UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
[Mark one]
☒
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to __________
Commission File Number: 0-14690
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nebraska
47-0648386
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
14507 Frontier Road
Post Office Box 45308
Omaha , Nebraska
68145-0308
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(402) 895-6640
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value
WERN
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: NONE
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of
Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes ý No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging
growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large Accelerated Filer ☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or
revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control
over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its
audit report. ☒
If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing
reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by
any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ý
The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates of the Registrant (assuming for these purposes that all executive officers and Directors
are “affiliates” of the Registrant) as of June 28, 2024, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately
$2.188 billion (based on the closing sale price of the Registrant’s Common Stock on that date as reported by Nasdaq).
As of February 7, 2025, 61,872,209 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Proxy Statement of Registrant for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 13, 2025, are incorporated in Part III of this report.
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
INDEX
PAGE
PART I
Item 1.
Business ..................................................................................................................................
1
Item 1A.
Risk Factors ............................................................................................................................
7
Item 1B.
Unresolved Staff Comments ..................................................................................................
11
Item 1C.
Cybersecurity .........................................................................................................................
11
Item 2.
Properties ................................................................................................................................
13
Item 3.
Legal Proceedings ..................................................................................................................
14
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures .........................................................................................................
14
PART II
Item 5.
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities ...............................................................................................
14
Item 6.
Reserved .................................................................................................................................
16
Item 7.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations .
16
Item 7A.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk ................................................
26
Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data ......................................................................
27
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
57
Item 9A.
Controls and Procedures ........................................................................................................
57
Item 9B.
Other Information ...................................................................................................................
59
Item 9C.
Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections ...................................
59
PART III
Item 10.
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance .....................................................
59
Item 11.
Executive Compensation ........................................................................................................
59
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters ...............................................................................................................
59
Item 13.
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence .......................
60
Item 14.
Principal Accountant Fees and Services ................................................................................
60
PART IV
Item 15.
Exhibit and Financial Statement Schedules ...........................................................................
60
Item 16.
Form 10-K Summary .............................................................................................................
62
This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 (this “Form 10-K”) and the documents incorporated
herein by reference contain forward-looking statements based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this
filing. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. For further guidance, see
Item 1A of Part I and Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
Unless otherwise indicated, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “Company,” or “Werner” mean Werner Enterprises, Inc. and its
subsidiaries.
PART I
ITEM 1.
BUSINESS
General
We are a transportation and logistics company engaged primarily in transporting truckload shipments of general commodities in
both interstate and intrastate commerce. We also provide logistics services through our Werner Logistics segment. We believe
we are one of the largest truckload carriers in the United States (based on total operating revenues), and our headquarters are
located in Omaha, Nebraska, near the geographic center of our truckload service area. We were founded in 1956 by Clarence L.
Werner, who started the business with one truck at the age of 19. We were incorporated in the State of Nebraska in September
1982 and completed our initial public offering in June 1986 with a fleet of 632 trucks as of February 1986. At the end of 2024,
our Truckload Transportation Services (“TTS”) segment had a fleet of 7,450 trucks, of which 7,155 were company-operated
and 295 were owned and operated by independent contractors. Our Werner Logistics division operated an additional 18 drayage
company trucks and 134 Final Mile delivery trucks at the end of 2024. We have historically grown organically, and more
recently through a combination of organic growth and business acquisitions (discussed below). Our business acquisitions
expanded our fleet size, customer base, geographic market presence, and network of operational facilities. We remain open to
considering acquisitions in North America truckload and logistics companies that are both additive to our business and
accretive to our earnings.
We have two reportable segments – TTS and Werner Logistics. Our TTS segment is comprised of Dedicated and One-Way
Truckload. Dedicated had 4,840 trucks as of December 31, 2024 and provides truckload services dedicated to a specific
customer, generally for a retail distribution center or manufacturing facility, utilizing either dry van or specialized trailers. One-
Way Truckload had 2,610 trucks as of December 31, 2024 and includes the following operating fleets: (i) the medium-to-long-
haul van (“Van”) fleet transports a variety of consumer nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities over
irregular routes using dry van trailers, including Mexico cross-border routes; (ii) the expedited (“Expedited”) fleet provides
time-sensitive truckload services utilizing driver teams; (iii) the regional short-haul (“Regional”) fleet provides comparable
truckload van service within geographic regions across the United States; and (iv) the Temperature Controlled fleet provides
truckload services for temperature sensitive products over irregular routes utilizing temperature-controlled trailers. Our TTS
fleets operate throughout the 48 contiguous U.S. states pursuant to operating authority, both common and contract, granted by
U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and pursuant to intrastate authority granted by various U.S. states. We also have
authority to operate in several provinces of Canada and to provide through-trailer service into and out of Mexico. The principal
types of freight we transport include retail store merchandise, consumer products, food and beverage products and
manufactured products. We focus on transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship more consistently
throughout the year and whose volumes are generally more stable during a slowdown in the economy.
Our Werner Logistics segment is a non-asset-based transportation and logistics provider. Werner Logistics provides services
throughout North America and generates the majority of our non-trucking revenues through three operating units. These three
Werner Logistics operating units are as follows: (i) Truckload Logistics, which uses contracted carriers to complete shipments
for brokerage customers and freight management customers for which we offer a full range of single-source logistics
management services and solutions; (ii) the intermodal (“Intermodal”) unit offers rail transportation through alliances with rail
and drayage providers as an alternative to truck transportation; and (iii) Werner Final Mile (“Final Mile”) offers residential and
commercial deliveries of large or heavy items using third-party agents, independent contractors, and Company employees with
two-person delivery teams operating a liftgate straight truck.
Business Acquisitions
2022 Acquisitions
On November 5, 2022, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in Reed Transport Services, Inc. and RTS-TMS, Inc., doing
business as ReedTMS Logistics (“ReedTMS”). ReedTMS, based in Tampa, Florida, is an asset-light logistics provider and
dedicated truckload carrier that offers a comprehensive suite of freight brokerage and truckload solutions to a diverse customer
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base. Freight brokerage and truckload revenues generated by ReedTMS are reported in our Werner Logistics segment and in
Dedicated within our TTS segment, respectively.
On October 1, 2022, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in FAB9, Inc., doing business as Baylor Trucking, Inc.
(“Baylor”). Baylor, based in Milan, Indiana, operates in the east central and south central United States. Revenues generated by
Baylor are reported in One-Way Truckload within our TTS segment.
Additional information regarding the 2022 business acquisitions is included in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
2021 Acquisitions
On November 22, 2021, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in NEHDS Logistics, LLC (“NEHDS”). NEHDS is a final
mile residential delivery provider serving customers primarily in the Northeast and Midwest United States markets. NEHDS
delivers primarily big and bulky products (primarily furniture and appliances) using 2-person delivery teams performing
residential and commercial deliveries.
On July 1, 2021, we acquired an 80% equity ownership interest in ECM Associated, LLC ("ECM”). ECM provides regional
truckload carrier services in the Mid-Atlantic, Ohio and Northeast regions of the United States.
Marketing and Operations
Our business philosophy is to provide superior on-time customer service at a significant value for our customers. To accomplish
this, we operate premium modern tractors and trailers. This equipment has fewer mechanical and maintenance issues and helps
attract and retain experienced drivers. We continually develop our business processes and technology to improve customer
service and driver retention. We focus on customers who value the broad geographic coverage, diversified truck and logistics
services, equipment capacity, technology, customized services and flexibility available from a large, financially-stable
transportation and logistics provider.
We operate in the truckload and logistics sectors of the transportation industry. Our TTS segment provides specialized services
to customers based on (i) each customer’s trailer needs (such as van and temperature-controlled trailers), (ii) geographic area
(regional and medium-to-long-haul van, including transport throughout Mexico and Canada), (iii) time-sensitive shipments
(expedited) or (iv) conversion of their private fleet to us (dedicated). In 2024, TTS segment revenues accounted for 71% of total
operating revenues, Werner Logistics revenues accounted for 27% of total operating revenues, and the remaining 2% was
recorded in non-reportable segments. Our Werner Logistics segment manages the transportation and logistics requirements for
customers, providing customers with additional sources of truck capacity, alternative modes of transportation, and systems
analysis to optimize transportation needs. Werner Logistics services include (i) truck brokerage, (ii) freight management,
(iii) intermodal transport, and (iv) final mile. Werner Logistics is highly dependent on qualified associates, information systems
and the services of qualified third-party capacity providers. You can find the revenues generated by services that accounted for
more than 10% of our consolidated revenues, consisting of TTS and Werner Logistics, for the last three years in Note 3 and
Note 13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
We have a diversified freight base but are dependent on a relatively small number of customers for a significant portion of our
revenues. During 2024, our largest 5, 10, 25 and 50 customers comprised 36%, 48%, 65% and 77% of our revenues,
respectively. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 11% of our total revenues in 2024. Revenues generated by
Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments. The industry groups of our top 50 customers are 62%
retail and consumer products, 14% food and beverage, 16% manufacturing/industrial, and 8% logistics and other. Many of our
One-Way Truckload customer contracts may be terminated upon 30 days’ notice, which is common in the truckload industry.
We have longer-term Dedicated customer contracts, most of which are two to five years in length (including some contracts
with annual evergreen clauses) and generally may be terminated by either party typically upon a notice period following the
expiration of the contract’s first year. We typically renegotiate rates with our customers for these Dedicated contracts on an
annual basis.
Our company and independent contractor tractors are equipped with communication devices. These devices enable us and our
drivers to conduct two-way communication using standardized and freeform messages. This technology also allows us to plan
and monitor shipment progress. We automatically monitor truck movement and obtain specific data on the location of trucks at
fixed intervals. Using the real-time global positioning data obtained from the devices, we have advanced application systems to
improve customer and driver service. We were the first trucking company in the United States to receive an exemption from
DOT to use a global positioning-based paperless log system as an alternative to the paper logbooks traditionally used by truck
drivers to track their daily work activities. Since January 2021, we have used an untethered, tablet-based telematics solution that
provides an enhanced and more efficient driver experience.
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Safety is a high priority for us, which is demonstrated through our continued safety investments and initiatives, such as
investing in equipment with the latest collision mitigation systems; leveraging new side-view camera technology; implementing
in-cab and desktop technologies aimed at improving weather alerts; rerouting, and other situational awareness for our
professional drivers and transportation management teams. Improved weather reporting aids in redirecting our professional
drivers to safer routes, which may decrease claims and costs associated with claims.
Seasonality
In the trucking industry, revenues generally follow a seasonal pattern. Peak freight demand has historically occurred in the
months of September, October and November. After the December holiday season and during the remaining winter months, our
freight volumes are typically lower because some customers reduce shipment levels. Our operating expenses have historically
been higher in the winter months due primarily to decreased fuel efficiency, increased cold weather-related maintenance costs
of revenue equipment and increased insurance and claims costs attributed to adverse winter weather conditions. We attempt to
minimize the impact of seasonality through our marketing program by seeking additional freight from certain customers during
traditionally slower shipping periods and focusing on transporting consumer nondurable products. Revenue can also be affected
by adverse weather conditions, holidays and the number of business days that occur during a given period because revenue is
directly related to the available working days of shippers.
Human Capital Resources
Employee Count: As of December 31, 2024, we employed 9,287 drivers; 696 mechanics and maintenance associates for the
trucking operation; 1,552 office associates for the trucking operation; and 1,361 associates for Werner Logistics, international,
driving schools and other non-trucking operations. Most of our associates are based in the U.S., with about 1% based in Mexico
and Canada. None of our U.S. or Canadian associates are represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we generally consider
relations with our associates to be good.
Health & Safety: Werner® fosters a robust safety culture focused on minimizing workplace incidents, risks, and hazards. In
2024, Werner continued to achieve reductions in workplace injuries and DOT preventable accidents per million miles. The
Werner Safety Department oversees compliance and training for drivers under DOT regulations and Company policies. Key
responsibilities include creating and delivering world-class training programs on driver certification, driver onboarding and
testing, hazardous materials handling, and anti-human trafficking training. Our strong safety culture is demonstrated by ongoing
investments in advanced equipment technologies, which lead to improved safety for our professional drivers. Nearly all of our
company-owned trucks have collision-mitigation safety systems, automated manual transmissions, and forward-facing cameras.
Inclusion: At Werner, we embrace inclusion as a core value and support and encourage the different perspectives of our
associates, our customers and our suppliers. Inclusion contributes to innovation, connects us to the many communities we serve,
and empowers every associate to bring their whole self to Werner. We are proud to support 11 Associate Resource Groups
(“ARGs”) to promote and maintain an inclusive culture for all associates by bringing together individuals from a wide range of
backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to foster a sense of shared community.
In 2024, Werner was recognized among the Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation by the Women in
Trucking Association. Werner has earned this recognition in each of the seven years it has been awarded. Werner was also
recognized by Forbes as One of America’s Best Employers for Women 2024. These recognitions underscore Werner’s ongoing
commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for women across the organization. At Werner, our female
driver workforce is double the national industry average, and over 60% of our driver associates are ethnically diverse.
Additionally, over half of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) are female or ethnically diverse. In 2024, Werner was honored
to be recognized as No. 3 on the Top 10 Military Friendly® Company, Brand, and Spouse Employer lists and No. 5 on the Top
10 Military Friendly® Employer list by VIQTORY. In 2024, Werner was also recognized with the National Award for
Outstanding Large Employer of Veterans by the American Legion, and as a 5 Star Employer in the VETS Indexes Employer
Awards. These awards recognize Werner’s commitment to recruiting, hiring, retaining, developing, and supporting veterans and
the military-connected community. We are widely recognized as a transportation leader in military hiring with veterans and
veteran spouses.
Professional Driver Recruitment: We recognize that our professional driver workforce is one of our most valuable assets.
Most of our professional drivers are compensated on a per-mile basis. For most company-employed drivers, the rate per mile
generally increases with the drivers’ length of service. Professional drivers may earn additional compensation through incentive
performance pay programs and for performing additional work associated with their job (such as loading and unloading freight
and making extra stops and shorter mileage trips).
At times, there are driver shortages in the trucking industry. Availability of experienced drivers can be affected by (i) changes
in the demographic composition of the workforce; (ii) alternative employment opportunities other than truck driving that
become available in the economy; and (iii) individual drivers’ desire to be home more frequently. We believe that a declining
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number of, and increased competition for, driver training school graduates, aging truck driver demographics and increased truck
safety regulations have tightened driver supply.
At Werner, we continue to take actions to strengthen our driver recruiting and retention to make Werner a preferred choice for
the best drivers. Our efforts include offering competitive driver pay, maintaining a new truck and trailer fleet, purchasing best-
in-class safety features for all new trucks, investing in our driver training school network and collaborating with customers to
improve or eliminate unproductive freight. We are focused on providing strong mileage utilization and a large percentage of
driving jobs in shorter-haul operations (such as Dedicated and Regional) that allow drivers to return home more often. We
continue to improve our terminal network to enhance the driver experience. Our untethered, tablet-based telematics solution
provides Werner drivers with a more efficient experience through smart workflow, best-in-class navigation, improved safety
features and reduced manual data entry. While the trucking industry suffers from high driver turnover rates, we are proud that
our efforts in recent years have continued to have positive results on our driver retention.
Talent Development: We utilize recent driver training school graduates as a source of new drivers. These drivers have
completed a training program at a driver training school (including those owned and operated by Werner) and hold a
commercial driver’s license. They continue to gain industry experience through our career track program by partnering with a
Werner-certified leader. Upon the successful completion of our career track program, drivers will have the option to become a
solo or a team driver with us. At the end of 2024, we operated a total of 20 driver training locations to assist with the training
and development of drivers for our company and the industry.
Independent Contractors: We also recognize that independent contractors complement our company-employed drivers. As of
December 31, 2024, we had 295 independent contractors. Independent contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are
responsible for their operating expenses. They provide us with another source of drivers to support our fleet. We, along with
others in the trucking industry, however, continue to experience independent contractor recruitment and retention difficulties
that have persisted over the past several years. Challenging operating conditions, including inflationary cost increases that are
the responsibility of independent contractors and the availability and cost of equipment financing, continue to make it difficult
to recruit and retain independent contractors.
Revenue Equipment
As of December 31, 2024, we operated 7,155 company tractors and 295 tractors owned by independent contractors in our TTS
segment. Our Werner Logistics segment operated an additional 18 drayage company tractors and 134 Final Mile delivery trucks
at the end of 2024. The TTS segment company tractors were primarily manufactured by Freightliner (a Daimler company),
International (a Navistar company), and Kenworth and Peterbilt (both divisions of PACCAR). The Final Mile delivery trucks
are primarily manufactured by Hino, International, and Freightliner. We adhere to a comprehensive maintenance program for
both company tractors and trailers. We inspect independent contractor tractors prior to acceptance for compliance with Werner
and DOT operational and safety requirements. We periodically inspect these tractors, in a manner similar to company tractor
inspections, to monitor continued compliance. We also regulate the vehicle speed of company trucks to improve safety and fuel
efficiency.
The average age of our TTS segment company truck fleet was 2.1 years at December 31, 2024 and 2023. The average age of
our trailer fleet was 5.3 years at December 31, 2024, compared to 4.9 years at December 31, 2023. Our trucks are equipped with
tablet-based telematics, and nearly all of our company-owned trucks have collision mitigation safety systems and automated
manual transmissions.
We operated 28,665 trailers at December 31, 2024, comprised of dry vans, flatbeds, temperature-controlled, and other
specialized trailers. Most of our company-owned trailers were manufactured by Wabash National Corporation and Great Dane.
Nearly all of our dry van trailer fleet consisted of 53-foot composite trailers, and we also provide other trailer lengths to meet
the specialized needs of certain customers. Substantially all of our trailers have satellite tracking devices.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary, Werner Fleet Sales, sells our used trucks and trailers. Werner Fleet Sales has been in business
since 1992 and operates in eight locations. At times, we may also trade used trucks to original equipment manufacturers when
purchasing new trucks.
Fuel
In 2024, we purchased nearly all of our fuel from a predetermined network of fuel truck stops throughout the United States
comprised mostly of three large fuel truck stop chains. We negotiate discounted pricing based on historical purchase volumes
with these fuel truck stop chains and other factors.
Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and rationing of petroleum products can have a material adverse effect on our
operations and profitability. Our customer fuel surcharge reimbursement programs generally enable us to recover from our
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customers a majority, but not all, of higher fuel prices compared to normalized average fuel prices. These fuel surcharges,
which automatically adjust depending on the U.S. Department of Energy (“DOE”) weekly retail on-highway diesel fuel prices,
enable us to recoup much of the higher cost of fuel when prices increase and provide customers with the benefit of lower fuel
costs when fuel prices decline. We do not generally recoup higher fuel costs for empty and out-of-route miles (which are not
billable to customers) and truck idle time. We cannot predict whether fuel prices will increase or decrease in the future or the
extent to which fuel surcharges will be collected from customers. As of December 31, 2024, we had no derivative financial
instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.
We maintain aboveground and underground fuel storage tanks at some of our terminals. Leakage or damage to these facilities
could expose us to environmental clean-up costs. The tanks are routinely inspected to help prevent and detect such problems.
We are committed to supporting global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and we continue to update our fleet of tractors to
provide energy-efficient transportation options for our customers, including investing in and testing alternative fuels, utilizing
advanced equipment technologies, and making additional fleet enhancements. We currently maintain a late-model truck fleet to
take advantage of the latest technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Our future environmental goals include
doubling intermodal usage by 2030, thereby further reducing emissions, and by 2035, reducing carbon emissions by 55%
compared to a 2020 baseline.
Regulations
As a for-hire motor carrier, Werner is subject to federal, state, local, and international laws and regulations and is regulated by
various federal, state, and local agencies including DOT, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), U.S.
Department of Homeland Security, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”), among others.
DOT and FMCSA, an agency within DOT, generally govern matters such as safety requirements and compliance, including
drug and alcohol testing, registration to engage in motor carrier operations, entry-level driver training, drivers’ hours of service,
and certain mergers, consolidations, and acquisitions. Werner maintains a satisfactory safety rating, which is the highest
available rating of the three safety ratings given by FMCSA. A conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating could adversely
impact Werner’s business, as some of our customer contracts require a satisfactory rating. Werner must also comply with
federal, state, and international regulations which govern equipment weight and dimensions. In July 2024, FMCSA held
listening sessions on a prior Safety Fitness Determination (“SFD”) Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and discussed potentially
moving to a new fitness rating methodology. Werner continues to monitor any developments on SFDs.
FMCSA’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (“CSA”) initiative monitors the safety performance of motor carriers. CSA uses
the Safety Measurement System (“SMS”) to analyze data from roadside inspections, crash reports, and investigation results.
The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (“FAST”) Act of 2015 directed FMCSA to remove from public view certain
information regarding a carrier’s compliance and safety performance. The FAST Act also instructed FMCSA to study the
accuracy of CSA and SMS data and issue a corrective action plan. FMCSA provided a report to Congress in 2020 outlining the
changes it may make to the CSA program and published subsequent notices and information about potential changes to the
SMS. In November 2024, FMCSA responded to public comments it received on proposed changes. However, it remains
unclear if, when, and to what extent, any such changes will occur. Werner continues to monitor FMCSA’s actions and CSA
related developments.
Motor carriers are required by FMCSA to perform annual random drug tests for 50% of existing drivers. This rate was
increased from 25% to 50% on January 1, 2020, following the 2018 FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing Survey, which reported
a positive test rate exceeding 1% for controlled substances industry wide. The minimum annual percentage rate for random
alcohol testing remains at 10% for 2025.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 required FMCSA to establish a pilot program to allow persons ages 18, 19,
and 20 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. FMCSA’s Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot (“SDAP”)
Program accepts applications by motor carriers who are willing to participate in the pilot program, and FMCSA plans to limit
the participation to 1,000 carriers and 3,000 apprentices. In May 2024, Werner received FMCSA approval for 100 apprentice
spots in the SDAP Program.
In November 2024, FMCSA proposed a rule to change existing broker transparency regulations. The proposed rule would
require brokers to maintain records electronically, eliminate the distinction between brokerage and non-brokerage services,
mandate records for each shipment including all charges, payments, and related claims, require brokers to provide records as a
regulatory obligation, and mandate brokers provide all requested records within 48 hours. Werner is evaluating the proposed
rule and its potential impact on its broker operations.
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EPA and DOT announced in August 2016 Phase 2 of the Greenhouse Gas and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Medium and
Heavy-Duty Trucks. The final rule requires a reduction of carbon emissions and fuel savings from engines, vehicles, and new
trailers to be phased in over the next decade. In January 2020, EPA announced an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that
would establish new standards for highway heavy-duty engines to lower nitrogen oxide emissions. In August 2021, EPA
announced plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Heavy-Duty Trucks through a series of rulemakings over the next
three years. In December 2022, EPA adopted its first final rule, which sets stronger emissions standards to reduce air pollution,
including pollutants that create ozone and particulate matter, from heavy-duty vehicles and engines starting in model year 2027.
In March 2024, EPA released a Final Rule governing Greenhouse Gas (“GHG”) Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles
- Phase 3, which requires more stringent greenhouse gas standards for heavy-duty vehicles and revises the “Phase 2”
greenhouse gas standards established in 2016. Short haul (day cab) and long haul (sleeper cab) tractor GHG standards under the
Final Rule phase in starting with model years 2028 through 2032. Werner continues to evaluate the Final Rule and any EPA-
related developments impacting its fleet.
California’s ongoing emissions reduction goals have significantly impacted the industry. The California Air Resources Board
(“CARB”) regulations apply to both in-state California carriers and carriers outside of California who own or dispatch
equipment in the state. Werner is impacted by various CARB regulations including the Truck and Bus Regulation, Clean Truck
Check (Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance), Advanced Clean Trucks, Advanced Clean Fleets, Temperature Refrigeration
Units, among other currently effective and forthcoming regulations. Werner continues to structure our fleet plans to operate
compliant equipment in California. Approximately 5% of our truck miles in 2024 were in the state of California.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) issued a Final Rule in March 2024 requiring public companies to
disclose, among other things, material climate-related risks; activities to mitigate or adapt to such risks; information about the
registrant's board of directors' oversight of climate-related risks and management’s role in managing material climate-related
risks; and information on any climate-related targets or goals that are material to the registrant's business, results of operations,
or financial conditions. The SEC has voluntarily stayed the Final Rule pending judicial review, and Werner is monitoring the
status of the stay.
In 2023, California enacted two climate disclosure laws requiring Scope 1, 2, and 3 disclosures beginning in 2026. When
implemented, SB 253 will require companies with revenues greater than $1 billion doing business in California to
comprehensively report their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and to obtain a third-party auditor assurance of their Scope 1 and 2
reports, and SB 261 will require U.S. businesses with over $500 million in revenue operating in California to disclose climate-
related financial risks and mitigation thereof biannually publicly. Werner is monitoring ongoing litigation to invalidate SB 253
and SB 261.
Our operations are subject to applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations, many of which are
implemented by the EPA and similar state regulatory agencies. These laws and regulations govern the management of
hazardous wastes, discharge of pollutants into the air and surface and underground waters and disposal of certain substances.
We do not believe that compliance with these regulations has a material effect on our capital expenditures, earnings, and
competitive position.
Werner is dedicated to participating in the development of meaningful public policy by engaging in local, state, and federal
legislative and regulatory actions that impact our operations.
Competition
The freight transportation industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of trucking and non-asset-based logistics
companies. We have a small share of the markets we target. Our TTS segment competes primarily with other truckload carriers.
Logistics companies, digital brokers, intermodal companies, railroads, less-than-truckload carriers and private carriers provide
competition for both our TTS and Werner Logistics segments. Our Werner Logistics segment also competes for the services of
third-party capacity providers.
Competition for the freight we transport or manage is based primarily on service, efficiency, available capacity and, to some
degree, on freight rates alone. We believe that few other truckload carriers have greater financial resources, own more
equipment or carry a larger volume of freight than us. We believe we are one of the largest carriers in the truckload
transportation industry based on total operating revenues.
Internet Website
We maintain an Internet website where you can find additional information regarding our business and operations. The website
address is www.werner.com. On the website, we make certain investor information available free of charge, including our
Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, stock ownership reports filed
under Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and any amendments to such
6
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act. This information is included on our website as
soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the SEC. We also provide our corporate
governance materials, such as Board committee charters and our Code of Corporate Conduct, on our website free of charge, and
we may occasionally update these materials when necessary to comply with SEC and Nasdaq rules or to promote the effective
and efficient governance of our company. Information provided on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form
10-K.
ITEM 1A.
RISK FACTORS
The following risks and uncertainties may cause our actual results, business, financial condition and cash flows to materially
differ from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K. Caution should be taken not to
place undue reliance on forward-looking statements made herein because such statements speak only to the date they were
made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation or duty to revise or update any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated
events. Also refer to the Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements in Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
Risks Related to our Business and Industry
Our business is subject to overall economic and geopolitical conditions that could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations and financial condition.
We are sensitive to economic or geopolitical conditions, in particular, those that impact customer shipping volumes, industry
freight demand, and industry truck capacity. Such conditions can include, among others, employment levels, business
conditions, fuel and energy costs, public health crises, interest rates, tax rates, political conflict, and global trade policy. Tariffs
or trade regulations may impact the cost or availability of materials, equipment, goods, and fuel. Impacts from any of the
foregoing on (i) our suppliers could affect pricing or availability of needed goods and services and (ii) our customers could
weaken their financial condition, increase our risk of bad debt losses, and decrease demand for our services (even if preceded
by increased demand in anticipation of a trade regulation or other change). When conditions cause a decline in shipping
volumes or an increase in available truck capacity, freight pricing generally becomes more competitive as carriers compete for
loads to maintain truck productivity. Any of the foregoing may impact our results of operations and financial condition.
Labor and employment matters, including difficulty in recruiting and retaining experienced drivers, recent driver training
school graduates and independent contractors, could impact our results of operations and financial condition.
At times, the trucking industry has experienced driver shortages. Driver turnover, recruiting and availability may be affected by
changes in our customer base, fleet size, and workforce demographics; alternative employment opportunities and national
unemployment rates; freight market conditions; availability of financial aid for driver training schools; and changing industry
regulations. If such a shortage were to occur and driver pay rate increases became necessary to attract and retain drivers, our
results of operations would be negatively impacted to the extent that we could not obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
Additionally, a shortage of drivers could result in idled equipment, which would affect our profitability and limit growth
opportunities.
The impact on independent contractors of inflationary cost increases and the market for and cost of financing equipment may
affect their availability to us. In recent years, the classification of individuals as employees or independent contractors has
gained increased attention among tax and other regulators, as well as plaintiffs’ attorneys who have pursued lawsuits against
transportation companies alleging misclassification of employees and independent contractors resulting in significant damages.
Changes that impact the classification of the relationship between us and our independent contractors could have a material
adverse effect on our ability to recruit and retain them, which could negatively impact our operations. If pay rates for drivers or
per-mile settlement rates for independent contractors increased, our results of operations would be negatively impacted to the
extent that we could not obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
During 2023, union organizing efforts occurred at two locations of a U.S. subsidiary, which resulted in fewer than 30 of our
employees being represented by a union. In September 2024, that small group of drivers filed a petition seeking to decertify the
union and end their union’s representation. The union responded by voluntarily ending its representation of those drivers and, as
a result, those drivers are no longer unionized. Unionization, if broad-based, could have a material adverse effect on our costs,
efficiency, and profitability.
Increases in fuel prices and shortages of fuel can have a material adverse effect on the results of operations and
profitability.
Increases in fuel prices and shortages of fuel can be caused by, among other things, changes in macroeconomic and geopolitical
conditions. To lessen the effect of fluctuating fuel prices on our margins, we have fuel surcharge programs with our customers.
These programs generally enable us to recover a majority, but not all, of the fuel price increases. Fuel prices that change rapidly
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in short time periods also impact our recovery because the surcharge rate in most programs only changes once per week. Fuel
shortages, increases in fuel prices and petroleum product rationing could have a material adverse impact on our operations and
profitability. To the extent that we cannot recover the higher cost of fuel through customer fuel surcharges, our financial results
would be negatively impacted. As of December 31, 2024, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to
fuel price fluctuations.
We operate in a highly competitive industry, which may limit growth opportunities and reduce profitability.
The freight transportation industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of trucking and non-asset-based logistics
companies. We compete primarily with other truckload carriers in our TTS segment. Logistics companies, digital brokers,
intermodal companies, railroads, less-than-truckload carriers and private carriers also provide a lesser degree of competition in
our TTS segment, but such providers are more direct competitors in our Werner Logistics segment. Competition for the freight
we transport or manage is based primarily on service, efficiency, available capacity and, to some degree, on freight rates alone.
This competition could have an adverse effect on either the number of shipments we transport or the freight rates we receive,
which could limit our growth opportunities and reduce our profitability. If we do not invest in and develop technology in a
manner that meets market demands, we may be placed at a competitive disadvantage.
The seasonal shipping pattern generally experienced in the trucking industry may affect our periodic results during
traditional slower shipping periods and winter months.
In the trucking industry, revenues generally follow a seasonal pattern which may affect our results of operations. After the
December holiday season and during the remaining winter months, our freight volumes are typically lower because some
customers reduce shipment levels. Our operating expenses have historically been higher in the winter months because of cold
temperatures and other adverse winter weather conditions which result in decreased fuel efficiency, increased cold weather-
related maintenance costs of revenue equipment and increased insurance and claims costs. Revenue can also be affected by
adverse weather conditions, holidays and the number of business days during a given period because revenue is directly related
to the available working days of shippers.
We depend on key customers, the loss or financial failure of which may have a material adverse effect on our operations and
profitability.
A significant portion of our revenue is generated from key customers. During 2024, our largest 5, 10, 25 and 50 customers
accounted for 36%, 48%, 65%, and 77% of revenues, respectively. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 11% of
our total revenues in 2024. We do not have long-term contractual relationships with many of our key One-Way Truckload
customers. Most of our Dedicated customer contracts are two to five years in length and generally may be terminated by either
party typically upon a notice period following the expiration of the contract’s first year. We typically renegotiate rates with our
customers for these Dedicated contracts annually. We cannot provide any assurance that key customer relationships will
continue at the same levels. If a key customer substantially reduced or terminated our services, it could have a material adverse
effect on our business and results of operations. We review our customers’ financial conditions for granting credit, monitor
changes in customers’ financial conditions on an ongoing basis and review individual past-due balances and collection
concerns. However, a key customer’s financial failure may negatively affect our results of operations.
We depend on the services of third-party capacity providers, the availability of which could affect our profitability and limit
growth in our Werner Logistics segment.
Our Werner Logistics segment is highly dependent on the services of third-party capacity providers, such as other truckload
carriers, less-than-truckload carriers, final-mile delivery contractors, and railroads. Many of those providers face the same
economic challenges as we do and therefore are actively and competitively soliciting business. These economic conditions may
have an adverse effect on the availability and cost of third-party capacity. If we are unable to secure the services of these third-
party capacity providers at reasonable rates, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
If we cannot effectively manage the challenges associated with doing business internationally, our revenues and profitability
may suffer.
Our results are affected by the success of our operations in Mexico and other foreign countries in which we operate (see Note
13 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K). We are subject to risks of
doing business internationally, including fluctuations in foreign currencies, changes in the economic strength of the countries in
which we do business, difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations and intellectual property rights, burdens of complying
with a wide variety of international and United States export and import laws, changing tariff policies on imported goods, and
social, political, and economic instability. Additional risks associated with our foreign operations, including restrictive trade
policies and imposition of duties, taxes, or government royalties by foreign governments, are present but have been largely
mitigated by the terms of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (“USMCA”) for Mexico and Canada. The United
States, Canada and Mexico ratified the USMCA as an overhaul and update to the North America Free Trade Agreement, and it
8
became effective in July 2020. We believe Werner is one of the largest U.S. based truckload carriers in terms of freight volume
shipped to and from the United States and Mexico. There are risks, sometimes unforeseen, associated with international
operations. The agreement permitting cross border movements for both United States and Mexican based carriers into the
United States and Mexico presents additional risks in the form of potential increased competition and the potential for increased
congestion on the cross-border lanes between countries. At the present time, immigration at the southern border has not
negatively affected our operations; however, if the situation intensifies, operations could be affected.
We rely on the services of key personnel, the loss of which could impact our future success.
We are highly dependent on the services of key personnel, including our executive officers. Although we believe we have an
experienced and highly qualified management team, the loss of the services of these key personnel could have a significant
adverse impact on us and our future profitability.
Difficulty in obtaining, or increased costs of, materials, equipment, goods, and services from our vendors and suppliers
could adversely affect our business.
We are dependent on our vendors and suppliers. We believe we have good vendor relationships and that we are generally able
to obtain favorable pricing and other terms from vendors and suppliers. If we fail to maintain satisfactory relationships with our
vendors and suppliers, or if our vendors and suppliers are unable to provide the products and materials we need or experience
significant financial problems, we could experience difficulty in obtaining needed goods and services because of production
interruptions, limited material availability, or other reasons. At times, tractor and trailer manufacturers have experienced
significant shortages of semiconductor chips and other component parts and supplies, forcing many manufacturers to reduce or
suspend their production, which has led to a lower supply of tractors and trailers, higher prices, and lengthened replacement
cycles. Emissions and fuel efficiency regulations may impact equipment availability and pricing. Shortages of equipment,
component parts, and other supplies could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of
operations, particularly our maintenance expense, mileage productivity, and driver retention.
We use our information systems extensively for day-to-day operations, and disruption or failure of our technology
infrastructure or of third-party systems or services integrated therein, or a breach of our systems, networks or processes, or
those of any vendor that maintains or accesses our data, could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely increasingly on cloud-based technology and depend on the stability, availability and security of our information
systems to manage our business. Some of our software was developed internally or by adapting purchased software applications
to suit our needs. Our information systems are used for various purposes including, without limitation, enhancing customer
service, planning freight loads, communicating with and dispatching drivers and other capacity providers, billing and collecting
from customers, paying vendors and associates, maintaining sensitive or confidential Company or third-party information or
employee personal information, and generating financial, operational, and other information. We rely on strategic vendors for
certain services that impact our systems and communications, such as integrated GPS and satellite communication services and
Internet and telecommunications services. System disruption or unavailability could occur due to various events, including,
without limitation, a power outage, a hardware or software failure, a cybersecurity threat or breach, a catastrophic occurrence,
or the disruption of a vendor’s service to us. If any of our information systems, or those of our providers, become compromised
or unavailable, or are taken offline in response to a threat or other event, certain critical functions may be disrupted, subject to
manual performance, or fail.
Our mitigation of these risks includes, without limitation, using certain redundant computer hardware, tools and protocols to
monitor and respond to threats, the work of a dedicated internal cybersecurity team, incident and crisis response plans,
enterprise-wide information security policies and trainings, and the use of artificial intelligence. However, the security risks
associated with information technology systems have increased in recent years because of the evolving sophistication, activities
and methods of cyber attackers, including the use of artificial intelligence. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access,
disable or degrade service or sabotage systems change frequently, may be difficult to detect, and often are not recognized until
launched against a target, and we may be unable or fail to anticipate them or to implement adequate preventative measures. We
may incur costs in responding to a specific event. Fortifying our systems after a cybersecurity event may be cost prohibitive.
Our investments in cybersecurity may not be successful against an attack or malicious action.
Failure to comply with applicable U.S. and international privacy or data protection regulations or other data protection
standards, on which there is heightened focus, may expose us to litigation, fines, sanctions, or other penalties. The risks
described herein could create reputational harm or financial liability; disrupt our business and/or impact our customers; result in
the loss, disclosure or misuse of operational, confidential or proprietary information; or increase our costs, any of which could
harm our reputation and adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
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A public health crisis, such as an epidemic, pandemic, or similar outbreak may have an adverse impact on our business, as
well as the operations of our customers and suppliers.
An epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak could result in a slowdown of economic activity and a disruption in supply chains.
Our business is sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that impact customer shipping volumes, industry freight
demand and industry truck capacity. Such conditions may also impact the financial condition of our customers, resulting in a
greater risk of bad debt losses, and that of our suppliers, which may affect the availability or pricing of needed goods and
services. Our future results could be impacted by the disruptive effects of an epidemic, pandemic or similar outbreak, including
but not limited to adverse effects on freight volumes and pricing and availability of qualified personnel. Such outbreaks could
affect our operations and business continuity if a significant number of our essential employees, overall or in a key location, are
quarantined from contraction of or exposure to the disease or if future governmental orders prevent our employees or critical
suppliers (including individuals that have not received mandated vaccinations) from working. Our compliance with mandates
could lead to employee absences, resignations, labor disputes, or work stoppages. The degree of disruption is difficult to predict
because of many factors, including the uncertainty surrounding the magnitude and duration of an outbreak, governmental
actions that may be imposed, as well as the rate of economic recovery after an outbreak subsides. The unpredictable nature and
uncertainty of a public health crisis could also magnify other risk factors disclosed above and makes it impractical to identify all
potential risks.
Risks Related to Legal, Regulatory and Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Matters
We operate in a highly regulated industry. Compliance with changing transportation, emission, fuel efficiency or other
regulations, or violations of existing or future regulations, could adversely affect our operations and profitability.
We are regulated by DOT and its agency, FMCSA, in the United States and similar governmental transportation agencies in
certain U.S. states and in foreign countries in which we operate. These regulatory agencies have the authority to govern
transportation-related activities, such as safety, authorization to conduct motor carrier operations and other matters. EPA and
CARB subject us to emissions and fuel efficiency regulations, and additional regulations by these and other agencies may
occur. The Regulations subsection in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-K describes several proposed and final regulations that
may have a significant effect on our operations including our productivity, driver recruitment and retention, and capital
expenditures for tractors, trailers, and other equipment necessary to comply with such regulations.
We are subject to environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials, aboveground and
underground fuel storage tanks, and discharge and retention of stormwater. We operate in industrial areas, where truck
terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have
occurred. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage and hazardous waste disposal,
among others. We also maintain bulk fuel storage at some of our facilities. If we are involved in a spill or other accident
involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, it could have a material
adverse effect on our business and operating results.
If we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or penalties and civil and criminal
liability.
Increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders regarding ESG related matters may have a negative impact on
our business.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders related to ESG matters,
including practices and disclosures related to sustainability. Organizations that provide information to stakeholders (including
customers and 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 customers to evaluate their relationship with us
and by some investors to inform their investment and proxy statement voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to
negative sentiment toward us by stakeholders, which could have a negative impact on our revenues, stock price and access to
and costs of capital. While we believe our sustainability programs are balanced in the context of our business and stakeholder
demands, we could draw criticism related to all or a portion of our sustainability initiatives.
Our ability to adequately communicate, through corporate sustainability reports and otherwise, the business reasons and
stakeholder priorities that influence our sustainability programs, to successfully execute these initiatives and to 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 and goals do not meet the expectations of our customers, investors or
other stakeholders, which continue to evolve and may be conflicting, then our reputation, our ability to attract or retain
employees, and our attractiveness as an investment or 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 in a timely
10
manner, or at all, could also have similar negative impacts and expose us to government enforcement actions and private
litigation.
Risks Related to Financial Matters
Our earnings could be reduced by increases in the number of insurance claims, cost per claim, costs of insurance premiums,
availability of insurance coverage, or a significant uninsured liability.
As a large transportation and logistics company, we are subject to claims and litigation risks regarding a variety of issues,
including, without limitation, over-the-road accidents and contractual, labor and employment, environmental, regulatory,
workers’ compensation, and data privacy matters. We are self-insured for a significant portion of liability resulting from bodily
injury, property damage, cargo and associate workers’ compensation and health benefit claims. This is supplemented by
premium-based insurance coverage with insurance carriers above our self-insurance level for each such type of coverage. To
the extent we experience a significant increase in the number of claims, cost per claim (including costs resulting from large
verdicts) or insurance premium costs for coverage in excess of our retention and deductible amounts, or if we incur a significant
liability for which we do not have coverage, our operating results would be negatively affected. Although we believe our
aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover reasonably expected claims, it is possible that the amount of one or
more claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. In addition, the transportation industry has recently experienced
significant increases in premiums for insurance coverage above self-insurance levels. Healthcare legislation and inflationary
cost increases could also have a negative effect on our results.
Decreased demand for our used revenue equipment could result in lower unit sales and resale values.
We are sensitive to changes in used equipment prices and demand for our tractors and trailers. We have been in the business of
selling our used company-owned equipment since 1992, when we formed our wholly-owned subsidiary Werner Fleet Sales.
Reduced demand for used equipment could result in a lower volume of sales or lower sales prices, either of which could
negatively affect our proceeds from sales of assets.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 1C.
CYBERSECURITY
Under our “Cloud First, Cloud Now” strategy, we prioritize usage of cloud-based technologies to foster innovation, enhance
customer service, and meet the demands of the evolving logistics landscape. Cybersecurity is integrated into this strategy
through investments in technology and skill development to help protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of our
systems and electronic data. During the period covered by this Form 10-K and through the date of its filing, we have not
experienced, to our knowledge, an information security breach or identified cybersecurity threat risks that have materially
affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our business strategy, results of operations or financial condition. However,
we recognize that cybersecurity threats are continually evolving, as further addressed in Item 1A of Part I of this Form 10-K.
Our dedicated cybersecurity team, in coordination with our Chief Information Officer (“CIO”), assesses and manages risks by
focusing on identity verification, system access controls, and governance, risk, and compliance processes. The CIO, with
extensive information technology (“IT”) and strategic leadership experience, is supported by a director of cybersecurity, a
Certified Information Systems Security Professional with significant military cybersecurity expertise, and a team holding
various industry certifications and having collective cybersecurity experience of over 75 years. The CIO regularly reports
cybersecurity matters to the Chief Executive Officer and executive leadership, for alignment with broader organizational goals.
The Audit Committee of the Board is responsible for oversight of risk management related to cybersecurity, policies and
procedures related to the protection of Company proprietary and customer information, and compliance with data privacy
requirements. It receives quarterly updates from our CIO on trends, threats, and technologies used to prevent, detect and
respond to risks; reviews and provides feedback on employee education initiatives, crisis response strategies, and remediation
measures; and reports to the Board on fulfillment of its cybersecurity risk management oversight.
We strive to align with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity maturity framework and
leverage a range of tools, including artificial intelligence, software programs, logs, and data analyses, to detect anomalous
activity and identify risks across our systems. Threat simulations, such as penetration testing, are conducted periodically to
assess vulnerabilities, analyze results, and implement remediations. Additionally, we employ third-party services for monitoring
risks posed by cyber-attackers, employees, and third-party vendors accessing or contributing to our systems. Our oversight of
such vendors includes requiring them to undergo cybersecurity analyses through risk assessments, scorecards, and audits.
11
Depending on the services performed, we require certain vendor agreements to contain security and privacy addenda and
require vendors to report to us cybersecurity breaches on their systems and/or impacts to our data.
We place high importance on conducting tabletop exercises to test and enhance our readiness for cybersecurity incidents. These
exercises involve our Crisis Management Team, which includes representatives from executive management, legal, information
technology, finance, operations, and marketing. The Crisis Management Team focuses on analyzing the scope, impact, and root
cause of simulated incidents, while the marketing and legal departments, along with a team of executives, plan the messaging to
customers, employees and other stakeholders deemed necessary or advisable in the circumstances. For compliance readiness,
we monitor the legal and regulatory landscape associated with cybersecurity incidents. These exercises and activities provide
valuable insights to improve transparency, messaging, response protocols, stakeholder confidence and organizational resilience
in the event of a cyber crisis.
To manage material risks and enhance preparedness, we maintain a cyber insurance program integrated into our overall risk
management framework. During insurance renewals, we collaborate with brokers and cyber experts to assess our program and
align coverages with identified risks. In the event of a cybersecurity incident, our crisis management plan is triggered,
mobilizing the Crisis Management Team to assess the situation and oversee critical decisions related to abatement, mitigation,
and response. Responsive steps, each as deemed necessary or advisable and in addition to other elements of the plan, include
engaging third-party forensic and other experts, coordinating communications with stakeholders, contacting law enforcement,
and reporting incidents to the Board or Audit Committee. In a post-incident review, lessons learned are analyzed for
incorporation into future protocols.
We foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness through regular phishing simulations, enterprise-wide security training,
employee education on safe technology practices, and information security policies. We continue to evaluate cybersecurity risks
and enhance our strategy to safeguard our operations and data as part of our commitment to operational resilience and
innovation.
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ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES
Our headquarters are located on approximately 136 acres near U.S. Interstate 80 west of Omaha, Nebraska, 52 acres of which
are undeveloped. Our headquarter facilities have suitable space available to accommodate planned needs for at least the next
three to five years. We also have several terminals throughout the United States, consisting of office and/or maintenance
facilities. In addition, we own parcels of land in several locations in the United States for future terminal development. Our
terminal and disaster recovery locations are described below:
Location
Owned
or
Leased
Description
Segment
Omaha, Nebraska
Owned
Corporate headquarters, maintenance, truck sales
TTS, Werner Logistics,
Corporate
Omaha, Nebraska
Owned
Disaster recovery, warehouse
Corporate
Phoenix, Arizona
Owned
Office, maintenance, driver training school
TTS
West Memphis, Arkansas
Owned
Office, maintenance
TTS
Fontana, California
Owned
Office, maintenance, truck sales, driver training school
TTS
Denver, Colorado
Owned
Maintenance
TTS
Lake City, Florida
Owned
Office, maintenance
TTS
Lakeland, Florida
Leased
Maintenance
TTS
Atlanta, Georgia
Owned
Office, maintenance, truck sales, driver training school
TTS
Joliet, Illinois
Owned
Office, maintenance, truck sales
TTS
Milan, Indiana
Owned
Office, maintenance, warehouse
TTS
Brownstown, Michigan
Owned
Maintenance
TTS
Springfield, Ohio
Owned
Office, maintenance, truck sales
TTS
Easton, Pennsylvania
Owned
Office, maintenance
TTS
Portland, Tennessee
Leased
Office, maintenance
TTS
Dallas, Texas
Owned
Office, maintenance, truck sales, driver training school
TTS
El Paso, Texas
Owned
Office, maintenance
TTS
Laredo, Texas
Owned
Office, maintenance, transloading, truck sales
TTS, Werner Logistics
At December 31, 2024, we leased (i) operational facilities, office space, and trailer parking yards in various locations
throughout the United States and (ii) office space in Mexico and Canada. We own (i) a 96-room motel located near our Omaha
headquarters; (ii) an 85-room hotel located near our Atlanta terminal; (iii) a 71-room private driver lodging facility at our Dallas
terminal; (iv) six operational facilities located in Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Florida; and (v) a terminal facility in
Queretaro, Mexico, which we lease to a third party. The Werner Fleet Sales network has eight locations, which are primarily
located in certain terminals listed above. Our driver training schools operate in 20 locations in the United States, four of which
are located in or near certain terminals listed above, five are located in company-owned facilities, and 11 are located in leased
facilities.
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ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are a party subject to routine litigation incidental to our business, primarily involving claims for bodily injury, property
damage, cargo and workers’ compensation incurred in the transportation of freight. For more information about our insurance
program and legal proceedings, see Item 1A, Risk Factors – “Our earnings could be reduced by increases in the number of
insurance claims, cost per claim, costs of insurance premiums, availability of insurance coverage, or a significant uninsured
liability”, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Critical
Accounting Estimates, and Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 1 and Note 12.
ITEM 4.
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable
PART II
ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND
ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Common Stock
Our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM tier of the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol
“WERN”. As of February 7, 2025, our common stock was held by 427 stockholders of record. Because many of our shares of
common stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number
of stockholders represented by these record holders.
Dividend Policy
We have paid cash dividends on our common stock following each fiscal quarter since the first payment in July 1987. Our
current quarterly dividend rate is $0.14 per common share. We currently intend to continue paying a regular quarterly dividend.
We do not currently anticipate any restrictions on our future ability to pay such dividends. However, we cannot give any
assurance that dividends will be paid in the future or of the amount of any such quarterly or special dividends because they are
dependent on our earnings, financial condition, and other factors.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
For information on our equity compensation plans, please refer to Item 12 of Part III of this Form 10-K.
14
Performance Graph
Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return
The following graph is not deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of
Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or
subsequent filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act except to the extent we specifically request that
such information be incorporated by reference or treated as soliciting material.
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN)
Standard & Poor’s 500
2023 Peer Group
2024 Peer Group
12/31/19
12/31/20
12/31/21
12/31/22
12/31/23
12/31/24
50
75
100
125
150
175
200
225
250
12/31/2019
12/31/2020
12/31/2021
12/31/2022
12/31/2023
12/31/2024
Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN)
$
100 $
109 $
134 $
115 $
122 $
105
Standard & Poor’s 500
$
100 $
118 $
152 $
125 $
158 $
197
2023 Peer Group
$
100 $
131 $
212 $
175 $
228 $
206
2024 Peer Group
$
100 $
115 $
163 $
145 $
166 $
152
Assuming the investment of $100 on December 31, 2019, and reinvestment of all dividends, the graph above compares the
cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of
Standard & Poor’s 500 Market Index and our Peer Groups over the same period. In 2024, we selected a new Peer Group which
includes companies in the trucking industry that are more similar to us than the companies included in the 2023 Peer Group.
The 2024 Peer Group has the following companies: Covenant Logistics Group, Inc.; Heartland Express, Inc.; Hub Group, Inc.;
JB Hunt Transport Services, Inc.; Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings, Inc.; Landstar System, Inc.; Marten Transport, LTD.;
and Schneider National, Inc. ArcBest Corporation; Forward Air Corporation; Old Dominion Freight Line; and Saia, Inc. were
removed from our 2024 Peer Group, and Daseke, Inc. (acquired by TFI International Inc. in 2024) was removed from our 2024
and 2023 Peer Groups. Our stock price was $35.92 as of December 31, 2024 (the last business day of fiscal year 2024). This
price was used for purposes of calculating the total return on our common stock for the year ended December 31, 2024.
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers
On May 15, 2024, we announced a new stock repurchase program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to
5,000,000 shares of its common stock. Upon approval of the new program, the Board of Directors withdrew the previous stock
repurchase authorization that was approved on November 9, 2021, which had 1,627,651 shares remaining available for
repurchase. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had purchased 1,103,651 shares pursuant to the new authorization and had
15
3,896,349 shares remaining available for repurchase. The Company may purchase shares from time to time depending on
market, economic and other factors. The authorization will continue unless withdrawn by the Board of Directors.
No shares of common stock were repurchased during fourth quarter 2024 by either the Company or any “affiliated purchaser,”
as defined by Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.
ITEM 6.
RESERVED
ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) summarizes the financial
statements from management’s perspective with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other
factors that may affect actual results. The MD&A is organized in the following sections:
•
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
•
Business Acquisitions
•
Overview
•
Results of Operations
•
Liquidity and Capital Resources
•
Critical Accounting Estimates
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains historical information and forward-looking statements based on information
currently available to our management. The forward-looking statements in this report, including those made in this Item 7
(Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These safe harbor provisions encourage
reporting companies to provide prospective information to investors. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of
certain words, such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” and other similar terms and
language. We believe the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on currently available information. However,
forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, whether known or unknown, that could cause our
actual results, business, financial condition and cash flows to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking
statements. A discussion of important factors relating to forward-looking statements is included in Item 1A (Risk Factors) of
Part I of this Form 10-K. Readers should not unduly rely on the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-K because
such statements speak only to the date they were made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we undertake
no obligation or duty to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or
circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Business Acquisitions:
We acquired the following entities in 2022:
•
100% of ReedTMS on November 5, 2022. Freight brokerage and truckload revenues generated by ReedTMS are
reported in our Werner Logistics segment and in Dedicated within our TTS segment, respectively.
•
100% of Baylor on October 1, 2022. Revenues generated by Baylor are reported in One-Way Truckload within our TTS
segment.
Additional information regarding these acquisitions is included in Note 2 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K.
Overview:
We have two reportable segments, TTS and Werner Logistics, and we operate in the truckload and logistics sectors of the
transportation industry. In the truckload sector, we focus on transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship
more consistently throughout the year. In the logistics sector, besides managing transportation requirements for individual
customers, we provide additional sources of truck capacity, alternative modes of transportation, a North American delivery
network and systems analysis to optimize transportation needs. Our success depends on our ability to efficiently and effectively
manage our resources in the delivery of truckload transportation and logistics services to our customers. Resource requirements
vary with customer demand, which may be subject to seasonal or general economic conditions. Our ability to adapt to changes
in customer transportation requirements is essential to efficiently deploy resources and make capital investments in tractors and
trailers (with respect to our TTS segment) or obtain qualified third-party capacity at a reasonable price (with respect to our
Werner Logistics segment). We may also be affected by our customers’ financial failures or loss of customer business.
16
Revenues for the operating segments (Dedicated and One-Way Truckload) within our TTS reportable segment are typically
generated on a per-mile basis and also include revenues such as stop charges, loading and unloading charges, equipment
detention charges and equipment repositioning charges. To mitigate our risk to fuel price increases, we recover additional fuel
surcharge revenues from our customers that generally recoup a majority of the increased fuel costs; however, we cannot assure
that current recovery levels will continue in future periods. Because fuel surcharge revenues fluctuate in response to changes in
fuel costs, we identify them separately and exclude them from the statistical calculations to provide a more meaningful
comparison between periods. The key statistics used to evaluate trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, are (i) average
revenues per tractor per week, (ii) One-Way Truckload average revenues per total mile, (iii) average percentage of empty miles
(miles without trailer cargo), (iv) average trip length (in loaded miles) and (v) average number of tractors in service. General
economic conditions, seasonal trucking industry freight patterns and industry capacity are important factors that impact these
statistics. Our TTS segment also generates a small amount of revenues categorized as non-trucking revenues, which consist
primarily of the intra-Mexico portion of cross-border shipments delivered to or from Mexico where the TTS segment utilizes a
third-party capacity provider. We exclude such revenues from the statistical calculations.
Our most significant resource requirements are company drivers, independent contractors, tractors, and trailers with respect to
our TTS segment and qualified third-party capacity providers with respect to our Werner Logistics segment. Independent
contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are responsible for their operating expenses. Our financial results are
affected by company driver and independent contractor availability and the markets for new and used revenue equipment. We
are self-insured for a significant portion of bodily injury, property damage and cargo claims; workers’ compensation claims;
and associate health claims (supplemented by premium-based insurance coverage above certain dollar levels). For that reason,
our financial results may also be affected by driver safety, medical costs, weather, legal and regulatory environments and
insurance coverage costs to protect against catastrophic losses.
The operating ratio is a common industry measure used to evaluate our profitability and that of our TTS segment operating
fleets. The operating ratio consists of operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. The most significant
variable expenses that impact the TTS segment are driver salaries and benefits, fuel, fuel taxes (included in taxes and licenses
expense), payments to independent contractors (included in rent and purchased transportation expense), supplies and
maintenance and insurance and claims. As discussed further in the comparison of operating results for 2024 to 2023, several
industry-wide issues have caused, and could continue to cause, costs to increase in future periods. These issues include
shortages of drivers or independent contractors, changing fuel prices, changing used truck and trailer pricing, compliance with
new or proposed regulations and tightening of the commercial truck liability insurance market. Our main fixed costs include
depreciation expense for tractors and trailers and non-driver salaries, wages and benefits. The TTS segment requires substantial
cash expenditures for tractor and trailer purchases. We fund these purchases with net cash from operations and financing
available under our existing credit facility, as management deems necessary.
We provide non-trucking services primarily through the three operating units within our Werner Logistics segment (Truckload
Logistics, Intermodal, and Final Mile). Unlike our TTS segment, the Werner Logistics segment is less asset-intensive and is
instead dependent upon qualified associates, information systems and qualified third-party capacity providers. The largest
expense item related to the Werner Logistics segment is the cost of purchased transportation we pay to third-party capacity
providers. This expense item is recorded as rent and purchased transportation expense. Other operating expenses consist
primarily of salaries, wages and benefits, as well as depreciation and amortization, supplies and maintenance, and other general
expenses. We evaluate the Werner Logistics segment’s financial performance by reviewing operating expenses and operating
income expressed as a percentage of revenues. Purchased transportation expenses as a percentage of revenues can be impacted
by the rates charged to customers and the costs of securing third-party capacity. We have a mix of contracted long-term rates
and variable rates for the cost of third-party capacity, and we cannot assure that our operating results will not be adversely
impacted in the future if our ability to obtain qualified third-party capacity providers changes or the rates of such providers
increase.
At the end of 2024, we believe we are well positioned with a strong balance sheet and sufficient liquidity. Our debt is at $650
million, or a net debt ratio (debt less cash) of 1.6 times earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization for
the year ended December 31, 2024. We had available liquidity of $460 million, considering cash and cash equivalents on hand
and available borrowing capacity of $419 million. As of December 31, 2024, we were in compliance with our debt covenants
and expect to continue to be in compliance in 2025. We currently plan to continue paying our quarterly dividend, which we
have paid quarterly since 1987. This cash outlay currently results in approximately $9 million per quarter. Net capital
expenditures (primarily revenue equipment) in 2025 currently are expected to be in the range of $185 million to $235 million.
17
Results of Operations:
The following table sets forth the consolidated statements of income in dollars and as a percentage of total operating revenues
and the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amounts of those items compared to the prior year.
2024
2023
Percentage
Change in
Dollar Amounts
(in thousands)
$
%
$
%
%
Operating revenues
$
3,030,258
100.0
$
3,283,499
100.0
(7.7)
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
1,034,877
34.1
1,072,558
32.7
(3.5)
Fuel
275,413
9.1
345,001
10.5
(20.2)
Supplies and maintenance
246,061
8.1
256,494
7.8
(4.1)
Taxes and licenses
97,230
3.2
102,684
3.1
(5.3)
Insurance and claims
145,398
4.8
138,516
4.2
5.0
Depreciation and amortization
290,405
9.6
299,509
9.1
(3.0)
Rent and purchased transportation
844,870
27.9
886,284
27.0
(4.7)
Communications and utilities
17,195
0.6
18,480
0.6
(7.0)
Other
12,661
0.4
(12,443)
(0.4)
(201.8)
Total operating expenses
2,964,110
97.8
3,107,083
94.6
(4.6)
Operating income
66,148
2.2
176,416
5.4
(62.5)
Total other expense, net
23,666
0.8
28,635
0.9
(17.4)
Income before income taxes
42,482
1.4
147,781
4.5
(71.3)
Income tax expense
8,912
0.3
35,491
1.1
(74.9)
Net income
33,570
1.1
112,290
3.4
(70.1)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
663
—
92
—
620.7
Net income attributable to Werner
$
34,233
1.1
$
112,382
3.4
(69.5)
18
The following tables set forth the operating revenues, operating expenses and operating income for the TTS segment and
certain statistical data regarding our TTS segment operations, as well as statistical data for One-Way Truckload and Dedicated
operations within TTS.
2024
2023
TTS segment (in thousands)
$
%
$
%
% Chg
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge
$
1,836,581
$
1,949,445
(5.8) %
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues
263,263
332,388
(20.8) %
Non-trucking and other operating revenues
38,449
28,977
32.7 %
Operating revenues
2,138,293
100.0
2,310,810
100.0
(7.5) %
Operating expenses
2,063,127
96.5
2,141,480
92.7
(3.7) %
Operating income
$
75,166
3.5 $
169,330
7.3
(55.6) %
TTS segment
2024
2023
% Chg
Average tractors in service
7,619
8,326
(8.5) %
Average revenues per tractor per week (1)
$
4,635
$
4,502
3.0 %
Total tractors (at year end)
Company
7,155
7,740
(7.6) %
Independent contractor
295
260
13.5 %
Total tractors
7,450
8,000
(6.9) %
Total trailers (at year end)
25,495
27,850
(8.5) %
One-Way Truckload
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)
$
672,598
$
713,762
(5.8) %
Average tractors in service
2,695
3,042
(11.4) %
Total tractors (at year end)
2,610
2,735
(4.6) %
Average percentage of empty miles
15.25 %
14.36 %
6.2 %
Average revenues per tractor per week (1)
$
4,799
$
4,512
6.4 %
Average % change in revenues per total mile (1)
(1.2) %
(5.5) %
Average % change in total miles per tractor per week
7.6 %
2.2 %
Average completed trip length in miles (loaded)
582
595
(2.2) %
Dedicated
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (in 000’s)
$ 1,163,983
$ 1,235,683
(5.8) %
Average tractors in service
4,924
5,284
(6.8) %
Total tractors (at year end)
4,840
5,265
(8.1) %
Average revenues per tractor per week (1)
$
4,546
$
4,496
1.1 %
(1) Net of fuel surcharge revenues
19
The following tables set forth the Werner Logistics segment’s revenues, purchased transportation expense, other operating
expenses (primarily salaries, wages and benefits expense), total operating expenses, and operating income, as well as certain
statistical data regarding the Werner Logistics segment.
2024
2023
Werner Logistics segment (in thousands)
$
%
$
%
% Chg
Operating revenues
$
831,337 100.0 $
910,433 100.0
(8.7) %
Operating expenses:
Purchased transportation expense
707,493
85.1
761,948
83.7
(7.1) %
Other operating expenses
124,725
15.0
132,606
14.6
(5.9) %
Total operating expenses
832,218
100.1
894,554
98.3
(7.0) %
Operating income (loss)
$
(881)
(0.1) $
15,879
1.7
(105.5) %
Werner Logistics segment
2024
2023
% Chg
Average tractors in service
22
37
(40.5) %
Total tractors (at year end)
18
35
(48.6) %
Total trailers (at year end)
3,170
2,960
7.1 %
Total containers (at year end)
200
—
N/A
2024 Compared to 2023
Operating Revenues
Operating revenues decreased 7.7% in 2024 compared to 2023. When comparing 2024 to 2023, TTS segment revenues
decreased $172.5 million, or 7.5%. Revenues for the Werner Logistics segment decreased $79.1 million, or 8.7%.
While Dedicated customer retention rate and pipeline of opportunities remained strong throughout 2024, the first half of the
year experienced a decline in the Dedicated fleet from isolated losses as a result of pricing discipline, followed by greater
stability in the fleet during the second half of the year. In One-Way Truckload, our pricing discipline, combined with better
freight options and strong miles per tractor, led to a 6.4% increase in average revenues per tractor per week, net of fuel
surcharge during 2024. Werner Logistics revenues and profitability continue to be impacted by ongoing pricing pressure. The
potential implementation of tariffs on goods imported from China, Mexico, and Canada are expected to impact supply chains,
although, it is difficult to forecast the depth and duration of these impacts since the tariff policies continue to evolve. Absent
uncertainties related to tariff policies, we anticipate a challenging but improving environment in 2025.
Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 5.8% in 2024 compared to 2023 due to an 8.5% decrease in the average
number of tractors in service, partially offset by a 3.0% increase in average revenues per tractor per week, net of fuel surcharge.
During 2024, One-Way Truckload average revenues per total mile, net of fuel surcharge, decreased 1.2%. Despite an 11.4%
decline in One-Way Truckload average tractors in service, One-Way Truckload total miles were only down 4.7%, due to the
impact of a 7.6% increase in average total miles per tractor per week in 2024. Dedicated average revenues per tractor per week,
net of fuel surcharge, increased 1.1%. Considering the freight market outlook, we expect average revenues per total mile, net of
fuel surcharge, for the One-Way Truckload fleet to increase in a range of 1% to 4% in the first half of 2025 when compared to
the first half of 2024, and we expect Dedicated average revenues per tractor per week, net of fuel surcharge, to remain flat or
increase up to 3% in 2025 compared to 2024. TTS had operating income of $75.2 million in 2024 compared to $169.3 million
in 2023, and its operating margin percentage decreased to 3.5% in 2024 from 7.3% in 2023. We believe rate improvements, as a
result of our continued pricing discipline, will be the greatest lift to TTS operating margins going forward.
The average number of tractors in service in the TTS segment decreased 8.5% to 7,619 in 2024 compared to 8,326 in 2023. The
prolonged weak freight market combined with the impact from certain fleet losses as a result of maintaining our pricing and
operating margin discipline resulted in fewer tractors at the end of 2024. We ended 2024 with 7,450 tractors in the TTS
segment, a year-over-year decrease of 550 tractors compared to the end of 2023. Within TTS, Dedicated ended 2024 with 4,840
tractors (or 65% of our total TTS segment fleet) compared to 5,265 tractors (or 66%) at the end of 2023. We currently expect
our TTS segment fleet size at the end of 2025 to increase in a range of 1% to 5% when compared to the fleet size at the end of
2024, with more weighted to the second half of the year. We cannot predict whether future driver shortages, if any, would have
a further adverse effect on our fleet size. If such a driver market shortage were to occur, it could result in further fleet size
reductions, and our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Trucking fuel surcharge revenues decreased 20.8% to $263.3 million in 2024 from $332.4 million in 2023 due primarily to
lower average diesel fuel prices and the impact of 38.7 million fewer company tractor miles. These revenues represent
20
collections from customers for the increase in fuel and fuel-related expenses, including the fuel component of our independent
contractor cost (recorded as rent and purchased transportation expense) and fuel taxes (recorded in taxes and licenses expense),
when diesel fuel prices rise. Conversely, when fuel prices decrease, fuel surcharge revenues decrease. To lessen the effect of
fluctuating fuel prices on our margins, we collect fuel surcharge revenues from our customers for the cost of diesel fuel and
taxes in excess of specified base fuel price levels according to terms in our customer contracts. Fuel surcharge rates generally
adjust weekly based on an independent DOE fuel price survey which is released every Monday. Our fuel surcharge programs
are designed to (i) recoup higher fuel costs from customers when fuel prices rise and (ii) provide customers with the benefit of
lower fuel costs when fuel prices decline. These programs generally enable us to recover a majority, but not all, of the fuel price
increases. The remaining portion is generally not recoverable because it results from empty and out-of-route miles (which are
not billable to customers) and tractor idle time. Fuel prices that change rapidly in short time periods also impact our recovery
because the surcharge rate in most programs only changes once per week.
Werner Logistics revenues are generated by its three operating units. Werner Logistics recorded revenue and brokered freight
expense of $14.4 million in 2024 and $17.7 million in 2023 for certain shipments performed by the TTS segment (also recorded
as trucking revenue by the TTS segment), and these transactions between reporting segments are eliminated in consolidation.
Werner Logistics revenues decreased 8.7% to $831.3 million in 2024 from $910.4 million in 2023. Truckload Logistics
revenues (76% of total Werner Logistics segment revenues) decreased $72.1 million, or 10%, compared to 2023, driven by a
decrease in shipments and a decline in revenue per shipment. The Power Only solution, which utilizes third-party carriers who
provide only a driver and a tractor, represented a growing portion of the Truckload Logistics volume in 2024, as Power Only
volumes increased over 24% in 2024 compared to 2023. Intermodal revenues (13% of total Werner Logistics segment
revenues) increased $2.3 million, or 2%, in 2024, due to an increase in shipments, partially offset by a decline in revenue per
shipment. Final Mile revenues (11% of total Werner Logistics segment revenues) decreased $9.2 million, or 9%, in 2024 due to
lower volume for furniture and appliances. Werner Logistics had an operating loss of $0.9 million in 2024 compared to
operating income of $15.9 million in 2023, and its operating margin percentage decreased to (0.1)% in 2024 from 1.7% in
2023. The operating environment continues to be competitive, which is pressuring Werner Logistics operating margins.
Operating Expenses
Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 97.8% in 2024 compared to
94.6% in 2023. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. The tables on
pages 18 through 20 show the consolidated statements of income in dollars and as a percentage of total operating revenues and
the percentage increase or decrease in the dollar amounts of those items compared to the prior year, as well as the operating
ratios, operating margins, and certain statistical information for our two reportable segments, TTS and Werner Logistics.
Salaries, wages and benefits decreased $37.7 million, or 3.5%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 1.4% as a percentage of
operating revenues. The lower dollar amount of salaries, wages and benefits expense in 2024 was due primarily to the impact of
38.7 million fewer company tractor miles and decreased non-driver pay, partially offset by higher benefit costs resulting
primarily from elevated health care claims. The decrease in non-driver pay was due primarily to a smaller average number of
non-driver employees. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits in our non-trucking Werner Logistics segment decreased 8.5%
in 2024 compared to 2023.
We renewed our workers’ compensation insurance coverage on April 1, 2024. Our coverage levels are the same as the prior
policy year. We continue to maintain a self-insurance retention of $2.0 million per claim. Our workers’ compensation insurance
premiums for the policy year beginning April 2024 are $0.3 million higher than the previous policy year.
While we currently believe the driver recruiting and retention market may be less difficult in the near term, a competitive driver
market presents labor challenges for customers and carriers alike. Several factors impacting the driver market include a
declining number of, and increased competition for, driver training school graduates, aging truck driver demographics and
increased truck safety regulations. We continue to take significant actions to strengthen our driver recruiting and retention as we
strive to be the truckload employer of choice, including competitive driver pay, providing a modern tractor and trailer fleet with
the latest safety equipment and technology, investing in our driver training school network and offering a wide variety of
driving positions including daily and weekly home time opportunities. We are unable to predict whether we will experience
future driver shortages or maintain our current driver retention rates. If such a driver shortage were to occur and driver pay rate
increases became necessary to attract and retain drivers, our results of operations would be negatively impacted to the extent
that we could not obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
Fuel decreased $69.6 million, or 20.2%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and decreased 1.4% as a percentage of operating revenues
due to lower average diesel fuel prices and 38.7 million fewer company tractor miles in 2024. Average diesel fuel prices,
excluding fuel taxes, for the full year 2024 were 42 cents per gallon lower than the full year 2023, a 14% decrease.
21
We continue to employ measures to improve our fuel mpg such as (i) limiting tractor engine idle time by installing auxiliary
power units, (ii) optimizing the speed, weight and specifications of our equipment and (iii) implementing mpg-enhancing
equipment changes to our fleet including new tractors, more aerodynamic tractor features, idle reduction systems, trailer tire
inflation systems, trailer skirts and automated manual transmissions to reduce our fuel gallons purchased. However, fuel
savings from mpg improvement is partially offset by higher depreciation expense and the additional cost of diesel exhaust fluid.
Although our fuel management programs require significant capital investment and research and development, we intend to
continue these and other environmentally conscious initiatives, including our active participation as a U.S. EPA SmartWay
Transport Partner. The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a national voluntary program developed by the EPA and freight
industry representatives to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution and promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight
transportation.
Through February 16, the average diesel fuel price per gallon in 2025 was approximately 21 cents lower than the average diesel
fuel price per gallon in the same period of 2024 and approximately 26 cents lower than the average for first quarter 2024.
Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and petroleum product rationing can have a material adverse effect on our operations
and profitability. We are unable to predict whether fuel price levels will increase or decrease in the future or the extent to which
fuel surcharges will be collected from customers. As of December 31, 2024, we had no derivative financial instruments to
reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.
Supplies and maintenance decreased $10.4 million, or 4.1%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 0.3% as a percentage of
operating revenues. Supplies and maintenance expense decreased due primarily to lower driver and placement driver-related
costs such as lodging, driver advertising, and maintenance supplies, lower costs for tires and over-the-road repairs, and the
impact of 38.7 million fewer company tractor miles in 2024. These decreases were partially offset by higher costs for tolls. We
have taken steps to reduce repair and maintenance expense by growing our in-house maintenance capabilities throughout our
terminal network.
Insurance and claims increased $6.9 million, or 5.0%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 0.6% as a percentage of
operating revenues. We had higher expense for large dollar liability claims, primarily due to a higher amount of unfavorable
reserve development and higher expense for new claims. These increases were partially offset by lower expense for small dollar
liability claims, resulting primarily from a higher amount of favorable reserve development and lower expense for new claims.
We also incurred insurance and claims expense of $4.5 million and $5.7 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively, for accrued
interest related to a previously-disclosed adverse jury verdict rendered on May 17, 2018, which we are continuing to defend.
Interest is accrued at $0.5 million per month until such time as the outcome of the litigation is finalized, excluding months
where the plaintiffs requested an extension of time to respond to our petition to review. For additional information related to
this lawsuit, see Note 12 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II of this Form 10-K. The majority
of our insurance and claims expense results from our claim experience and claim development under our self-insurance
program; the remainder results from insurance premiums for claims in excess of our self-insured limits. Our elevated insurance
and claims expense is a reflection of the ongoing unprecedented rise in verdicts and litigation settlements across the industry,
particularly for larger carriers. In contrast to these trends, in 2024 we produced near 20-year record lows in DOT preventable
accidents per million miles, trailing only 2023.
We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2024 and are responsible for the first $15.0 million per claim on all
claims with an annual $7.5 million aggregate for claims between $15.0 million and $20.0 million. For the policy year that began
August 1, 2023 we were responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim on all claims with an annual $12.5 million aggregate
for claims between $10.0 million and $20.0 million. We maintain liability insurance coverage with insurance carriers in excess
of the $15.0 million per claim. Our liability insurance premiums for the policy year that began August 1, 2024 are lower than
premiums for the previous policy year as a result of changes in our retention level and aggregate insurance limits.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $9.1 million, or 3.0%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 0.5% as a
percentage of operating revenues due primarily to decreases in depreciation of tractors as we had fewer average tractors in
service, and technology equipment as we continue to transition to more cloud-based technology solutions. These decreases were
partially offset by the higher cost of new tractors and trailers.
The average age of our tractor fleet remains low by industry standards and was 2.1 years as of December 31, 2024, and the
average age of our trailers was 5.3 years. We continued to invest in new tractors and trailers, technology, and our terminal
network in 2024 to improve our driver experience, increase operational efficiency and more effectively manage our
maintenance, safety and fuel costs.
Rent and purchased transportation expense decreased $41.4 million, or 4.7%, in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 0.9% as
a percentage of operating revenues. Rent and purchased transportation expense consists mostly of payments to third-party
capacity providers in the Werner Logistics segment and other non-trucking operations, payments to independent contractors in
22
the TTS segment, and cloud-based technology fees. The payments to third-party capacity providers generally vary depending
on changes in the volume of services generated by the Werner Logistics segment. Werner Logistics recorded revenue and
brokered freight expense of $14.4 million in 2024 and $17.7 million in 2023 for certain shipments performed by the TTS
segment (also recorded as trucking revenue by the TTS segment), and these transactions between reporting segments are
eliminated in consolidation. Werner Logistics purchased transportation expense decreased $54.5 million as a result of lower
logistics revenues, but increased to 85.1% as a percentage of Werner Logistics revenues in 2024 from 83.7% in 2023 due to the
competitive operating environment in 2024.
Rent and purchased transportation expense for the TTS segment increased $9.8 million in 2024 compared to 2023 due primarily
to higher cloud-based technology fees, more independent contractor miles, and additional operational facility costs. These
increases were partially offset by lower reimbursements to independent contractors because of lower average diesel fuel prices
in 2024. Independent contractor miles increased 0.8 million miles in 2024 and as a percentage of total miles were 4.9% in 2024
compared to 4.6% in 2023. Because independent contractors supply their own tractors and drivers and are responsible for their
operating expenses, the increase in independent contractor miles as a percentage of total miles shifted costs from other expense
categories, including (i) salaries, wages and benefits, (ii) fuel, (iii) depreciation, (iv) supplies and maintenance and (v) taxes and
licenses to the rent and purchased transportation category.
Challenging operating conditions continue to make independent contractor recruitment and retention difficult. Such conditions
include inflationary cost increases that are the responsibility of independent contractors and a shortage of financing available to
independent contractors for equipment purchases. Historically, we have been able to add company tractors and recruit
additional company drivers to offset any decrease in the number of independent contractors. If a shortage of independent
contractors and company drivers were to occur, increases in per-mile settlement rates (for independent contractors) and driver
pay rates (for company drivers) may become necessary to attract and retain these drivers. These increased expenses could
negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we would not be able to obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
Other operating expenses increased $25.1 million in 2024 compared to 2023 and increased 0.8% as a percentage of operating
revenues due primarily to lower gains on sales of property and equipment (primarily used tractors and trailers) and the impact
of a $2.7 million net favorable change to a contingent earnout in 2023 related to the ReedTMS acquisition. These increases
were partially offset by decreased costs associated with professional technology services and decreased bad debt expense. Gains
on sales of property and equipment are reflected as a reduction of other operating expenses and are reported net of sales-related
expenses (which include costs to prepare the equipment for sale). Gains on sales of property and equipment were $15.3 million
in 2024, including $7.0 million from the sale of real estate, compared to $42.4 million in 2023. In 2024, we sold fewer tractors
and substantially more trailers than in 2023 and realized lower average gains per tractor and trailer due to lower pricing in the
market for our used equipment. For the used tractor and trailer market, we expect stable demand and pricing through the first
half of 2025, with moderate improvement in the second half of the year as a result of an improving operating environment,
along with upcoming environmental regulations as carriers look to upgrade their fleets and prepare for these mandates. In 2025,
we plan to sell fewer tractors and trailers at higher prices, resulting in expected gains on our used equipment to range between
$8 million and $18 million.
Other Expense (Income)
Other expense, net of other income, decreased $5.0 million in 2024 compared to 2023 due primarily to an $8.2 million increase
in the amount of gains on our investments in equity securities and a $1.6 million increase in the amount of earnings from our
equity method investment (see Note 7 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II of this Form 10-K
for information regarding our investments), partially offset by a $5.5 million increase in net interest expense. Net interest
expense increased due to the impact of replacing lower-cost debt and interest rate swaps with higher-cost debt and interest rate
swaps upon certain maturities in 2024 and higher interest rates for variable-rate debt, partially offset by a decrease in average
debt outstanding. In May 2024, we repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance under the BMO Term Loan using
proceeds from the 2022 Credit Agreement, and two variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional
amount of $150.0 million matured. Subsequent to May 2024, we entered into three variable-for-fixed interest rate swap
agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $225.0 million to limit our exposure to increases in interest rates on a portion
of our variable-rate indebtedness (see Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements set forth in Part II of this Form
10-K for further information on our debt and interest rate swaps). We expect net interest expense to be flat in 2025 compared to
2024, higher in the first half and lower in the second half of 2025.
Income Tax Expense
Income tax expense decreased $26.6 million in 2024 compared to 2023, due primarily to lower pre-tax income and a decrease
in the effective income tax rate. Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income
taxes) was 21.0% in 2024 compared to 24.0% in 2023. The lower income tax rate was attributed primarily to certain discrete
23
return-to-provision adjustments for a prior year. We currently estimate our full year 2025 effective income tax rate to be
approximately 25.0% to 26.0%.
2023 Compared to 2022
For a comparison of the Company’s results of operations for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 to the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2022, see Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, in
the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which was filed with the SEC on
February 26, 2024.
Liquidity and Capital Resources:
We closely manage our liquidity and capital resources. Our liquidity requirements depend on key variables, including the level
of investment needed to support business strategies, the performance of the business, capital expenditures, borrowing
arrangements, and working capital management. Capital expenditures, business acquisitions, stock repurchases, and dividend
payments are components of our cash flow and capital management strategy, which to a large extent, can be adjusted in
response to economic and other changes in the business environment. Management’s approach to capital allocation focuses on
investing in key priorities that support our business and growth strategies and providing stockholder returns, while funding
ongoing operations.
Management believes our financial position at December 31, 2024 is strong. As of December 31, 2024, we had $40.8 million of
cash and cash equivalents and $1.5 billion of stockholders’ equity. Cash is invested primarily in short-term money market
funds. In addition, we have a $1.075 billion credit facility, for which our total available borrowing capacity was $419.1 million
as of December 31, 2024. We believe the six commercial banks in our $1.075 billion syndicated credit facility all have strong
tier-one capital ratios and good loan-to-deposit ratios. We believe our liquid assets, cash generated from operating activities,
and borrowing capacity under our existing credit facility will provide sufficient funds to meet our cash requirements and our
planned stockholder returns for the foreseeable future.
Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
•
Debt Obligations and Interest Payments – As of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding debt with an aggregate principal
amount of $650.0 million, with $20.0 million expected to be paid within 12 months. Future interest payments associated
with our debt obligations are estimated to be $120.4 million through 2028, with $39.7 million payable within 12 months.
See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K for further detail of
our debt and the timing of expected future principal payments.
•
Operating Leases – We have entered into operating leases primarily for real estate. As of December 31, 2024, we had fixed
lease payment obligations of $57.3 million, with $17.4 million payable within 12 months. See Note 5 in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K for further detail of our lease obligations and
the timing of expected future payments.
•
Purchase Obligations – As of December 31, 2024, we have committed to property and equipment purchases of
approximately $47.7 million within the next 12 months.
In addition to our cash requirements, the Board of Directors has authorized us to deliver value to stockholders through stock
repurchases and quarterly cash dividends. The stock repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any specific
number of shares. We plan to continue paying a quarterly dividend, which currently results in a cash outlay of approximately $9
million per quarter.
Cash Flows
We generated cash flow from operations of $329.7 million during 2024, a 30.5% or $144.6 million decrease in cash flows
compared to $474.4 million during 2023. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was due primarily to a
decrease in net income during 2024 and working capital changes. We were able to make net capital expenditures, repay debt,
make strategic investments, pay dividends, and repurchase company stock with the net cash provided by operating activities
and existing cash balances, supplemented by borrowings under our existing credit facility.
Net cash used in investing activities was $241.4 million during 2024 compared to $434.9 million during 2023. Net property and
equipment additions (primarily revenue equipment) were $234.9 million during 2024 compared to $408.7 million during 2023.
We currently estimate net capital expenditures (primarily revenue equipment) in 2025 to be in the range of $185 million to $235
million, which is lower than historical ranges as our portfolio evolves to be more asset light. We intend to fund these net capital
expenditures through cash flows from operations and financing available under our existing credit facility, if necessary. During
2023, we purchased a $25.0 million subordinated promissory note from Mastery Logistics Systems, Inc. with a maturity date of
24
January 24, 2030 (see Note 9 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of this Form 10-K for
information regarding our notes receivable).
Net financing activities used $105.7 million during 2024 compared to $87.1 million during 2023. We had net borrowings on our
debt of $1.3 million during 2024, slightly increasing our outstanding debt to $650.0 million at December 31, 2024. We had net
repayments on our debt of $45.0 million during 2023. We paid dividends of $35.1 million during 2024 and $34.2 million during
2023. We increased our quarterly dividend rate by $0.01 per share, or 8%, beginning with the quarterly dividend paid in July
2023.
Financing activities for 2024 also included common stock repurchases of 1,787,810 shares at a cost of $67.1 million. We did
not repurchase any shares of common stock in 2023. On May 14, 2024, the Board of Directors approved a new stock repurchase
program under which the Company is authorized to repurchase up to 5,000,000 shares of its common stock. Upon approval of
the new program, the Board of Directors withdrew the previous stock repurchase authorization, which had 1,627,651 shares
remaining available for repurchase. As of December 31, 2024, the Company had purchased 1,103,651 shares pursuant to the
new authorization and had 3,896,349 shares remaining available for repurchase. The Company has repurchased, and may
continue to repurchase, shares of the Company’s common stock. The timing and amount of such purchases depend upon
economic and stock market conditions and other factors.
Critical Accounting Estimates:
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the (i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis as events and
circumstances change, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods considered reasonable in the
particular circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates and may significantly impact our results of operations
from period to period. It is also possible that materially different amounts would be reported if we used different estimates or
assumptions.
Estimates of accrued liabilities for insurance and claims for bodily injury and property damage is a critical accounting estimate
that requires us to make significant judgments and estimates and affects our financial statements. The accruals for bodily injury
and property damage (current and non-current) are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts and are based upon
individual case estimates and actuarial estimates of loss development for reported losses and incurred-but-not-reported losses
using loss development factors based upon past experience. In order to determine the loss development factors, we make
judgments relating to the comparability of historical claims to current claims. These judgments consider the nature, frequency,
severity, and age of claims, and industry, regulatory, and company-specific trends impacting the development of claims. An
independent actuary reviews our calculation of the undiscounted self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage
claims at year-end. The actual cost to settle our self-insured claim liabilities can differ from our reserve estimates because of a
number of uncertainties, including the inherent difficulty in estimating the severity of a claim and the potential amount to
defend and settle a claim. We have not made any material changes in the accounting methodology or assumptions used to
calculate our accrued liabilities for insurance and claims for bodily injury and property damage during the past three years. At
December 31, 2024 and 2023, we had an accrual of $330.6 million and $321.5 million, respectively, for estimated insurance
and claims for (i) cargo loss and damage, (ii) bodily injury and property damage, (iii) group health, and (iv) workers’
compensation claims not covered by insurance. A 10% change in actuarial estimates for insurance and claims for bodily injury
and property damage at December 31, 2024, would have changed our insurance and claims accrual by approximately $26.0
million.
25
ITEM 7A.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices, foreign currency exchange rates, and interest rates.
Commodity Price Risk
The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations attributed to changes in the level of global oil production,
refining capacity, regulatory changes, seasonality, weather and other market factors. Historically, we have recovered a majority,
but not all, of fuel price increases from customers in the form of fuel surcharges. We implemented customer fuel surcharge
programs with most of our customers to offset much of the higher fuel cost per gallon. However, we do not recover all of the
fuel cost increase through these surcharge programs. As of December 31, 2024, we had no derivative financial instruments to
reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We conduct business in foreign countries, primarily in Mexico. To date, most foreign revenues are denominated in U.S.
Dollars, and we receive payment for foreign freight services primarily in U.S. Dollars to reduce direct foreign currency risk.
Assets and liabilities maintained by a foreign subsidiary company in the local currency are subject to foreign exchange gains or
losses. Foreign currency translation gains and losses primarily relate to changes in the value of revenue equipment owned by a
subsidiary in Mexico, whose functional currency is the Peso. Foreign currency translation losses were $7.4 million for the year
ended December 31, 2024 and gains were $6.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. These gains and losses were
recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets. The exchange
rate between the Mexican Peso and the U.S. Dollar was 20.27 Pesos to $1.00 at December 31, 2024 compared to 16.89 Pesos to
$1.00 at December 31, 2023.
Interest Rate Risk
We manage interest rate exposure through a mix of variable interest rate debt and interest rate swap agreements. We had $355.0
million of variable interest rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2024, for which the interest rate is effectively fixed at 5.97%
with interest rate swap agreements to reduce our exposure to interest rate increases. In addition, we had $295.0 million of
variable interest rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2024. The interest rates on our credit facility are based on Secured
Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). See Note 8 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of Part II of
this Form 10-K for further detail of our debt and interest rate swaps. Assuming this level of borrowing, a hypothetical one-
percentage point increase in the SOFR interest rate would increase our interest expense by approximately $3.1 million for the
next 12-month period.
26
ITEM 8.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Werner Enterprises, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as
of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity
and temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial statement schedule II valuation and qualifying accounts (collectively,
the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, and the results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted
accounting principles.
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, 2024, based on criteria established in
Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission, and our report dated February 26, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these consolidated 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 consolidated 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
consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matter
The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or
complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.
27
Evaluation of insurance and claims accruals
As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the insurance and claims accruals
related to (1) cargo loss and damage, (2) bodily injury and property damage, (3) group health, and (4) workers’ compensation
claims not covered by insurance. The Company’s current and non-current insurance and claims accruals were $93.7 million and
$236.9 million, respectively. The accruals specifically for bodily injury and property damage are based upon individual case
estimates and actuarial estimates of loss development for reported losses and incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss
development factors based upon past experience. In order to determine the loss development factors, the Company makes
judgments relating to the comparability of historical claims to current claims. These judgments consider the nature, frequency,
severity and age of claims, and industry, regulatory, and company-specific trends impacting the development of claims. The
Company has an independent actuary review their calculation of these undiscounted insurance and claims accruals.
We identified the evaluation of the Company’s insurance and claims accruals related to bodily injury and property damage
claims not covered by insurance as a critical audit matter. Specifically, evaluating the loss development factors used to
determine these insurance and claims accruals involved a high degree of complexity and subjectivity. In addition, specialized
skills were needed to evaluate the Company’s models to calculate these undiscounted insurance and claims accruals.
The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design and tested
the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to these insurance and claims accruals, including controls related
to the determination of loss development factors used to determine these insurance and claims accruals. We involved actuarial
professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in:
•
assessing the models used by the Company to determine these insurance and claims accruals for consistency with
generally accepted actuarial standards
•
assessing the determination of loss development factors used in the models for consistency with historical Company
data and company-specific trends
•
developing an independent expectation of the Company’s insurance and claims accruals and comparing to the
Company’s estimate.
We tested historical claims paid and claims reported, but not paid, that are used as an input to the Company’s models to
calculate these insurance and claims accruals for consistency with data used in the prior year. We tested actual claims paid and
claims reported, but not paid, for the current year that are used as an input to the Company’s models to calculate these insurance
and claims accruals for consistency with the Company’s actual claims paid and claims reported, but not paid. We compared the
Company’s prior period insurance and claims accruals to actual claims in the current period to assess the Company’s ability to
accurately estimate costs.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1999.
Omaha, Nebraska
February 26, 2025
28
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
2024
2023
2022
Operating revenues
$ 3,030,258
$ 3,283,499
$ 3,289,978
Operating expenses:
Salaries, wages and benefits
1,034,877
1,072,558
1,020,609
Fuel
275,413
345,001
437,299
Supplies and maintenance
246,061
256,494
253,096
Taxes and licenses
97,230
102,684
97,929
Insurance and claims
145,398
138,516
147,365
Depreciation and amortization
290,405
299,509
279,923
Rent and purchased transportation
844,870
886,284
777,464
Communications and utilities
17,195
18,480
15,856
Other
12,661
(12,443)
(62,639)
Total operating expenses
2,964,110
3,107,083
2,966,902
Operating income
66,148
176,416
323,076
Other expense (income):
Interest expense
39,212
33,535
11,828
Interest income
(6,898)
(6,701)
(1,731)
Loss (gain) on investments in equity securities, net
(7,930)
278
(12,195)
Loss (earnings) from equity method investment
(556)
1,046
—
Other
(162)
477
388
Total other expense (income)
23,666
28,635
(1,710)
Income before income taxes
42,482
147,781
324,786
Income tax expense
8,912
35,491
79,206
Net income
33,570
112,290
245,580
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
663
92
(4,324)
Net income attributable to Werner
$
34,233
$
112,382
$
241,256
Earnings per share:
Basic
$
0.55
$
1.77
$
3.76
Diluted
$
0.55
$
1.76
$
3.74
Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
Basic
62,450
63,374
64,125
Diluted
62,662
63,718
64,579
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
29
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Net income
$
33,570
$
112,290
$
245,580
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments
(7,367)
6,120
2,426
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax
(1,386)
(4,512)
6,886
Other comprehensive income (loss)
(8,753)
1,608
9,312
Comprehensive income
24,817
113,898
254,892
Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interest
663
92
(4,324)
Comprehensive income attributable to Werner
$
25,480
$
113,990
$
250,568
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
30
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
(In thousands, except share amounts)
2024
2023
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
40,752
$
61,723
Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $7,169 and $9,337, respectively
391,684
444,944
Other receivables
26,137
25,479
Inventories and supplies
14,183
18,077
Prepaid expenses
53,690
54,333
Other current assets
15,327
30,072
Total current assets
541,773
634,628
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land
128,678
115,989
Buildings and improvements
338,174
320,976
Revenue equipment
2,235,126
2,290,376
Service equipment and other
239,517
224,313
Total property and equipment
2,941,495
2,951,654
Less – accumulated depreciation
1,007,259
978,698
Property and equipment, net
1,934,236
1,972,956
Goodwill
129,104
129,104
Intangible assets, net
76,407
86,477
Other non-current assets
370,717
334,771
Total assets
$
3,052,237
$
3,157,936
LIABILITIES, TEMPORARY EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable
$
112,429
$
135,990
Current portion of long-term debt
20,000
2,500
Insurance and claims accruals
93,710
81,794
Accrued payroll
54,560
50,549
Accrued expenses
18,745
30,282
Other current liabilities
56,305
29,470
Total current liabilities
355,749
330,585
Long-term debt, net of current portion
630,000
646,250
Other long-term liabilities
66,173
54,275
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
236,923
239,700
Deferred income taxes
269,516
320,180
Total liabilities
1,558,361
1,590,990
Commitments and contingencies
Temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest
37,944
38,607
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares issued;
61,850,434 and 63,444,681 shares outstanding, respectively
805
805
Paid-in capital
137,889
134,894
Retained earnings
1,952,775
1,953,385
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(18,437)
(9,684)
Treasury stock, at cost; 18,683,102 and 17,088,855 shares, respectively
(617,100)
(551,061)
Total stockholders’ equity
1,455,932
1,528,339
Total liabilities, temporary equity and stockholders’ equity
$
3,052,237
$
3,157,936
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
31
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31,
(In thousands)
2024
2023
2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
33,570
$
112,290
$
245,580
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
290,405
299,509
279,923
Deferred income taxes
(50,200)
8,153
42,553
Gain on disposal of property and equipment
(15,331)
(42,440)
(88,564)
Non-cash equity compensation
8,856
11,943
12,486
Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion
(2,777)
(5,246)
7,726
Loss (gain) on investments in equity securities, net
(7,930)
278
(12,195)
Loss (earnings) from equity method investment
(556)
1,046
—
Other
(9,298)
(7,612)
(13,295)
Changes in certain working capital items:
Accounts receivable, net
53,260
73,921
3,174
Other current assets
16,703
10,266
(18,333)
Accounts payable
(10,391)
3,288
(3,665)
Other current liabilities
23,423
8,970
(6,679)
Net cash provided by operating activities
329,734
474,366
448,711
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment
(413,799)
(598,785)
(507,252)
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
178,912
190,087
189,673
Net cash invested in acquisitions
—
(188)
(184,118)
Investment in equity securities, net
(6,042)
(2,931)
(20,250)
Payments to acquire equity method investment
(3,820)
(3,385)
—
Purchase of promissory note
—
(25,000)
—
Decrease in notes receivable
3,301
5,258
7,614
Net cash used in investing activities
(241,448)
(434,944)
(514,333)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments of short-term debt
(92,500)
(50,000)
(3,750)
Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt
110,000
45,000
—
Repayments of long-term debt
(221,250)
(90,000)
(100,000)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
205,000
50,000
370,000
Dividends on common stock
(35,066)
(34,208)
(32,162)
Repurchases of common stock
(67,069)
—
(110,400)
Tax withholding related to net share settlements of restricted stock awards
(4,831)
(6,359)
(4,082)
Distribution to noncontrolling interest
—
—
(1,572)
Other
—
(1,500)
—
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(105,716)
(87,067)
118,034
Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash
(3,541)
2,128
632
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(20,971)
(45,517)
53,044
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
61,723
107,240
54,196
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
40,752
$
61,723
$
107,240
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid
$
40,156
$
27,212
$
11,186
Income taxes paid
25,831
17,892
40,313
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Notes receivable issued upon sale of property and equipment
$
2,577
$
3,145
$
5,577
Change in fair value of interest rate swaps
(1,386)
(4,512)
6,886
Property and equipment acquired included in accounts payable
1,069
14,239
5,937
Property and equipment disposed included in other receivables
—
—
110
Dividends accrued but not yet paid at end of period
8,659
8,882
8,220
Contingent consideration associated with acquisition
—
(800)
13,400
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
32
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
TEMPORARY EQUITY - REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTEREST
(In thousands, except share and per
share amounts)
Common
Stock
Paid-In
Capital
Retained
Earnings
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Treasury
Stock
Total
Stockholders’
Equity
Temporary
Equity -
Redeemable
Noncontrolling
Interest
BALANCE, December 31, 2021
$
805
$ 121,904
$ 1,667,104
$
(20,604) $ (441,659) $ 1,327,550
$
35,947
Net income attributable to Werner
—
—
241,256
—
—
241,256
—
Net income attributable to
noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
4,324
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
9,312
—
9,312
—
Repurchases of common stock,
2,710,304 shares
—
—
—
—
(110,400)
(110,400)
—
Dividends on common stock
($0.51 per share)
—
—
(32,487)
—
—
(32,487)
—
Equity compensation activity,
143,195 shares
—
(4,553)
—
—
471
(4,082)
—
Non-cash equity compensation
expense
—
12,486
—
—
—
12,486
—
Distribution to noncontrolling
interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
(1,572)
BALANCE, December 31, 2022
805
129,837
1,875,873
(11,292) (551,588)
1,443,635
38,699
Net income attributable to Werner
—
—
112,382
—
—
112,382
—
Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
(92)
Other comprehensive income
—
—
—
1,608
—
1,608
—
Dividends on common stock
($0.55 per share)
—
—
(34,870)
—
—
(34,870)
—
Equity compensation activity,
221,678 shares
—
(6,886)
—
—
527
(6,359)
—
Non-cash equity compensation
expense
—
11,943
—
—
—
11,943
—
BALANCE, December 31, 2023
805
134,894
1,953,385
(9,684) (551,061)
1,528,339
38,607
Net income attributable to Werner
—
—
34,233
—
—
34,233
—
Net loss attributable to
noncontrolling interest
—
—
—
—
—
—
(663)
Other comprehensive loss
—
—
—
(8,753)
—
(8,753)
—
Repurchases of common stock,
1,787,810 shares
—
—
—
—
(67,069)
(67,069)
—
Dividends on common stock
($0.56 per share)
—
—
(34,843)
—
—
(34,843)
—
Equity compensation activity,
193,563 shares
—
(5,861)
—
—
1,030
(4,831)
—
Non-cash equity compensation
expense
—
8,856
—
—
—
8,856
—
BALANCE, December 31, 2024
$
805
$ 137,889
$ 1,952,775
$
(18,437) $ (617,100) $ 1,455,932
$
37,944
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
33
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Werner Enterprises,
Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”). Redeemable noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets
represents the portion of a consolidated entity in which we do not have a direct equity ownership. In these notes, the terms
“we,” “us,” or “our” refer to Werner Enterprises, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions relating to these entities have been eliminated.
Nature of Business: The Company is a truckload transportation and logistics provider operating under the jurisdiction of the
U.S. Department of Transportation, similar governmental transportation agencies in the foreign countries in which we operate
and various U.S. state regulatory authorities. Our ten largest customers comprised 48% of our revenues for the years ended
December 31, 2024 and 2023, and 46% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. Our largest customer, Dollar
General, accounted for 11%, 10%, and 14% of our total revenues in 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Revenues generated by
Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments. Dollar General accounted for 10% of our accounts
receivable, trade balance as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
Use of Management Estimates: The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
(i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated
financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The most significant
estimates that affect our financial statements include the accrued liabilities for insurance and claims. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
Reclassification: The balance sheet caption formerly known as “prepaid taxes, licenses and permits” has been renamed
“prepaid expenses.” In addition, $37.8 million of other prepaid expenses have been reclassified from other current assets to
prepaid expenses on the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023. This reclassification was made to conform to the
current financial statement presentation.
Cash and Cash Equivalents: We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to
be cash equivalents. Accounts at banks with an aggregate excess of the amount of checks issued over cash balances are included
in current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets, and changes in such accounts are reported as a financing activity in the
consolidated statements of cash flows.
Trade Accounts Receivable: We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful
accounts for potentially uncollectible receivables. We review the financial condition of customers for granting credit and
determine the allowance based on analysis of individual customers’ financial condition, historical write-off experience and
national economic conditions. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances
over 90 days and exceeding a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off
against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We
do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.
Inventories and Supplies: Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of average cost and net realizable value and consist
primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, fuel and supplies. Tires placed on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a part
of the equipment cost. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service.
Property, Equipment, and Depreciation: Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost,
while maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on the sale or exchange of
property and equipment are recorded in other operating expenses.
Depreciation is calculated based on the cost of the asset, reduced by the asset’s estimated salvage value, using the straight-line
method. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. The lives and salvage values assigned to certain
34
assets for financial reporting purposes are different than for income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, assets are
generally depreciated using the following estimated useful lives and salvage values:
Lives
Salvage Values
Building and improvements
30 years
0%
Tractors
80 months
$0 - $10,000
Trailers
12 years
$6,000
Service and other equipment
3-10 years
0%
Depreciation expense was $280.3 million, $289.2 million, and $273.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023,
and 2022 respectively, and is reported in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of income.
Due to the stronger used trailer market and the increased cost of new trailers, a change in accounting estimate was made during
the first quarter of 2022, which decreased depreciation expense by $12.7 million in 2022.
Goodwill: Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired
in business combinations and is allocated to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the combinations. Goodwill is not
amortized, but rather is tested for impairment annually in the fourth quarter, or more frequently if indicators of a potential
impairment exist. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit that includes goodwill exceeds its fair value,
resulting in an impairment charge for the excess up to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. To test goodwill
for impairment, we have the option to first perform a qualitative assessment to determine if it is more likely than not that the
carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. If a qualitative test indicates a potential for impairment, a quantitative
impairment test must be performed. Alternatively, we may bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative
impairment test. A qualitative assessment considers relevant events and circumstances such as macroeconomic, industry, and
market conditions; legal, regulatory, and competitive environments; and overall financial performance. For a quantitative
impairment test, we estimate the fair values of the goodwill reporting units and compare it to their carrying values. The
estimated fair values of the reporting units are established using a combination of the income and market approaches. No
impairment charges have resulted from the annual impairment tests.
Amortization of Intangible Assets: Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated
useful lives, ranging from 10 to 12 years.
Long-Lived Assets and Intangible Assets: We review our long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment
whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. If based on that review,
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable, we evaluate recoverability by
comparing the undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset to the asset's carrying amount. We also evaluate the remaining
useful lives of intangible assets to determine if events or trends warrant a revision to the remaining period of amortization. An
impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset or intangible asset is not recoverable and the
carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, the carrying amount is not recoverable
when the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net cash flows. We do not separately identify
assets by operating segment because tractors and trailers are routinely transferred from one operating fleet to another. As a
result, none of our long-lived assets have identifiable cash flows from use that are largely independent of the cash flows of other
assets and liabilities. Thus, the asset group used to assess impairment would include all of our assets. No impairment charges
were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022.
Insurance and Claims Accruals: Insurance and claims accruals (both current and non-current) reflect the estimated cost
(including estimated loss development, incurred-but-not-reported losses and loss adjustment expenses) for (i) cargo loss and
damage, (ii) bodily injury and property damage, (iii) group health and (iv) workers’ compensation claims not covered by
insurance. The costs for cargo, bodily injury and property damage insurance and claims are included in insurance and claims
expense in the consolidated statements of income; the costs of group health and workers’ compensation claims are included in
salaries, wages and benefits expense. The insurance and claims accruals are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment
amounts. The accruals for bodily injury, property damage and workers’ compensation are based upon individual case estimates
and actuarial estimates of loss development for reported losses and incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss development
factors based upon past experience. In order to determine the loss development factors, we make judgments relating to the
comparability of historical claims to current claims. These judgments consider the nature, frequency, severity, and age of
claims, and industry, regulatory, and company-specific trends impacting the development of claims. An independent actuary
reviews our calculation of the undiscounted self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage claims and workers’
compensation claims at year-end.
35
We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2024, and are responsible for the first $15.0 million per claim on all
claims with an annual $7.5 million aggregate for claims between $15.0 million and $20.0 million. For the policy year that began
August 1, 2023, we were responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim on all claims with an annual $12.5 million aggregate
for claims between $10.0 million and $20.0 million. For the policy year that began August 1, 2022, we were responsible for the
first $10.0 million per claim on all claims with an annual $10.0 million aggregate for claims between $10.0 million and $20.0
million. For the policy year that began August 1, 2021, we were responsible for the first $10.0 million per claim on all claims
with an annual $10.0 million aggregate for claims between $10.0 million and $15.0 million. We maintain liability insurance
coverage with insurance carriers in excess of the $15.0 million per claim. We are also responsible for administrative expenses
for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage.
Our self-insured retention (“SIR”) for workers’ compensation claims is $2.0 million per claim, with premium-based coverage
(issued by insurance companies) for claims exceeding this amount. We also maintain a $25.1 million bond for the State of
Nebraska and a $15.1 million bond for our workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Under these insurance arrangements, we maintained $4.3 million in letters of credit and $46.9 million in additional bonds as of
December 31, 2024.
Revenue Recognition: The consolidated statements of income reflect recognition of operating revenues (including fuel
surcharge revenues) and related direct costs over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an
amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services. For shipments where a third-
party capacity provider (including independent contractors under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the
service, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e., report revenues on a net
basis).
Foreign Currency Translation: Local currencies are generally considered the functional currencies outside the United States.
Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates for operations in local currency environments. Foreign revenues
and expense items denominated in the functional currency are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the
year. Foreign currency translation adjustments reflect the changes in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to the net assets
of the foreign operations. Foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss
within stockholders’ equity in the consolidated balance sheets and as a separate component of comprehensive income in the
consolidated statements of comprehensive income.
Income Taxes: Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are 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 income
tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
In accounting for uncertain tax positions, we recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely
than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the
position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit
that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties directly
related to income tax matters in income tax expense.
Common Stock and Earnings Per Share: Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Werner
by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by
dividing net income attributable to Werner by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of
dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common
shares include outstanding restricted stock awards. Performance awards are excluded from the calculation of dilutive potential
common shares until the threshold performance conditions have been satisfied. There are no differences in the numerators of
36
our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for any periods presented. The computation of basic and diluted
earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts).
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Net income attributable to Werner
$
34,233 $
112,382 $
241,256
Weighted average common shares outstanding
62,450
63,374
64,125
Dilutive effect of stock-based awards
212
344
454
Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share
62,662
63,718
64,579
Basic earnings per share
$
0.55 $
1.77 $
3.76
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.55 $
1.76 $
3.74
Equity Compensation: We have an equity compensation plan that provides for grants of stock options, restricted stock and
units (“restricted awards”), unrestricted stock awards, performance awards and stock appreciation rights to our employees,
directors, and consultants. We apply the fair value method of accounting for equity compensation awards. Issuances of stock
upon an exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock are made from treasury stock; shares reacquired to satisfy tax
withholding obligations upon vesting of restricted stock are recorded as treasury stock. Grants of stock options, restricted stock,
and performance awards vest in increments, and we recognize compensation expense over the requisite service period of each
award. We accrue compensation expense for performance awards for the estimated number of shares expected to be issued
using the most current information available at the date of the financial statements. If the performance objectives are not met,
no compensation expense will be recognized, and any previously recognized compensation expense will be reversed. We
account for forfeitures in the period in which they occur.
Comprehensive Income: Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other
comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are
recorded directly in stockholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, comprehensive income
consists of net income, foreign currency translation adjustments and change in fair value of interest rate swaps. The components
of accumulated other comprehensive loss reported in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
consisted of foreign currency translation adjustment losses of $17.4 million and $10.0 million, respectively, and losses of $1.0
million and gains of $0.3 million related to changes in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted: In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2023-07 Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment
Disclosures, with the objective of improving financial reporting, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant
segment expenses. On December 31, 2024, we adopted ASU 2023-07 using a retrospective approach. Adoption of the standard
enhanced our reportable segment disclosures, see Note 13 – Segment Information, but did not impact our results of operations,
cash flows, and financial condition.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, Not Yet Effective: In December 2023, FASB issued ASU 2023-09 Income
Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, with the objective of enhancing the transparency and decision
usefulness of income tax information through income tax disclosure improvements, primarily related to the rate reconciliation
and income taxes paid information. The provisions of this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15,
2024, using a prospective approach. Retrospective application is permitted. We are evaluating the impact of adopting ASU
2023-09, and we expect this ASU to impact our disclosures but not our results of operations, cash flows, and financial
condition.
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 Income Statement – Reporting Comprehensive Income – Expense
Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses, requiring public business
entities to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to the financial statements at interim
and annual reporting periods, including purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset
amortization. The provisions of this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim
reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, using either a prospective or retrospective approach. We are evaluating
the impact of adopting ASU 2024-03, and we expect this ASU to impact our disclosures but not our results of operations, cash
flows, and financial condition.
37
(2) BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS
2022 Business Acquisitions
ReedTMS
On November 5, 2022, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in Reed Transport Services, Inc. and RTS-TMS, Inc., doing
business as ReedTMS Logistics (“ReedTMS”), for a final purchase price of $108.6 million after including the impacts of
working capital adjustments, cash acquired, net present value of future insurance payments, and contingent consideration, also
referred to as earnout. We financed the transaction through existing credit facilities. The contingent earnout period related to the
ReedTMS acquisition ended on December 31, 2023 and resulted in an additional cash payment of $1.5 million based on the
achievement level of certain financial performance goals. This payment resulted in a $2.7 million net favorable change to the
contingent earnout liability, which was recorded in other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of income for the
year ended December 31, 2023.
ReedTMS is an asset-light logistics provider and dedicated truckload carrier that offers a comprehensive suite of freight
brokerage and truckload solutions to a diverse customer base. The results of operations for ReedTMS are included in our
consolidated financial statements beginning November 5, 2022. Freight brokerage and truckload revenues generated by
ReedTMS are reported in our Werner Logistics segment and in Dedicated within our Truckload Transportation Services
(“TTS”) segment, respectively. We incurred transaction costs related to the acquisition, such as legal and professional fees, of
$0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is included in other operating expenses on the consolidated
statements of income.
Baylor
On October 1, 2022, we acquired 100% of the equity interests in FAB9, Inc., doing business as Baylor Trucking, Inc.
(“Baylor”), for a final purchase price of $89.0 million after including the impacts of working capital adjustments, cash acquired,
and contingent consideration. We financed the transaction through existing credit facilities. The contingent consideration
arrangement requires us to pay the former owner of Baylor an additional amount in cash if Baylor achieves certain performance
financial goals over a three-year period beginning on November 1, 2022. The potential undiscounted future contingent earnout
payment that we could be required to make is between $0 and $15.0 million.
Baylor operates in the east central and south central United States. The results of operations for Baylor are included in our
consolidated financial statements beginning October 1, 2022. Revenues generated by Baylor are reported in One-Way
Truckload within our TTS segment. We incurred transaction costs related to the acquisition, such as legal and professional fees,
of $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2022, which is included in other operating expenses on the consolidated
statements of income.
(3) REVENUE
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized over time as control of the promised services is transferred to our customers, in an amount that reflects
the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those services.
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by revenue source (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Truckload Transportation Services
$
2,138,293 $
2,310,810 $
2,428,686
Werner Logistics
831,337
910,433
793,492
Inter-segment eliminations
(14,429)
(17,690)
(5,218)
Transportation services
2,955,201
3,203,553
3,216,960
Other revenues
75,057
79,946
73,018
Total revenues
$
3,030,258 $
3,283,499 $
3,289,978
38
The following table presents our revenues disaggregated by geographic areas in which we conduct business (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
United States
$
2,854,184 $
3,089,205 $
3,051,788
Mexico
147,761
159,170
191,126
Other
28,313
35,124
47,064
Total revenues
$
3,030,258 $
3,283,499 $
3,289,978
Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii)
other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to
the country of origin.
Transportation Services
We generate nearly all of our revenues by transporting truckload freight shipments for our customers. Transportation services
are carried out by our TTS segment and our Werner Logistics segment. The TTS segment utilizes company-owned and
independent contractor trucks to deliver shipments, while our Werner Logistics segment uses third-party capacity providers.
We generate revenues from billings for transportation services under contracts with customers, generally on a rate per mile or
per shipment, based on origin and destination of the shipment. Our performance obligation arises when we receive a shipment
order to transport a customer’s freight and is satisfied upon delivery of the shipment. The transaction price may be defined in a
transportation services agreement or negotiated with the customer prior to accepting the shipment order. A customer may
submit several shipment orders for transportation services at various times throughout a service agreement term, but each
shipment represents a distinct service that is a separately identified performance obligation. We often provide additional or
ancillary services as part of the shipment (such as loading/unloading and stops in transit) which are not distinct or are not
material in the context of the contract; therefore, the revenues for these services are recognized with the freight transaction
price. The average transit time to complete a shipment is approximately 3 days. Invoices for transportation services are typically
generated soon after shipment delivery and, while payment terms and conditions vary by customer, are generally due within 30
days after the invoice date.
The consolidated statements of income reflect recognition of transportation revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and
related direct costs over time as the shipment is being delivered. We use distance shipped (for the TTS segment) and transit
time (for the Werner Logistics segment) to measure progress and the amount of revenues recognized over time, as the customer
simultaneously receives and consumes the benefit. Determining a measure of progress requires us to make judgments that affect
the timing of revenues recognized. We have determined that the methods described provide a faithful depiction of the transfer
of services to the customer.
For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including independent contractors under contract with us) is utilized to
provide some or all of the service, we evaluate whether we are the principal (i.e., report revenues on a gross basis) or agent (i.e.,
report revenues on a net basis). Generally, we report such revenues on a gross basis, that is, we recognize both revenues for the
service we bill to the customer and rent and purchased transportation expense for transportation costs we pay to the third-party
provider. Where we are the principal, we control the transportation service before it is provided to our customers, which is
supported by us being primarily responsible for fulfilling the shipment obligation to the customer and having a level of
discretion in establishing pricing with the customer.
Other Revenues
Other revenues include revenues from our driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment
maintenance and equipment leasing, and other business activities. These revenues are generally recognized over time and
accounted for 2% of our total revenues in 2024, 2023 and 2022. Revenues from our driver training schools require us to make
judgments regarding price concessions in determining the amount of revenues to recognize.
Contract Balances and Accounts Receivable
A receivable is an unconditional right to consideration and is recognized when shipments have been completed and the related
performance obligation has been fully satisfied. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the accounts receivable, trade, net, balance
was $391.7 million and $444.9 million, respectively. Contract assets represent a conditional right to consideration in exchange
for goods or services and are transferred to receivables when the rights become unconditional. At December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the balance of contract assets was $6.3 million and $7.4 million, respectively. We have recognized contract assets within the
other current assets financial statement caption on the consolidated balance sheets. These contract assets are considered current
assets as they will be settled in less than 12 months.
39
Contract liabilities represent advance consideration received from customers and are recognized as revenues over time as the
related performance obligation is satisfied. At December 31, 2024 and 2023, the balance of contract liabilities was $1.4 million
and $0.9 million, respectively. The amount of revenues recognized in 2024 that was included in the December 31, 2023
contract liability balance was $0.9 million. We have recognized contract liabilities within the accounts payable and other
current liabilities financial statement captions on the consolidated balance sheets. These contract liabilities are considered
current liabilities as they will be settled in less than 12 months.
Performance Obligations
We have elected to apply the practical expedient in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue From
Contracts With Customers, to not disclose the value of remaining performance obligations for contracts with an original
expected length of one year or less. Remaining performance obligations represent the transaction price allocated to future
reporting periods for freight shipments started but not completed at the reporting date that we expect to recognize as revenue in
the period subsequent to the reporting date; transit times generally average approximately 3 days.
During 2024, 2023, and 2022, revenues recognized from performance obligations related to prior periods (for example, due to
changes in transaction price) were not material.
(4) GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following table presents goodwill by segment (in thousands):
TTS
Werner Logistics
Total
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
53,897 $
78,820 $
132,717
Purchase accounting adjustments (1)
(7,841)
4,228
(3,613)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
$
46,056 $
83,048 $
129,104
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
46,056 $
83,048 $
129,104
(1) The purchase accounting adjustments consist of post-closing adjustments related to net assets assumed in the acquisition of ReedTMS.
The following table presents acquired intangible assets (in thousands):
December 31,
2024
2023
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Gross
Carrying
Amount
Accumulated
Amortization
Net
Carrying
Amount
Customer relationships
$
80,200 $
(22,009) $
58,191 $
80,200 $
(13,989) $
66,211
Trade names
24,600
(6,384)
18,216
24,600
(4,334)
20,266
Total intangible assets
$
104,800 $
(28,393) $
76,407 $
104,800 $
(18,323) $
86,477
Amortization expense on intangible assets was $10.1 million, $10.3 million, and $6.1 million for the years ended December 31,
2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and is reported in depreciation and amortization on the consolidated statements of income.
As of December 31, 2024, the estimated future amortization expense for intangible assets by year is as follows (in thousands):
2025
$
10,070
2026
10,070
2027
10,070
2028
10,070
2029
10,070
Thereafter (to 2034)
26,057
Total
$
76,407
(5) LEASES
We have entered into operating leases primarily for real estate. The leases have terms which range from 2 years to 18 years, and
some include options to renew. Renewal terms are included in the lease term when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise
the option to renew.
40
Operating leases are included in other non-current assets, other current liabilities and other long-term liabilities on the
consolidated balance sheets. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease
payments over the lease term at commencement date, using our incremental borrowing rate because the rate implicit in each
lease is not readily determinable. We have certain contracts for real estate that may contain lease and non-lease components
which we have elected to treat as a single lease component. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line
basis over the lease term. Variable lease expense is recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is
incurred. Lease expense is reported in rent and purchased transportation on the consolidated statements of income.
The following table presents balance sheet and other operating lease information (dollars in thousands):
December 31,
2024
2023
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)
$
49,599
$
34,814
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)
$
15,352
$
9,017
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)
36,406
27,495
Total operating lease liabilities
$
51,758
$
36,512
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases
4.75 years
6.15 years
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
5.0 %
3.6 %
The following table presents the maturities of operating lease liabilities as of December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
2025
$
17,441
2026
15,734
2027
7,990
2028
6,577
2029
3,807
Thereafter
5,748
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
$
57,297
Less: Imputed interest
(5,539)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
$
51,758
Cash Flows
During the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, right-of-use assets of $26.1 million, $4.7 million, and $14.7
million, respectively, were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities, and we
acquired right-of-use assets of $8.3 million as a result of our business acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of operating lease liabilities was $12.1 million, $11.1 million, and $8.5
million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are included in operating cash flows.
Operating Lease Expense
Operating lease expense was $19.3 million, $22.5 million, and $22.1 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023,
and 2022, respectively. This expense included $12.5 million, $11.5 million, and $9.4 million for long-term operating leases for
the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, with the remainder for variable and short-term lease
expense.
Lessor Operating Leases
We are the lessor of tractors and trailers (revenue equipment) under operating leases with initial terms of 1 year to 10 years. At
times, we also lease or sublease real estate to third parties. We recognize revenue for such leases on a straight-line basis over
the term of the lease. Revenues for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 were $9.6 million, $10.9 million, and
41
$10.7 million, respectively. The following table presents information about the maturities of these operating leases as of
December 31, 2024 (in thousands):
2025
$
7,207
2026
600
2027
71
2028
—
2029
—
Thereafter
—
Total
$
7,878
The owned assets underlying our leases as lessor primarily consist of revenue equipment. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023,
the gross carrying value of such revenue equipment underlying these leases was $61.8 million and $62.2 million, respectively,
and accumulated depreciation was $26.7 million and $29.7 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for these assets was $7.4
million, $8.2 million, and $7.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively.
(6) FAIR VALUE
Fair Value Measurement — Definition and Hierarchy
ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurement, defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820-10 establishes a
hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of
unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs reflect the
assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on market data obtained from
sources independent of the Company. Unobservable inputs reflect our own assumptions about the assumptions market
participants would use in pricing the asset or liability, developed based on the best information available in the circumstances.
The fair value hierarchy prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as
follows:
Level 1 — Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access.
Level 2 — Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or
indirectly. Such inputs include quoted prices in markets that are not active, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in
active and inactive markets, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and inputs that are
derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, where there is little, if any, observable market activity or data for
the asset or liability.
In general, and where applicable, we use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities to determine fair value.
This pricing methodology applies to our Level 1 assets and liabilities. If quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and
liabilities are not available to determine fair value, then we use quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities or inputs other
than the quoted prices that are observable, either directly or indirectly. This pricing methodology would apply to Level 2 assets
and liabilities.
42
The following table presents the fair value hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in
thousands):
Fair Value
Level in Fair
December 31,
Value Hierarchy
2024
2023
Assets:
Other current assets:
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)
2
$
— $
2,261
Other non-current assets:
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)
2
1,162
—
Equity securities (2)
1
141
310
Total other non-current assets
1,303
310
Total assets at fair value
$
1,303 $
2,571
Liabilities:
Other current liabilities:
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)
2
$
134 $
—
Other long-term liabilities:
Pay-fixed interest rate swaps (1)
2
2,420
1,792
Contingent consideration associated with acquisitions
3
9,315
8,896
Total other long-term liabilities
11,735
10,688
Total liabilities at fair value
$
11,869 $
10,688
(1) Pay-fixed interest rate swaps are measured on a recurring basis by netting the discounted future fixed cash payments and the discounted
expected variable cash receipts. The variable cash receipts are based on the expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from
observed market interest rate curves. See Note 8 – Debt and Credit Facilities for further information on our interest rate swaps.
(2) Represents our investment in an autonomous technology company. For additional information regarding the valuation of this equity
security, see Note 7 – Investments.
The following table presents changes in the fair value of our contingent earnout liabilities for the years ended December 31,
2024 and 2023 (in thousands):
Balance as of December 31, 2022
$
13,400
Measurement period adjustment associated with the acquisition of ReedTMS (1)
(800)
Payment for contingent consideration (2)
(1,500)
Change in fair value (3)
(2,204)
Balance as of December 31, 2023
8,896
Change in fair value
419
Balance as of December 31, 2024
$
9,315
(1) The measurement period adjustment was recorded in goodwill on the consolidated balance sheet.
(2) The contingent earnout period related to the ReedTMS acquisition ended on December 31, 2023 and resulted in an additional cash payment,
as certain financial performance goals were achieved.
(3) Includes a net favorable change of $2.7 million to the contingent earnout liability related to the ReedTMS acquisition for the year ended
December 31, 2023.
The estimated fair values of our contingent consideration arrangements are based upon probability-adjusted inputs for each
acquired entity. Additionally, as the liability is stated at present value, the passage of time alone will increase the estimated fair
value of the liability each reporting period. Change in fair value is recorded in other operating expenses on the consolidated
statements of income.
We have ownership interests in investments, primarily Mastery Logistics Systems, Inc. (“MLSI”), which do not have readily
determinable fair values and are accounted for using the measurement alternative in ASC 321, Investments - Equity Securities.
Our ownership interest in Autotech Fund III, L.P. (the “Autotech Fund”) is accounted for under ASC 323, “Investments - Equity
Method and Joint Ventures.” For additional information regarding the valuation of these investments, see Note 7 – Investments.
43
Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Recorded at Fair Value
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable trade, and accounts payable are short-term in nature and accordingly are carried
at amounts that approximate fair value.
The carrying amount of our fixed-rate debt not measured at fair value on a recurring basis was $88.8 million as of December
31, 2023. We had no fixed-rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2024. The estimated fair value of our fixed-rate debt using
the income approach, based on its net present value, discounted at our current borrowing rate, was $86.7 million as of
December 31, 2023 (categorized as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy). The carrying amount of our variable-rate long-term
debt approximates fair value due to the duration of our credit arrangement and the variable interest rate.
(7) INVESTMENTS
Equity Investments without Readily Determinable Fair Values
Our strategic equity investments without readily determinable fair values primarily consist of our investment in MLSI, a
transportation management systems company. MLSI has developed a cloud-based transportation management system using its
SaaS technology, and we have obtained a license. Our investments are being accounted for under ASC 321 using the
measurement alternative, and are recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in
the values of our investments based on events that occur that would indicate the values have changed, in loss (gain) on
investments in equity securities on the consolidated statements of income. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the value of our
investment in MLSI was $103.9 million and $89.8 million, respectively, and the value of our other equity investments without
readily determinable fair values was $358 thousand and $316 thousand, respectively.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our equity investments without readily determinable fair values during
the periods presented (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Investment in equity securities
$
6,042 $
3,066 $
20,250
Upward adjustments (1)
$
8,099 $
— $
28,638
(1) During 2024 and 2022, investments by third parties resulted in the remeasurements of our investment in MLSI. Our updated investment
values were based upon the prices paid by third parties.
As of December 31, 2024, cumulative upward adjustments on our equity securities without readily determinable fair values
totaled $64.9 million.
Equity Investments with Readily Determinable Fair Values
We own a strategic minority equity investment in an autonomous technology company, which is being accounted for under
ASC 321 and is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the
value of this investment was $0.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. For additional information regarding the fair value of
this equity investment, see Note 6 – Fair Value.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our equity investments with readily determinable fair values during the
periods presented (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Loss on investments in equity securities, net
$
169 $
278 $
16,443
Portion of net unrealized loss for the period related to equity securities still
held at the reporting date
$
169 $
270 $
16,443
Equity Method Investment
In January 2023, we committed to make a $20.0 million investment in the Autotech Fund pursuant to a limited partnership
agreement. The Autotech Fund is managed by Autotech Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on ground transportation
technology. Our interest, which represents an ownership percentage of less than 20%, is being accounted for under ASC 323,
“Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures.” As a limited partner, we will make periodic capital contributions toward this
total commitment amount. As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the value of our investment in the Autotech Fund was $6.7
million and $2.3 million, respectively, and is recorded in other noncurrent assets on the consolidated balance sheets. The
carrying amount of the Autotech Fund as of December 31, 2024 approximates its fair value as of September 30, 2024, as this is
44
the most recent information available to us at this time. The following table summarizes the activity related to our equity
method investment during the periods presented (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Capital contributions
$
3,820 $
3,385
N/A
Loss (earnings) from equity method investment
$
(556) $
1,046
N/A
As of December 31, 2024, our cumulative capital contributions in the Autotech Fund were $7.2 million.
(8) DEBT AND CREDIT FACILITIES
On December 20, 2022, we entered into a $1.075 billion unsecured credit facility with a group of lenders (the “2022 Credit
Agreement”), replacing our previous credit facilities. The 2022 Credit Agreement is scheduled to mature on December 20,
2027, and has a $100.0 million maximum limit for the aggregate amount of letters of credit issued.
Revolving credit loans drawn under the 2022 Credit Agreement bear interest, at our option, at (i) the Base Rate (the highest of
(a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, or (c) the one-month Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate
(“SOFR”) plus 1.10%), plus a margin ranging between 0.125% and 0.750%, or (ii) Term SOFR plus 0.10% and a margin
ranging between 1.125% and 1.750%. Swingline loans drawn under the 2022 Credit Agreement bear interest at the Base Rate,
as defined above, plus a margin ranging between 0.125% and 0.750%. The 2022 Credit Agreement also requires us to pay
quarterly (i) a letter of credit commission on the daily amount available to be drawn under such standby letters of credit at rates
ranging between 1.125% and 1.750% per annum and (ii) a nonrefundable commitment fee on the average daily unused amount
of the commitment at rates ranging between 0.125% and 0.250% per annum. The margin, letter of credit commission, and
commitment fee rates are based on our ratio of net funded debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization (“EBITDA”). There are no scheduled principal payments due on the 2022 Credit Agreement until the maturity
date, and interest is payable in arrears at periodic intervals not to exceed three months.
We have entered into variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements in order to limit our exposure to increases in interest rates
on a portion of our variable-rate indebtedness. Under the terms of our interest rate swap agreements, we receive monthly
variable-rate interest payments based on one-month Term SOFR and make monthly fixed-rate interest payments as specified in
the interest rate swap agreements. We have designated our interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. Changes in fair
value of outstanding derivatives in cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated
statements of comprehensive income until earnings are impacted by the hedged transactions. For additional information
regarding the valuation of our interest rate swaps, see Note 6 – Fair Value. Two variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements
with an aggregate notional amount of $150.0 million matured in May 2024. In August 2024, we entered into a variable-for-
fixed interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $75.0 million, maturing in 2028, and during the three months
ended June 30, 2024, we entered into two variable-for-fixed interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of
$150.0 million, maturing in 2027.
On June 30, 2021, we entered into a $100.0 million unsecured 1.28% fixed-rate term loan commitment with BMO Harris, with
quarterly principal payments of $1.25 million and a final payment of principal and interest due and payable on May 14, 2024
("BMO Term Loan"). We repaid the remaining $86.3 million outstanding principal balance under the BMO Term Loan in May
2024 using proceeds from the 2022 Credit Agreement.
As of December 31, 2024 and 2023, our outstanding debt totaled $650.0 million and $648.8 million, respectively. As of
December 31, 2024, our outstanding revolving credit loan balance under the 2022 Credit Agreement, consisted of:
•
$295.0 million at a variable interest rate of 6.12%;
•
$40.0 million which is effectively fixed at 6.45% with interest rate swap agreements through July 2025;
•
$90.0 million which is effectively fixed at 6.12% with interest rate swap agreements through July 2026;
•
$75.0 million which is effectively fixed at 6.23% with an interest rate swap agreement through April 2027;
•
$75.0 million which is effectively fixed at 6.09% with an interest rate swap agreement through May 2027; and
•
$75.0 million which is effectively fixed at 5.14% with an interest rate swap agreement through August 2028.
Our total available borrowing capacity under the 2022 Credit Agreement was $419.1 million as of December 31, 2024, after
considering $5.9 million in stand-by letters of credit under which we are obligated.
Availability of such funds under the current debt agreement is conditional upon various customary terms and covenants. Such
covenants include, among other things, two financial covenants requiring us (i) not to exceed a maximum ratio of net funded
45
debt to EBITDA and (ii) to exceed a minimum ratio of EBITDA to interest expense. As of December 31, 2024, we were in
compliance with these covenants.
At December 31, 2024, the aggregate future maturities of long-term debt by year are as follows (in thousands):
2025
$
20,000
2026
—
2027
630,000
Total
$
650,000
(9) NOTES RECEIVABLE
We provide financing to some individuals who want to become independent contractors by purchasing a tractor from us and
leasing their services to us. We maintain a primary security interest in the tractor until the independent contractor pays the note
balance in full. On January 24, 2023, we purchased a $25.0 million subordinated promissory note from MLSI with a maturity
date of January 24, 2030. The proceeds of the promissory note may be used by MLSI for working capital and general business
purposes, including a limited amount for possible repayment of certain advances. There are no scheduled principal payments
due on the promissory note until the maturity date, and interest accrues at 7.5% compounded annually, with the first accrued
interest payment due on January 24, 2028, and at the end of each calendar year thereafter. The independent contractor notes
receivable and other notes receivable are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the consolidated
balance sheets. The MLSI subordinated promissory note is included in other non-current assets in the consolidated balance
sheets. The following table presents our notes receivable (in thousands):
December 31,
2024
2023
Independent contractor notes receivable
$
5,812 $
6,864
MLSI subordinated promissory note
25,000
25,000
Other notes receivable
7,559
7,231
Notes receivable
38,371
39,095
Less current portion
2,548
2,208
Notes receivable – non-current
$
35,823 $
36,887
We also provide financing to some individuals who attended our driver training schools. The student notes receivable is
included in other receivables and other non-current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. The following table presents our
student notes receivable (in thousands):
Student notes receivable
$
68,546 $
64,956
Allowance for doubtful student notes receivable
(21,662)
(22,702)
Total student notes receivable, net of allowance
46,884
42,254
Less current portion, net of allowance
13,206
13,705
Student notes receivable – non-current
$
33,678 $
28,549
December 31,
2024
2023
46
(10) INCOME TAXES
Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Current:
Federal
$
53,521 $
17,624 $
23,741
State
3,496
7,661
12,423
Foreign
2,095
2,053
489
59,112
27,338
36,653
Deferred:
Federal
(47,094)
10,019
38,521
State
(3,106)
(1,866)
4,032
(50,200)
8,153
42,553
Total income tax expense
$
8,912 $
35,491 $
79,206
The effective income tax rate differs from the federal corporate tax rate of 21% in 2024, 2023, and 2022 as follows (in
thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Tax at statutory rate
$
8,921 $
31,034 $
68,205
State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits
308
4,578
12,999
Other, net
(317)
(121)
(1,998)
Total income tax expense
$
8,912 $
35,491 $
79,206
The following table presents our deferred income tax assets and liabilities (in thousands):
December 31,
2024
2023
Deferred income tax assets:
Insurance and claims accruals
$
57,666 $
57,168
Compensation-related accruals
10,146
9,931
Allowance for uncollectible accounts
1,918
2,797
Operating lease liabilities
12,484
8,733
Other
3,589
2,235
Gross deferred income tax assets
85,803
80,864
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Property and equipment
305,089
351,352
Investments in equity securities
14,109
12,240
Prepaid expenses
6,391
7,118
Operating lease right-of-use assets
12,028
8,327
Investment in partnership
14,805
18,790
Other
2,897
3,217
Gross deferred income tax liabilities
355,319
401,044
Net deferred income tax liability
$
269,516 $
320,180
Deferred income tax assets are more likely than not to be realized as a result of the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities.
47
We recognized a $14 thousand decrease, a $201 thousand decrease, and a $54 thousand increase in the net liability for
unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. We recognized net interest
expense of $129 thousand, $70 thousand, and $42 thousand during 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. If recognized, $1.5
million, $1.7 million, and $2.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, respectively,
would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $0.7 million as of December 31, 2024 and $0.5 million as of December 31, 2023
has been reflected as a component of the total liability. We expect no other significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax
positions during the next 12 months. The reconciliations of beginning and ending gross balances of unrecognized tax benefits
are shown below (in thousands).
December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning balance
$
2,245 $
2,495 $
2,425
Gross increases – tax positions in prior period
179
161
99
Gross increases – current period tax positions
80
120
320
Reductions due to lapsed statute of limitations
(269)
(531)
(349)
Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance
$
2,235 $
2,245 $
2,495
We file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in various states and several foreign jurisdictions. The
years 2021 and forward are open for examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), and various years are open for
examination by state and foreign tax authorities. State and foreign jurisdictional statutes of limitations generally range from
three to four years.
(11) EQUITY COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Equity Compensation Plan
The Werner Enterprises, Inc. 2023 Long-term Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), approved by the Company’s shareholders in
2023, provides for grants to employees, non-employee directors, and consultants of the Company in the form of stock options,
restricted awards, unrestricted stock awards, performance awards, and stock appreciation rights. The Board of Directors or the
Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors determines the terms of each award, including the type, recipients, number
of shares subject to and vesting conditions of each award. No awards of stock options, unrestricted stock, and stock appreciation
rights have been issued under the Equity Plan to date. The maximum number of shares of common stock that may be awarded
under the Equity Plan is 4,000,000 shares. As of December 31, 2024, there were 3,632,157 shares available for granting
additional awards.
Equity compensation expense is included in salaries, wages and benefits within the consolidated statements of income. As of
December 31, 2024, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested equity compensation awards was
approximately $10.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. The following table
summarizes the equity compensation expense and related income tax benefit recognized in the consolidated statements of
income (in thousands):
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Restricted awards:
Pre-tax compensation expense
$
9,212 $
10,229 $
7,803
Tax benefit
2,349
2,634
1,954
Restricted stock expense, net of tax
$
6,863 $
7,595 $
5,849
Performance awards:
Pre-tax compensation expense (benefit)
$
(348) $
1,723 $
4,690
Tax benefit (expense)
(89)
444
1,174
Performance award expense (benefit), net of tax
$
(259) $
1,279 $
3,516
We do not have a formal policy for issuing shares upon vesting of restricted and performance awards. Such shares are generally
issued from treasury stock. From time to time, we repurchase shares of our common stock, the timing and amount of which
depends on market and other factors. Historically, the shares acquired from such repurchases have provided us with sufficient
quantities of stock to issue for equity compensation. Based on current treasury stock levels, we do not expect to repurchase
additional shares specifically for equity compensation during 2025.
48
Restricted Awards
Restricted stock entitles the holder to shares of common stock when the award vests. Restricted stock units entitle the holder to
a combination of cash or stock equal to the value of common stock when the unit vests. The value of these shares may fluctuate
according to market conditions and other factors. Restricted awards currently outstanding vest over periods ranging from 12 to
60 months from the grant date of the award. The restricted awards do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until
such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions. The following table summarizes restricted award activity
for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Number of
Restricted
Awards
(in thousands)
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
444 $
43.15
Granted
296
39.70
Vested
(202)
43.01
Forfeited
(17)
42.89
Nonvested at end of period
521
41.25
We estimate the fair value of restricted awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of
grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior
to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for
any known future changes in the dividend rate. Cash settled restricted stock units are recorded as a liability within the
consolidated balance sheets and are adjusted to fair value each reporting period.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of restricted awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and
2022 was $39.70, $44.17, and $42.27, respectively. The total fair value of previously granted restricted awards vested during
the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, and 2022 was $8.2 million, $10.4 million, and $7.3 million, respectively. We
withheld shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the
applicable income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations were recorded as
treasury stock.
Performance Awards
Performance awards entitle the recipient to shares of common stock upon attainment of performance objectives as pre-
established by the Compensation Committee. If the performance objectives are achieved, performance awards currently
outstanding vest, subject to continued employment, 36 months after the grant date of the award. The performance awards do not
confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions. The
following table summarizes performance award activity for the year ended December 31, 2024:
Number of
Performance Awards
(in thousands)
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value ($)
Nonvested at beginning of period
280 $
42.15
Granted
106
40.05
Vested
(109)
38.34
Forfeited
(89)
42.47
Nonvested at end of period
188
42.24
The 2024 performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the Company of specified performance
objectives related to cumulative diluted earnings per share for the two-year period from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2025.
Shares earned based on cumulative diluted earnings per share may increase or decrease by 25% based on the Company’s total
shareholder return during the three-year period ended December 31, 2026, relative to the total shareholder return of a peer
group of companies for the same period. The 2023 performance awards are earned based upon the level of attainment by the
Company of specified performance objectives related to cumulative diluted earnings per share for the two-year period from
January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024. Shares earned based on cumulative diluted earnings per share may increase or decrease
by 25% based on the Company’s total shareholder return during the three-year period ended December 31, 2025, relative to the
total shareholder return of a peer group of companies for the same period. The 2024 and 2023 performance awards will vest in
one installment on the third anniversary from the respective grant dates. In January 2025, the Compensation Committee
49
determined the 2022 fiscal year performance objectives were below threshold, thus resulting in no payout. The unearned shares
are included in the forfeited shares in the activity table above.
We estimate the fair value of performance awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of
grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior
to vesting. Our estimate of future dividends is based on the most recent quarterly dividend rate at the time of grant, adjusted for
any known future changes in the dividend rate.
The weighted-average grant date fair value of performance awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023,
and 2022 was $40.05, $45.07, and $39.28, respectively. The vesting date fair value of performance awards that vested during
the years ended December 31, 2024, 2023, or 2022 was $4.6 million, $5.9 million and $3.0 million, respectively. We withheld
shares based on the closing stock price on the vesting date to settle the employees’ statutory obligation for the applicable
income and other employment taxes. The shares withheld to satisfy the tax withholding obligations were recorded as treasury
stock.
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Employee associates that meet certain eligibility requirements may participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the
“Purchase Plan”). Eligible participants designate the amount of regular payroll deductions and/or a single annual payment (each
subject to a yearly maximum amount) that is used to purchase shares of our common stock on the over-the-counter market. The
maximum annual contribution amount is currently $20,000. These purchases are subject to the terms of the Purchase Plan. We
contribute an amount equal to 15% of each participant’s contributions under the Purchase Plan. Interest accrues on Purchase
Plan contributions at a rate of 5.25% until the purchase is made. We pay the trading commissions and administrative charges
related to purchases of common stock under the Purchase Plan. Our contributions for the Purchase Plan were as follows (in
thousands):
2024
$
358
2023
349
2022
309
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan
We have an Employees’ 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). Associates are eligible to participate in the 401(k)
Plan if they have been continuously employed with us or one of our subsidiaries for six months or more. We match a portion of
each associate’s 401(k) Plan elective deferrals. Salaries, wages and benefits expense in the accompanying consolidated
statements of income includes our 401(k) Plan contributions and administrative expenses, which were as follows (in
thousands):
2024
$
6,407
2023
6,351
2022
5,921
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan
The Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan, which was frozen for new elections as of December 31, 2024 (the “Former Excess
Plan”), and the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, effective January 1, 2025 (the “New Excess Plan”) are our
nonqualified deferred compensation plans for the benefit of eligible key managerial associates whose 401(k) Plan contributions
are limited because of IRS regulations affecting highly compensated associates. Under the terms of the New Excess Plan,
participants may elect to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis and participants under the Former Excess Plan also had that
ability prior to the date such Former Excess Plan was frozen. At December 31, 2024, there were 47 participants in the Former
Excess Plan. Although our current intention is not to do so, we may also make matching credits and/or profit-sharing credits to
participants’ New Excess Plan accounts as we so determine each year. Under both plans, each participant is fully vested in all
deferred compensation and earnings; however, these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until distributed to the
participant. Under current federal tax law, we are not allowed a current income tax deduction for the compensation deferred by
participants, but we are allowed a tax deduction when a distribution payment is made to a participant from either plan. The
accumulated benefit obligation is included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. We purchased life
insurance policies to fund the future liability. The aggregate market value of the life insurance policies is included in other non-
current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
50
The accumulated benefit obligation and aggregate market value of the life insurance policies were as follows (in thousands):
December 31,
2024
2023
Accumulated benefit obligation
$
15,797 $
13,843
Aggregate market value
12,552
10,635
(12) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
We have committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $47.7 million at December 31, 2024.
We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation, including those described herein, arising in the ordinary course of
business. The majority of these claims relate to bodily injury, property damage, cargo and workers’ compensation incurred in
the transportation of freight, as well as certain class action litigation related to personnel and employment matters. We accrue
for the uninsured portion of contingent losses from these and other pending claims when it is both probable that a liability has
been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management
believes the resolution of claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, will not have a material adverse
effect on our consolidated financial statements. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict, and
our view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and related events unfold.
On May 17, 2018, in Harris County District Court in Houston, Texas, a jury rendered an adverse verdict against the Company
in a lawsuit arising from a December 30, 2014 accident between a Werner tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle. On July 30,
2018, the court entered a final judgment against Werner for $92.0 million, including pre-judgment interest.
The Company has premium-based liability insurance to cover the potential outcome from this jury verdict. Under the
Company’s insurance policies in effect on the date of this accident, the Company’s maximum liability for this accident is $10.0
million (plus pre-judgment and post-judgment interest) with premium-based coverage that exceeds the jury verdict amount. As
a result of this jury verdict, the Company had recorded a liability of $44.4 million and $39.8 million as of December 31, 2024
and 2023, respectively. Under the terms of the Company’s insurance policies, the Company is the primary obligor of the
verdict, and as such, the Company has also recorded a $79.2 million receivable from its third-party insurance providers in other
non-current assets and a corresponding liability of the same amount in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals in
the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2024 and 2023.
The Company pursued an appeal of this verdict, and on May 18, 2023, the Texas Court of Appeals overruled Werner’s appeal
and affirmed the trial court’s judgment. The Company filed a Petition for Review with the Texas Supreme Court and, on
August 30, 2024, the Texas Supreme Court granted the Company’s Petition for Review. Oral argument of the appeal was held
on December 3, 2024. No assurances can be given regarding the outcome of the review.
We are also involved in certain class action litigation in which the plaintiffs allege claims for failure to provide meal and rest
breaks, unpaid wages, unauthorized deductions and other items. Based on the knowledge of the facts, management does not
currently believe the outcome of these class actions is likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results
of operations. However, the final disposition of these matters and the impact of such final dispositions cannot be determined at
this time.
(13) SEGMENT INFORMATION
We have two reportable segments – Truckload Transportation Services and Werner Logistics.
The TTS reportable segment consists of two operating segments, Dedicated and One-Way Truckload. These operating
segments are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria described in
the accounting guidance for segment reporting. Dedicated provides truckload services dedicated to a specific customer,
generally for a retail distribution center or manufacturing facility, utilizing either dry van or specialized trailers. One-Way
Truckload is comprised of the following operating fleets: (i) the medium-to-long-haul van (“Van”) fleet transports a variety of
consumer nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities over irregular routes using dry van trailers,
including Mexico cross-border routes; (ii) the expedited (“Expedited”) fleet provides time-sensitive truckload services utilizing
driver teams; (iii) the regional short-haul (“Regional”) fleet provides comparable truckload van service within geographic
regions across the United States; and (iv) the Temperature Controlled fleet provides truckload services for temperature sensitive
products over irregular routes utilizing temperature-controlled trailers. Revenues for the TTS segment include a small amount
51
of non-trucking revenues which consist primarily of the intra-Mexico portion of cross-border shipments delivered to or from
Mexico where we utilize a third-party capacity provider.
The Werner Logistics segment provides non-asset-based transportation and logistics services. Werner Logistics provides
services throughout North America and generates the majority of our non-trucking revenues through three operating units.
These three Werner Logistics operating units are as follows: (i) Truckload Logistics, which uses contracted carriers to complete
shipments for brokerage customers and freight management customers for which we offer a full range of single-source logistics
management services and solutions; (ii) the Intermodal (“Intermodal”) unit offers rail transportation through alliances with rail
and drayage providers as an alternative to truck transportation; and (iii) Werner Final Mile (“Final Mile”) offers residential and
commercial deliveries of large or heavy items using third-party agents, independent contractors, and Company employees with
two-person delivery teams operating a liftgate straight truck.
The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
Inter-segment transactions between reporting segments have been recorded at amounts approximating market and are
eliminated in consolidation.
The chief operating officer of the Company is our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”). Our CODM evaluates the
operating results of each individual segment, using monthly divisional financial statements, to asses performance and to allocate
resources to each segment. Our divisional financial statements detail the revenues and operating expenses of each individual
segment netting to operating income (loss) that allows the CODM to make operational decisions regarding each individual
segment.
We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment. Based
on our operations, certain revenue-generating assets (primarily tractors and trailers) are interchangeable between segments.
Depreciation for these interchangeable assets is allocated to segments based on the actual number of units utilized by the
segment during the period. Other depreciation and amortization is allocated to segments based on specific identification or as a
percentage of a metric such as average number of tractors.
52
The following tables summarize our segment information (in thousands):
Year Ended December 31, 2024
Truckload Transportation
Services
Werner Logistics
Total
Revenues from external customers
$
2,123,864 $
831,337 $
2,955,201
Inter-segment revenues
14,429
—
14,429
Reportable segment revenues
2,138,293
831,337
2,969,630
Reconciliation of revenues:
Other revenues (1)
75,057
Elimination of inter-segment revenues
(14,429)
Consolidated revenues
$
3,030,258
Less operating expenses: (2)
Salaries, wages and benefits
922,921
81,565
1,004,486
Fuel
272,570
1,575
274,145
Supplies and maintenance
211,847
9,602
221,449
Taxes and licenses
95,541
983
96,524
Insurance and claims
141,654
3,438
145,092
Depreciation and amortization
261,170
15,176
276,346
Rent and purchased transportation
139,848
714,385
854,233
Communications and utilities
13,884
1,983
15,867
Gains on sales of property and equipment
(10,993)
(1,090)
(12,083)
Other segment items (3)
14,685
4,601
19,286
Reportable segment operating expenses
2,063,127
832,218
2,895,345
Reportable segment operating income (loss)
$
75,166 $
(881) $
74,285
Reconciliation of operating income:
Other operating loss (1)
(8,137)
Consolidated operating income
$
66,148
53
Year Ended December 31, 2023
Truckload Transportation
Services
Werner Logistics
Total
Revenues from external customers
$
2,293,120 $
910,433 $
3,203,553
Inter-segment revenues
17,690
—
17,690
Reportable segment revenues
2,310,810
910,433
3,221,243
Reconciliation of revenues:
Other revenues (1)
79,946
Elimination of inter-segment revenues
(17,690)
Consolidated revenues
$
3,283,499
Less operating expenses: (2)
Salaries, wages and benefits
951,712
89,401
1,041,113
Fuel
341,126
2,336
343,462
Supplies and maintenance
224,988
7,933
232,921
Taxes and licenses
101,149
1,099
102,248
Insurance and claims
134,319
3,895
138,214
Depreciation and amortization
271,245
15,395
286,640
Rent and purchased transportation
130,076
768,793
898,869
Communications and utilities
13,908
3,636
17,544
Gains on sales of property and equipment
(45,453)
(1,497)
(46,950)
Other segment items (3)
18,410
3,563
21,973
Reportable segment operating expenses
2,141,480
894,554
3,036,034
Reportable segment operating income
$
169,330 $
15,879 $
185,209
Reconciliation of operating income:
Other operating loss (1)
(8,793)
Consolidated operating income
$
176,416
54
Year Ended December 31, 2022
Truckload Transportation
Services
Werner Logistics
Total
Revenues from external customers
$
2,423,468 $
793,492 $
3,216,960
Inter-segment revenues
5,218
—
5,218
Reportable segment revenues
2,428,686
793,492
3,222,178
Reconciliation of revenues:
Other revenues (1)
73,018
Elimination of inter-segment revenues
(5,218)
Consolidated revenues
$
3,289,978
Less operating expenses: (2)
Salaries, wages and benefits
920,166
69,894
990,060
Fuel
430,962
4,292
435,254
Supplies and maintenance
221,821
7,186
229,007
Taxes and licenses
96,461
994
97,455
Insurance and claims
143,914
3,118
147,032
Depreciation and amortization
256,768
9,989
266,757
Rent and purchased transportation
119,506
659,839
779,345
Communications and utilities
13,287
1,683
14,970
Gains on sales of property and equipment
(85,268)
(2,014)
(87,282)
Other segment items (3)
16,514
2,327
18,841
Reportable segment operating expenses
2,134,131
757,308
2,891,439
Reportable segment operating income
$
294,555 $
36,184 $
330,739
Reconciliation of operating income:
Other operating loss (1)
(7,663)
Consolidated operating income
$
323,076
(1) Revenues and operating income or loss from segments below the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments. Those
segments include driver training schools, transportation-related activities such as third-party equipment maintenance and equipment leasing,
other business activities, and corporate related items which are incidental to our activities and are not attributable to any of our operating
segments.
(2) The significant expense categories and amounts align with the segment-level information that is regularly provided to the chief operating
decision maker. Inter-segment expenses are included within the amounts shown.
(3) Other segment items for each reportable segment primarily includes costs for professional services. During 2023 and 2022, other segment
items for the Logistics segment were partially offset by net favorable changes of $2.7 million and $2.5 million, respectively, to the
contingent earnout liabilities related to the ReedTMS and NEHDS Logistics, LLC acquisitions, respectively.
55
Information about the geographic areas in which we conduct business is summarized below (in thousands). Operating revenues
for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services
provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of
origin.
Years Ended December 31,
2024
2023
2022
Revenues
United States
$
2,854,184 $
3,089,205 $
3,051,788
Foreign countries
Mexico
147,761
159,170
191,126
Other
28,313
35,124
47,064
Total foreign countries
176,074
194,294
238,190
Total
$
3,030,258 $
3,283,499 $
3,289,978
Long-lived Assets
United States
$
1,912,997 $
1,948,039 $
1,795,337
Foreign countries
Mexico
21,165
24,818
29,819
Other
74
99
120
Total foreign countries
21,239
24,917
29,939
Total
$
1,934,236 $
1,972,956 $
1,825,276
We generate substantially all of our revenues within the United States or from North American shipments with origins or
destinations in the United States. Our largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for 11% of our total revenues in 2024, 10%
in 2023, and 14% in 2022. Revenues generated by Dollar General are reported in both of our reportable operating segments.
56
ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
No disclosure under this item was required within the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2024, or any subsequent
period, involving a change of accountants or disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure.
ITEM 9A.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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 our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and
operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 15d-15(e). Our disclosure controls and
procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based upon that
evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are
effective at a reasonable assurance level in enabling us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be
included in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission within the required time period and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including the Chief Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the internal controls or disclosure procedures and controls will prevent
all errors or intentional fraud. 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 that resource constraints exist, and the benefits of controls must be evaluated relative to their costs.
Because of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues, misstatements and instances of fraud, if any, have been prevented or detected.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal
control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of
Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes (i) maintaining
records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; (ii) providing reasonable assurance that
transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; (iii) providing reasonable assurance that
receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and (iv) providing
reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our
financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
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 (i) changes in conditions may occur or (ii) the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024. This
assessment is based on the criteria for effective internal control described in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013)
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management
concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2024.
Management has engaged KPMG LLP (“KPMG”), the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the
consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K, to attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting. KPMG’s report is included herein.
57
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Werner Enterprises, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Werner Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee
of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects,
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024, based on criteria established in Internal Control –
Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States)
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2024 and 2023, the related consolidated
statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and temporary equity - redeemable noncontrolling interest,
and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2024, and the related notes and financial
statement schedule II valuation and qualifying accounts (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report
dated February 26, 2025 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated 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 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included 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.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Omaha, Nebraska
February 26, 2025
58
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer,
concluded that no changes in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2024
that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B.
OTHER INFORMATION
During fourth quarter 2024, no information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K, but not reported.
Director and Officer Trading Arrangements
During fourth quarter 2024, no Company director or officer adopted or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or
“non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as such terms are defined in Item 408(a) of Regulation S-K.
ITEM 9C.
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable
PART III
Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Form 10-K because we will file a definitive proxy statement
pursuant to Regulation 14A (the “Proxy Statement”) not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form
10-K, and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement
which specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference.
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item, with the exception of the Code of Corporate Conduct discussed below, is incorporated
herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.
Code of Corporate Conduct
We adopted our Code of Corporate Conduct, which is our code of ethics, that applies to our principal executive officer,
principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and all other officers, employee associates, and directors. The Code of
Corporate Conduct is available on our website, www.werner.com in the “Investors” section. We will post on our website any
amendment to, or waiver from, any provision of our Code of Corporate Conduct that applies to our Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer or Chief Accounting Officer (if any) within four business days of any such event.
ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.
ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this Item, with the exception of the equity compensation plan information presented below, is
incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2024, information about compensation plans under which our equity
securities are authorized for issuance:
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
Number of Securities to
be Issued upon Exercise
of Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
Plan Category
(a)
(b)
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by
stockholders
709,497(1)
$0.00(2)
3,632,157
(1)
Includes 709,082 shares to be issued upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards.
(2)
As of December 31, 2024, we do not have any outstanding stock options.
59
We do not have any equity compensation plans that were not approved by stockholders.
ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.
ITEM 14.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Our independent registered public accounting firm is KPMG LLP, Omaha, NE, Auditor Firm ID:185.
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement.
PART IV
ITEM 15.
EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
Financial Statements and Schedules.
(1) Financial Statements: See Part II, Item 8 hereof.
Page
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
27
Consolidated Statements of Income
29
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
30
Consolidated Balance Sheets
31
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
32
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Temporary Equity - Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interest
33
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
34
(2) Financial Statement Schedules: The consolidated financial statement schedule set forth under the following caption is
included herein. The page reference is to the consecutively numbered pages of this report on Form 10-K.
Page
Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
64
Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information required to
be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto.
60
(3) Exhibits: The Company has attached or incorporated by reference herein certain exhibits as specified below pursuant to
Rule 12b-32 under the Exchange Act.
3(i)
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Werner
Enterprises, Inc.
Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007
3(ii)
Revised and Restated By-Laws of Werner
Enterprises, Inc.
Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024
4.1
Description of Common Stock
Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2019
10.1
Werner Enterprises, Inc. 2023 Long-Term
Incentive Plan
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated May 9, 2023
10.2
Werner Enterprises, Inc. Amended and
Restated Equity Plan
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021
10.3
Non-Employee Director Compensation
Exhibit 10.2 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2023
10.4
Werner Enterprises, Inc. Non-qualified
Deferred Compensation Plan, effective
January 1, 2025
Filed herewith
10.5
The Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan of
Werner Enterprises, Inc., restated
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2017
10.6
Named Executive Officer Compensation
Item 5.02 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 7, 2022; Item 5.02 of the Company’s
Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 10, 2023; Item
5.02 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
February 23, 2023; Item 5.02 of the Company’s Current
Report on Form 8-K dated February 23, 2023; Item 5.02 of
the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February
9, 2024; Item 5.02 on the Company’s Current Report on
Form 8-K dated February 13, 2025
10.7
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated December 1, 2009
10.8
Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement,
effective May 9, 2023
Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2023
10.9
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Award Agreement, effective February 7, 2022
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 7, 2022
10.10
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock
Award Agreement, effective February 9, 2024
Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K
dated February 9, 2024
10.11
Werner Enterprises, Inc. Change in Control
Severance Plan
Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021
10.12
Credit Agreement, dated December 20, 2022
by and among Werner Enterprises, Inc., the
lenders thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association as Administrative Agent,
Swingline Lender, and Issuing Lender, and
BMO Harris Bank N.A. as Syndication Agent
Exhibit 10.20 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the year ended December 31, 2022
19
Werner Enterprises, Inc. Insider Trading
Policy, effective as of February 14, 2025
Filed herewith
21
Subsidiaries of the Registrant
Filed herewith
23.1
Consent of KPMG LLP
Filed herewith
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by Reference to:
61
31.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
Filed herewith
31.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section
302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
Filed herewith
32.1
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
Furnished herewith
32.2
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section
906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)
Furnished herewith
97
Werner Enterprises, Inc. Clawback Policy,
effective as of December 1, 2023
Exhibit 97 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2023
101
The following audited financial information
from Werner Enterprises’ Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2024, formatted in iXBRL (Inline Extensible
Business Reporting Language) includes: (i)
Consolidated Statements of Income for the
years ended December 31, 2024, 2023 and
2022, (ii) Consolidated Statements of
Comprehensive Income for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, (iii)
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December
31, 2024 and 2023, (iv) Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, (v)
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’
Equity and Temporary Equity - Redeemable
Noncontrolling Interest for the years ended
December 31, 2024, 2023 and 2022, and (vi)
the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements as of December 31, 2024.
104
The cover page from this Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2024, formatted in Inline XBRL (included as
Exhibit 101).
Exhibit
Number
Description
Incorporated by Reference to:
ITEM 16.
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
Not applicable
62
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 26th day of February, 2025.
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
By:
/s/ Derek J. Leathers
Derek J. Leathers
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following
persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on this 26th day of February, 2025.
/s/ Scott C. Arves
/s/ Carmen A. Tapio
Scott C. Arves
Carmen A. Tapio
Director
Director
/s/ Diane K. Duren
/s/ Alexi A. Wellman
Diane K. Duren
Alexi A. Wellman
Director
Director
/s/ Michelle D. Greene
/s/ Christopher D. Wikoff
Michelle D. Greene
Christopher D. Wikoff
Director
Executive Vice President, Treasurer
and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
/s/ Jack A. Holmes
/s/ James L. Johnson
Jack A. Holmes
James L. Johnson
Director
Executive Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/ Michelle D. Livingstone
Michelle D. Livingstone
Director
63
SCHEDULE II
WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(In thousands)
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged
(Credited) to
Costs and
Expenses
Write-offs
(Recoveries)
of Doubtful
Accounts
Balance at
End of
Period
Year ended December 31, 2024:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
9,337 $
(1,725) $
443 $
7,169
Year ended December 31, 2023:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
10,271 $
516 $
1,450 $
9,337
Year ended December 31, 2022:
Allowance for doubtful accounts
$
9,169 $
1,956 $
854 $
10,271
(In thousands)
Balance at
Beginning of
Period
Charged to
Costs and
Expenses
Write-offs
(Recoveries)
of Doubtful
Accounts
Balance at
End of
Period
Year ended December 31, 2024:
Allowance for doubtful student notes
$
22,702 $
22,490 $
23,530 $
21,662
Year ended December 31, 2023:
Allowance for doubtful student notes
$
23,491 $
22,318 $
23,107 $
22,702
Year ended December 31, 2022:
Allowance for doubtful student notes
$
22,911 $
20,301 $
19,721 $
23,491
See report of independent registered public accounting firm.
64
EXHIBIT 31.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)
I, Derek J. Leathers, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Werner Enterprises, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize
and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2025
/s/ Derek J. Leathers
Derek J. Leathers
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 31.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO RULES 13a-14(a) AND 15d-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)
I, Christopher D. Wikoff, certify that:
1.
I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Werner Enterprises, Inc.;
2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the
periods presented in this report;
4.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls
and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
a)
Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be
designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its
consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in
which this report is being prepared;
b)
Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting
to be designed under our supervision, 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;
c)
Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report
our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period
covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d)
Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred
during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual
report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control
over financial reporting; and
5.
The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or
persons performing the equivalent functions):
a)
All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize
and report financial information; and
b)
Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role
in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: February 26, 2025
/s/ Christopher D. Wikoff
Christopher D. Wikoff
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
EXHIBIT 32.1
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)
In connection with the Annual Report of Werner Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending
December 31, 2024 (the “Report”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Derek J. Leathers, Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
February 26, 2025
/s/ Derek J. Leathers
Derek J. Leathers
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
EXHIBIT 32.2
CERTIFICATION OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
(SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002)
In connection with the Annual Report of Werner Enterprises, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the period ending
December 31, 2024 (the “Report”), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, I, Christopher D. Wikoff, Executive
Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
1.
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
2.
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of
operations of the Company.
February 26, 2025
/s/ Christopher D. Wikoff
Christopher D. Wikoff
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and
Chief Financial Officer