Value
Determination
Third Party
Market
Appraisal
Third Party
Market
Appraisal
Loss on ROU
Asset and
Leasehold
Improvements
Quoted Market
Price
equipment
$
26,569
Other restructuring related gains and charges incurred during the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 are
summarized in the table below. There were no such activities in 2021.
(in thousands)
Description
Gain on disposal of terminals, net
$
Restructuring related separation and other
Abandonment of information technology infrastructure
Change in useful life/abandonment of intangible assets
Abandonment of revenue equipment held under operating leases
Contract exit costs and restructuring related costs and professional fees
Total restructuring
$
71
Twelve
months ended
December 31,
2020
Segment(s)
Impacted
Expedited and
Dedicated
Expedited,
Dedicated, and
Managed Freight
Expedited and
Dedicated
Dedicated, Managed
Freight, and
Warehousing
Expedited and
Dedicated
Expedited and
Dedicated
(4,740 )
4,334
1,048
1,331
825
695
3,493
4.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
Our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan") governs the
issuance of equity awards and other incentive compensation to management and members of the Board of
Directors. On July 1, 2020, the stockholders, upon recommendation of the Board of Directors, approved the Second
Amendment (the “Second Amendment”) to our Third Amended and Restated 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the
"Incentive Plan"). The Second Amendment (i) increased the number of shares of Class A common stock available
for issuance under the Incentive Plan by an additional 1,900,000 shares, (ii) added a fungible share reserve feature,
under which shares subject to stock options and stock appreciation rights will be counted as one share for every
share granted and shares subject to all other awards will be counted as 1.80 shares for every share granted, (iii)
added a double-trigger vesting requirement upon a change in control, (iv) eliminated the Compensation
Committee’s discretion to accelerate vesting, except in cases involving death or disability, (v) increased the
maximum award granted or payable to any one participant under the Incentive Plan for a calendar year from
200,000 shares of Class A common stock or $2,000,000, in the event the award is paid in cash, to 500,000 shares
of Class A common stock or $4,000,000, in the event the award is paid cash, (vi) re-set the date through which
awards may be made under the Incentive Plan to June 1, 2030, and (vii) made other miscellaneous, administrative
and conforming changes.
The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key
employees, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options, restricted share
awards, or other equity instruments. At December 31, 2021, 1,152,479 of the 4,200,000 shares noted above were
available for award under the amended Incentive Plan. No participant in the Incentive Plan may receive awards of
any type of equity instruments in any calendar-year that relates to more than 500,000 shares of our Class A common
stock or $4,000,000. To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all share-based incentive
plans.
Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based
compensation expense of $5.0 million and $1.8 million, in 2021 and 2020, respectively. Included in general
supplies and expenses within the consolidated statements of operations is stock-based compensation expenses for
non-employee directors of $0.4 million in each 2021 and 2020. All the stock compensation expense recorded in
2021 and 2020 relates to restricted shares granted, other than $2.4 million and less than $0.1 million in 2021 and
2020, respectively which relates to stock options. Associated with stock compensation expense was $0.3
million and $0.2 million of income tax expense in 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to the exercise of restricted
share vesting as no stock options were eligible to vest during those years.
The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements
related to awards that vest or allows the participant to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a fair
market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding
requirements for shares that vested, certain participants elected to deliver to us 60,752 and 20,570 Class A common
stock shares, which were withheld at weighted average per share prices of $21.87 and $14.65, respectively, based
on the closing prices of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2021 and 2020, respectively,
in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted $0.5 million and $0.3
million in 2021 and 2020, respectively, to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum
statutory withholding requirements. The payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation are
reflected within the issuances of restricted shares from treasury stock in the accompanying consolidated statement
of stockholders' equity.
72
The following table summarizes our restricted share award activity for the fiscal years ended December 31,
2021 and 2020:
Unvested at December 31, 2019
787 $
18.25
Number of
stock awards
(in thousands)
Weighted
average grant
date fair value
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2020
Granted
Vested
Forfeited
Unvested at December 31, 2021
119 $
(65 ) $
(196 ) $
645 $
252 $
(218 ) $
(117 ) $
562 $
13.43
23.82
20.05
16.25
21.34
16.57
15.31
18.12
The unvested shares at December 31, 2021 will vest based on when and if the related vesting criteria are met for
each award. All awards require continued service to vest, and 307,967 of these awards vest solely based on
continued service, in varying increments between 2021 and 2026. Performance based awards account
for 253,672 of the unvested shares at December 31, 2021, and have $2.5 million of unrecognized compensations
cost. There were no unvested market based awards at December 31, 2021.
The fair value of restricted share awards that vested in 2021 and 2020 was approximately $4.9 million and $0.9
million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $2.7 million of unrecognized compensation
expense related to 307,967 service-based shares, which is probable to be recognized over a weighted average
period of approximately 14.2 months. All restricted shares awarded to executives and other key employees
pursuant to the Incentive Plan provide the holder with voting and other stockholder-type rights, but will not be
issued until the relevant restrictions are satisfied. Forfeitures are recognized as they're incurred.
The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Number of
options (in
thousands)
Weighted
average
exercise
price
Weighted
average
remaining
contractual
term
Aggregate
intrinsic
value (in
thousands)
Outstanding at December 31, 2019
- $
-
- $
-
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2020
Options granted
Options exercised
Options forfeited
Outstanding at December 31, 2021
721 $
- $
- $
721 $
450 $
- $
(60 ) $
1,111 $
15.77
-
-
15.77
21.24
-
15.77
17.99
9.8 years $
(692 )
9.0 years $
9,382
Exercisable at December 31, 2021
- $
-
- $
-
Unrecognized compensation cost for outstanding options was $6.7 million at December 31, 2021.
73
5.
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
A summary of property and equipment, at cost, as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
(in thousands)
Revenue equipment
Communications equipment
Land and improvements
Buildings and leasehold improvements
Construction in-progress
Other
Estimated
Useful Lives
(Years)
3 - 10 $
5 - 10
0 - 15
7 - 40
-
2 - 10
$
2021
2020
400,282 $
4,257
16,341
72,180
866
24,480
518,406 $
435,865
5,492
16,602
57,308
695
25,314
541,276
Depreciation expense was $49.8 million and $60.4 million in 2021 and 2020, respectively. This depreciation
expense excludes net gains on the sale of property and equipment totaling $3.8 million and $7.7 million in
2021 and 2020, respectively.
We lease certain revenue equipment under finance and operating leases with terms of approximately 48 to 84
months. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, property and equipment included finance and operating leases. Our
finance leases had capitalized costs of $45.5 million and $50.2 million and accumulated amortization of $22.3
million and $20.8 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Amortization of these leased assets is
included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations and totaled $3.6
million and $4.1 million during 2021 and 2020, respectively. See Note 9. Leases for additional information about
our finance and operating leases.
6.
GOODWILL, OTHER INTANGIBLES, AND OTHER ASSETS
On July 3, 2018, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation
("Landair"). Landair is a dedicated and for-hire truckload carrier, as well as a supplier of transportation
management, warehousing, and inventory management services. Landair's results have been included in the
consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. The Company's only goodwill and other intangible
assets are a result of the Landair acquisition. Landair's trucking operations' results are reported within our
Dedicated reportable segment, while Landair's logistics operations' results are reported within our Managed
Freight and Warehousing reportable segments.
As a result of management compensation structure changes and a change in the branding strategy of the
organization, the Company revised the estimated remaining useful life of the Landair trade name to 15 months as
of June 30, 2020. The Landair trade name has a residual value of $0.5 million. The non-compete agreement with
a former Landair executive was terminated during the second quarter of 2020. These changes resulted in additional
amortization of $1.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, or a $1.0 million, or $0.06 per diluted
share, decrease in net income. The remaining useful lives as adjusted are included in the summary of other
intangible assets below.
A summary of indefinite-lived goodwill, by reportable operating segment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as
follows:
(in thousands)
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total goodwill
December 31,
2021
Gross/net
goodwill
December 31,
2020
Gross/net
goodwill
$
$
15,320 $
5,448
21,750
42,518 $
15,320
5,448
21,750
42,518
74
A summary of other intangible assets, by reportable operating segment as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as
follows:
(in thousands)
December 31, 2021
Gross
intangible
assets
Accumulated
amortization
Net
intangible
assets
Remaining
Life
(months)
$
Trade name:
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total trade name
Customer relationships:
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total customer relationships:
Total other intangible assets
$
2,402 $
999
999
4,400
14,072
1,692
12,436
28,200
32,600 $
(2,130 ) $
(885 )
(885 )
(3,900 )
272
114
114
500
(4,104 )
(494 )
(3,627 )
(8,225 )
(12,125 ) $
9,968
1,198
8,809
19,975
20,475
-
102
(in thousands)
December 31, 2020
Gross
intangible
assets
Accumulated
amortization
Net
intangible
assets
Remaining
Life
(months)
$
Trade name:
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total trade name
Customer relationships:
Dedicated
Managed Freight
Warehousing
Total customer relationships
Total other intangible assets
$
2,402 $
999
999
4,400
14,072
1,692
12,436
28,200
32,600 $
(1,204 ) $
(501 )
(501 )
(2,206 )
(2,931 )
(354 )
(2,591 )
(5,876 )
(8,082 ) $
1,198
498
498
2,194
11,141
1,338
9,845
22,324
24,518
9
114
The above finite-lived intangible assets have a weighted average remaining life of 102 months and 105 months as
of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively as a result of the change in estimated useful life as discussed above.
Amortization expense was $4.0 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020,
respectively. The expected amortization expense of these assets for the next five years is as follows:
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
(In thousands)
2,350
$
2,350
2,350
2,350
2,350
8,225
A summary of other assets as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 is as follows:
(in thousands)
Investment in TEL
Other long-term receivables
Other assets, net
Total other assets, net
2021
2020
44,196 $
7,329
859
52,384 $
34,365
24,378
2,154
60,897
$
$
75
Other long-term receivables primarily represents amounts recorded as a receivable in other assets and as a
corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on our consolidated balance sheet
for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will
provide their portion of such claims.
The Company conducted its annual impairment assessments and tests of goodwill for each reporting unit as of
October 1, 2021. The first step of the goodwill impairment test is the Company's assessment of qualitative factors
to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's
carrying amount, including goodwill. When performing the qualitative assessment, the Company considers the
impact of factors including, but not limited to, macroeconomic and industry conditions, overall financial
performance of each reporting unit, litigation and new legislation. If based on the qualitative assessments, the
Company believes it more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the reporting unit's
carrying amount, or periodically as deemed appropriate by management, the Company will prepare an estimation
of the respective reporting unit's fair value utilizing a quantitative approach.
If the estimation of fair value indicates that impairment potentially exists, the Company will then measure the
amount of the impairment, if any. Goodwill impairment exists when the estimated implied fair value of goodwill
is less than its carrying value. Changes in strategy or market conditions could significantly impact these fair value
estimates and require adjustments to recorded asset balances. As a result of the most recent goodwill impairment
analysis performed (October 1, 2021), the fair value of the Dedicated reporting unit exceeded its carrying amount
by approximately 8.5%.
Additionally, the Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in
circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment is recognized on assets classified
as held and used when the sum of undiscounted estimated cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset
is less than the carrying value. If such measurement indicates a possible impairment, the estimated fair value of
the asset is compared to its net book value to measure the impairment charge, if any.
7.
LIQUIDITY
Our business requires significant capital investments over the short-term and the long-term. We generally finance
our capital requirements with borrowings under our Credit Facility, cash flows from operations, long-term
operating leases, finance leases, secured installment notes with finance companies, and proceeds from the sale of
our used revenue equipment. We had working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) of $45.8
million and $14.4 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Based on our expected financial
condition, net capital expenditures, and results of operations and related net cash flows, we believe our working
capital and sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our current and projected needs for at least the next year.
As of December 31, 2021, we had no borrowings outstanding, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of
approximately $26.4 million, and available borrowing capacity of $83.6 million under the Credit Facility.
Additionally, we had availability of a $45.0 million line of credit from Triumph Bank which is available solely to
fund any indemnification owed to Triumph in relation to the sale of TFS. Fluctuations in the outstanding balance
and related availability under our Credit Facility are driven primarily by cash flows from operations and the timing
and nature of property and equipment additions that are not funded through notes payable and leases, as well as
the nature and timing of collection of accounts receivable, payments of accrued expenses, and receipt of proceeds
from disposals of property and equipment.
After taking measures in the first half of 2020 to preserve our liquidity in response to the economic uncertainty as
a result of COVID-19, we paid down more than $200.0 million of debt and lease obligations in the latter half of
the year. During 2021, we have continued to pay down debt, decreasing our debt and lease obligations by $36.1
million since December 31, 2020. If needed, we have other potential flexible sources of liquidity that we can
leverage such as unencumbered owned revenue equipment.
76
8.
DEBT
Current and long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Borrowings under Credit Facility
Borrowings under the Draw Note
Revenue equipment installment notes; weighted average
interest rate of 1.2% at December 31, 2021, and 2.0%
December 31, 2020, due in monthly installments with final
maturities at various dates ranging from January 2022 to
November 2022, secured by related revenue equipment
Real estate notes; interest rate of 1.8% at December 31, 2021
and 1.9% at December 31, 2020 due in monthly installments
with a fixed maturity at August 2035, secured by related real
estate
Total debt
Principal portion of finance lease obligations, secured by
December 31, 2021
Long-
Term
Current
$
- $
-
December 31, 2020
Long-
Term
- $ 15,000
-
-
Current
- $
-
4,537
2
6,437 11,358
1,185
5,722
20,345
20,347
1,140 21,530
7,577 47,888
related revenue equipment
6,848
3,969
5,687 10,756
Principal portion of operating lease obligations, secured by
related equipment
Total debt and finance lease obligations
15,811
21,554 16,989 21,474
$ 28,381 $ 45,870 $ 30,253 $ 80,118
We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to the Credit Facility with Bank of America, N.A., as agent
(the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders"). On October 23, 2020,
we amended and extended the Credit Facility (the “Eighteenth Amendment”). The Credit Facility is a $110.0
million revolving credit facility (increased from $95.0 million by the Eighteenth Amendment), with an
uncommitted accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the
revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million subject to Lender acceptance of the additional funding
commitment. The Credit Facility includes a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $105.0 million
(increased from $95.0 million by the Eighteenth Amendment) and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount
equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from
time-to-time. The Credit Facility matures in October 2025 (extended from September 2021 by the Eighteenth
Amendment).
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "LIBOR loans." Base rate loans
accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent’s prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or
LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.25% to 0.75% (decreased from a range of 0.5% to
1.0% by the Eighteenth Amendment); while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin
ranging from 1.25% to 1.75% (decreased from a range of 1.5% to 2.0% by the Eighteenth Amendment). The
applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability. The unused line fee is the product of
0.25% times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit
Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all
outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are
guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real
estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment
notes and finance leases. Any LIBOR loans under our Credit Facility will continue to be indexed against LIBOR
until the earlier of an amendment to the Credit Facility or June 2023. We do not expect a change from LIBOR to
an alternate index to have a material impact to our financial statements.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $110.0 million
(increased from $95.0 million by the Eighteenth Amendment), minus the sum of the stated amount of all
outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 87.5% (increased from 85% by the Eighteenth Amendment) of
eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the least of (a) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible
revenue equipment, (b) 100% (increased from 95% by the Eighteenth Amendment) of the net book value of eligible
revenue equipment, (c) 40.9% (increased from 35% by the Eighteenth Amendment) of the Lenders' aggregate
revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, or (d) following the Eighteenth Amendment, $45.0 million, plus
77
(iii) the lesser of (a) $10.4 million (as of the date of the Eighteenth Amendment) or (b) 80% (increased from 75%
by the Eighteenth Amendment) of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate, as reduced by a periodic
amortization amount. We had $0.0 million borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of December 31,
2021, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $26.4 million, and available borrowing capacity of
$83.6 million. Based on availability as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, there was no fixed charge coverage
requirement.
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that,
upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit
Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated. If an event of default occurs under
the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause, or have the ability to cause, all of the outstanding debt obligations under
the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that
contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants
relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course
of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit
Facility could result in an event of default.
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary
revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include
fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due
in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from January 2022 to November 2022. The
notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have
any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $4.5 million are cross-
defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue
equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered
in 2022, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a
combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, finance leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
In August 2015, we financed a portion of the purchase of our corporate headquarters, a maintenance facility, and
certain surrounding property in Chattanooga, Tennessee by entering into a $28.0 million variable rate note with a
third party lender. Concurrently with entering into the note, we entered into an interest rate swap to effectively fix
the related interest rate to 4.2%. The note contains certain restrictions and covenants that are usual and customary
for a note of this nature. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the note could result in
an event of default. We expect to be in compliance with our debt covenants for the next 12 months.
In connection with the TFS Settlement, on September 23, 2020, TBK Bank, SSB, as lender and agent for Triumph
(“TBK Bank”), provided the Company with a $45.0 million line of credit (the “Draw Note”), the proceeds of which
are to be used solely to satisfy our indemnification obligations under the TFS Settlement. We may borrow pursuant
to the Draw Note until September 23, 2025. Any amount outstanding under the Draw Note will accrue interest at
a per annum rate equal to one and one-half (1.5) percentage points over LIBOR, provided, however, that LIBOR
shall be deemed to be at least 0.25%. Accrued interest is due monthly and the outstanding principal balance is due
on September 23, 2026. To secure our obligations under the TFS Settlement and the Draw Note, we pledged certain
unencumbered revenue equipment with an estimated net orderly liquidation value of $60 million. The Draw Note
includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon occurrence and
continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Draw Note may be accelerated.
During the first quarter of 2021, we received an indemnification call from Triumph of $35.6 million related to the
TFS Settlement, which was funded by drawing on the Draw Note. During the second quarter of 2021 we repaid
$31.0 million of the borrowings under the Draw Note and during the third quarter of 2021 we repaid the remaining
balance. As of December 31, 2021, there were no outstanding borrowings under the Draw Note.
As of December 31, 2021, the scheduled principal payments of debt, excluding finance leases for which future
payments are discussed in Note 9 are as follows:
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
78
$
(in thousands)
5,722
1,241
1,294
1,350
1,408
15,054
9.
LEASES
Finance lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with
certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at December 31,
2021 terminate in January 2022 through November 2023 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related
equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at
the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum finance lease payments. These lease
agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. Our operating lease
obligations do not typically include residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.
A summary of our lease obligations for the twelve months ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
(dollars in thousands)
Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets
Interest on lease liabilities
Operating lease cost
Variable lease cost
Total lease cost
Twelve
Months Ended
December 31,
2021
Twelve
Months Ended
December 31,
2020
$
3,620 $
637
24,002
89
4,080
1,003
21,212
414
$
28,348 $
26,709
Other information
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease
liabilities:
Operating cash flows from finance leases
Operating cash flows from operating leases
Financing cash flows from finance leases
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease
liabilities
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease
liabilities
Weighted-average remaining lease term—finance leases
Weighted-average remaining lease term—operating leases
Weighted-average discount rate—finance leases
Weighted-average discount rate—operating leases
$
$
$
$
$
637 $
18,996 $
5,626 $
1,003
24,325
20,083
- $
3,229
15,795 $
1.0 years
4.9 years
4.7 %
6.4 %
1,730
1.8 years
2.3 years
2.3 %
5.3 %
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $2.2 million of impairment expense related to a leased
office facility in Chattanooga, TN held under an operating lease and approximately $0.8 million of additional revenue
equipment and purchased transportation expense related to the abandonment of revenue equipment held under an
operating lease. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, right-of-use assets of $35.7 million and $37.4 million for operating
leases, respectively, and $23.2 million and $29.4 million for finance leases, are included in net property and
equipment in our consolidated balance sheets. Operating lease right-of-use asset amortization is included in revenue
equipment rentals and purchased transportation, communication and utilities, and general supplies and expenses,
depending on the underlying asset, in the consolidated statement of operations. Amortization of finance leased assets
is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
79
Our future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2021, summarized as follows by lease category:
(in thousands)
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Thereafter
Operating
$
17,644 $
9,036
2,206
2,112
2,170
11,499
44,667 $
(7,302 )
37,365 $
(15,811 )
21,554 $
Finance
6,922
3,712
-
-
-
-
10,634
183
10,817
(6,848 )
3,969
Total minimum lease payments
Less: amount representing interest
Present value of minimum lease payments
Less: current portion
Lease obligations, long-term
$
$
$
Certain leases contain cross-default provisions with other financing agreements and additional charges if the unit's
mileage exceeds certain thresholds defined in the lease agreement.
Rental expense is summarized as follows for each of the two years ended December 31:
(in thousands)
Revenue equipment rentals
Building and lot rentals
Other equipment rentals
Total rental expense
10.
INCOME TAXES
2021
2020
20,114 $
3,651
326
24,091 $
22,505
2,982
478
25,965
$
$
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is comprised of:
(in thousands)
Federal, current
Federal, deferred
State, current
State, deferred
Income tax (benefit) expense
2021
2020
$
$
9,875 $
6,584
2,777
1,727
20,962 $
63
(2,391 )
2,349
(2,825 )
(2,804 )
Income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 is summarized below:
(in thousands)
Computed "expected" income tax expense
State income taxes, net of federal income tax effect
831(b) election
Per diem allowances
Tax contingency accruals
Valuation allowance, net
Tax credits
Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation
Change in prior year estimates
Executive compensation disallowance
Other, net
Income tax (benefit) expense
2021
2020
$
$
16,643 $
3,787
(8 )
-
(295 )
(242 )
(295 )
(259 )
(86 )
1,705
11
20,962 $
(3,554 )
(227 )
(123 )
1,028
65
(139 )
(403 )
129
288
-
132
(2,804 )
The amount of income tax expense (benefit) allocated to discontinued operations for TFS is $0.8 million expense
and $9.5 million benefit for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
80
Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying the applicable federal corporate income tax
rate of 21% for 2021 and 2020, to income before income taxes primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal
income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences, the most significant of which is the effect of the per diem
pay structure for drivers in 2020. Drivers who meet the requirements to receive per diem receive non-taxable per
diem pay in lieu of a portion of their taxable wages. This per diem program increases our drivers' net pay per mile,
after taxes, while decreasing gross pay, before taxes. As a result, salaries, wages, and employee benefits are slightly
lower and our effective income tax rate is higher than the statutory rate. Generally, as pre-tax income increases,
the impact of the driver per diem program on our effective tax rate decreases, because aggregate per diem pay
becomes smaller in relation to pre-tax income, while in periods where earnings are at or near breakeven, the impact
of the per diem program on our effective tax rate is significant. The nondeductible effect of per diem is temporarily
suspended for 2021 and 2022 in accordance with IRS guidance issued during the quarter ended December 31,
2021. The rate impact of these items will fluctuate in future periods as income fluctuates.
The temporary differences and the approximate tax effects that give rise to our net deferred tax liability at
December 31, 2021 and 2020 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Deferred tax assets:
Insurance and claims
Net operating loss carryovers
Tax credits
Leased liability
Finance lease obligation
State bonus
Other
Valuation allowance
Total deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
Investment in partnership
ROU Asset- leases
Other
481(a) - finance leases
Prepaid expenses
Total deferred tax liabilities
$
2021
2020
9,453 $
4,448
2,499
9,599
2,800
2,165
2,361
-
33,325
10,970
7,759
11,395
9,969
3,848
4,860
4,917
(242 )
53,476
(68,090 )
(34,400 )
(9,178 )
(783 )
(2,177 )
(3,358 )
(117,986 )
(78,682 )
(31,585 )
(9,697 )
(4,353 )
(588 )
(3,124 )
(128,029 )
Net deferred tax liability
$
(84,661 ) $
(74,553 )
The net deferred tax liability of $84.7 million primarily relates to differences in cumulative book versus tax
depreciation of property and equipment, partially off-set by net operating carryovers and insurance claims that
have been reserved but not paid. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to
generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions
to utilize these deferred tax benefits. If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be
required to establish a valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets, which would result
in additional income tax expense. On a periodic basis, we assess the need for adjustment of the valuation
allowance. Based on forecasted taxable income resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, primarily
generated by accelerated depreciation for tax purposes in prior periods, and tax planning strategies available to us,
no valuation allowance has been established at December 31, 2021. If these estimates and related assumptions
change in the future, we may be required to modify our valuation allowance against the carrying value of the
deferred tax assets.
As of December 31, 2021, we had a $0.6 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits, which includes
interest and penalties of $0.1 million. We recognize interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax
benefits in tax expense. As of December 31, 2020, we had a $0.9 million liability recorded for unrecognized tax
benefits, which included interest and penalties of $0.1 million. Interest and penalties recognized for uncertain tax
positions provided for de minimus expense in 2021 and 2020.
81
The following tables summarize the annual activity related to our gross unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands)
for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020:
Balance as of January 1,
Increases related to prior year tax positions
Decreases related to prior year positions
Increases related to current year tax positions
Decreases related to settlements with taxing authorities
Decreases related to lapsing of statute of limitations
Balance as of December 31,
2021
2020
$
$
887 $
-
-
-
-
(291 )
596 $
823
-
-
98
-
(34 )
887
If recognized, approximately $0.6 million and $0.9 million of unrecognized tax benefits would impact our effective
tax rate as of both December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Any prospective adjustments to our reserves for
income taxes will be recorded as an increase or decrease to our provision for income taxes and would impact our
effective tax rate.
Our 2016 through 2020 tax years remain subject to examination by the IRS for U.S. federal tax purposes, our
major taxing jurisdiction. In the normal course of business, we are also subject to audits by state and local tax
authorities. We do not anticipate total unrecognized tax benefits to materially change in the next twelve months.
Our federal net operating loss ("NOL") will be fully consumed in the current year. We have $2.1 million of federal
tax credits available to offset future tax. Our state net operating loss carryforwards and state tax credits of $86.8
million and $0.4 million, respectively, expire beginning in 2023 and 2029 based on jurisdiction.
On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into
law. The CARES Act, among other things, includes provisions for refundable payroll tax credits, deferral for
employer-side social-security payments, net operating loss carryback periods, alternative minimum tax credit
refunds, modifications to the net interest deduction limitations, and technical corrections to tax depreciation
methods for qualified improvement property. The Company considered the impacts of the legislation in the 2021
and 2020 financial statements.
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (the "ARPA") into law.
The new law includes several provisions meant to stimulate the U.S. economy. Of relevance to the Company,
ARPA extended the reach of IRC Section 162(m) to include compensation paid to the eight highest-paid
individuals other than the chief executive officer and chief financial officer (rather than the three highest), however,
this change is not effective until 2027. There is no material impact to the financial statements at this time.
11.
EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT
We own a 49.0% interest in TEL, a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller.
There is no loss limitation on our 49.0% interest in TEL. We have not guaranteed any of TEL's debt and have no
obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. There are no current put rights to purchase or sell with any
owners. TEL’s majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to
certain permitted transferees, without our consent. There are no third party liquidity arrangements, guarantees,
and/or other commitments that may affect the fair value or risk of our interest in TEL. For the years ended
December 31, 2021 and 2020, we sold tractors and trailers to TEL for $0.3 million and $2.1 million, respectively,
and received $0.9 million and $6.6 million, respectively, for providing various maintenance services, certain back-
office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment. We did not purchase any equipment from TEL in 2021 or 2020.
Additionally, we paid $0.6 million and $0.6 million to TEL for
in
2021 and 2020, respectively. We recorded net deferred gains of $0.1 million and $0.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, representing 49% of the gains on tractors and trailers sold to
TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was sold to a third party. Deferred
gains totaling $0.2 million at December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, are being carried as a reduction in our
investment in TEL.
leases of revenue equipment
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results
include our proportionate share of TEL's net income, which amounted to $14.8 million in 2021 and $3.9 million in
2020. We received an equity distribution from TEL for $4.9 million, and $1.5 million in 2021 and 2020, which
was distributed to each member based on its respective ownership percentage.
82
Our accounts receivable from TEL and investment in TEL as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, are as follows:
Description:
Accounts receivable from TEL Driver advances and other receivables $
$
Investment in TEL
Balance Sheet Line Item:
Other assets
2021
2020
802 $
44,196 $
661
34,365
Our accounts receivable from TEL related to cash disbursements made pursuant to our performance of certain
back-office and maintenance functions on TEL's behalf. Our investment in TEL is comprised of $4.9 million cash
investment and our equity in TEL's earnings since our investment, partially offset by dividends received since our
investment for minimum tax withholdings as noted above and the abovementioned deferred gains on sales of
equipment to TEL.
See TEL's summarized financial information below.
(in thousands)
Current Assets
Non-current Assets
Current Liabilities
Non-current Liabilities
Total Equity
(in thousands)
Revenue
Cost of Sales
Operating Expenses
Operating Income
Net Income
As of the years ended
December 31,
2021
2020
32,948 $
313,270
63,330
201,618
81,270 $
27,167
283,913
66,495
183,393
61,192
As of the years ended
December 31,
2021
2020
104,873 $
8,876
58,627
37,370
30,078 $
95,016
11,617
64,581
18,818
8,344
$
$
$
$
12. DEFERRED PROFIT SHARING EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN
We have a deferred profit sharing and savings plan under which all of our employees with at least six months of
service are eligible to participate. Employees may contribute a percentage of their annual compensation up to the
maximum amount allowed by the Internal Revenue Code. We may make discretionary contributions as determined
by a committee of our Board of Directors. We made contributions of $1.9 million in 2021 and $0.7 million in
2020, to the profit sharing and savings plan. The discretionary employer contributions were temporarily suspended
during the first half of 2020 in light of the uncertain impact of COVID-19 on the Company's operations.
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Other than those associated with TEL, there are no material related party transactions. See Note 11 for discussions
of the related party transactions associated with TEL.
14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of
which involves claims for personal injury and/or property damage incurred in connection with the transportation
of freight.
Our subsidiary Covenant Transport, Inc. (“Covenant Transport”) is a defendant in a lawsuit filed on November 9,
2018, in the Superior Court of Los Angeles County, California. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Richard Tabizon
(a California resident and former driver) who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action. The
complaint asserts that the time period covered by the lawsuit is from October 31, 2014 to the present and alleges
claims for failure to properly pay drivers for rest breaks, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements
and/or reimbursement of business related expenses, unlawful deduction of wages, failure to pay proper minimum
83
wage and overtime wages, failure to provide all wages due at termination, and other related wage and hour claims
under the California Labor Code. Since the original filing date, the case has been removed from the Los Angeles
Superior Court to the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California and subsequently the case was
transferred to the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Tennessee where the case is now pending. This
lawsuit was settled at mediation on April 29, 2021, for an immaterial amount, pending court approval. The Court
entered an Order preliminarily approving the Class Settlement on December 31 2021. Our accruals related to this
claim as of December 31, 2021 were sufficient to cover this settlement.
On February, 28 2019, Covenant Transport was named in a separate (but related) lawsuit filed in the Superior
Court of Los Angeles County, California requesting civil penalties under the California Private Attorneys’ General
Act for the same underlying wage and hour claims at issue in the putative class action case noted above. On August
1, 2019, the Los Angeles Superior Court entered an order staying the action pending completion of the earlier-
filed action that is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The claims set
forth in this lawsuit are included in the settlement referenced above.
On August 2, 2018, Curtis Markson, et al. (collectively, “Markson”), filed a putative class action case in United
States District Court, Central District of California generically claiming that five (5) specified trucking companies
(including our subsidiary Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc.) entered into a "no poaching conspiracy" in which
they agreed not to solicit or hire employees in California who were "under contract" with a fellow defendant. The
allegations center around new drivers in California who received their commercial driver's license through driving
schools associated with, or paid for by, one of the named defendants, in exchange for agreeing to drive for that
defendant carrier for a specified amount of time (typically 8-10 months). Over the ensuing 18 – 24 months, the
Plaintiffs added more trucking companies as co-defendants in the lawsuit, including our subsidiary, Covenant
Transport, Inc., on April 23, 2020. The lawsuit claims that the named co-defendants sent letters to one another,
providing notice of "under contract" status, if these new California drivers were hired by another defendant carrier
prior to the driver completing their contractual obligations. Plaintiffs contend that these notifications evidence a
collusive agreement by the named defendants to restrain competition among trucking companies in California and
suppress wages. This lawsuit was settled following mediation on August 20, 2021, for an immaterial amount
pending court approval. Our accruals related to this claim as of December 31, 2021 were sufficient to cover this
settlement.
On February 11, 2021, a lawsuit was filed against Covenant Transport on behalf of Wesley Maas (a California
resident and former driver) who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action. The lawsuit was filed in
the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California. The Complaint alleges claims for failure to pay all lawful
wages, failure to provide lawful meal and rest periods or compensation in lieu thereof, failure to timely pay wages,
failure to comply with itemized wage statement provisions, failure to indemnify for expenditures, and violations
of California Labor Code and unfair competition laws. Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain
cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes the resolution of open claims and pending litigation,
discussed above, taking into account existing reserves, is not likely to have a materially adverse effect on our
condensed consolidated financial statements, however, any future liability claims could impact this
analysis. Covenant Transport intends to vigorously defend itself in this matter. We do not currently have enough
information to make a reasonable estimate as to the likelihood, or amount of a loss, or a range of reasonably
possible losses as a result of this claim, as such there have been no related accruals recorded as of December 31,
2021.
We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain
self-insured retentions. In management's opinion, our potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is
adequately provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Refer to Note 1, "Significant
Accounting Policies" of the accompanying consolidated financial statements for information about our insurance
program.
Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes
the resolution of open claims and pending litigation, discussed above, taking into account existing reserves, is not
likely to have a materially adverse effect on our condensed consolidated financial statement.
We had $26.4 million and $29.7 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of December 31, 2021 and
2020, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs. Additionally,
we had $45.0 million of availability on a line of credit from Triumph solely to fund any indemnification owed to
Triumph in relation to the sale of TFS.
84
We had commitments outstanding at December 31, 2021,
totaling
approximately $73.8 million versus commitments at December 31, 2020 of approximately $34.8 million. These
commitments are cancelable upon stated notice periods, subject to certain adjustments in the underlying
obligations and benefits. These purchase commitments are expected to be financed by operating leases, finance
leases, long-term debt, proceeds from sales of existing equipment, and/or cash flows from operations.
to acquire revenue equipment
15.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Our four reportable segments are:
Expedited: The Expedited reportable operating segment primarily provides truckload services to
customers with high service freight and delivery standards, such as 1,000 miles in 22 hours, or 15-
minute delivery windows. Expedited services generally require two-person driver teams on equipment
either owned or leased by the Company.
Dedicated: The Dedicated segment provides customers with committed truckload capacity over
contracted periods with the goal of three to five years in length. Equipment is either owned or leased
by the Company. Many of our Dedicated contract customers are automotive companies or shippers of
produce, where the nature of the product we ship requires high service standards.
Managed Freight: The Managed Freight segment includes our brokerage and transport management
services ("TMS"). Brokerage services provide logistics capacity by outsourcing the carriage of
customers' freight to third parties. TMS provides comprehensive logistics services on a contractual
basis to customers who prefer to outsource their logistics needs.
Warehousing: The Warehousing segment provides day-to-day warehouse management services to
customers who have chosen to outsource this function.
These changes impacted the Company’s reportable segments but did not impact the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of
significant accounting policies. Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based. We evaluate
performance based on operating income of the respective business units.
The following table summarizes our segment information for 2021 and 2020:
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2021
Total revenue from external customers $ 337,063 $ 324,541 $ 321,236 $
Intersegment revenue
-
Operating income (loss)
32,461
595
Depreciation and amortization
-
(1,357 )
25,960
7,429
33,064
25,364
Expedited Dedicated
Warehousing Consolidated
63,163 $ 1,046,003
7,429
67,162
53,881
-
2,994
1,962
Managed
Freight
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Total revenue from external customers $ 320,202 $ 288,652 $ 177,579 $
Intersegment revenue
-
Operating (loss) income
4,482
829
Depreciation and amortization
-
(15,534 )
29,610
11,630
(7,038 )
31,969
Expedited Dedicated
Warehousing Consolidated
838,561
11,630
(14,027 )
65,472
52,128 $
-
4,063
3,064
Managed
Freight
(in thousands)
Total external revenues for reportable segments
Intersegment revenues for reportable segments
Elimination of intersegment revenues
Total consolidated revenues
85
For the years ended
December 31,
2021
1,046,003 $
7,429
(7,429 )
1,046,003 $
2020
838,561
11,630
(11,630 )
838,561
$
$
Balance sheet data by reportable segment is not maintained by the Company.
16.
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
On January 26, 2022, our Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend program of $0.0625 per share,
subject to quarterly approval by our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has approved the first dividend,
which will be for stockholders of record as of March 4, 2022, and payable on March 25, 2022.
On February 9, 2022, we acquired AAT Carriers, Inc. ("AAT") headquartered in Chattanooga, TN. AAT will
become a part of our Expedited reportable segment. AAT specializes in highly regulated, time-sensitive loads for
the U.S. government. For 2021, AAT generated approximately $25 million in revenue. The purchase price includes
a substantial earnout component based on AAT's adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and
amortization reported for the first and second years following closing. The total purchase price, including any
earnout achieved, is expected to range from $35 million to $55 million depending on the results achieved by AAT.
The initial accounting for the acquisition is incomplete. The transaction included a Code Section 338(h)(10)
election and is expected to be immediately accretive to earnings per diluted share.
On February 10, 2022, our Board of Directors adopted a 10b5-1 plan for the purchase of up $30.0 million in shares
subject to defined trading parameters, under our current stock repurchase program authorizing the purchase of up
to $38.0 million of our Class A common stock.
86
COVENANT LOGISTICS GROUP, INC. CORPORATE INFORMATION
DIRECTORS AND DIRECTOR NOMINEES
David R. Parker
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
Robert E. Bosworth
Retired President & Chief Operating Officer,
Chattem, Inc.
Dr. Benjamin S. Carson Sr.
Former Secretary of Housing & Urban Development
Founder & Chairman of the American Cornerstone
Institute
D. Michael Kramer
Executive Chairman of Southeastern Trust Company
Chief Executive Officer of Peak Financial, LLC
Bradley A. Moline
President & Chief Executive Officer,
Allo Communications, LLC
Rachel Parker-Hatchett
Director, Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.
Herbert J. Schmidt
Retired Executive Vice President of Con-way Inc. &
President of Con-way Truckload
W. Miller Welborn
Chairman of SmartFinancial, Inc.
OFFICERS
David R. Parker
Chairman of the Board &
Chief Executive Officer
(principal executive officer)
Joey B. Hogan
President
(principal financial officer)
M. Paul Bunn
Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
Officer
Samuel “Sam” F. Hough
Executive Vice President – Expedited Operations
Lynn Doster
Executive Vice President – Dedicated Operations
Joey Ballard
Senior Vice President of Talent Management
James “Tripp” S. Grant
Chief Accounting Officer
(principal accounting officer)
Daniel B. Porterfield
Senior Vice President of Maintenance and Equipment
Control
Matisse Long
Corporate Controller
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Grant Thornton, LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
CORPORATE COUNSEL
Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
Lincoln, Nebraska
TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR
Computershare
P.O. Box 505000
Louisville, KY 40233
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419
(423) 821-1212
ANNUAL MEETING
Covenant's Annual Meeting will be held at 10:00 a.m.
local time on May 18, 2022.
COMMON STOCK
NASDAQ Global Select Market – CVLG
The Company filed its Sarbanes-Oxley Section 302 Certifications as exhibits to the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2021, on February 28, 2022.
A copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2021, as filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission, may be obtained by stockholders of record without charge upon written request to
Joey B. Hogan, President, at 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419.