Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2019

or

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from                   to                

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

0-1507

71-0633135

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

(Commission File Number)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

297 West Henri De Tonti Blvd, Tontitown, Arkansas 72770

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (479) 361-9111

 

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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, $.01 par value

PTSI

NASDAQ Global Market

 

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 ☐       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 ☑ 

 

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 ☑       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 ☑       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 an 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 is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Yes ☐       No ☑ 

 

The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates of the registrant computed by reference to the average of the closing bid and ask prices of the common stock as of the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second quarter was $112,575,691. Solely for the purposes of this response, the registrant has assumed, without admitting for any purpose, that all executive officers and directors of the registrant, and no other persons, are the affiliates of the registrant at that date.

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, as of February 25, 2020: 5,746,450 shares of $.01 par value common stock.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2020, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this report.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Report”) contains forward-looking statements, including statements about our operating and growth strategies, our expected financial position and operating results, industry trends, our capital expenditure and financing plans and similar matters. Such forward-looking statements are found throughout this Report, including under Item 1, Business, Item 1A, Risk Factors, Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk. In those and other portions of this Report, the words “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “project”, “could”, “should”, “would” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, our management, and our industry are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends affecting our business. Actual results may differ materially. Some of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, excess capacity in the trucking industry; surplus inventories; recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, and license and registration fees; the resale value of the Company’s used equipment and the price of new equipment; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and owner-operators; increases in insurance premiums and deductible amounts relating to accident, cargo, workers’ compensation, health, and other claims; unanticipated increases in the number or amount of claims for which the Company is self-insured; inability of the Company to continue to secure acceptable financing arrangements; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors including reductions in rates resulting from competitive bidding; the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations; our ability to develop and implement suitable information technology systems and prevent failures in or breaches of such systems; litigation, including litigation related to alleged violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law; general risks associated with doing business in Mexico, including, without limitation, exchange rate fluctuations, inflation, import duties, tariffs, quotas, political and economic instability and terrorism; the potential impact of new laws, regulations or policy, including, without limitation, tariffs, import/export, trade and immigration regulations or policies; a significant reduction in or termination of the Company’s trucking service by a key customer; and other factors described under the headings “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” of this Report.

 

All forward-looking statements attributable to us, or to persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this Report might not transpire.

 

 

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PART I

Page

Item 1

Business

1

Item 1A

Risk Factors

7

Item 1B

Unresolved Staff Comments

16

Item 2

Properties

17

Item 3

Legal Proceedings

17

Item 4

Mine Safety Disclosures

18

     
 

PART II

 

Item 5

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

18

Item 6

Selected Financial Data

21

Item 7

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

22

Item 7A

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

33

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

34

Item 9

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

65

Item 9A

Controls and Procedures

65

Item 9B

Other Information

67

     
 

PART III

 

Item 10

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

67

Item 11

Executive Compensation

67

Item 12

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

67

Item 13

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

67

Item 14

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

68

     
 

PART IV

 

Item 15

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

68

     
 

SIGNATURES

71

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

Item 1. Business.

 

Unless the context otherwise requires, all references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “P.A.M.,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” or “us” mean P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

 

We are a truckload dry van carrier transporting general commodities throughout the continental United States, as well as in certain Canadian provinces. We also provide transportation services in Mexico under agreements with Mexican carriers. Our freight consists primarily of automotive parts, expedited goods, consumer goods, such as general retail store merchandise, and manufactured goods, such as heating and air conditioning units.

 

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. is a holding company incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in June 1986. We conduct operations principally through the following wholly owned subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., T.T.X., LLC, P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Express, LLC, Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., Transcend Logistics, Inc., Decker Transport Co., LLC, East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC, S & L Logistics, Inc., P.A.M. International, Inc, and P.A.M. Mexico Holdings LLC. Our operating authorities are held by P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., T.T.X., LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. Effective on January 1, 2010, the operations of most of the Company’s operating subsidiaries were consolidated under the P.A.M. Transport, Inc. name in an effort to more clearly reflect the Company’s scope and available service offerings.

 

We are headquartered and maintain our primary terminal, maintenance facilities, and our corporate and administrative offices in Tontitown, Arkansas, which is located in northwest Arkansas, a major center for the trucking industry and where the support services for most major truck and trailer equipment manufacturers are readily available.

 

Segment Financial Information

 

The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”).

 

Operations

 

Our operations can generally be classified into truckload services or brokerage and logistics services. This designation is based primarily on the ownership of the asset that performed the freight transportation service. Truckload services are performed by Company divisions that generally utilize Company-owned trucks, long-term contractors, or single-trip contractors to transport loads of freight for customers, while brokerage and logistics services coordinate or facilitate the transport of loads of freight for customers and generally involve the utilization of single-trip contractors. Both our truckload operations and our brokerage and logistics operations have similar economic characteristics and are impacted by virtually the same economic factors as discussed elsewhere in this Report. Truckload services operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, represented 82.7%, 80.0% and 86.3% of total operating revenues for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The remaining operating revenues, before fuel surcharge, for the same periods were generated by brokerage and logistics services, representing 17.3%, 20.0% and 13.7%, respectively.

 

Approximately 64% of the Company's revenues are derived from domestic shipments while approximately 36% of the Company’s revenues are derived from freight originating from or destined to locations in Mexico or Canada.

 

 

- 1 -

 

Business and Growth Strategy

 

Our strategy focuses on the following elements:

 

Providing a Full Suite of Complimentary Truckload Transportation Solutions. Our objective is to provide our customers with a comprehensive solution to their truckload transportation needs. Our array of asset-based service offerings consist of dedicated, expedited, automotive, local, regional, and long-haul truckload services. Our brokerage and logistics solutions offer similar services but utilize third-party equipment to expand available capacity. Our area of service includes the continental United States, Mexico and to a lesser degree Canada.

 

Developing Customer Relationships within High Density Traffic Lanes. We strive to maximize utilization and increase revenue per truck while minimizing our time and empty miles between loads. In this regard, we seek to provide equipment to our customers in defined regions and disciplined traffic lanes. This strategy enables us to:

 

maintain more consistent equipment capacity;

 

provide a high level of service to our customers, including time-sensitive delivery schedules;

 

attract and retain drivers; and

 

maintain a sound safety record as drivers travel familiar routes.

 

Providing Superior and Flexible Customer Service. We strive to provide a very high level of service to our customers, thus creating a level of satisfaction, value and loyalty within our customer base. We closely monitor each shipment for compliance regarding scheduled pickup, delivery and transit times, service levels and customer specific expectations. We provide verbal and electronic updates through various forums to customers to allow visibility of their products as they progress through the transport process.

 

Many of our customers depend on us to deliver shipments on a time-definite basis, meaning that parts or raw materials are scheduled for delivery as they are needed on a manufacturer’s production line. The need for this service is a product of modern manufacturing and assembly methods that are designed to decrease inventory levels and handling costs. Such requirements place a premium on our delivery performance and reliability.

 

Employing Stringent Cost Controls. Throughout our organization, emphasis is placed on gaining efficiency in our processes with the primary goals of decreasing costs and improving customer satisfaction. Maintaining a high level of efficiency and prioritizing our focus on improvements allows us to minimize the number of non-driving personnel we employ and positively influence other overhead costs. Expenses are intensely scrutinized for opportunities for elimination, reduction or to further leverage our purchasing power to achieve more favorable pricing.

 

Industry

 

According to the American Trucking Association’s “American Trucking Trends 2019” report, the trucking industry transported approximately 71% of the total volume of freight transported in the United States during 2018, which equates to 11.5 billion tons and over $796 billion in revenue. The truckload industry is highly fragmented and is impacted by several economic and business factors, many of which are beyond the control of individual carriers. The state of the economy, coupled with equipment capacity levels, can impact freight rates. Volatility of various operating expenses, such as fuel and insurance, make the predictability of profit levels uncertain. Availability, attraction, retention and compensation of drivers also affect operating costs, as well as equipment utilization. In addition, the capital requirements for equipment, coupled with potential uncertainty of used equipment values, impact the ability of many carriers to expand their operations.

 

- 2 -

 

The current operating environment is characterized by the following:

 

competition for drivers;

 

competition for freight;

 

price increases by truck and trailer equipment manufacturers;

 

volatile fuel costs; and

 

pressure on less profitable or undercapitalized carriers to consolidate or exit the industry.

 

Competition 

 

The trucking industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of carriers, none of which dominates the market in which the Company operates. The Company's market share is less than 1%, and we compete primarily with other medium and long-haul truckload carriers, with private carriage conducted by our existing and potential customers, and, to a lesser extent, with the railroads. We compete on the basis of quality of service and delivery performance, as well as price. Many of the carriers we compete with have substantially greater financial resources, own more equipment or carry a larger total volume of freight as compared to the Company.

 

Marketing and Significant Customers

 

Our marketing emphasis is directed to that portion of the truckload market which is generally service-sensitive, as opposed to being solely price driven. We seek to become a “core carrier” for our customers in order to maintain high utilization and capitalize on recurring revenue opportunities. Our marketing efforts are diversified and designed to gain access to dedicated, expedited, regional, automotive, and long-haul opportunities (including those in Mexico and Canada) and to expand brokerage and logistics offerings.

 

Our sales efforts are conducted by a staff of ten employees who are located in our major markets and supervised from our headquarters. These individuals work to improve profitability by maintaining an even flow of freight traffic (taking into account the balance between originations and destinations in a given geographical area), high utilization, and minimizing movement of empty equipment.

 

Our five largest customers, for which we provide carrier services covering a number of geographic locations, accounted for approximately 40%, 42% and 41% of our total revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. General Motors Company accounted for approximately 19%, 13% and 18% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accounted for approximately 9%, 16% and 10% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 7%, 8% and 9% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile manufacturers. Approximately 40%, 46% and 46% of our revenues were derived from transportation services provided to the automobile industry during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Revenue Equipment

 

At December 31, 2019, we operated a fleet of 2,130 trucks, which included 553 independent contractor trucks. At December 31, 2019, our trailer fleet consisted of 7,081 trailers. Our company-owned trucks and leased trucks are late model, well-maintained, premium trucks, which we believe help to attract and retain drivers, maximize fuel efficiency, promote safe operations, minimize maintenance and repair costs, and improve customer service by minimizing service interruptions caused by breakdowns. The average age of our trucks and trailers as of December 31, 2019 was 1.46 years and 4.18 years, respectively. We evaluate our equipment purchasing decisions based on factors such as initial cost, useful life, warranty terms, expected maintenance costs, fuel economy, driver comfort, customer needs, manufacturer support, and resale value.

 

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We contract with independent contractors to provide greater flexibility in responding to fluctuations in consumer demand. Independent contractors provide their own trucks and are contractually responsible for all associated expenses, including financing costs, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and taxes, among other things. They are also responsible for maintaining compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations.

 

Technology

 

Our trucks are equipped with cellular-based global positioning and communications systems that allow fleet managers to communicate directly with drivers. Drivers provide location, status, and informational updates directly to our computer system which increases productivity, convenience, and customer visibility. This system provides information that allows us to calculate accurate estimated time of arrival information, which helps to optimize planning and customer service levels.

 

Our information systems manage the data provided by our on-board devices to update system information regarding the location and load status of our trucks, which permits us to better manage customer delivery schedules, respond to customer inquiries, and perform optimized equipment to load matching, among various other planning and support functions. In many instances, our systems also directly provide real-time information electronically to our customers regarding the status of freight shipments and anticipated arrival times, adding flexibility and convenience by extending supply chain visibility.

 

Maintenance

 

We have a strictly-enforced, comprehensive preventive maintenance program for our trucks and trailers. Inspections and various levels of preventive maintenance are performed at set intervals on both trucks and trailers. A maintenance and safety inspection is performed on all vehicles each time they return to a terminal.

 

Our trucks carry full warranty coverage for at least three years or 375,000 miles. Extended truck warranties are often negotiated with the truck manufacturers and manufacturers of major components, such as engine, transmission, and differential manufacturers, for up to five years or 575,000 miles. Our trailers carry full warranties by the manufacturer for up to seven years with certain components covered for up to ten years.

 

Employees

 

At December 31, 2019, we employed 2,666 persons, of whom 1,945 were drivers, 183 were employed in maintenance, 296 were employed in operations, 42 were employed in marketing, 139 were employed in safety and personnel, and 61 were employed in general administration and accounting. A total of 2,651 of our employees were employed on a full-time basis as of December 31, 2019. None of our employees are represented by a collective bargaining unit, and we believe that our employee relations are good.

 

Drivers

 

At December 31, 2019, we utilized 1,945 company drivers in our operations. We also had 600 drivers for independent contractors under contract who were compensated on a per mile basis. Our drivers are paid for an array of services, including calculated miles driven, loading and unloading, additional stops, detention and layovers, among other things. Drivers can earn bonuses by recruiting other qualified drivers who become employed by us, and both cash and non-cash prizes are awarded for achieving certain safety and fuel efficiency goals.

 

We contract with independent contractors to supply one or more trucks and drivers for our use. Independent contractors must pay their own truck expenses, fuel, maintenance, insurance, and driver costs. They must meet and operate within our guidelines with respect to safety. We have a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease a truck, with the option to purchase the truck at the end of the lease term. We believe our lease-purchase program has contributed to our ability to attract and retain independent contractors. At December 31, 2019, approximately 343 independent contractors were leasing 449 trucks in this program.

 

- 4 -

 

In addition to strict application screening and drug testing, before being permitted to operate a vehicle, our drivers must undergo classroom instruction on our policies and procedures, safety techniques as taught by the Smith System of Defensive Driving, and the proper operation of equipment, and must pass both written and road tests. Instruction in defensive driving and safety techniques continues after hiring, with seminars at several of our terminals. At December 31, 2019, we employed 117 persons on a full-time basis in our driver recruiting, training and safety instruction programs.

 

Intense competition in the trucking industry for qualified drivers has resulted in additional expense to recruit and retain an adequate supply of drivers, and has had a negative impact on the industry. Our operations have also been impacted and from time to time we have experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of qualified drivers. We place a high priority on the recruitment and retention of an adequate supply of qualified drivers.

 

Available Information

 

The Company maintains a website where additional information concerning its business can be found. The website address is www.pamtransport.com. On our website, under the caption “Investors,” the Company makes available, free of charge, its Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files or furnishes such materials to the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Seasonality

 

Generally, our revenues do not exhibit a significant seasonal pattern; however, revenue is 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 work days of shippers. Operating expenses are typically higher in the winter months primarily due to decreased fuel efficiency and increased maintenance costs associated with inclement weather. In addition, automobile plants for which we transport a large amount of freight typically undergo scheduled shutdowns in July and December, and the volume of automotive freight we ship is reduced during such scheduled plant shutdowns.

 

Regulation 

 

We are a common and contract motor carrier regulated by various United States federal and state, Canadian provincial, and Mexican federal agencies. These regulatory agencies have broad powers, generally governing matters such as authority to engage in motor carrier operations, motor carrier registration, driver hours-of-service (“HOS”), drug and alcohol testing of drivers, and safety, size, and weight of transportation equipment. The primary regulatory agencies affecting the Company’s operations include the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Agency, and the Surface Transportation Board, which are all agencies within the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”). We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with applicable regulatory requirements relating to our business and operate with a “satisfactory” rating (the highest of three rating categories) from the DOT. In addition, we are subject to compliance with cargo-security and transportation regulations issued by the Transportation Security Administration, a component department within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. To the extent that we conduct operations outside the United States, we are subject to the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which generally prohibits U.S. companies and their intermediaries from offering bribes to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining favorable treatment.

 

In December 2011, the FMCSA released new rules regulating HOS that became effective in July 2013. These rules reduced the maximum hours that could be worked in a consecutive seven day period from 82 to 70, required that a driver take a mandatory thirty minute break during each consecutive eight hour driving period, and required that a driver take a 34 hour rest period, or restart, that included two periods between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. that could only be used one time every seven calendar days.

 

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In December 2014, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 suspended enforcement of the requirements for use of the 34 hour restart that became effective in July 2013 and replaced them with the previous restart rules that were in effect on June 30, 2013, pending the completion of the Commercial Vehicle Driver Restart Study which is designed to measure and compare the fatigue and safety performance of truck drivers using the two different versions of the HOS restart provisions. As of December 31, 2019, the study has been completed, but the findings have not been publicly disclosed.

 

In July 2012, Congress passed legislation renewing the mandate for electronic logging devices and designated authority to the FMCSA to propose a new rule. In December 2015, the FMCSA amended the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to establish minimum performance and design standards for HOS electronic logging devices (“ELDs”), requirements for the mandatory use of these devices by drivers currently required to prepare HOS records of duty status, requirements concerning HOS supporting documents, and measures to address concerns about harassment resulting from the mandatory use of ELDs. In May 2018 the FMCSA released a notice that they would allow a motor carrier that installed and required its drivers to use an Automatic on Board Recording Device (“AOBRD”) before December 18, 2017 and who uses registered ELD capable devices that run compliant AOBRD software to continue to do so until December 16, 2019. The Company was an early adopter of ELD capable devices, requiring the devices to be installed on its entire fleet and requiring its drivers to use AOBRD’s since 2010. These rulings affect the majority of carriers, including us, and the Company’s ELD devices were in compliance with FMCA requirements prior to the December 16, 2019 deadline.

 

The FMCSA administers carrier safety compliance and enforcement through its Compliance, Safety, Accountability (“CSA”) program that became effective in December 2010. CSA is designed to measure and evaluate the safety performance of carriers and drivers through categorization of inspection and crash results into Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (“BASICs”) including unsafe/fatigued driving, driver fitness, controlled substances and alcohol, maintenance, cargo, and crashes. BASIC scores are evaluated relative to carrier peer groups to determine carriers that exceed certain thresholds, identifying them for intervention. Intervention status might include targeted roadside inspections, onsite investigations and the development of cooperative safety plans, among other things. Ongoing compliance with CSA may result in additional expenses to the Company or a reduction in the pool of drivers eligible for us to hire. In addition to FMCSA action, a BASIC score that exceeds an intervention threshold might have a negative impact on our ability to attract customers and drivers.

 

The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) jointly developed new standards for various vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, that were adopted in August 2011 and cover model years 2014 through 2018. The standard adopted for heavy duty trucks was intended to achieve a reduction in CO2 and fuel consumption ranging from 7% to 20% by model year 2017. In August 2016, the EPA and NHTSA finalized the second phase of these standards which will further reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption for heavy duty trucks through model year 2027. In addition, the state of California has adopted its own fuel efficiency regulations that include the use of special aerodynamic equipment for trucks and 53 foot trailers traveling through the state. Compliance with these federal and state requirements has increased the cost of our equipment and may further increase the cost of replacement equipment in the future.

 

The FMCSA Commercial Driver’s License (“CDL”) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (“Clearinghouse”) became effective January 6, 2020. This new database contains information pertaining to violations of the U.S. Department of Transportation controlled substances and alcohol testing program for holders of CDL’s. The Clearinghouse rules requires FMCSA regulated employers, among others, to report to the Clearinghouse information related to violations of the drug and alcohol regulations. Further, the rules require that FMCSA regulated employers query current and prospective employees’ drug and alcohol violations before permitting those employees to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public roads, and to recheck each employee annually. The system is intended to remove the ability of prospective employees to fail to disclose potential employers about past drug and alcohol violations at previous employers. We anticipate enforcement of the Clearinghouse will remove certain drivers from the pool of drivers available to the industry and increase competition and related costs to attract and retain the remaining qualified drivers.

 

- 6 -

 

Our motor carrier operations are also subject to environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations dealing with the transportation of hazardous materials and other environmental matters, and our operations involve certain inherent environmental risks. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. We have instituted programs to monitor and control environmental risks and assure compliance with applicable environmental laws. As part of our safety and risk management program, we periodically perform internal environmental reviews so that we can achieve environmental compliance and avoid environmental risk. We transport a minimal amount of environmentally hazardous substances and, to date, have experienced no significant claims for hazardous materials shipments. If we should fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability.

 

Company operations are often conducted in industrial areas, where truck terminals and other industrial activities are conducted, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have occurred, which could potentially expose us to claims that we contributed to the environmental contamination.

 

We believe we are currently in material compliance with applicable laws and regulations and that the cost of compliance has not materially affected results of operations.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

Set forth below, and elsewhere in this Report and in other documents we file with the SEC, are risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the results contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this Report.

 

Risks Related to Our Business

 

Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely beyond our control, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results.

 

Our business is dependent upon a number of general economic and business factors that may adversely affect our results of operations. These factors include significant increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, excess capacity in the trucking industry, surpluses in the market for used equipment, interest rates, fuel taxes, license and registration fees, insurance premiums, self-insurance levels, and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, independent contractors, and third-party carriers.

 

We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and our business may suffer if we are unable to adequately address any downward pricing pressures or other factors that may adversely affect our ability to compete with other carriers.

 

Further, we are affected by recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles, particularly in market segments and industries, such as the automotive industry, where we have a significant concentration of customers. Economic conditions may also adversely affect our customers and their ability to pay for our services.

 

Deterioration in the United States and/or world economies could exacerbate any difficulties experienced by our customers and suppliers in obtaining financing, which, in turn, could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

Numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to operate at an acceptable profit. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

we compete with many other truckload carriers of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with less-than-truckload carriers and railroads, some of which have more equipment and greater capital resources than we do;

 

some of our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially during times of reduced growth rates in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase freight rates, maintain our margins or maintain significant growth in our business;

 

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many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called “core carriers” as approved service providers, and in some instances we may not be selected;

 

many customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and this process may depress freight rates or result in the loss of some of our business to competitors;

 

the trend toward consolidation in the trucking industry may create other large carriers with greater financial resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size and with whom we may have difficulty competing;

 

advances in technology require increased investments to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher freight rates to cover the cost of these investments;

 

competition from Internet-based and other logistics and freight brokerage companies may adversely affect our customer relationships and freight rates; and

 

economies of scale that may be passed on to smaller carriers by procurement aggregation providers may improve their ability to compete with us.

 

We are highly dependent on our major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

A significant portion of our revenue is generated from our major customers. For 2019, our top five customers, based on revenue, accounted for approximately 40% of our revenue, and our three largest customers, General Motors Company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 19%, 9% and 7% of our revenue, respectively. We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile manufacturers. As a result, the concentration of our business within the automobile industry is greater than the concentration in a single customer. Approximately 40% of our revenues for 2019 were derived from transportation services provided to the automobile industry.

 

Generally, we do not have long-term contractual relationships with our major customers, and we cannot assure that our customer relationships will continue as presently in effect. A reduction in or termination of our services by our major customers could have a material adverse effect on our business and operating results.

 

A significant labor dispute involving one or more of our customers could reduce our revenues and harm our profitability.

 

A substantial number of the employees of our largest customers are members of industrial trade unions and are employed under the terms of collective bargaining agreements. During 2019, a labor strike by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union of its employees at the facilities of our largest customer, General Motors (GM), caused an extended shutdown of GM’s manufacturing operations and, in turn, materially and adversely impacted our operating results during the third and fourth quarters of 2019. Any future labor disputes involving our customers could similarly affect our operations. If the UAW and our automotive customers and their suppliers are unable to negotiate new contracts in the future and our customers’ plants experience slowdowns or closures as a result, our revenue and profitability could be negatively impacted. A labor dispute involving another supplier to our customers that results in a slowdown or closure of our customers’ plants to which we provide services could also have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

We may be adversely impacted by fluctuations in the price and availability of diesel fuel.

 

Diesel fuel represents a significant operating expense for the Company and we do not currently hedge against the risk of diesel fuel price increases. An increase in diesel fuel prices or diesel fuel taxes, or any change in federal or state regulations that results in such an increase, could have a material adverse effect on our operating results to the extent we are unable to recoup such increases from customers in the form of increased freight rates or through fuel surcharges. Historically, we have been able to offset, to a certain extent, diesel fuel price increases through fuel surcharges to our customers, but we cannot be certain that we will be able to do so in the future. We continuously monitor the components of our pricing, including base freight rates and fuel surcharges, and address individual account profitability issues with our customers when necessary.

 

- 8 -

 

Difficulty in attracting drivers and independent contractors could affect our profitability and ability to grow.

 

The transportation industry often experiences significant difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and independent contractors. This shortage is exacerbated by several factors, including demand from competing industries, such as manufacturing, construction and farming, demand from other transportation companies, and the impact of regulations, including CSA and hours of service rules. Economic conditions affecting operating costs such as fuel, insurance, equipment and maintenance costs can negatively impact the number of qualified independent contractors available to us. We have from time to time experienced under-utilization and increased expenses due to a shortage of qualified drivers. If we are unable to attract drivers or contract with independent contractors when needed, we could be required to further adjust our driver compensation packages, increase driver recruiting efforts, or let trucks sit idle, any of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 

If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

 

We are highly dependent upon the services of our key employees and executive officers. The loss of any of their services could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. We cannot be certain of our ability to retain these key individuals.

 

Ongoing insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.

 

Our future insurance and claims expenses might exceed historical levels, which could reduce our earnings. The Company is self-insured for a material portion of auto liability claims in excess of one million dollars and for health and workers’ compensation insurance up to certain limits. The actual cost to settle self-insured claims can differ from amounts reserved due to various uncertainties, including the ultimate severity of the claims and potential amounts required to defend and settle claims. If claims costs increase, or if the severity or number of claims increase, and if we are unable to offset the resulting increases in expenses with higher freight rates, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected. Healthcare legislation and inflationary cost increases could also have a negative effect on our results.

 

We may be subject to litigation claims that could result in significant expenditures.

 

By the nature of our operations we are exposed to the potential for a variety of litigation, including personal injury claims, vehicular collisions and accidents, alleged violations of federal and state labor and employment laws, such as class-action lawsuits alleging wage and hour violations and improper pay, commercial and contract disputes, cargo loss and property damage claims. While we purchase insurance coverage at levels we deem adequate, future litigation may exceed our insurance coverage or may not be covered by insurance. We accrue a provision for a litigation matter according to applicable accounting standards based on the ongoing assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the litigation, its likelihood of success, and an evaluation of the possible range of loss. Our inability to defend ourselves against a significant litigation claim, could have a material adverse effect on our financial results.

 

Purchase price increases for new revenue equipment and/or decreases in the value of used revenue equipment could have an adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

During the last decade, the purchase price of new revenue equipment has increased significantly as equipment manufacturers recover increased materials and engine design costs resulting from compliance with increasingly stringent EPA engine emission standards, government tariffs on raw materials and other factors beyond the Company’s control. Additional EPA emission mandates, tariff increases on raw materials, or other factors that increase material or manufacturing costs of new equipment in the future could increase the purchase price paid by the Company for new revenue equipment and could result in higher than anticipated depreciation expenses. If we were unable to offset any such increase in expenses with freight rate increases, our cash flows and results of operations could be adversely affected. If the market price for used revenue equipment declines, we could incur substantial losses upon disposition of our revenue equipment which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

 

- 9 -

 

We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our liquidity and profitability if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations or obtain sufficient financing on favorable terms.

 

The trucking industry is capital intensive. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations in the future, we may have to limit our growth, enter into unfavorable financing arrangements, or operate our revenue equipment for longer periods, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability.

 

We have a substantial amount of debt, which could restrict our growth, place us at a competitive disadvantage or otherwise materially adversely affect our financial health. Our substantial debt levels could have important consequences such as the following:

 

impair our ability to obtain additional future financing for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or general corporate expenses;

 

limit our ability to use operating cash flow in other areas of our business due to the necessity of dedicating a substantial portion of these funds for payments on our indebtedness;

 

limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

 

make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations;

 

increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions; and

 

place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors.

 

Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance, our debt and other obligations will depend on our financial and operating performance, which, in turn, is subject to our ability to implement our strategic initiatives, prevailing economic conditions and certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service and other obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay expansion plans and capital expenditures, sell material assets or operations, obtain additional capital or restructure our debt. We cannot provide any assurance that our operating performance, cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient to pay our debt obligations when they become due. We also cannot provide assurance that we would be able to dispose of material assets or operations or restructure our debt or other obligations if necessary or, even if we were able to take such actions, that we could do so on terms that are acceptable to us.

 

Discontinuation, reform or replacement of LIBOR may adversely affect our variable rate debt.

 

Borrowings under our credit facilities are at variable rates of interest, primarily based on London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”). LIBOR tends to fluctuate based on general interest rates, rates set by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board and other central banks, the supply of and demand for credit in the London interbank market, and general economic conditions. In July 2017, the Financial Conduct Authority in the U.K. announced a desire to phase out LIBOR as a benchmark by the end of 2021. Financial industry working groups are developing replacement rates and methodologies to transition existing agreements that depend on LIBOR as a reference rate; however, we can provide no assurance that market-accepted rates and transition methodologies will be available and finalized at the time of LIBOR cessation. If clear market standards and transition methodologies have not been developed by the time LIBOR becomes unavailable, we may have difficulty reaching agreement on acceptable replacement rates under our credit facilities. If we are unable to negotiate replacement rates on favorable terms, it could have a material adverse effect on our earnings and cash flows.

 

- 10 -

 

Disruptions in the credit markets may adversely affect our business, including the availability and cost of short-term funds for liquidity requirements and our ability to meet long-term commitments, which could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

 

If cash from operations is not sufficient, we may be required to rely on the capital and credit markets to meet our financial commitments and short-term liquidity needs. Disruptions in the capital and credit markets could adversely affect our ability to draw on our bank revolving credit facility. Our access to funds under the credit facility is dependent on the ability of banks to meet their funding commitments. A bank may not be able to meet their funding commitments if they experience shortages of capital and liquidity or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from other borrowers within a short period of time.

 

 

Longer term disruptions in the capital and credit markets as a result of uncertainty, changing or increased regulation, reduced alternatives, or failures of significant financial institutions could adversely affect our access to liquidity needed for our business. Any disruption could require us to take measures to conserve cash until the markets stabilize or until alternative credit arrangements or other funding for our business needs can be arranged, which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

 

We operate in a highly regulated industry and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.

 

Our operations are authorized and regulated by various federal and state agencies in the United States, Mexico and Canada that generally govern such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety, and financial reporting. Specific standards and regulations such as equipment dimensions, engine emissions, maintenance, drivers’ hours of service, drug and alcohol testing, and hazardous materials are regulated by the Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and various other state and federal agencies. We may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations imposed by these authorities which could significantly impair equipment and driver productivity and increase operating expenses.

 

The FMCSA administers carrier safety compliance and enforcement through its CSA program that became effective in December 2010. The program places carriers in peer groups and assigns each carrier a relative ranking compared to their peers in various categories. Carriers that exceed allowable thresholds in a particular category are placed in “intervention” status by the FMCSA until the score improves to a level below the threshold. If future roadside inspections or crashes were to result in the Company being placed in intervention status, we may incur additional operating costs to improve our safety program in deficient categories, experience increased roadside inspections, or have onsite visits by the FMCSA. If the intervention category is not remedied, it could affect our ability to attract and retain drivers and customers as they seek competitive carriers with scores below intervention thresholds. In addition, the CSA program could increase competition and related compensation and recruitment costs for drivers and independent contractors by reducing the pool of qualified drivers if existing drivers exit the profession, become disqualified due to low scores or as carriers focus recruiting efforts on drivers with the best relative safety scores.

 

The EPA and the NHTSA jointly developed standards for various vehicles, including heavy duty trucks, that were adopted in August 2011 and cover model years 2014 through 2018. These standards are designed to reduce GHG emissions and improve fuel economy for heavy duty trucks. In August 2016, the EPA and NHTSA finalized the second phase of these standards which will further reduce GHG emissions and fuel consumption for heavy duty trucks through model year 2027. Compliance with these federal and state requirements has increased the cost of our equipment and may further increase the cost of replacement equipment in the future.

 

The Regulation section in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K discusses several proposed and final regulations that could materially impact our business and operations.

 

- 11 -

 

We are subject to certain risks arising from doing business in Mexico.

 

As we continue to grow our business in Mexico, we are subject to greater risks of doing business internationally, including fluctuations in foreign currencies, changes in the economic strength of Mexico, difficulties in enforcing contractual obligations and intellectual property rights, burdens of complying with a wide variety of international and U.S. export and import laws, and social, political, and economic instability. We also face additional risks associated with our Mexico business, including potential restrictive trade policies and imposition of any import or export taxes, duties, fees, etc. If we are unable to address business concerns related to our international operations in a timely and cost efficient manner, our financial position, results of operations or cash flows could be adversely affected. Additionally, approximately 36% of the freight we haul crosses the border between the United States and Mexico. We have in the past year experienced delays in Mexico border-crossings due to weather events, immigration-related issues and the reallocation of border agents to other border areas. Any future shutdowns or disruptions of Mexico border-crossings, particularly at the Laredo, Texas border, could materially and adversely impact our operations, cash flows and profitability. The agreement permitting cross-border movements for both United States and Mexican-based carriers in the United States and Mexico presents additional risks in the form of potential increased competition and the potential for increased congestion in our lanes that cross the border between countries.

 

A determination that independent contractors are employees could expose us to various liabilities and additional costs.

 

Federal and state legislation as well as tax and other regulatory authorities often seek to assert that independent contractors in the transportation service industry are employees rather than independent contractors. An example of such legislation recently enacted in California is currently under a judicial stay with respect to trucking companies while a legal challenge to the law is pending. There can be no assurance that interpretations that support the independent contractor status will not change, that other federal or state legislation will not be enacted or that various authorities will not successfully assert a position that re-classifies independent contractors to be employees. If our independent contractors are determined to be our employees, that determination could materially increase our exposure under a variety of federal and state tax, workers’ compensation, unemployment benefits, labor, employment and tort laws, as well as our potential liability for employee benefits. In addition, such changes may be applied retroactively, and if so, we may be required to pay additional amounts to compensate for prior periods. Any of the above increased costs would adversely affect our business and operating results.

 

Our results of operations may be affected by seasonal factors.

 

Our productivity may decrease during the winter season when severe winter weather impedes operations. Also, some shippers may reduce their shipments after the winter holiday season. At the same time, operating expenses may increase and fuel efficiency may decline due to engine idling during periods of inclement weather. Harsh weather conditions generally also result in higher accident frequency, increased freight claims, and higher equipment repair expenditures. In addition, automobile plants for which we transport a large amount of freight typically undergo scheduled shutdowns in July and December, which reduces the volume of automotive freight we ship during these plant shutdowns.

 

Our business may be disrupted by natural disasters and severe weather conditions causing supply chain disruptions.

 

Natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or other adverse weather and climate conditions, whether occurring in the United States or abroad, could disrupt our operations or the operations of our customers or could damage or destroy infrastructure necessary to transport products as part of the supply chain. Specifically, these events may damage or destroy our assets, disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs, disrupt freight shipments or routes, and affect regional economies. As a result, these events could make it difficult or impossible for us to provide logistics and transportation services; disrupt or prevent our ability to perform functions at the corporate level; and/or otherwise impede our ability to continue business operations in a continuous manner consistent with the level and extent of business activities prior to the occurrence of the unexpected event, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations or make our results more volatile.

 

- 12 -

 

We may incur additional operating expenses or liabilities as a result of potential future requirements to address climate change issues.

 

As global warming issues become more prevalent, federal, state and local governments, as well as some of our customers, have made efforts to respond to these issues. This increased focus on sustainability may result in new legislation or regulations and customer requirements that could negatively affect us as we may incur additional costs or be required to make changes to our operations in order to comply with any new regulations or customer requirements. Legislation or regulations that potentially impose restrictions, caps, taxes, or other controls on emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, a by-product of burning fossil fuels such as those used in the Company’s trucks, could adversely affect our operations and financial results. More specifically, legislative or regulatory actions relating to climate change could adversely impact the Company by increasing our fuel costs and reducing fuel efficiency and could result in the creation of substantial additional capital expenditures and operating costs in the form of taxes, emissions allowances, or required equipment upgrades. Any of these factors could impair our operating efficiency and productivity and result in higher operating costs. In addition, revenues could decrease if we are unable to meet regulatory or customer sustainability requirements. These additional costs, changes in operations, or loss of revenues could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.

 

We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the handling of hazardous materials, underground fuel storage tanks, and discharge and retention of storm-water. We operate in industrial areas, where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located, and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination could occur. We also maintain bulk fuel storage and fuel islands at one of our facilities. Our operations may involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. 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 materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. If we should fail to comply with applicable environmental regulations, we could be subject to substantial fines or penalties and to civil and criminal liability.

 

If our employees were to unionize, our operating costs would increase and our ability to compete would be impaired.

 

None of our employees are currently represented by a collective bargaining agreement. However, we can offer no assurance that our employees will not unionize in the future, particularly if legislation is passed that facilitates unionization. If our employees were to unionize, our operating costs would increase and our profitability could be adversely affected.

 

Our information technology systems are subject to certain cyber security and disaster risks that are beyond our control.

 

We depend heavily on the proper functioning and availability of our information, communications, and data processing systems, including operating and financial reporting systems, in operating our business. Our operating system is critical in meeting customer expectations, effectively tracking, maintaining and operating our equipment, directing and compensating our employees, and interfacing with our financial reporting system. Our financial reporting system receives, processes, controls and reports information for operating our business and for tabulation into our financial statements.

 

While we are not aware of a breach that has resulted in significant lost productivity or exposure of sensitive information to date, we are aware that our systems are targeted by various viruses and cyber-attacks and expect these efforts to continue. Our systems and those of our technology and communications providers are vulnerable to interruptions caused by natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication and internet failures, cyber-attack, and other events beyond our control. Accordingly, information security and the continued development and enhancement of the controls and processes designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us and we maintain information security processes and policies to protect our systems and data from cyber security events and threats.

 

- 13 -

 

Although we have processes, policies and procedures in place and our information systems are protected through physical and software security as well as redundant backup systems, they remain susceptible to cyber security risks. Some of our software systems are utilized by third parties who provide outsourced processing services which may increase the risk of a cyber-security incident.

 

A successful cyber-attack or catastrophic natural disaster could significantly affect our operating and financial systems and could temporarily disrupt our ability to provide required services to our customers and impact our ability to manage our operations and perform vital financial processes, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business. In addition, regulatory and enforcement focus on data protection in the U.S. and failure to comply with applicable U.S. data protection regulations or other data protection standards may expose us to litigation, fines, sanctions or other penalties, which could harm our reputation and adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We have substantial fixed costs and, as a result, our operating income fluctuates disproportionately with changes in our net sales.

 

A significant portion of our expenses are fixed costs that neither increase nor decrease proportionately with sales. There can be no assurance that we would be able to reduce our fixed costs proportionately in response to a decline in our sales, and therefore our competitiveness could be significantly impacted. As a result, a decline in our sales would result in a higher percentage decline in our income from operations and net income.

 

Our financial results may be adversely impacted by potential future changes in accounting standards or practices.

 

Future changes in accounting standards or practices, and related legal and regulatory interpretations of those changes, may adversely impact public companies in general, the transportation industry or our operations specifically. New accounting standards or requirements could change the way we account for, disclose and present various aspects of our financial position, results of operations or cash flows and could be costly to implement.

 

Our business may be harmed by public health crises, terrorist attacks, future war or anti-terrorism measures.

 

The rapid spread of a contagious illness such as the coronavirus, or fear of such an event, could significantly disrupt global and domestic supply chains for our customers or result in various travel restrictions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. It is unknown how extensive supply chains may be affected by the currently developing situation with the coronavirus. In addition, in order to prevent terrorist attacks, federal, state and municipal authorities have implemented and continue to follow various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks. Our international operations in Canada and Mexico may be affected significantly if there are any disruptions or closures of border traffic due to security measures. Such measures may have costs associated with them, which, in connection with the transportation services we provide, we or our independent contractors could be forced to bear. Further, a public health crisis, terrorist attack, war, or risk of such an event, also may have an adverse effect on the economy. A decline in economic activity could adversely affect our revenue or restrict our future growth. Instability in the financial markets as a result of a health pandemic, terrorism or war also could affect our ability to raise capital. In addition, the insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage currently maintained by us could increase dramatically or such coverage could be unavailable in the future.

 

We may be unable to successfully integrate businesses we acquire into our operations.

 

Integrating businesses we acquire may involve unanticipated delays, costs or other operational or financial problems. Successful integration of the businesses we acquire depends on a number of factors, including our ability to transition acquired companies to our information systems. In integrating businesses we acquire, we may not achieve expected economies of scale or profitability or realize sufficient revenues to justify our investment. We also face the risk that an unexpected problem at one of the companies we acquire will require substantial time and attention from senior management, diverting management’s attention from other aspects of our business. We cannot be certain that our management and operational controls will be able to support us as we grow.

 

- 14 -

 

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

 

The Chairman of our board of directors holds a controlling interest in the Company; therefore, the influence of our public shareholders over significant corporate actions is limited, and we are not subject to certain corporate governance standards that apply to other publicly traded companies.

 

Matthew T. Moroun, the Chairman of our Board of Directors, and a trust of which Mr. Moroun is a co-trustee together own approximately 68.0% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, Mr. Moroun has the power to:

 

control all matters submitted to our shareholders;

 

elect our directors;

 

adopt, extend or remove any anti-takeover provisions that are available to us; and

 

exercise control over our business, policies and affairs.

 

This concentration of ownership could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay for shares of our common stock, and our ability to engage in significant transactions, such as a merger, acquisition or liquidation, will require the consent of Mr. Moroun. Conflicts of interest could arise between us and Mr. Moroun, and any conflict of interest may be resolved in a manner that does not favor us. Accordingly, Mr. Moroun could cause us to enter into transactions or agreements of which our other shareholders would not approve or make decisions with which they may disagree. Because of Mr. Moroun’s level of ownership, we have elected to be treated as a controlled company in accordance with the rules of the NASDAQ Stock Market. Accordingly, we are not required to comply with NASDAQ Stock Market rules which would otherwise require a majority of our Board to be comprised of independent directors and require our Board to have a compensation committee and a nominating and corporate governance committee comprised of independent directors.

 

Mr. Moroun may continue to retain control of the Company for the foreseeable future and may decide not to enter into a transaction in which shareholders would receive consideration for our common stock that is much higher than the then-current market price of our common stock. In addition, Mr. Moroun could elect to sell a controlling interest in us to a third-party and our other shareholders may not be able to participate in such transaction or, if they are able to participate in such a transaction, such shareholders may receive less than the then-current fair market value of their shares. Any decision regarding ownership of us that Mr. Moroun may make at some future time will be in his absolute discretion, subject to applicable laws and fiduciary duties.

 

Our stock trading volume may not provide adequate liquidity for investors.

 

Although shares of our common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Market, the average daily trading volume in our common stock is less than that of other larger transportation and logistics companies. A public trading market having the desired characteristics of depth, liquidity and orderliness depends on the presence in the marketplace of a sufficient number of willing buyers and sellers of the common stock at any given time. This presence depends on the individual decisions of investors and general economic and market conditions over which we have no control. Given the daily average trading volume of our common stock, significant sales of the common stock in a brief period of time, or the expectation of these sales, could cause a decline in the price of our common stock. Additionally, low trading volumes may limit a stockholder’s ability to sell shares of our common stock.

 

We currently do not intend to pay future dividends on our common stock.

 

We currently do not anticipate paying future cash dividends on our common stock. Any determination to pay future dividends and other distributions in cash, stock, or property by the Company in the future will be at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will be dependent on then-existing conditions, including our financial condition and results of operations and contractual restrictions. Therefore, stockholders should not rely on future dividend income from shares of our common stock.

 

- 15 -

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

None.

 

- 16 -

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

Our executive offices and primary terminal facilities, which we own, are located in Tontitown, Arkansas. These facilities are located on approximately 46.1 acres and consist of 153,420 square feet of office space and maintenance and storage facilities.

 

Our subsidiaries lease facilities in Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Indiana; Romulus, Michigan; Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Memphis, Tennessee; and Monterrey, Mexico. Our terminal facilities in North Little Rock, Arkansas; North Jackson, Ohio; Willard, Ohio; and Irving and Laredo, Texas are owned. The leased facilities are leased primarily on contractual terms typically ranging from one to five years and have provisions for early cancellation if we so choose. As of December 31, 2019, the following table provides a summary of the ownership and types of activities conducted at each location:

 

Location

Own/

Lease

Dispatch

Office

Maintenance

Facility

Safety

Training

Tontitown, Arkansas

Own

Yes

Yes

Yes

North Little Rock, Arkansas

Own

No

Yes

Yes

Indianapolis, Indiana

Lease

No

Yes

No

Romulus, Michigan

Lease

No

Yes

No

North Jackson, Ohio

Own

Yes

Yes

Yes

Willard, Ohio

Own

Yes

Yes

No

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Lease

No

No

No

Memphis, Tennessee

Lease

No

Yes

No

Irving, Texas

Own

Yes

Yes

Yes

Laredo, Texas

Own

Yes

Yes

Yes

Monterrey, Mexico

Lease

No

No

No

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Lease

Yes

Yes

No

 

We also have access to trailer drop and relay stations in various other locations across the country. We lease certain of these facilities on a month-to-month basis from affiliates of our largest stockholder.

 

We believe that all of the properties that we own or lease are suitable for their purposes and adequate to meet our needs.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of December 9, 2013, through December 31, 2019, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On February 18, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on May 29, 2019, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are independent contractors who have been under contract with the Company during the period of May 29, 2016 through the date of filing, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, have filed causes of action alleging “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees.

 

- 17 -

 

We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. On September 1, 2019, we elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million for which we previously maintained auto liability insurance coverage. We currently specifically reserve for claims that are expected to exceed $1.0 million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims. Based on our knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of such claims and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if we experience claims that are not covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

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.

 

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol PTSI. As of February 25, 2020, there were approximately 66 holders of record of our common stock.

 

Dividends

 

The Company paid cash dividends of $1.00 per common share during each of the months of April 2012 and December 2012. No dividends were paid during any year prior to 2012 or subsequent to 2012. Future dividend policy and the payment of dividends, if any, will be determined by the Board of Directors in light of circumstances then existing, including our earnings, financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Currently, the Company does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

 

Repurchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

 

The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April 2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial September 2011 authorization. Since the reauthorization, the Company has repurchased 271,004 shares of its common stock under this repurchase program.

 

In addition, the Company has repurchased 192,743 shares, 185,597 shares and 143,859 shares during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, through publicly announced Dutch auction tender offers. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Capital Stock” for additional information regarding these tender offers.

 

- 18 -

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s common stock repurchases during the fourth quarter of 2019. No shares were purchased during the quarter other than through the repurchase program described above, and all purchases were made by or on behalf of the Company and not by any “affiliated purchaser.”

 

Period  

Total

number of

shares

purchased

   

Average

price paid

per share

   

Total number of

shares purchased as

part of publicly

announced plans or

programs

   

Maximum number of

shares that may yet

be purchased under

the plans or

programs(1)

 

October 1-31, 2019

    --       --       --       241,456  

November 1-30, 2019

    2,802     $ 54.22       2,802       238,654  

December 1-31, 2019

    9,658       53.53       9,658       228,996  

Total

    12,460     $ 53.68       12,460          

 

(1)

The Company’s stock repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

 

See Part III, Item 12, “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters” of this Annual Report for a presentation of compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.

 

- 19 -

 

Performance Graph

 

Set forth below is a line graph comparing the yearly percentage change in the cumulative total stockholder return on our common stock against the cumulative total return of the NASDAQ OMX Index for the NASDAQ Stock Market (U.S. companies) and the NASDAQ OMX Index for the NASDAQ Trucking and Transportation Stocks for the period of five years commencing December 31, 2014 and ending December 31, 2019. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and in each index was $100 on December 31, 2014 and that all dividends were reinvested.

 

 

COMPARISON OF CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN AMONG OUR COMMON STOCK,

THE NASDAQ OMX INDEX FOR THE NASDAQ STOCK MARKET (U.S. COMPANIES)

AND THE NASDAQ TRUCKING AND TRANSPORTATION STOCKS INDEX THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2019

 

 

  

- 20 -

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

The following selected financial and operating data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this Report.

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 
   

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

Statement of Operations Data:

                                       

Operating revenues:

                                       

Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge

  $ 439,511     $ 445,855     $ 373,523     $ 382,737     $ 355,403  

Fuel surcharge

    74,666       87,406       64,315       50,115       61,647  

Total operating revenues

    514,177       533,261       437,838       432,852       417,050  
                                         

Operating expenses:

                                       

Salaries, wages and benefits

    129,738       119,819       102,227       112,235       105,943  

Operating supplies and expenses

    98,420       93,130       79,505       82,993       89,878  

Rent and purchased transportation

    168,399       201,455       174,477       158,298       134,188  

Depreciation

    55,107       49,387       42,274       39,114       32,346  

Insurance and claims

    35,622       17,191       17,484       16,632       15,315  

Other

    13,761       11,983       9,249       8,352       8,904  

Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of property

    583       (1,306 )     (58 )     (4,700 )     (5,754 )

Total operating expenses

    501,630       491,659       425,158       412,924       380,820  

Operating income

    12,547       41,602       12,680       19,928       36,230  

Non-operating income (expense)

    6,222       (4,016 )     5,853       1,485       1,516  

Interest expense

    (8,654 )     (6,245 )     (3,902 )     (3,641 )     (2,818 )

Income before income taxes

    10,115       31,341       14,631       17,772       34,928  

Income tax expense (benefit)

    2,215       7,347       (24,268 )     6,671       13,492  

Net income

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,899     $ 11,101     $ 21,436  
                                         

Earnings per common share:

                                       

Basic

  $ 1.35     $ 3.94     $ 6.14     $ 1.68     $ 2.94  

Diluted

  $ 1.34     $ 3.90     $ 6.08     $ 1.67     $ 2.93  
                                         

Average common shares outstanding – Basic

    5,832       6,083       6,331       6,627       7,288  

Average common shares outstanding – Diluted (1)

    5,880       6,159       6,398       6,649       7,325  
                                         

Cash dividends declared per common share

  $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  

 

 

(1)

Diluted income per share for 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015 assumes the exercise/vesting of stock to purchase an aggregate of 25,545, 25,516, 50,177, 39,093, and 44,755 shares of common stock, respectively.

 

- 21 -

 

 

 

   

At December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Balance Sheet Data:

 

(in thousands)

 

Total assets

  $ 498,009     $ 466,066     $ 392,185     $ 380,066     $ 357,995  

Long-term debt, excluding current portion

    174,187       157,315       98,995       124,391       99,223  

Stockholders' equity

    133,975       139,447       127,604       94,158       101,554  

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

   

2016

   

2015

 

Operating Data:

                                       

Operating ratio (1)

    97.1 %     90.7 %     96.6 %     94.8 %     89.8 %

Average number of truckloads per week

    8,405       8,420       7,134       6,827       6,388  

Average miles per trip

    499       521       635       684       673  

Total miles traveled (in thousands)

    213,048       222,738       229,392       237,266       218,418  

Average miles per truck

    102,674       117,169       125,009       125,471       119,419  

Average revenue, before fuel surcharge per truck per day

  $ 834     $ 923     $ 805     $ 797     $ 765  

Average revenue, before fuel surcharge per loaded mile

  $ 1.84     $ 1.71     $ 1.51     $ 1.53     $ 1.53  

Empty mile factor

    7.3 %     6.3 %     6.8 %     6.8 %     6.8 %
                                         

At end of period:

                                       

Total company-owned/leased trucks (2)

    2,130       2,031       1,721       1,855       1,860  

Average age of company-owned trucks (in years)

    1.46       1.20       1.49       1.49       1.32  

Total company-owned/leased trailers (3)

    7,081       6,397       5,795       5,699       4,983  

Average age of company-owned trailers (in years)

    4.18       3.54       3.38       2.71       3.47  

Number of employees and independent contract drivers

    3,242       3,345       2,969       3,216       3,049  

 

                                                              
 

(1)

Total operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge as a percentage of operating revenues, before fuel surcharge.

 

(2)

Includes the following numbers of independent contractor trucks: 553 in 2019, 597 in 2018, 560 in 2017, 578 in 2016, and 482 in 2015.

 

(3)

Includes the following numbers of leased trailers: 56 in 2019, 43 in 2018, zero in 2017, 232 in 2016, and 80 in 2015.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Business Overview

 

The Company's administrative headquarters are in Tontitown, Arkansas. From this location we manage operations conducted through our wholly owned subsidiaries based in various locations around the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The operations of these subsidiaries can generally be classified into either truckload services or brokerage and logistics services. This designation is based primarily on the ownership of the asset that performed the freight transportation service. Truckload services are performed by Company divisions that generally utilize Company- owned trucks, long-term contractors, or single-trip contractors to transport loads of freight for customers, while brokerage and logistics services coordinate or facilitate the transport of loads of freight for customers and generally involve the utilization of single-trip contractors. Both our truckload operations and our brokerage/logistics operations have similar economic characteristics and are impacted by virtually the same economic factors as discussed elsewhere in this Report. All of the Company's operations are in the motor carrier segment.

 

For both operations, substantially all of our revenue is generated by transporting freight for customers and is predominantly affected by the rates per mile received from our customers, equipment utilization, and our percentage of non-compensated miles. These aspects of our business are carefully managed and efforts are continuously underway to achieve favorable results. Truckload services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 82.7%, 80.0% and 86.3% of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

The main factors that impact our profitability on the expense side are costs incurred in transporting freight for our customers. Currently, our most challenging costs include fuel, driver recruitment, training, wage and benefit costs, independent broker costs (which we record as purchased transportation), insurance and claims, and maintenance and capital equipment costs.

 

- 22 -

 

In discussing our results of operations we use revenue, before fuel surcharge (and operating supplies and expense, net of fuel surcharge), because management believes that eliminating the impact of this sometimes volatile source of revenue allows a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, approximately $74.7 million, $87.4 million and $64.3 million, respectively, of the Company's total revenue was generated from fuel surcharges. We also discuss certain changes in our expenses as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, rather than absolute dollar changes. We do this because we believe the high variable cost nature of certain expenses makes a comparison of changes in expenses as a percentage of revenue more meaningful than absolute dollar changes.

 

Results of Operations - Truckload Services

 

The following table sets forth, for truckload services, the percentage relationship of expense items to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Operating supplies and expenses are shown net of fuel surcharges.

 

   

Years Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 

Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

Operating expenses:

                       

Salaries, wages and benefits

    34.5       32.4       30.9  

Operating supplies and expenses, net of fuel surcharge

    6.5       1.5       4.7  

Rent and purchased transportation

    28.3       34.4       39.9  

Depreciation

    15.0       13.7       13.1  

Insurance and claims

    9.8       4.8       5.4  

Other

    3.6       3.0       2.7  

Gain on sale or disposal of property

    0.0       (0.1 )     0.0  

Total operating expenses

    97.7       89.7       96.7  

Operating income

    2.3       10.3       3.3  

Non-operating income (expense)

    1.5       (1.0 )     1.7  

Interest expense

    (2.1 )     (1.6 )     (1.1 )

Income before income taxes

    1.7 %     7.7 %     3.9 %

 

2019 Compared to 2018

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 2.0% to $363.6 million as compared to $356.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The increase relates primarily to a 7.8% increase in our rate per loaded mile, from $1.71 for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $1.84 for the year ended December 31, 2019, and to an increase in the average number of trucks in service from 1,901 during 2018 to 2,075 during 2019. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average number of miles travelled per day by our trucks in 2019 compared to 2018, which was a result of a decrease in the average length of haul of shipments offered by our customers.

 

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 32.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 34.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. The increase relates primarily to an increase in company driver wages paid during 2019 compared to 2018. The increase in driver wages relates primarily to route specific raises that were phased in throughout 2019 and to an increase in wages and benefits paid to regional and short-haul drivers. In addition, the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers increased as the number of company drivers increased year-over-year.

 

Operating supplies and expenses increased from 1.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 6.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. The increase relates primarily to an increase in the average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel, which was a result of decreased fuel surcharge collections from customers. Fuel surcharge collections can fluctuate significantly from period to period as they are generally based on changes in fuel prices from period to period so that, during periods of rising fuel prices, fuel surcharge collections increase, while fuel surcharge collections decrease during periods of falling fuel prices. Also contributing to the increase was an increase in the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. This increase in miles driven by company drivers has the effect of increasing our net operating supplies and expenses while decreasing the Rent and purchased transportation category, as fuel surcharge revenue generated from transportation services performed by owner-operators is reflected as a reduction in net operating supplies and expenses, while fuel surcharges paid to owner-operators for their services is reported along with their base rate of pay in the Rent and purchased transportation category.

 

- 23 -

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 34.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 28.3% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in the proportion of total miles driven by owner-operators for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018.

 

Depreciation increased from 13.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 15.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. This increase is primarily the result of an increase in the average number of trucks and trailers owned by the company. During 2019, the average number of company-owned trucks and trailers increased by 199 and 503, respectively, compared to 2018. The Company uses a three-year replacement cycle for trucks it intends to trade back or sell and a five-year life cycle for tractors it intends to place in its lease to own program. Trailers are on a seven-year replacement cycle. The cost of new trucks and trailers have increased significantly over the previous three-year and seven-year periods. Depreciating higher cost equipment over the same length of time will result in an increase in depreciation expense during the respective period.

 

Insurance and claims increased from 4.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 9.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. This increase is primarily the result of the negative impact of estimated amounts reserved for the anticipated settlement of a lawsuit which claims that the Company was in violation of minimum wage laws with regard to certain activities performed by employee drivers and for a similar suit brought against the Company by certain individuals who assert that they were misclassified as owner-operators. This increase was partially offset by decreases in insurance premiums resulting from the election to become self-insured for certain categories of property damage and liability risk. The Company became self-insured for property damage on company-owned trucks commencing on September 1, 2018. Prior to this, the Company paid insurance premiums and was insured for property damage insurance coverage for company-owned trucks through a third-party insurance carrier. In addition, the Company became self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million commencing September 1, 2019. During the first nine months of 2019, and for the entire year of 2018, the Company paid for auto liability insurance coverage for claims in excess of $1.0 million through various third-party insurance carriers.

 

Other expenses increased from 3.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 3.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. This increase related primarily to an increase in amounts expensed for legal fees and other supplies and expenses. This increase was partially offset by a decrease for amounts expensed for uncollectible revenue.

 

Non-operating income increased from a loss of 1.0% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 1.5% of revenue, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the market value of our marketable equity securities portfolio at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018. The unrealized pre-tax gain in market value for 2019 was approximately $3,698,000 compared to a net unrealized pre-tax loss in market value of approximately $5,763,000 reported as Non-operating expense for 2018.

 

Interest expense increased from 1.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018 to 2.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2019. This increase is attributable to market increases in interest rates and to increases in amounts financed by the Company for new equipment. The increase in amounts financed was the result of growth in the number of company-owned trucks and trailers operated within our fleet.

 

The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased from 89.7% for 2018 to 97.7% for 2019.

 

- 24 -

 

2018 Compared to 2017

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, truckload services revenue, before fuel surcharges, increased 10.6% to $356.6 million as compared to $322.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase relates primarily to a 13.3% increase in our rate per loaded mile, from $1.51 for the year ended December 31, 2017 to $1.71 for the year ended December 31, 2018, and to an increase in the average number of trucks in service from 1,835 during 2017 to 1,901 during 2018. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in the average number of miles travelled per day by our trucks in 2018 compared to 2017, which was a result of a decrease in the average length of haul of shipments offered by our customers.

 

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 30.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 32.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. The increase relates primarily to an increase in company driver wages paid during 2018 compared to 2017. The increase in driver wages relates primarily to a per mile pay increase that went into effect during the last week of December 2017, and to route specific raises that were phased in throughout 2018. These per mile pay increases raised the average rate per mile paid to company drivers, which increased driver pay by approximately $7.4 million for 2018 compared to 2017. In addition, the proportion of total miles driven by company drivers increased as the number of company drivers increased year-over-year. Also contributing to the increase were salaries, wages and benefits paid to regional and short-haul drivers, which increased by approximately $5.1 million for the periods compared. This increase occurred as we expanded our regional dedicated service offerings during 2018.

 

Operating supplies and expenses decreased from 4.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 1.5% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. The decrease relates primarily to a decrease in the average surcharge-adjusted fuel price paid per gallon of diesel fuel, which was a result of increased fuel surcharge collections from customers. Fuel surcharge collections can fluctuate significantly from period to period as they are generally based on changes in fuel prices from period to period so that, during periods of rising fuel prices, fuel surcharge collections increase, while fuel surcharge collections decrease during periods of falling fuel prices. Fuel surcharge revenue generated from transportation services performed by owner-operators is reflected as a reduction in net operating supplies and expenses, while fuel surcharges paid to owner-operators for their services is reported along with their base rate of pay in the Rent and purchased transportation category. These categorizations have the effect of reducing our net operating supplies and expenses while increasing the Rent and purchased transportation category, as discussed below.

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 39.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 34.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in amounts paid for equipment leases during 2018 compared to 2017, as the scheduled expiration of our final truck operating lease occurred during the first quarter of 2018. Trucks leased under these operating leases were replaced with company-owned trucks as the scheduled expirations occurred. Also contributing to the decrease was a decrease in the average number of owner-operators under contract from 634 during 2017 to 574 during 2018, partially offset by an increase in the average rate per mile, including fuel surcharges, paid to owner-operators during the respective periods.

 

Depreciation increased from 13.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 13.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. This increase is primarily the result of an increase in the average number of trucks and trailers owned by the company. As previously discussed, new trucks were purchased to replace trucks returned under expiring operating leases. This transition resulted in a shift in expense from the Rent and purchased transportation category to the Depreciation category as leased trucks were replaced with owned trucks. During 2018, the average number of company-owned trucks and trailers increased by 305 and 597, respectively, compared to 2017. The Company uses three- or five-year and seven-year equipment replacement cycles for trucks and trailers, respectively, and the cost of new trucks and trailers have increased significantly over the previous three- or five-year and seven-year periods. Depreciating higher cost equipment over the same length of time will result in an increase in depreciation expense during the respective period.

 

Insurance and claims decreased from 5.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 4.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. This decrease primarily resulted from a decision to become self-insured for property damage on company-owned trucks commencing on September 1, 2018. During 2017, the Company paid for property damage coverage for company-owned trucks through a third-party insurance carrier for the entire year.

 

- 25 -

 

This coverage was in place through August 31, 2018, when the Company dropped insurance coverage and became self-insured. Also contributing to the decrease as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharges, is the interaction of the increase in revenue with the decrease in total miles driven. Miles driven generally serve as the premium basis for the majority of our insurance coverage.

 

 

Non-operating income decreased from 1.7% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to a loss of 1.0% of revenue, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. This decrease resulted primarily from the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018. As discussed in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Marketable Equity Securities,” this standard requires that equity investments be adjusted to market value each period with current period gains and losses in value recorded in net income. Previous guidance generally required that unrealized gains and losses be reported on our consolidated balance sheets in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. During 2017, equity investments were sold with pre-tax realized gains of approximately $4,735,000. During 2018, equity investments were sold with pre-tax realized gains of approximately $375,000. In addition, our marketable securities portfolio had net unrealized pre-tax losses in market value of approximately $5,763,000, which was reported as Non-operating expense for 2018.

 

 

Interest expense increased from 1.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2017 to 1.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, during 2018. This increase is attributable to market increases in interest rates, and to increases in amounts financed by the Company for new equipment. The increase in amounts financed was the result of the replacement of trucks operated under equipment leases during 2017 with company-owned trucks, as discussed previously, and to overall growth in the number of company-owned trucks and trailers operated within our fleet.

 

The truckload services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, improved from 96.7% for 2017 to 89.7% for 2018.

 

Results of Operations - Logistics and Brokerage Services

 

The following table sets forth, for logistics and brokerage services, the percentage relationship of expense items to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, for the periods indicated. Brokerage operations occur specifically in certain divisions; however, brokerage operations occur throughout the Company in similar operations having substantially similar economic characteristics. Rent and purchased transportation, which includes costs paid to third-party carriers, are shown net of fuel surcharges.

 

   

Years Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 

Operating revenues, before fuel surcharge

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %

Operating expenses:

                       

Salaries, wages and benefits

    5.8       4.6       4.9  

Rent and purchased transportation

    86.4       88.1       89.8  

Insurance and claims

    0.1       0.1       0.1  

Other

    2.4       1.6       1.2  

Total operating expenses

    94.7       94.4       96.0  

Operating income

    5.3       5.6       4.0  

Non-operating income (expense)

    0.8       (0.5 )     0.8  

Interest expense

    (1.1 )     (0.7 )     (0.6 )

Income before income taxes

    5.0 %     4.4 %     4.2 %

 

2019 Compared to 2018

 

For the year ended December 31, 2019, logistics and brokerage services revenues, before fuel surcharges, decreased 15.0% to $75.9 million as compared to $89.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily the result of a decrease in freight rates charged to customers during 2019 as compared to 2018.

 

Salaries, wages and benefits increased from 4.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2018 to 5.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2019. The increase relates primarily to the effect of lower revenues without a corresponding decrease in those wages with fixed cost characteristics, such as general and administrative wages.

 

- 26 -

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 88.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2018 to 86.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2019. The decrease results from paying third-party carriers a smaller percentage of customer revenue.

 

The logistics and brokerage services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased from 94.4% for 2018 to 94.7% for 2019.

 

2018 Compared to 2017

 

For the year ended December 31, 2018, logistics and brokerage services revenues, before fuel surcharges, increased 74.7% to $89.3 million as compared to $51.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in the number of loads brokered and to improvement in freight rates during 2018 as compared to 2017.

 

Salaries, wages and benefits decreased from 4.9% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2017 to 4.6% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2018. This decrease primarily relates to increases in freight rates outpacing employee wage growth and to efficiency improvements in our brokerage and logistics operations which allowed improvements in the quantity of loads booked per employee to increase year over year.

 

Rent and purchased transportation decreased from 89.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2017 to 88.1% of revenues, before fuel surcharges, in 2018. The decrease results from paying third-party carriers a smaller percentage of customer revenue.

 

The logistics and brokerage services division operating ratio, which measures the ratio of operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges, to operating revenues, before fuel surcharges, improved from 96.0% for 2017 to 94.4% for 2018.

 

Results of Operations - Combined Services

 

2019 Compared to 2018

 

Income tax expense was approximately $2.2 million in 2019, resulting in an effective rate of 21.9%, as compared to approximately $7.3 million, or an effective tax rate of 23.4% in 2018. The effective tax rate is impacted by the existence of partially non-deductible meal and incidental expense per-diem payments to company drivers. Per-diem payments may cause a significant difference in the Company’s effective tax rate from period-to-period as the proportion of non-deductible expenses to pre-tax net income increases or decreases.

 

In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2019, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of December 31, 2019, an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has not been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During 2019 and 2018, the Company has not recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

 

- 27 -

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which we operate generally provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitation period of three years and as a result, the Company’s tax years 2016 and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.

 

The combined net income for all divisions was $7.9 million, or 1.8% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2019 as compared to the combined net income for all divisions of $24.0 million or 5.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2018. Diluted earnings per share decreased from $3.90 for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $1.34 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

 

2018 Compared to 2017

 

Income tax expense was approximately $7.3 million in 2018, resulting in an effective rate of 23.4%, as compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $(24.3) million in 2017, resulting in an effective rate of (165.9%). This increase primarily resulted from tax benefits in 2017 resulting from the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on December 22, 2017. The Company recorded a tax benefit of $29.3 million in the fourth quarter 2017 related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax attributes. This benefit to 2017 was partially offset by a reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% in 2017 to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The effective tax rate is also impacted by the existence of partially non-deductible meal and incidental expense per-diem payments to company drivers. Per-diem payments may cause a significant difference in the Company’s effective tax rate from period-to-period as the proportion of non-deductible expenses to pre-tax net income increases or decreases.

 

In accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, as of December 31, 2018, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

Additionally, as of December 31, 2018, management determined that an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions was not required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. During 2018 and 2017, the Company did not recognize or accrue any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

 

The combined net income for all divisions was $24.0 million, or 5.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2018 as compared to the combined net income for all divisions of $38.9 million or 10.4% of revenues, before fuel surcharge, for 2017. The decrease in net income resulted in a decrease in diluted earnings per share to $3.90 for 2018 from a diluted earnings per share of $6.08 for 2017.

 

Quarterly Results of Operations

 

The following table presents selected consolidated financial information for each of our last eight fiscal quarters through December 31, 2019. The information has been derived from unaudited consolidated financial statements that, in the opinion of management, reflect all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the quarterly information.

 

   

Quarter Ended

 
   

Mar. 31,

2019

   

June 30,

2019

   

Sept. 30,

2019

   

Dec. 31,

2019

   

Mar. 31,

2018

   

June 30,

2018

   

Sept. 30,

2018

   

Dec. 31,

2018

 
   

(unaudited)

 
   

(in thousands, except earnings per share data)

 

Operating revenues

  $ 128,686     $ 133,000     $ 128,994     $ 123,497     $ 119,458     $ 135,302     $ 140,325     $ 138,176  

Total operating expenses

    118,999       119,789       121,461       141,381       115,702       125,285       127,172       123,500  

Operating income (loss)

    9,687       13,211       7,533       (17,884 )     3,756       10,017       13,153       14,676  

Net income (loss)

    8,301       8,654       4,581       (13,636 )     1,387       7,289       9,248       6,070  

Income per common share:

                                                               

Basic

  $ 1.40     $ 1.47     $ 0.80     $ (2.37 )   $ 0.22     $ 1.18     $ 1.53     $ 1.02  

Diluted

  $ 1.39     $ 1.45     $ 0.79     $ (2.37 )   $ 0.22     $ 1.17     $ 1.52     $ 1.01  

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources 

 

Our business has required, and will continue to require, a significant investment in new revenue equipment. Our primary sources of liquidity have been funds provided by operations, proceeds from the sales of revenue equipment, borrowings under our lines of credit, installment notes and investment margin account, and issuances of equity securities.

 

During 2019, we generated $84.3 million in cash from operating activities compared to $82.3 million and $50.6 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. Investing activities used $62.3 million in cash during 2019 compared to $55.3 million and $45.3 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively. The cash used for investing activities in all three years related primarily to the purchase of revenue equipment such as trucks and trailers and related equipment such as auxiliary power units. Financing activities used $22.0 million in cash during 2019 compared to using $27.0 million during 2018 and providing $5.2 million during 2017. See the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in Item 8 of this Report.

 

Our primary use of funds is for the purchase of revenue equipment. We typically use installment notes, our existing lines of credit on an interim basis, proceeds from the sale or trade of equipment, and cash flows from operations to finance capital expenditures and repay long-term debt. During 2019 and 2018, we utilized cash on hand, installment notes, and our lines of credit to finance revenue equipment purchases of approximately $100.1 million and $140.4 million, respectively.

 

We often finance the acquisition of revenue equipment through installment notes with fixed interest rates and terms ranging from 36 to 84 months. At December 31, 2019, the Company’s subsidiaries had combined outstanding indebtedness under such installment notes of $224.8 million. These installment notes are payable in monthly installments, ranging from 36 monthly installments to 84 monthly installments, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.65%. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s subsidiaries had combined outstanding indebtedness under such installment notes of $211.0 million. These installment notes were payable in monthly installments, ranging from 36 to 84 months at a weighted average interest rate of 3.61%.

 

In order to maintain our truck and trailer fleet count, it is often necessary to purchase replacement units and place them in service before trade units are removed from service. The timing of this process often requires the Company to pay for new units without any reduction in price for trade units. In this situation, the Company later receives payment for the trade units as they are delivered to the equipment vendor and have passed vendor inspection. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company received approximately $11.2 million and $11.9 million, respectively, for units delivered for trade.

 

During 2019, we maintained a revolving line of credit. On January 25, 2019, certain terms of this revolving line of credit were amended to increase the borrowing limit from $40.0 million to $60.0 million, extend the term by one year, reduce the interest rate by 25 basis points and make certain other changes. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Accounting Policies, Subsequent Events” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, for additional information. Under the amended credit facility, amounts outstanding under the line bear interest at LIBOR (determined as of the first day of each month) plus 1.25% (2.96% at December 31, 2019), are secured by our trade accounts receivable and mature on July 1, 2022. The amended credit facility also establishes an “unused fee” of 0.25% if average borrowings are less than $18.0 million. At December 31, 2019 outstanding advances on the line of credit were approximately $17.4 million, including approximately $0.4 million in letters of credit, with availability to borrow $42.6 million.

 

Trade accounts receivable decreased from $63.4 million at December 31, 2018 to $61.8 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease relates to a general decrease in freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue, which flows through the accounts receivable account, during the fourth quarter of 2019 as compared to the freight revenue and fuel surcharge revenue generated during the fourth quarter of 2018.

 

Prepaid expenses and deposits decreased from $10.4 million at December 31, 2018 to $8.7 million at December 31, 2019. The decrease primarily relates to a reduction in pre-paid auto-liability insurance premiums as the Company became self-insured for certain layers of claims in excess of $1.0 million on September 1, 2019.

 

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Marketable equity securities at December 31, 2019 increased approximately $2.0 million as compared to December 31, 2018. The increase resulted from purchases of marketable equity securities of $0.2 million, offset by sales of marketable equity securities of approximately $3.0 million, and an increase in the market value of the remaining portfolio of approximately $4.8 million. At December 31, 2019, the remaining marketable equity securities have a combined cost basis of approximately $24.2 million and a combined fair market value of approximately $29.5 million. The Company has developed a strategy to invest in securities from which it expects to receive dividends that qualify for favorable tax treatment, as well as appreciate in value. The Company anticipates that increases in the market value of the investments combined with dividend payments will exceed interest rates paid on borrowings for the same period. During 2019, the Company received dividends of approximately $1.3 million. The holding term of these securities depends largely on the general economic environment, the equity markets, borrowing rates, and the Company's cash requirements.

 

Income taxes refundable decreased from approximately $1.9 million at December 31, 2018 to approximately $0.5 million at December 31, 2019. The primary reason for this decrease was the receipt of income tax refunds received during 2019.

 

Revenue equipment at December 31, 2019, which generally consists of trucks, trailers, and revenue equipment accessories such as Qualcomm™ satellite tracking units and auxiliary power units, increased approximately $67.4 million as compared to December 31, 2018. The increase relates primarily to overall fleet growth of company-owned trucks and trailers utilized by the company at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 and to the higher purchase price of new trucks and trailers compared to the trucks and trailers which are being replaced and sold.

 

Other assets at December 31, 2019 increased by approximately $2.1 million compared to December 31, 2018. The Company recognized approximately $2.1 million for a right-of-use asset related to certain property leases as of December 31, 2019 in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 842, which the Company adopted on January 1, 2019. The provisions of ASC Topic 842 require the recognition of a right-of-use asset and right-of-use liability for certain types of leases; see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – 2019 Leases” for more information on this topic.

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities increased from $23.5 million at December 31, 2018 to $40.6 million at December 31, 2019. The increase was primarily related to an increase in the amount reserved for the anticipated settlement of a lawsuit which claims that the Company was in violation of minimum wage laws with regard to certain activities performed by employee drivers. The United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a $16.5 million settlement of the suit, subject to final approval by the court. Also contributing to the increase was an increase in legal reserves related to a lawsuit brought against the Company by certain individuals who assert that they were misclassified as owner-operators. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” for more information regarding this litigation. Finally, amounts reserved for self-insured auto liability claims increased, as the Company became self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million on September 1, 2019. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of approximately $3.8 million in margin borrowings against our marketable equity securities.

 

Current maturities of long term-debt and long-term debt fluctuations are reviewed on an aggregate basis as the classification of amounts in each category are typically affected merely by the passage of time. Current maturities of long-term debt and long-term debt, on an aggregate basis, at December 31, 2019, increased approximately $20.6 million as compared to December 31, 2018. The increase was related to additional borrowings on our revolving line of credit and under installment notes entered into during 2019, net of the principal portion of scheduled installment note payments made during 2019.

 

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For 2020, we expect to purchase 540 new trucks while continuing to sell or trade equipment that has reached the end of its life cycle, which we expect to result in net capital expenditures of approximately $52.3 million. Management believes we will be able to finance our existing needs for working capital over the next twelve months, as well as acquisitions of revenue equipment and any other asset acquisitions or capital transactions during such period, with cash balances, cash flows from operations, and borrowings believed to be available from financing sources. We will continue to have significant capital requirements over the long-term, which may require us to incur debt or seek additional equity capital. The availability of additional capital will depend upon prevailing market conditions, the market price of our common stock and several other factors over which we have limited control, as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Nevertheless, based on our anticipated future cash flows and sources of financing that we expect will be available to us, we do not expect that we will experience any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following table sets forth the Company's contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2019:

 

   

Payments due by period

(in thousands)

 
   

 

Total

   

Less than

1 Year

   

1 to 3

Years

   

3 to 5

Years

   

More than

5 Years

 
                                         

Long-term debt (1)

  $ 243,966     $ 75,068     $ 87,497     $ 77,756     $ 3,645  

Operating leases (2)

    2,628       1,003       1,171       454       -  

Total

  $ 246,594     $ 76,071     $ 88,668     $ 78,210     $ 3,645  

 

 

(1)

Including interest.

 

(2)

Represents building, facilities, and drop yard operating leases.

 

Inflation

 

Inflation has an impact on most of our operating costs. Over the past three years, the effect of inflation has been minimal.

 

Adoption of Accounting Policies

 

See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Accounting Policies, Recent Accounting Pronouncements.”

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates that impact the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, and associated disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities are affected by judgments and estimates. In many cases, there are alternative assumptions, policies, or estimation techniques that could be used. Management evaluates its assumptions, policies, and estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from our estimates and assumptions, and it is possible that materially different amounts would be reported using differing estimates or assumptions. Management considers our critical accounting policies to be those that require more significant judgments and estimates when we prepare our consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies include the following:

 

Accounts receivable and allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the

 

- 31 -

 

history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has not been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when we determine an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to be reliable; however, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Depreciation of trucks and trailers. Depreciation of trucks and trailers is calculated by the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives, which range from three to seven years, down to an estimated salvage value at the end of the assets’ estimated useful lives. Management must use its judgment in the selection of estimated useful lives and salvage values for purposes of this calculation. In some cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are not guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal.

 

The depreciation of trucks and trailers over their estimated useful lives and the determination of any salvage value also require management to make judgments about future events. Therefore, the Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives or salvage values are necessary to ensure these estimates accurately reflect the economic reality of the assets. This periodic evaluation may result in changes in the estimated lives and/or salvage values used by the Company to depreciate its assets, which can affect the amount of periodic depreciation expense recognized and, ultimately, the gain or loss on the disposal of an asset. Future changes in our estimated useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market value that are not reflected in current estimates, could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Impairment of long-lived assets. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment in accordance with ASC Topic 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment.” This authoritative guidance provides that whenever there are certain significant events or changes in circumstances, the value of long-lived assets or groups of assets must be tested to determine if their value can be recovered from their future cash flows. In the event that undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than the carrying amount, the asset or group of assets must be evaluated for impairment. Impairment exists if the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value.

 

Significantly all of the Company’s cash flows from operations are generated by trucks and trailers, and as such, the cost of other long-lived assets are funded by those operations. Therefore, management tests for the recoverability of all of the Company’s long-lived assets as a single group at the entity level and examines the forecasted future cash flows generated by trucks and trailers, including their eventual disposition, to determine if those cash flows exceed the carrying value of the long-lived assets. Forecasted cash flows are estimated using assumptions about future operations. To the extent that facts and circumstances change in the future, our estimates of future cash flows may also change either positively or negatively. In light of the Company’s market capitalization during 2019 and net operating profits of the Company for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, no impairment indicators existed which required management to test the Company’s long-lived assets for recoverability as of December 31, 2019. As such, no impairment losses were recorded during 2019.

 

Claims accruals. The Company is self-insured for health and workers' compensation benefits up to certain stop-loss limits. Such costs are accrued based on known claims and an estimate of incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. IBNR claims are estimated using historical lag information and other data either provided by outside claims administrators or developed internally. Actual claims payments may differ from management’s estimates as a result of a number of factors, including evaluation of severity, increases in legal or medical costs, and other case-specific factors. The actual claims payments are charged against the Company’s recorded accrued claims liabilities and have been historically reasonable with respect to the estimates of the liabilities made under the Company’s methodology. However, the estimation process is generally subjective, and to the extent that future actual results materially differ from original estimates made by management, adjustments to recorded accruals may be necessary which could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Based upon our 2019 health and workers' compensation expenses, a 10% increase in both claims incurred and IBNR claims would increase our annual health and workers' compensation expenses by approximately $0.5 million.

 

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On September 1, 2019, the Company elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million. The Company specifically reserves for claims that are expected to exceed $1.0 million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims.

 

Revenue recognition

. Revenue is recognized over time as freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Revenue Recognition.”

 

 

Income Taxes. The Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities represent items that will result in taxable income or a tax deduction in future years for which the Company has already recorded the related tax expense or benefit in its consolidated statements of operations. Deferred tax accounts arise as a result of timing differences between when items are recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements compared to when they are recognized in the Company’s tax returns. In establishing the Company’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities, management makes judgments and interpretations based on the enacted tax laws and published tax guidance that are applicable to its operations. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

 

In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. Significant management judgment is required as it relates to future taxable income, future capital gains, tax settlements, valuation allowances, and the Company’s ability to utilize tax loss and credit carryforwards. As of December 31, 2019, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

Management believes that future tax consequences have been adequately provided for based on the current facts and circumstances and current tax law. However, should current circumstances change or the Company’s tax positions be challenged, different outcomes could result which could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

 

Our primary market risk exposures include equity price risk, interest rate risk, commodity price risk (the price paid to obtain diesel fuel for our trucks), and foreign currency exchange rate risk. The potential adverse impact of these risks are discussed below. While the Company has used derivative financial instruments in the past to manage its interest rate and commodity price risks, the Company does not currently enter into such instruments for risk management purposes or for speculation or trading.

 

The following sensitivity analyses do not consider the effects that an adverse change may have on the overall economy nor do they consider additional actions we may take to mitigate our exposure to such changes. Actual results of changes in prices or rates may differ materially from the hypothetical results described below.

 

Equity Price Risk

 

We hold certain actively traded marketable equity securities, which subjects the Company to fluctuations in the fair market value of its investment portfolio based on current market price. The recorded value of marketable equity securities increased to $29.5 million at December 31, 2019 from $27.5 million at December 31, 2018. The increase resulted from purchases of marketable equity securities of approximately $0.2 million and an increase in market value of the portfolio of approximately $4.8 million, partially offset by sales of marketable equity securities of approximately $3.0 million. A 10% decrease in the market price of our marketable equity securities would cause a corresponding 10% decrease in the carrying amounts of these securities, or approximately $3.0 million. For additional information with respect to the marketable equity securities, see “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Marketable Equity Securities.”

 

- 33 -

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

Our line of credit bears interest at a floating rate equal to LIBOR plus a fixed percentage. Accordingly, changes in LIBOR, which are affected by changes in interest rates, will affect the interest rate on, and therefore our costs under, the line of credit. Assuming $17.0 million of variable rate debt was outstanding under our line of credit for a full fiscal year, a hypothetical 100 basis point increase in LIBOR would result in approximately $170,000 of additional interest expense.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

Prices and availability of all petroleum products are subject to political, economic and market factors that are generally outside of our control. Accordingly, the price and availability of diesel fuel, as well as other petroleum products, can be unpredictable. Because our operations are dependent upon diesel fuel, significant increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Based upon our 2019 fuel consumption, a 10% increase in the average annual price per gallon of diesel fuel would increase our annual fuel expenses by approximately $5.1 million.

 

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk related to the activities of our branch office located in Mexico. Currently, we do not hedge our exchange rate exposure through any currency forward contracts, currency options, or currency swaps as all of our revenues, and substantially all of our expenses and capital expenditures, are transacted in U.S. dollars. However, certain operating expenditures and capital purchases related to our Mexico branch office are incurred within or exposed to fluctuations in the exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Mexican peso. Based on 2019 expenditures denominated in pesos, a 10% decrease in the exchange rate would increase our annual operating expenses by approximately $860,000. Foreign currency exchange rates did not have a material impact to our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 or 2018.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

The following statements are filed with this report:

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm – Grant Thornton LLP

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2019 and 2018

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

- 34 -

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.

 

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”), and our report dated March 13, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion.

 

Change in accounting principle

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases in the year ended December 31, 2019, due to the adoption of FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases.

 

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

 

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2005.

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

March 13, 2020

 

- 35 -

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

 

 

2019

   

2018

 
ASSETS                
                 

CURRENT ASSETS:

               

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 318     $ 282  

Accounts receivable—net:

               

Trade, less allowance of $2,952 and $2,224, respectively

    61,784       63,350  

Other

    3,769       3,814  

Inventories

    1,327       1,461  

Prepaid expenses and deposits

    8,669       10,393  

Marketable equity securities

    29,521       27,549  

Income taxes refundable

    504       1,876  
                 

Total current assets

    105,892       108,725  
                 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:

               

Land

    7,246       5,596  

Structures and improvements

    20,204       19,547  

Revenue equipment

    524,527       457,142  

Office furniture and equipment

    11,185       10,040  
                 

Total property and equipment

    563,162       492,325  
                 

Accumulated depreciation

    (175,887 )     (137,738 )
                 

Net property and equipment

    387,275       354,587  
                 

OTHER ASSETS

    4,842       2,754  
                 

TOTAL ASSETS

  $ 498,009     $ 466,066  

 

(Continued)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 36 -

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

DECEMBER 31, 2019 AND 2018

(in thousands, except share and per share data)

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY                
                 

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

               

Accounts payable

  $ 16,597     $ 20,002  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    40,610       23,497  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    67,637       63,908  
                 

Total current liabilities

    124,845       107,407  
                 

Long-term debt—less current portion

    174,187       157,315  

Deferred income taxes

    63,522       61,897  

Other long-term liabilities

    1,481       -  
                 

Total liabilities

    364,034       326,619  
                 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16)

               
                 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

               

Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued

    -       -  

Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,656,160 and 11,612,144 shares issued; 5,748,897 and 5,956,558 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

    117       116  

Additional paid-in capital

    83,688       82,776  

Accumulated other comprehensive income

    -       -  

Treasury stock, at cost; 5,907,263 and 5,655,586 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively

    (156,837 )     (142,552 )

Retained earnings

    207,007       199,107  
                 

Total stockholders’ equity

    133,975       139,447  
                 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

  $ 498,009     $ 466,066  

 

(Concluded)

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 37 -

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 

OPERATING REVENUES:

                       

Revenue, before fuel surcharge

  $ 439,511     $ 445,855     $ 373,523  

Fuel surcharge

    74,666       87,406       64,315  
                         

Total operating revenues

    514,177       533,261       437,838  
                         

OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:

                       

Salaries, wages and benefits

    129,738       119,819       102,227  

Operating supplies and expenses

    98,420       93,130       79,505  

Rents and purchased transportation

    168,399       201,455       174,477  

Depreciation

    55,107       49,387       42,274  

Insurance and claims

    35,622       17,191       17,484  

Other

    13,761       11,983       9,249  

Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment

    583       (1,306 )     (58 )
                         

Total operating expenses and costs

    501,630       491,659       425,158  
                         

OPERATING INCOME

    12,547       41,602       12,680  
                         

NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE)

    6,222       (4,016 )     5,853  

INTEREST EXPENSE

    (8,654 )     (6,245 )     (3,902 )
                         

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

    10,115       31,341       14,631  
                         

FEDERAL & STATE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):

                       

Current

    590       141       362  

Deferred

    1,625       7,206       (24,630 )
                         

Total federal & state income tax expense (benefit)

    2,215       7,347       (24,268 )
                         

NET INCOME

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,899  
                         

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:

                       

Basic

  $ 1.35     $ 3.94     $ 6.14  

Diluted

  $ 1.34     $ 3.90     $ 6.08  
                         

AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:

                       

Basic

    5,832       6,083       6,331  

Diluted

    5,880       6,159       6,398  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 38 -

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017

(in thousands)

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
                         

NET INCOME

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,899  
                         

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:

                       
                         

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on marketable securities included in net income (1)

    -       -       (2,059 )
                         

Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on marketable securities included in net income (2)

    -       -       26  
                         

Changes in fair value of marketable securities (3)

    -       -       2,001  
                         

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,867  

 


(1) Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $(1,326), respectively.

(2) Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $16, respectively.

(3) Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $(687), respectively.

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 39 -

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

   

Common Stock

Shares / Amount

   

Additional Paid-In Capital

   

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

   

Treasury Stock

   

Retained Earnings

   

Total

 
                                                         

BALANCE— January 1, 2017

    6,397     $ 115     $ 80,822     $ 7,476     $ (122,835 )   $ 128,580     $ 94,158  
                                                         

Net income

                                            38,899       38,899  

Other comprehensive (loss), net of tax of $1,995

                            (32 )                     (32 )

Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits

    11               123                               123  

Restricted stock issued

    7                                                  

Treasury stock repurchases

    (254 )                             (6,348 )             (6,348 )

Share-based compensation

                    614                               614  

Cumulative effect adjustment – ASU 2016-09

                                            190       190  
                                                         

BALANCE— December 31, 2017

    6,161       115       81,559       7,444       (129,183 )     167,669       127,604  
                                                         

Net income

                                            23,994       23,994  

Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits

    45       1       485                               486  

Restricted stock issued

    38                                                  

Treasury stock repurchases

    (287 )                             (13,369 )             (13,369 )

Share-based compensation

                    732                               732  

Cumulative effect adjustment – ASU 2016-01

                            (7,444 )             7,444       -  

BALANCE— December 31, 2018

    5,957     $ 116     $ 82,776     $ 0     $ (142,552 )   $ 199,107     $ 139,447  
                                                         

Net income

                                            7,900       7,900  

Restricted stock issued

    44       1                                       1  

Treasury stock repurchases

    (252 )                             (14,285 )             (14,285 )

Share-based compensation

                    912                               912  
                                                         

BALANCE— December 31, 2019

    5,749     $ 117     $ 83,688     $ 0     $ (156,837 )   $ 207,007     $ 133,975  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 40 -

 

 

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017

(in thousands)

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Net income

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,899  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                       

Depreciation

    55,107       49,387       42,274  

Bad debt expense

    728       889       340  

Stock compensation—net of excess tax benefits

    912       732       614  

Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes

    1,625       7,206       (24,630 )

Reclassification of other than temporary impairment in marketable equity securities

    -       -       42  

Recognized (gain) loss on marketable equity securities

    (4,753 )     5,388       (4,735 )

(Loss) gain on sale or disposal of equipment

    583       (1,306 )     (58 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                       

Accounts receivable

    884       (5,970 )     (1,298 )

Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets

    1,865       (137 )     (1,095 )

Income taxes refundable

    1,372       (76 )     (155 )

Trade accounts payable

    (2,233 )     1,731       682  

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

    20,307       509       (266 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

    84,297       82,347       50,614  
                         

INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Purchases of property and equipment

    (79,354 )     (73,882 )     (67,674 )

Proceeds from disposition of equipment

    14,263       24,904       18,766  

Sales of marketable equity securities

    2,984       1,045       6,833  

Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of capital

    (203 )     (7,318 )     (3,211 )

Net cash used in investing activities

    (62,310 )     (55,251 )     (45,286 )
                         

FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

                       

Borrowings under line of credit

    590,902       615,612       483,297  

Repayments under line of credit

    (584,047 )     (605,419 )     (485,163 )

Borrowings of long-term debt

    60,203       52,717       55,415  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (70,917 )     (82,442 )     (48,110 )

Borrowings under margin account

    527       7,584       3,412  

Repayments under margin account

    (4,334 )     (2,206 )     (7,867 )

Repurchases of common stock

    (14,285 )     (13,369 )     (6,348 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

    -       485       123  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (21,951 )     (27,038 )     (5,241 )
                         

NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

    36       58       87  
                         

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of year

    282       224       137  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of year

  $ 318     $ 282     $ 224  
                         

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION—

                       

Cash paid during the period for:

                       

Interest

  $ 8,612     $ 6,095     $ 3,905  

Income taxes

  $ 671     $ 217     $ 518  
                         

NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES—

                       

Purchases of revenue equipment included in accounts payable

  $ 366     $ 1,597     $ 2,973  

 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

- 41 -

 

P.A.M. TransportATION SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2019, 2018 AND 2017


 

 

1.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation–P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, operates as a truckload transportation and logistics company.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, T.T.X., LLC, Transcend Logistics, Inc., and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. The following subsidiaries were inactive during all periods presented: P.A.M. International, Inc., P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., S & L Logistics, Inc. and P.A.M. Mexico Holdings, LLC.

 

Use of Estimates–The preparation of 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company periodically reviews these estimates and assumptions. The most significant estimates that affect our financial statements include accrued liabilities for insurance claims, legal reserves, useful lives and salvage values for property and equipment, allowance for doubtful accounts, and estimates for income taxes. The Company's estimates were based on its historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents–The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At times cash held at banks may exceed FDIC insured limits.

 

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts–Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has not been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when management determines an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to be reliable and consistent with prior periods. However, additional allowances may be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.

 

Bank Overdrafts–The Company classifies bank overdrafts in current liabilities as accounts payable and does not offset other positive bank account balances located at the same or other financial institutions. Bank overdrafts generally represent checks written that have not yet cleared the Company’s bank accounts. The majority of the Company’s bank accounts are zero balance accounts that are funded at the time items clear against the account by drawings against a line of credit; therefore, the outstanding checks represent bank overdrafts. Because the recipients of these checks have generally not yet received payment, the Company continues to classify bank overdrafts as accounts payable. Bank overdrafts are classified as changes in accounts payable in the cash flows from operating activities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $2,572,000 and $3,669,000, respectively.

 

- 42 -

 

Accounts Receivable Other–The components of accounts receivable other consist primarily of amounts representing company driver advances, independent contractor advances, and equipment manufacturer warranties. Advances receivable from company drivers as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, were approximately $211,000 and $220,000, respectively. Accounts receivable from independent contractors as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, were approximately $1,381,000 and $1,724,000, respectively. Independent contractors are allowed to purchase items such as fuel, repairs and tolls on Company accounts in order to share in favorable pricing negotiated by the Company. Independent contractors and trip lease carriers are also allowed to receive advances for a portion of the revenue that they expect to receive for loads that they transport for the Company.

 

Marketable Equity Securities– The Company’s investment in marketable equity securities is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 321, (“ASC Topic 321”), Investments-Equity Securities. ASC Topic 321 requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends on marketable equity securities are included in non-operating income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.

 

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 on January 1, 2018, marketable equity securities were classified by the Company as either available-for-sale or trading. Securities classified as available for sale were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders’ equity. Securities classified as trading were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses were computed utilizing the specific identification method.

 

For additional information with respect to marketable equity securities, see Note 4 – Marketable Equity Securities.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets–The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable, and it exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net undiscounted cash flows, it is not recoverable. No impairment losses were recorded during 2019 or 2018.

 

Property and Equipment–Property and equipment is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, the cost of such property is depreciated principally by the straight-line method. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or applicable cost recovery methods are used. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated asset life, considering the estimated salvage value of the asset. Such salvage values are based on estimates using expected market values for used equipment and the estimated time of disposal which, in many cases include guaranteed residual values by the manufacturers. Gains and losses are reflected in the year of disposal. The following is a table reflecting estimated ranges of asset useful lives by major class of depreciable assets:

 

Asset Class

Estimated Asset Life

(in years)

       

Service vehicles

3

-

5

Office furniture and equipment

3

-

7

Revenue equipment

3

-

8

Structures and improvements

5

-

40

 

The Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives and/or salvage values are necessary to ensure its estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. During 2019 and 2018, management determined that an adjustment to the estimated useful lives or salvage values of trucks or trailers was not necessary based on such an evaluation.

 

Inventory–Inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first in, first out method.

 

- 43 -

 

Prepaid Tires–Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the related equipment. Replacement tires are included in prepaid expenses and deposits and are amortized over a 24-month period. Amounts paid for the recapping of tires are expensed when incurred.

 

Advertising Expense–Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately $1,269,000, $1,234,000 and $1,087,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Repairs and Maintenance–Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Self-Insurance Liability–A liability is recognized for known health, workers’ compensation, cargo damage, property damage, and auto liability damage claims. An estimate of the incurred but not reported claims for each type of liability is made based on historical claims made, estimated frequency of occurrence, and considering changing factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance.

 

Income Taxes–The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

 

The application of income tax law to multi-jurisdictional operations such as those performed by the Company is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, we may be required to make subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations may change over time which could cause changes in our assumptions and judgments that could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.

 

We recognize the impact of tax positions in our financial statements. These tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold to be recognized and tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not threshold are derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.

 

In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

Revenue Recognition– Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are no assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Earnings Per Share–The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur from stock-based awards and other stock-based commitments using the treasury stock or the as if converted methods, as applicable. The difference between the Company's weighted-average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding is due to the dilutive effect of stock options for all periods presented. See Note 14 – Earnings per Share for more information regarding the computation of diluted EPS.

 

- 44 -

 

Fair Value Measurements–Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value within the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. For additional information with respect to fair value measurements, see Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments.

 

Reporting Segments–The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company provides truckload transportation services as well as brokerage and logistics services to customers throughout the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Truckload transportation services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented 82.7%, 80.0% and 86.3% of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for each respective year were generated by brokerage and logistics services.

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk–The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does not require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In view of the concentration of the Company’s revenues and accounts receivable among a limited number of customers within the automobile industry, the financial health of this industry is a factor in the Company’s overall evaluation of accounts receivable.

 

Subsequent Events– On February 24, 2020, the Company announced that the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas has granted preliminary approval of a settlement reached with the plaintiffs in the Company’s previously disclosed collective- and class-action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company from December 9, 2013, through December 31, 2019, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The proposed settlement is subject to final approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. As of December 31, 2019 the preliminary settlement amount of $16.5 million was reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s participation in the settlement agreement does not constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does not admit any fault or liability.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions–The functional currency of the Company’s foreign branch office in Mexico is the U.S. dollar. The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of this branch office, which are maintained in the local currency ledgers, at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses recorded in the local currency during the period are remeasured using average exchange rates for each period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Any resulting exchange gain or loss from the remeasurement process is included in non-operating income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements– In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update, (“ASU”) No. 2018-09, (“ASU 2018-09”), Codification Improvements. ASU 2018-09 was issued to update codification on multiple topics, and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU 2018-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

- 45 -

 

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, (“ASU 2018-10”), Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases. ASU 2018-10 was issued to update codification specific to Topic 842, and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU 2018-10 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, (“ASU 2016-13”), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic 326). ASU 2016-13 requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to the amortized cost of the securities. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company has evaluated the new guidance and does not expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This update seeks to increase the transparency and comparability among public entities by requiring filers to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The new standard was effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.

 

To satisfy the standard’s objective, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments. Both the right-of-use asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the lease payments, with subsequent measurement dependent on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset to not recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Accounting by lessors will remain mostly unchanged from current U.S. GAAP.

 

The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2019 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. See Note 17 – Leases for additional adoption information and disclosures required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 842.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, (“ASU 2016-01”), Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure.

 

The provisions of ASU 2016-01 require, among other things, that the Company:

 

 

Categorize securities as equity securities or debt securities

 

 

Eliminate the classification of equity securities as trading or available for sale

 

 

Determine which securities have readily determinable fair values

 

 

Use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes

 

 

Consider the need for a valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset on available-for-sale securities in combination with the Company’s other deferred tax assets, and

 

 

Recognize changes in the fair market value of equity securities in net income

 

- 46 -

 

ASU 2016-01 was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. With certain exceptions, early adoption was not permitted. The adoption of this guidance on January 1, 2018, did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or cash flows, but did impact the Company’s results of operations, as the current guidance requires changes in market value related to equity securities to be recognized in net income, rather than being recognized as other comprehensive income. Upon adoption, approximately $7.4 million in accumulated changes in the fair market value of the Company’s equity securities, net of deferred tax, that were presented at December 31, 2017 as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income were reclassified to Retained Earnings.

 

 

2.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

The Company has a single performance obligation, to transport our customer’s freight from a specified origin to a specified destination. The Company has the discretion to choose to self-transport or to arrange for alternate transportation to fulfill the performance obligation. Where the Company decides to self-transport the freight, the Company classifies the service as truckload services, and where the Company arranges for alternate transportation of the freight, the Company classifies the service as brokerage and logistics services. In either case, the Company is paid a rate to transport freight from its origin location to a specified destination. Because the primary factors influencing revenue recognition, including performance obligation, customer base, and timing of revenue recognition are the same for both of its service categories, the Company utilizes the same revenue recognition method throughout its operations.

 

Company revenue is generated from freight transportation services performed utilizing heavy truck trailer combinations. While various ownership arrangements may exist for the equipment utilized to perform these services, including Company-owned or leased, owner-operator owned, and third-party carriers, revenue is generated from the same base of customers. Contracts with these customers establish rates for services performed, which are predominantly rates that will be paid to pick up, transport and drop off freight at various locations. In addition to transportation, revenue is also awarded for various accessorial services performed in conjunction with the base transportation service. The Company also has other revenue categories that are not discussed in this note or broken out in our consolidated statements of operations due to their immaterial amounts.

 

In fulfilling the Company’s obligation to transport freight from a specified origin to a specified destination, control of freight is transferred to us at the point it has been loaded into the driver’s trailer, the doors are sealed and the driver has signed a bill of lading, which is the basic transportation agreement that establishes the nature, quantity and condition of the freight loaded, responsibility for invoice payment, and pickup and delivery locations. Our revenue is generated, and our customer receives benefit, as the freight progresses towards delivery locations. In the event our customer cancels the shipment at some point prior to the final delivery location and re-consigns the shipment to an alternate delivery location, we are entitled to receive payment for services performed for the partial shipment. Shipments are generally conducted over a relatively short time span, generally one to three days; however, freight is sometimes stored temporarily in our trailer at one of our drop yard locations or at a location designated by a customer. Our revenue is categorized as either Freight Revenue or Fuel Surcharge Revenue, and both are earned by performing the same freight transportation services, as discussed further below.

 

Freight Revenue – revenue generated by the performance of the freight transportation service, including any accessorial service, provided to customers.

 

Fuel Surcharge Revenue – revenue designed to adjust freight revenue rates to an agreed upon base cost for diesel fuel. Diesel fuel prices can fluctuate widely during the term of a contract with a customer. At the point that freight revenue rates are negotiated with customers, a sliding scale is agreed upon that approximately adjusts diesel fuel costs to an agreed upon base amount. In general, as fuel prices increase, revenue from fuel surcharge increases, so that diesel fuel cost is adjusted to the approximate base amount agreed upon.

 

Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are no assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

- 47 -

 

 

3.

TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

 

The Company's receivables result primarily from the sale of transportation and logistics services. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does not require collateral for accounts receivable. Accounts receivable, which consist of both billed and unbilled receivables, are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. Accounts receivable balances consist of the following components as of December 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Billed

  $ 57,495     $ 56,766  

Unbilled

    7,241       8,808  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    (2,952 )     (2,224 )
                 

Total accounts receivable—net

  $ 61,784     $ 63,350  

 

An analysis of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017 follows:

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                         

Balance—beginning of year

  $ 2,224     $ 1,335     $ 994  

Provision for bad debts

    728       889       341  

Charge-offs

    -       -       -  

Recoveries

    -       -       -  

Balance—end of year

  $ 2,952     $ 2,224     $ 1,335  

 

 

4.

MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES

 

The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic 321, Investments - Equity Securities. ASC Topic 321 requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating income (expense).

 

Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair market value included in the determination of net income. The fair market value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. See Note 18 – Fair Value of Financial Instruments for additional information regarding the valuation of marketable equity securities.

 

The following table sets forth cost, market value and unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available-for-sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Available-for-sale securities:

               

Fair market value

  $ 29,521     $ 27,549  

Cost

    24,156       25,602  

Unrealized gain

  $ 5,365     $ 1,947  

 

- 48 -

 

The following table sets forth the gross unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Available-for-sale securities:

               

Gross unrealized gains

  $ 7,808     $ 5,668  

Gross unrealized losses

    2,443       3,721  

Net unrealized gains

  $ 5,365     $ 1,947  

 

For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company recognized dividends of approximately $1,309,000, $1,171,000, and $999,000 in non-operating income in its statements of operations, respectively.

 

The following table shows the Company’s net realized gains during 2019, 2018 and 2017 on certain marketable equity securities.

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Realized gains:

                       

Sale proceeds

  $ 2,984     $ 1,044     $ 6,833  

Cost of securities sold

    1,929       669       2,098  
                         

Realized gains

  $ 1,055     $ 375     $ 4,735  
                         

Realized gains, net of taxes

  $ 815     $ 278     $ 2,938  

 

At December 31, 2019, the Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and related gross unrealized losses were $8,587,000 and $2,443,000, respectively. At December 31, 2018, the Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and related gross unrealized losses were $12,399,000 and $3,721,000, respectively.

 

The market value of the Company’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding margin account borrowings. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $7,474,000 and $11,281,000 under its margin account, respectively, which is reflected in accrued expenses. The interest rate on margin account borrowings was 2.40% and 3.11% as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

- 49 -

 

 

5.

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

 

Accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31 are summarized as follows:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Payroll

  $ 2,226     $ 2,955  

Accrued vacation

    2,191       1,987  

Taxes—other than income

    2,719       2,319  

Interest

    284       249  

Driver escrows

    2,211       2,722  

Margin account borrowings

    7,474       11,281  

Self-insurance claims

    2,988       1,984  

Legal reserves

    19,901       -  

Current portion of Right-of-Use asset

    616       -  
                 

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities

  $ 40,610     $ 23,497  

 

 

6.

CLAIMS LIABILITIES

 

The Company maintains cargo insurance coverage to protect it from certain business risks. This policy has a per occurrence deductible of $10,000.

 

On September 1, 2019, the Company elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million. Prior to September 1, 2019, the Company maintained auto liability insurance coverage for these layers. The Company specifically reserves for claims that are expected to exceed $1.0 million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims.

 

Beginning September 1, 2018, the Company became self-insured for physical damage losses on its trucks. Prior to October 1, 2013, the Company was self-insured for physical damage losses on its trailers. From October 1, 2013 until September 30, 2015, the Company insured its trailers for physical damage losses with a $2,500 deductible per occurrence. Beginning October 1, 2015, the Company elected to self-insure trailers for physical damage losses.

 

The Company maintains workers’ compensation coverage in Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Florida with a $500,000 self-insured retention and a $500,000 per occurrence excess policy. The Company has elected to opt out of workers’ compensation coverage in Texas and is providing coverage through the P.A.M. Texas Injury Plan. The Company has accrued for estimated losses to pay such claims as well as claims incurred but not yet reported. The Company has not experienced any adverse trends involving differences in claims experienced versus claims estimates for workers’ compensation claims. Letters of credit aggregating approximately $430,000 and certificates of deposit totaling $300,000 are held by banks as security for workers’ compensation claims. The Company self-insures for employee health claims with a stop loss of $350,000 per covered employee per year and estimates its liability for claims outstanding and claims incurred but not reported. See Note 5 – Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities for additional information regarding self-insurance claims liabilities.

 

- 50 -

 

 

7.

LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt at December 31, consists of the following:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Line of credit with a bank—due July 1, 2022, and collateralized by accounts receivable (1)

    17,047       10,192  

Equipment financing (2)

    224,777       211,031  

Total long-term debt

    241,824       221,223  

Less current maturities

    (67,637 )     (63,908 )
                 

Long-term debt—net of current maturities

  $ 174,187     $ 157,315  

 

 

(1)

Line of credit agreement with a bank provides for maximum borrowings of $60.0 million and contains certain restrictive covenants that must be maintained by the Company on a consolidated basis. Borrowings on the line of credit are at an interest rate of LIBOR as of the first day of the month plus 1.25% (2.96% at December 31, 2019) and are secured by our trade accounts receivable. An “unused fee” of 0.25% is charged if average daily borrowings are less than $18.0 million in a given month. Monthly payments of interest are required under this agreement. Also, under the terms of the agreement the Company must maintain a debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio of less than 4.00:1. The Company was in compliance with all provisions under this agreement throughout 2019. At December 31, 2019, outstanding advances on the line were approximately $17.4 million, including letters of credit totaling $0.4 million, with availability to borrow $42.6 million. At December 31, 2018, outstanding advances on the line were approximately $10.9 million, including letters of credit totaling $0.7 million.

 

 

(2)

Equipment financings consist of installment obligations for revenue equipment purchases, payable in various monthly installments with various maturity dates through September 2026, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.65% as of December 31, 2019 and collateralized by revenue equipment.

 

The Company has provided letters of credit to third parties totaling approximately $430,000 and $700,000 at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively. The letters are held by these third parties to assist such parties in collection of any amounts due by the Company should the Company default in its commitments to the parties.

 

Scheduled annual maturities on long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2019, are:

 

2020

  $ 67,637  

2021

    41,629  

2022

    55,460  

2023

    47,211  

2024

    26,157  

2025

    2,955  

2026

    775  
         

Total

  $ 241,824  

 

 

8.

NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

The Company financed approximately $24.5 million and $68.1 million in equipment purchases during 2019 and 2018, respectively, utilizing noncash financing.

 

- 51 -

 

 

9.

CAPITAL STOCK

 

The Company's authorized capital stock consists of 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share. At December 31, 2019, there were 11,656,160 shares of our common stock issued and 5,748,897 shares outstanding. At December 31, 2018, there were 11,612,144 shares of our common stock issued and 5,956,558 shares outstanding. No shares of our preferred stock were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2019 or 2018.

 

Common Stock

 

The holders of our common stock, subject to such rights as may be granted to any preferred stockholders, elect all directors and are entitled to one vote per share. All shares of common stock participate equally in dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors and in net assets on liquidation. The shares of common stock have no preference, conversion, exchange, preemptive, or cumulative voting rights.

 

Preferred Stock

 

Preferred stock may be issued from time to time by our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, in such series and with such preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or other provisions, as may be fixed by the Board of Directors in the resolution authorizing their issuance. The issuance of preferred stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect the rights of holders of shares of common stock; for example, the issuance of preferred stock could result in a class of securities outstanding that would have certain preferences with respect to dividends and in liquidation over the common stock, and that could result in a dilution of the voting rights, net income per share and net book value of the common stock. As of December 31, 2019, we have no agreements or understandings for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.

 

Treasury Stock

 

In May 2019, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 200,000 shares of our common stock through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2019 tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares, which totaled 118,996 shares. The 2019 tender offer commenced on May 13, 2019 and expired on June 11, 2019. Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $55.00 to $60.00 per share. Upon expiration, 192,743 shares were purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of $60.00 per share for a total of approximately $11.6 million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on June 13, 2019. The Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2019.

 

In May 2018, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 100,000 shares of our common stock through a Dutch auction tender offer (the “2018 tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional 2% of its outstanding shares, which totaled 124,248 shares. The 2018 tender offer commenced on May 8, 2018 and expired on June 7, 2018. Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of $39.00 to $43.00 per share. Upon expiration, 185,597 shares were purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of $40.00 per share for a total of approximately $7.5 million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on June 12, 2018. The Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2018.

 

The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in April 2017, when the Board of Directors reauthorized 500,000 shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial September 2011 authorization. The Company repurchased 58,934 shares and 101,754 shares of its common stock under this program during 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method, and as of December 31, 2019, 5,907,263 shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately $156,836,650.

 

- 52 -

 

 

10.

SEGMENT INFORMATION, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS

 

The Company's revenues for 2019, 2018 and 2017 were all generated from operations in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under GAAP.

 

The table below presents revenue dollars and percentages by geographic area:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 
   

Amount

   

Percent

   

Amount

   

Percent

   

Amount

   

Percent

 

United States - domestic shipments

  $ 326,559       63.5     $ 302,754       56.8     $ 255,197       58.3  

Shipments to or from Mexico

    186,391       36.3       229,350       43.0       181,099       41.4  

Shipments to or from Canada

    1,226       0.2       1,157       0.2       1,542       0.3  
                                                 

Total Operating Revenues

  $ 514,177       100 %   $ 533,261       100 %   $ 437,838       100 %

 

Our five largest customers, for which we provide carrier services covering a number of geographic locations, accounted for approximately 40%, 42% and 41% of our total revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. General Motors Company accounted for approximately 19%, 13% and 18% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accounted for approximately 9%, 16% and 10% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately 7%, 8% and 9% of our revenues in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile manufacturers. Approximately 40%, 46% and 46% of our revenues were derived from transportation services provided to the automobile industry during 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

Accounts receivable from the three largest customers totaled approximately $31,327,000 and $30,848,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

 

 

11.

DIVIDENDS

 

The Company has paid cash dividends in the past; however, the Company currently intends to retain future earnings and does not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other factors the Board deems relevant.

 

- 53 -

 

 

12.

FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES

 

Under GAAP, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes.

 

Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets at December 31 are as follows:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                 

Deferred tax liabilities:

               

Property and equipment

  $ 83,453     $ 78,502  

Unrealized gains on securities

    2,580       2,580  

Prepaid expenses and other

    2,193       2,667  
                 

Total deferred tax liabilities

    88,226       83,749  
                 

Deferred tax assets:

               

Allowance for doubtful accounts

    760       572  

QAFMV tax credit carryforward

    864       864  

New hire tax credit

    124       124  

Compensated absences

    512       460  

Self-insurance allowances

    5,630       188  

Marketable equity securities

    1,253       2,200  

Net operating loss carryover

    15,364       17,241  

Other

    198       203  
                 

Total deferred tax assets

    24,705       21,852  
                 

Net deferred tax liability

  $ 63,521     $ 61,897  

 

The reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the statutory Federal income tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 is presented in the following table:

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 
   

Amount

   

Percent

   

Amount

   

Percent

   

Amount

   

Percent

 
                                                 

Income tax at the statutory federal rate

  $ 2,124       21.0     $ 6,582       21.0     $ 4,975       34.0  

Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act(1)

    -       -       -       -       (29,255 )     (199.9 )

Nondeductible expenses

    342       3.4       80       0.2       72       0.5  

State income taxes/other—net of federal benefit

    (251 )     (2.5 )     685       2.2       (60 )     (0.5 )
                                                 

Total income tax expense (benefit)

  $ 2,215       21.9     $ 7,347       23.4     $ (24,268 )     (165.9 )

 


(1) On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act included numerous changes to existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) allowing a refund of existing AMT carryovers during the years 2018 through 2021. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $29.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities.

 

- 54 -

 

The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following:

 

   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Current:

                       

Federal

  $ (56 )   $ (48 )   $ (79 )

State

    646       189       441  

Total current income tax provision

    590       141       362  

Deferred:

                       

Federal

    2,177       6,185       (24,622 )

State

    (552 )     1,021       (8 )

Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)

    1,625       7,206       (24,630 )
                         

Total income tax provision (benefit) expense

  $ 2,215     $ 7,347     $ (24,268 )

 

At December 31, 2019, the Company has alternative minimum tax credits of approximately $607,000 which will either be refunded at the rate of 50% of the remaining credit each succeeding year, or used to offset regular Federal income tax in those succeeding years. The Company has general business credits of approximately $988,000 at December 31, 2018, which begin to expire after the year 2030. The Company also has net operating loss carryovers for federal income purposes of approximately $66,805,000 of which $30,835,000 will begin to expire after the year 2030 while the remaining balance does not expire and can be carried forward indefinitely.

 

In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-10-30, weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was not necessary.

 

The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of December 31, 2019, an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has not been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During 2019 and 2018, the Company has not recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.

 

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates generally provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitation period of three years, and as a result, the Company’s tax years 2016 and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.

 

 

13.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company maintains a stock incentive plan under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and other stock awards may be granted. On March 13, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and on May 29, 2014 our shareholders approved, the 2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which amended and restated the Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan, 750,000 shares are reserved for the issuance of stock awards to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The stock option exercise price and the restricted stock purchase price under the 2014 Plan shall not be less than 85% of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair market value is determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option or award is granted.

 

- 55 -

 

In April 2019, the Company granted 1,845 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $48.94 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.

 

In May 2019, the Company granted 213 shares of common stock to a non-employee director. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $47.06 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.

 

In December 2018, the Company granted 33,000 restricted shares of common stock to certain key employees. These restricted stock awards have a grant date fair value of $36.35 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, with one fourth of the award vesting each of the next four years on the anniversary date.

 

In March 2018, the Company granted 1,932 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $36.35 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.

 

In April 2017, the Company granted 100,000 restricted shares of common stock to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. This restricted stock award has a grant date fair value of $16.38, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, with one third of the award vesting each of the next three years on the anniversary date.

 

In March 2017, the Company granted 4,298 shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of $16.29 per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and vested immediately.

 

During 2019 and 2018, there were no grants of stock options and there were no outstanding stock options at December 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018. At December 31, 2019, approximately 407,000 shares were available for granting future options or restricted stock.

 

The grant date fair value of stock and stock options vested during 2019, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $953,000, $719,000 and $256,000, respectively. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately $912,000 during 2019 and includes approximately $100,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 205 shares of stock to nine non-employee directors and 213 shares of stock to one non-employee director during the second quarter of 2019. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately $200,000 related to stock-based compensation expense during 2019. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.12 during 2019. As of December 31, 2019, the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately $924,000 which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately $399,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during 2020, $263,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during 2021, and $262,000 in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during 2022.

 

Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately $732,000 during 2018 and includes approximately $70,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 276 shares of stock to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2018. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately $172,000 related to stock-based compensation expense during 2018. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.09 and $0.10, respectively, during 2018.

 

Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately $614,000 during 2017 and included approximately $70,000 recognized as a result of the grant of 614 shares of stock to each non-employee director during the first quarter of 2017. The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately $231,000 related to stock-based compensation expense during 2017. The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately $0.26 during 2017.

 

- 56 -

 

Transactions in stock options under these plans are summarized as follows:

 

   

Shares

Under

Option

   

Weighted-

Average

Exercise Price

 

Outstanding—January 1, 2017:

    56,131     $ 10.85  

Granted

    -       -  

Exercised

    (11,063 )     11.13  

Canceled

    -       -  

Outstanding—December 31, 2017:

    45,068     $ 10.79  

Granted

    -       -  

Exercised

    (45,005 )     10.79  

Canceled

    (63 )     11.22  

Outstanding—December 31, 2018:

    -     $ -  

Granted

    -       -  

Exercised

    -       -  

Canceled

    -       -  

Outstanding—December 31, 2019:

    -     $ -  

Options exercisable—December 31, 2019:

    -     $ -  

 

There were no options granted during 2019, 2018, or 2017. There were no options canceled, forfeited, or expired during 2017. The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options canceled, forfeited, or expired during 2018 was $6.34.

 

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, were approximately $1,406,000 and $82,000, respectively.

 

A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of December 31, 2019 and changes during the year ended December 31, 2019, is presented below:

 

   

Restricted Stock

 
   

Number of

Shares

   

Weighted-

Average Grant

Date Fair

Value

 

Nonvested at January 1, 2019

    100,917     $ 23.09  

Granted

    2,058       48.75  

Canceled/forfeited/expired

    (3,500 )     36.35  

Vested

    (44,016 )     21.65  

Nonvested at December 31, 2019

    55,459     $ 24.35  

 

Cash received from option exercises totaled approximately $0, $485,000 and $123,000 during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company issued new shares upon option exercise.

 

- 57 -

 

 

14.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per common share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share was calculated as follows:

 

   

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2019

   

2018

   

2017

 
   

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
                         

Net income

  $ 7,900     $ 23,994     $ 38,899  
                         

Basic weighted average common shares outstanding

    5,832       6,083       6,331  

Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents

    48       76       67  
                         

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding

    5,880       6,159       6,398  
                         

Basic earnings per share

  $ 1.35     $ 3.94     $ 6.14  
                         

Diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.34     $ 3.90     $ 6.08  

 

 

15.

BENEFIT PLAN

 

The Company sponsors a benefit plan for the benefit of all eligible employees. The plan qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code thereby allowing eligible employees to make tax-deductible contributions to the plan. The plan provides for employer matching contributions of 50% of each participant’s voluntary contribution up to 3% of the participant’s compensation and vests at the rate of 20% each year until fully vested after five years. Total employer matching contributions to the plan were approximately $198,000, $176,000 and $179,000 in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

 

16.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Other than the lawsuits discussed below, the Company is not a party to any pending legal proceedings which management believes to be material to the Consolidated financial statements of the Company.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on December 9, 2016, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of December 9, 2013, through December 31, 2019, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On February 18, 2020, the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a $16.5 million settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court. As of December 31, 2019, the preliminary settlement amount of $16.5 million was reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Management has determined that any losses under this claims will not be covered by existing insurance policies.

 

We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on May 29, 2019, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are independent contractors who have been under contract with the Company during the period of May 29, 2016 through the date of filing, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, have filed causes of action alleging “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. Management has determined that any losses under this claims will not be covered by existing insurance policies.

 

- 58 -

 

We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. On September 1, 2019, we elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million for which we previously maintained auto liability insurance coverage. We currently specifically reserve for claims that are expected to exceed $1.0 million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims. Based on our knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of such claims and pending litigation will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if we experience claims that are not covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

During 2014 and 2015, the Company’s subsidiaries entered into operating leases for the lease of 471 trucks. Revenue equipment held under these operating leases was not carried on our balance sheet and the respective lease payments are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of the Rents and purchased transportation category. The final 56 trucks operated under these lease agreements were returned or purchased by January 31, 2018.

 

Total rental expense, net of amounts reimbursed, for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 related to truck leases was approximately $0, $47,000, and $5,460,000, respectively.

 

 

17.

LEASES

 

Right-of-Use Leases

 

During 2019, the Company entered into operating leases which include initial terms of approximately five years and which do not include an option for early cancellation. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 842, these leases resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities, respectively, valued at $2.1 million as of December 31, 2019. These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of the respective dates of lease inception, as the rate implicit in each lease is not readily determinable. The right-of-use assets are recorded in other assets, and the lease liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities and in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in rent and purchased transportation in our consolidated statements of operations. While the lease agreements contain provisions to extend after the initial term for an additional five years, the Company is not reasonably certain these extension options will be exercised. Therefore, potential lease payments that might occur under this extension period are not included in amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2019.

 

- 59 -

 

Scheduled amounts and timing of cash flows arising from operating lease payments at December 31, 2019, are:

 

    (in thousands)  

Maturity of Lease Liabilities

       

2020

  $ 616  

2021

    627  

2022

    544  

2023

    340  

2024

    114  

Thereafter

    0  

Total undiscounted operating lease payments

  $ 2,241  

Less: Imputed interest

    (143 )

Present value of operating lease liabilities

  $ 2,098  
         

Balance Sheet Classification

       

Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)

  $ 2,098  
         

Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)

  $ 616  

Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)

    1,482  

Total operating lease liabilities

  $ 2,098  
         

Other Information

       

Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (in years)

    3.74  

Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases

    3.59 %

 

Cash Flows

 

Right-of-use assets of $2.4 million were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities during the year ended December 31, 2019. Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of right-of-use lease liabilities was $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 and is included in operating cash flows.

 

Cash Paid for Operating Leases

 

       

Twelve Months

Ended

 
       

December 31,

 
       

2019

   

2018

 
   

(in thousands)

 
                     

Right-of-Use leases

      $ 255     $ -  

Short-term leases (1)

        2,214       2,174  

Total

      $ 2,469     $ 2,174  

 

(1) Short-term lease cost includes leases with a term of twelve months or less and leases with options for early cancellation.

 

Lease Revenue

 

The Company has a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease a Company-owned truck. The terms associated with these leases require weekly lease payments over the term of the leases which range from 7 to 60 months. The cost and carrying amount of Company-owned trucks in this program at December 31, 2019 were approximately $60,130,000 and $33,757,000, respectively. 

 

- 60 -

 

Leases in our lease-purchase program expire at various dates through 2024. Payments received under this program are classified in the Company’s financial statements under the consolidated statements of operations category Revenue. Future minimum lease receipts related to these leases at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $18,792,000 and $22,319,000, respectively. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the equipment, down to an estimated salvage value. In most cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are not guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company incurred $6.7 million of depreciation expense for these assets.

 

The Company leases office and shop facilities to a related party at our Laredo, Texas terminal. At December 31, 2019, the cost and carrying amount of the facilities leased were approximately $1,697,000 and $1,080,000, respectively. Future minimum lease receipts related to this lease at December 31, 2019 are approximately $12,000. See Note 19 – Related Party Transactions for additional information regarding the Company’s transactions with related persons.

 

The Company's operating lease revenue is disclosed in the table below.

 

     

 

Twelve Months Ended

 
     

December 31,

 
     

2019

   

2018

 
 

(in thousands)

 
                   

Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)

    $ 9,220     $ 8,101  

Leased dock space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)

      155       155  

Total lease revenue

    $ 9,375     $ 8,256  

 

Lease Receivable

 

Future minimum operating lease payments receivable at December 31, 2019:

 

   

(in thousands)

 

2020

  $ 7,811  

2021

    3,847  

2022

    3,404  

2023

    2,728  

2024

    1,002  

Thereafter

    -  

Total future minimum lease payments receivable

  $ 18,792  

 

 

Lease Payments to Related Parties

 

Payments to related parties of $813,756 were made for real estate leases during 2019 which include maintenance facilities in one state and trailer drop yards in eleven states. The leases are generally month-to-month leases with automatic renewal provisions.

 

ASC Topic 840 disclosures

 

The ASC Topic 840 Comparative Approach for adopting ASC Topic 842 requires companies to provide disclosures for all periods that continue to be in accordance with ASC Topic 840.

 

The Company has a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease a Company-owned truck. The cost and carrying amount of the Company-owned trucks in this program at December 31, 2018 were approximately $61,061,000 and $34,299,000, respectively. Payments under this program are classified in the Company's financial statements under the consolidated statement of operations category Revenue.

 

- 61 -

 

Future minimum operating lease payments receivable as of December 31, 2018:

 

   

(in thousands)

 

2019

  $ 9,649  

2020

    6,497  

2021

    2,417  

2022

    2,025  

2023

    1,731  

Thereafter

    -  

Total future minimum lease payments

  $ 22,319  

 

The Company leases office and shop facilities to a related party. At December 31, 2018, the cost and carrying amount of the facilities leased were approximately $1,697,000 and $1,138,000, respectively. Future minimum lease receipts related to this lease at December 31, 2018 were approximately $12,000.

 

During 2018 the Company leased office, shop and parking spaces from various lessors, including a related party. The initial term for the majority of these leases is one year, with an option for early cancellation and an option to renew for subsequent one-month periods. These leases can be terminated by either party by providing notice to the other party of the intent to cancel or to not extend. Relatively short lease durations for these properties are intended to provide flexibility to the Company as changing operational needs and shifting opportunities often result in cancellation or non-renewal of these leases by the Company or the lessor. The minimum operating lease payable under these arrangements was approximately $284,000 as of December 31, 2018.   

 

 

 

18.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable equity securities, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings.

 

The Company follows the guidance for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. The guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.

 

 

The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

 

Level 1:

 

Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 

 

 

 

 

Level 2:

 

Inputs other than Level 1 inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable; or other inputs not directly observable, but derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.

       

 

Level 3:

 

Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity.

 

The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

 

At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
                                                                 
   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

   

Total

   

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

 

Marketable equity securities

  $ 29,521     $ 29,521       -       -     $ 27,549     $ 27,549       -       -  

 

 

- 62 -

 

During 2019 and 2018, there were no transfers of marketable securities between levels of fair value measurement.

 

The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities.

 

The carrying amount for the line of credit approximates fair value because the line of credit interest rate is adjusted frequently.

 

For long-term debt other than the lines of credit, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying values and estimated fair values of this other long-term debt at December 31, 2019 and 2018 are summarized as follows:

 

   

2019

   

2018

 
   

Carrying

Value

   

Estimated

Fair Value

   

Carrying

Value

   

Estimated

Fair Value

 
   

(in thousands)

 

Long-term debt

  $ 224,777     $ 228,449     $ 211,031     $ 210,234  

 

 

The Company has not elected the fair value option for any of our financial instruments.

 

 

19.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

In the normal course of business, transactions for transportation and repair services, equipment, property leases and other services are conducted between the Company and companies affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder. The Company recognized approximately $2,691,000, $2,854,000 and $585,000 in operating revenue and approximately $9,190,000, $9,859,000 and $7,497,000 in operating expenses in 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

 

The Company purchased physical damage, auto liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance through an unaffiliated insurance broker which was written by an insurance company affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder. The premiums for physical damage coverage were approximately $0, $1,271,000 and $1,808,000 for 2019, 2018, and 2017, respectively. Premiums for auto liability coverage during 2019, 2018, and 2017 were approximately $10,345,000, $10,987,000, and $10,860,000, respectively. Premiums for general liability coverage during 2019, 2018, and 2017 were approximately $0, $24,000 and $35,000, respectively. Premiums for workers’ compensation coverage during 2019, 2018, and 2017 were approximately $266,000, $301,000 and $286,000, respectively.

 

 

Amounts owed to the Company by these affiliates were approximately $1,052,000 and $149,000 at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Of the accounts receivable at December 31, 2019 and 2018, approximately $1,052,000 and $147,000 represent freight transportation and approximately $0 and $2,000 represent revenue resulting from maintenance performed in the Company’s maintenance facilities and charges paid by the Company to third parties on behalf of their affiliate and charged back at the amount paid, respectively. Amounts representing prepaid insurance premiums at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $0 and $29,000, respectively. Amounts payable to affiliates at December 31, 2019 and 2018 were approximately $961,000 and $2,161,000 respectively.

 

An insurance company affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder has specific knowledge, experience and expertise related to self-insured claims development and assists the Company in establishing fully developed reserve estimates related to certain auto liability claims in excess of $1.0 million.

 

- 63 -

 

 

20.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

 

The tables below present quarterly financial information for 2019 and 2018:

 

   

2019

 
   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
   

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
                                 

Operating revenues

  $ 128,686     $ 133,000     $ 128,994     $ 123,497  

Operating expenses and costs

    118,999       119,789       121,461       141,381  
                                 

Operating income (loss)

    9,687       13,211       7,533       (17,884 )

Non-operating income (loss)

    3,472       (197 )     490       2,457  

Interest expense

    (2,040 )     (2,059 )     (2,178 )     (2,377 )

Income tax (expense) benefit

    (2,818 )     (2,301 )     (1,264 )     4,168  
                                 

Net income (loss)

  $ 8,301     $ 8,654     $ 4,581     $ (13,636 )
                                 

Net income (loss) per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ 1.40     $ 1.47     $ 0.80     $ (2.37 )

Diluted

  $ 1.39     $ 1.45     $ 0.79     $ (2.37 )
                                 

Average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    5,921       5,901       5,756       5,751  

Diluted

    5,985       5,949       5,799       5,751  

 

 

   

2018

 
   

Three Months Ended

 
   

March 31

   

June 30

   

September 30

   

December 31

 
   

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
                                 

Operating revenues

  $ 119,458     $ 135,302     $ 140,325     $ 138,176  

Operating expenses and costs

    115,702       125,285       127,172       123,500  
                                 

Operating income

    3,756       10,017       13,153       14,676  

Non-operating (loss) income

    (879 )     632       935       (4,704 )

Interest expense

    (1,160 )     (1,355 )     (1,711 )     (2,019 )

Income tax expense

    (330 )     (2,005 )     (3,129 )     (1,883 )
                                 

Net income

  $ 1,387     $ 7,289     $ 9,248     $ 6,070  
                                 

Net income per common share:

                               

Basic

  $ 0.22     $ 1.18     $ 1.53     $ 1.02  

Diluted

  $ 0.22     $ 1.17     $ 1.52     $ 1.01  
                                 

Average common shares outstanding:

                               

Basic

    6,168       6,159       6,034       5,975  

Diluted

    6,264       6,229       6,088       6,029  

 

 

- 64 -

 

 

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

 

None.

 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Our management, with the participation of our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs.

 

Based on management’s evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that, as of December 31, 2019, our disclosure controls and procedures are designed at a reasonable assurance level and are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, 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.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

We regularly review our system of internal control over financial reporting and make changes to our processes and systems to improve controls and increase efficiency, while ensuring that we maintain an effective internal control environment. Changes may include such activities as implementing new, more efficient systems, consolidating activities, and migrating processes.

 

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last quarter of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2019. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with our Audit Committee. The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by Grant Thornton LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in its report which is included below.

 

- 65 -

 

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Stockholders

P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc.

 

Opinion on internal control over financial reporting

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019, and our report dated March 13, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

 

Basis for opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

Definition and limitations of internal control over financial reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

March 13, 2020

 

- 66 -

 

Item 9B. Other Information.

 

None.

 

PART III

 

Portions of the information required by Part III of Form 10-K are, pursuant to General Instruction G-(3) of Form 10-K, incorporated by reference from our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A for our Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on April 29, 2020. We will, within 120 days of the end of our fiscal year, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A.

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

 

The information presented under the captions “Election of Directors,” “Executive Compensation,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance – Code of Ethics,” “Corporate Governance – Director Nominating Process” and “Corporate Governance – Board Committees,” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

 

The information presented under the captions “Executive Compensation,” “Corporate Governance – Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation,” and “Compensation Committee Report” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

 

The information presented under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the proxy statement is incorporated herein by reference.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2019, information about compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance:

 

 

Plan Category

 

Number of securities to

be issued upon exercise

of outstanding options,

warrants and rights(1)

   

Weighted-average

exercise price of

outstanding

options, warrants

and rights(1)

   

Number of securities

remaining available for

future issuance under

equity compensation

plans

 

Equity Compensation Plans approved by Security Holders

    55,459       -       406,651  
                         

Equity Compensation Plans not approved by Security Holders

    -       -       -  
                         

Total

    55,459       -       406,651  

 

 

(1)

Consists of unvested shares of restricted stock, which do not require the payment of an exercise price.

 

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

The information presented under the captions “Transactions with Related Persons” and “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” in the proxy statement is incorporated here by reference.

 

- 67 -

 

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

 

The information presented under the caption “Independent Public Accountants – Principal Accountant Fees and Services” in the proxy statement is incorporated here by reference.

 

PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

 

(a)

Financial Statements and Schedules.

 

 

(1)

Financial Statements: See Part II, Item 8 hereof.

 

 

Report

of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP

 

Consolidated

Balance Sheets - December 31, 2019 and 2018

 

Consolidated

Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

Consolidated

Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

Consolidated

Statements of Stockholders’ Equity - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

Consolidated

Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017

 

Notes

to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

(2)

Financial Statement Schedules.

 

 

All

schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are omitted as the required information is inapplicable, or because the information is presented in the consolidated financial statements or related notes.

 

- 68 -

 

 

(3)

Exhibits.

 

 

Exhibit #

 

Description of Exhibit

     

3.1

 

Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (incorporated by referenc to Exhibit 3.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2002, filed on May 15, 2002)

     

3.2

 

Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2007)

     

3.3

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 7, 2020)

     

4.1

 

Specimen Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act of 1933, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 1986, Registration No. 33-7618, as amended on August 8, 1986, September 3, 1986 and September 10, 1986)

     

4.2

 

Description of Capital Stock of the Registrant

     

10.1

(1)

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Daniel H. Cushman, dated June 29, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, filed on August 7, 2009)

     

10.2

(1)

Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Allen W. West, dated March 7, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2019)

     

10.3

(1)

Consulting Agreement between the Registrant and Manuel J. Moroun, dated December 6, 2007 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, filed on March 14, 2008)

     

10.4

(1)

Amendment No. 1 to Consulting Agreement between the Company and Manuel J. Moroun, dated April 25, 2018 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 30, 2018)

     

10.5

(1)

2014 Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 23, 2014)

     

10.6

 

Amended and Restated Loan Agreement dated March 28, 2016 and among P.A.M. Transport, Inc., First Tennessee Bank National Association and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2016)

     

10.7

 

Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated July 27, 2017, by and among P.A.M. Transport, Inc., First Tennessee Bank National Association and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2019)

     

10.8

 

Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated January 25, 2019, by and among P.A.M. Transport, Inc., First Tennessee Bank National Association and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2019)

     

10.9

 

Fifth Amended and Restated Consolidated Revolving Credit Note, dated January 25, 2019, by P.A.M. Transport, Inc. in favor of First Tennessee Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2019)

     

10.10

 

Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated March 28, 2016 by between P.A.M. Transport, Inc. and First Tennessee Bank National Association (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 1, 2016)

     

10.11

 

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Security Agreement, dated January 25, 2019, by and between P.A.M. Transport, Inc. and First Tennessee Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2019)

 

- 69 -

 

10.12

 

Fifth Amended and Restated Guaranty Agreement of the Company, dated January 25, 2019, in favor of First Tennessee Bank National Association (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 31, 2019)

     

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

     

23.1

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

     

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Executive Officer

     

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a) Certification of Principal Financial Officer

     

32.1

 

Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer

     

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document

     

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

     

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

     

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

     

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

     

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

     

(1) Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

 

- 70 -

 

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.

 

     

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman

 
     

DANIEL H. CUSHMAN

 
     

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
     

(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 and on the dates indicated.

 
         
         
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Michael D. Bishop

 
     

MICHAEL D. BISHOP, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Frederick P. Calderone

 
     

FREDERICK P. CALDERONE, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman

 
     

DANIEL H. CUSHMAN

 
     

President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

 
     

(principal executive officer)

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ W. Scott Davis

 
     

W. SCOTT DAVIS, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Edwin J. Lukas

 
     

EDWIN J. LUKAS, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Franklin H. McLarty

 
     

FRANKLIN H. MCLARTY, Director

 

 

       

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ H. Pete Montaño

 

 

   

H. PETE MONTAÑO, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Manuel J. Moroun

 
     

MANUEL J. MOROUN, Director

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Matthew T. Moroun

 
     

MATTHEW T. MOROUN, Director and Chairman of the Board

 
         

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

 

/s/ Allen W. West

 
     

ALLEN W. WEST,

 
     

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer,

 
     

Secretary and Treasurer

 
     

(principal financial and accounting officer)

 

 

- 71 -

 

ex_175964.htm

EXHIBIT 4.2

 

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

 

The following is a summary of the material terms of the capital stock of P.A.M Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”) and the provisions of the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate”) and Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended (“Bylaws”). It also summarizes relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which we refer to as Delaware law, or the “DGCL.” Since the terms of our Certificate, Bylaws and Delaware law are more detailed than the general information provided below, we urge you to read the actual provisions of those documents and Delaware law. The following summary of our capital stock is subject in all respects to Delaware law, our Certificate and our Bylaws. If you would like to read our Certificate or Bylaws, these documents are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

General 

 

The authorized capital stock of the Company consists of 40,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. As of December 31, 2019, there were 11,656,160 shares of our common stock issued, 5,748,897 shares of our common stock outstanding, and no shares of our preferred stock issued or outstanding. Our common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Stock Market.

 

Common Stock 

 

All of the outstanding shares of our common stock are fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Voting Rights. Each holder of our common stock is entitled to cast one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders, including the election of directors. Holders of our common stock have no cumulative voting rights.

 

Dividends. Holders of our common stock are entitled to receive dividends or other distributions declared by the board of directors. The right of the board of directors to declare dividends is subject to the right of any holders of our preferred stock and the availability under Delaware law of sufficient funds to pay dividends.

 

Liquidation Rights. If the Company is dissolved, our common stockholders will share ratably in the distribution of all assets that remain after we pay all of our liabilities and satisfy our obligations to the holders of any of our preferred stock.

  

Preemptive and Other Rights. Holders of our common stock have no preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities of the Company, and there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to our common stock.

 

Transfer Agent. The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Computershare Trust Company, N.A.

 

Preferred Stock 

 

The board of directors is authorized to issue shares of our preferred stock at any time, without stockholder approval. It has the authority to determine all aspects of those shares, including the following:

 

 

the designation and number of shares;

 

 

the dividend rate and preferences, if any, which dividends on that series of preferred stock will have compared to any other class or series of our capital stock;

 

 

the voting rights, if any;

 

 

the redemption price or prices and the other terms of redemption, if any, applicable to that series; and

 

 

any purchase, retirement or sinking fund provisions applicable to that series.

 

 

 

Any of these terms could have an adverse effect on the availability of earnings for distribution to the holders of our common stock or for other corporate purposes. We have no agreements or understandings for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.

 

Provisions That May Discourage Takeovers 

 

Delaware law and our Certificate and Bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of discouraging transactions involving an actual or threatened change of control. These provisions could protect the continuity of our directors and management and possibly deprive stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares of common stock at prices higher than the prevailing market prices. The following description is subject in its entirety to applicable Delaware law and our Certificate and Bylaws.

 

Business Combinations. We are subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, the statute prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in any business combination with any interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date that the stockholder became an interested stockholder unless:

 

 

prior to that date, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder;

 

 

upon consummation of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding those shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers, and employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or

 

 

on or subsequent to that date, the business combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not held by the interested stockholder.

 

Section 203 defines “business combination” to include:

 

 

any merger or consolidation involving the corporation and the interested stockholder;

 

 

any sale, transfer, pledge or other disposition involving the interested stockholder of 10% or more of the assets of the corporation;

 

 

subject to exceptions, any transaction that results in the issuance or transfer by the corporation of any stock of the corporation to the interested stockholder;

 

 

subject to exceptions, any transaction involving the corporation that increases the proportionate share of the stock of the corporation which is owned by the interested stockholder; or

 

 

the receipt by the interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees, pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation.

  

In general, Section 203 defines an interested stockholder as any person beneficially owning 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation and or person affiliated with or controlling or controlled by that person.

 

Ownership of Controlling Shares by the Moroun Family. As of February 25, 2020, our Chairman, Matthew T. Moroun, and his father, Manuel J. Moroun, beneficially own in the aggregate 3,922,864 shares, or 68.27%, of our outstanding common stock. Beneficial ownership of and voting control over this block of shares by the Moroun family could render it more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise and possibly deprive other stockholders of an opportunity to sell their shares at prices higher than the prevailing market prices.

 

 

 

Availability of Authorized but Unissued Shares. All of our preferred stock and a substantial amount of our common stock are authorized but unissued and not reserved for any particular purpose. Our board of directors may issue shares of authorized common or preferred stock without stockholder approval. If our board of directors decides to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, this could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of the Company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest or otherwise. Authorized but unissued shares also could be used to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company, including dilution through a stockholder rights plan of the type commonly known as a “poison pill,” which the board of directors could adopt without a stockholder vote.

 

Issuance of Preferred Stock. In addition, our board of directors could issue preferred shares having voting rights that adversely affect the voting power of our common stockholders, which could have the effect of delaying, deferring or impeding a change in control of the Company.

 

No Cumulative Voting. Under Delaware law, stockholders do not have cumulative voting rights for the election of directors unless the Certificate so provides. Our Certificate does not provide for cumulative voting.

 

Limitation on Calling Special Meetings of Stockholders. Delaware law allows the board of directors or such other persons as authorized by our Certificate or Bylaws to call special meetings of stockholders. Our Bylaws provide that a special meeting may be called by our President, our Chief Executive Officer, or our Chairman of the Board of Directors and must be called by the President or Secretary at the written request of two or more directors or at the written request of stockholders owning at least 75% of the shares of stock entitled to vote at the proposed special meeting. Business to be transacted at a special meeting is limited by our Bylaws to the purpose or purposes stated in the notice of the meeting, unless all of our stockholders are present in person or by proxy.

 

 

ex_175965.htm

EXHIBIT 21.1

 

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF REGISTRANT

 

 

P.A.M. Transport, Inc. (Arkansas Corporation)

 

P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC (Ohio LLC)

 

Overdrive Leasing, LLC (Ohio LLC)

 

P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc. (Arkansas Corporation)

 

T.T.X., LLC (Texas LLC)

 

Choctaw Express, LLC (Oklahoma LLC)

 

Choctaw Brokerage, Inc. (Oklahoma Corporation)

 

Decker Transport Co., LLC (Ohio LLC)

 

Transcend Logistics, Inc. (Indiana Corporation)

 

East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC (Arkansas LLC)

 

S & L Logistics, Inc. (Texas Corporation)

 

P.A.M. International, Inc. (Ohio Corporation)

 

P.A.M. Mexico Holdings, LLC (Arkansas LLC)

 

 

ex_175966.htm

EXHIBIT 23.1

 

 

 

 

 

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

We have issued our reports dated March 13, 2020, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and internal control over financial reporting in the Annual Report of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 333-224045) and on Form S-8 (File No. 333-198950).

 

 

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

 

Tulsa, Oklahoma

March 13, 2020

 

 

ex_175967.htm

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

I, DANIEL H. CUSHMAN, President and Chief Executive Officer, certify that:

 

(1)

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

 

(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 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 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: March 13, 2020

 

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman                     

Daniel H. Cushman

President and Chief Executive Officer

(principal executive officer)

 

 

ex_175968.htm

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

RULE 13a-14(a) CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, ALLEN W. WEST, Chief Financial Officer, certify that:

 

(1)

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation;

 

(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 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 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: March 13, 2020

 

/s/ Allen W. West                 

Allen W. West

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial

Officer, Secretary and Treasurer

(principal accounting and financial officer)

 

 

ex_175969.htm

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

 

CERTIFICATIONS OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

 

In connection with the Annual Report of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2019, (the "Report") as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, each of the undersigned hereby certifies that:

 

(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.

 

 

   

P.A.M. TRANSPORTATION SERVICES, INC.

 
       

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

/s/ Daniel H. Cushman

 
   

DANIEL H. CUSHMAN

 
   

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
   

(principal executive officer)

 
       

Dated: March 13, 2020

By:

/s/ Allen W. West

 
   

ALLEN W. WEST

 
   

Vice President-Finance, Chief Financial Officer,

 
   

Secretary and Treasurer

 
   

(principal accounting and financial officer)

 
       

 

 

 

 

 

v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes - Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Current:                      
Federal                 $ (56) $ (48) $ (79)
State                 646 189 441
Total current income tax provision                 590 141 362
Deferred:                      
Federal                 2,177 6,185 (24,622)
State                 (552) 1,021 (8)
Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)                 1,625 7,206 (24,630)
Total income tax provision (benefit) expense $ (4,168) $ 1,264 $ 2,301 $ 2,818 $ 1,883 $ 3,129 $ 2,005 $ 330 $ 2,215 $ 7,347 $ (24,268)
v3.20.1
Note 14 - Earnings Per Share - Computations of Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Net income                 $ 7,900 $ 23,994 $ 38,899
Basic (in shares) 5,751 5,756 5,901 5,921 5,975 6,034 6,159 6,168 5,832 6,083 6,331
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents (in shares)                 48 76 67
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares) 5,751 5,799 5,949 5,985 6,029 6,088 6,229 6,264 5,880 6,159 6,398
Basic (in dollars per share) $ (2.37) $ 0.80 $ 1.47 $ 1.40 $ 1.02 $ 1.53 $ 1.18 $ 0.22 $ 1.35 $ 3.94 $ 6.14
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ (2.37) $ 0.79 $ 1.45 $ 1.39 $ 1.01 $ 1.52 $ 1.17 $ 0.22 $ 1.34 $ 3.90 $ 6.08
v3.20.1
Note 1 - Accounting Policies - Useful Lives of Property and Equipment (Details)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Vehicles [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 3 years
Vehicles [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 5 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 7 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 3 years
Machinery and Equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 8 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 5 years
Building and Building Improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]  
Property and equipment (Year) 40 years
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block]
    (in thousands)  
Maturity of Lease Liabilities
       
2020
  $
616
 
2021
   
627
 
2022
   
544
 
2023
   
340
 
2024
   
114
 
Thereafter
   
0
 
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
  $
2,241
 
Less: Imputed interest
   
(143
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
  $
2,098
 
         
Balance Sheet Classification
       
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)
  $
2,098
 
         
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)
  $
616
 
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)
   
1,482
 
Total operating lease liabilities
  $
2,098
 
         
Other Information
       
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (in years)
   
3.74
 
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
   
3.59
%
Lease, Cost [Table Text Block]
       
Twelve Months
Ended
 
       
December
3
1
,
 
       
2019
   
2018
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                     
Right-of-Use leases
      $
255
    $
-
 
Short-term leases (1)
       
2,214
     
2,174
 
Total
      $
2,469
    $
2,174
 
Operating Lease, Lease Income [Table Text Block]
     
 
Twelve Months
E
nded
 
     
December 3
1
,
 
     
2019
   
2018
 
 
(in thousands)
 
                   
Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)
    $
9,220
    $
8,101
 
Leased dock space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)
     
155
     
155
 
Total lease revenue
    $
9,375
    $
8,256
 
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block]
   
(in thousands)
 
2020
  $
7,811
 
2021
   
3,847
 
2022
   
3,404
 
2023
   
2,728
 
2024
   
1,002
 
Thereafter
   
-
 
Total future minimum lease payments receivable
  $
18,792
 
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block]
   
(in thousands)
 
2019
  $
9,649
 
2020
   
6,497
 
2021
   
2,417
 
2022
   
2,025
 
2023
   
1,731
 
Thereafter
   
-
 
Total future minimum lease payments
  $
22,319
 
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities - Securities Classified As Available-for-sale (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Fair market value $ 29,521 $ 27,549
Cost 24,156 25,602
Unrealized gain $ 5,365 $ 1,947
v3.20.1
Note 20 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block]
20.
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)
 
The tables below present quarterly financial information for
2019
and
2018:
 
   
2019
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                                 
Operating revenues
  $
128,686
    $
133,000
    $
128,994
    $
123,497
 
Operating expenses and costs
   
118,999
     
119,789
     
121,461
     
141,381
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
   
9,687
     
13,211
     
7,533
     
(17,884
)
Non-operating income (loss)
   
3,472
     
(197
)    
490
     
2,457
 
Interest expense
   
(2,040
)    
(2,059
)    
(2,178
)    
(2,377
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
   
(2,818
)    
(2,301
)    
(1,264
)    
4,168
 
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $
8,301
    $
8,654
    $
4,581
    $
(13,636
)
                                 
Net income (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic
  $
1.40
    $
1.47
    $
0.80
    $
(2.37
)
Diluted
  $
1.39
    $
1.45
    $
0.79
    $
(2.37
)
                                 
Average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
5,921
     
5,901
     
5,756
     
5,751
 
Diluted
   
5,985
     
5,949
     
5,799
     
5,751
 
 
 
   
201
8
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                                 
Operating revenues
  $
119,458
    $
135,302
    $
140,325
    $
138,176
 
Operating expenses and costs
   
115,702
     
125,285
     
127,172
     
123,500
 
                                 
Operating income
   
3,756
     
10,017
     
13,153
     
14,676
 
Non-operating (loss) income
   
(879
)    
632
     
935
     
(4,704
)
Interest expense
   
(1,160
)    
(1,355
)    
(1,711
)    
(2,019
)
Income tax expense
   
(330
)    
(2,005
)    
(3,129
)    
(1,883
)
                                 
Net income
  $
1,387
    $
7,289
    $
9,248
    $
6,070
 
                                 
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $
0.22
    $
1.18
    $
1.53
    $
1.02
 
Diluted
  $
0.22
    $
1.17
    $
1.52
    $
1.01
 
                                 
Average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
6,168
     
6,159
     
6,034
     
5,975
 
Diluted
   
6,264
     
6,229
     
6,088
     
6,029
 
v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
12.
FEDERAL AND STATE INCOME TAXES
 
Under GAAP, deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and for income tax reporting purposes.
 
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and assets at
December 31
are as follows:
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
  $
83,453
    $
78,502
 
Unrealized gains on securities
   
2,580
     
2,580
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
2,193
     
2,667
 
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
88,226
     
83,749
 
                 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
760
     
572
 
QAFMV tax credit carryforward
   
864
     
864
 
New hire tax credit
   
124
     
124
 
Compensated absences
   
512
     
460
 
Self-insurance allowances
   
5,630
     
188
 
Marketable equity securities
   
1,253
     
2,200
 
Net operating loss carryover
   
15,364
     
17,241
 
Other
   
198
     
203
 
                 
Total deferred tax assets
   
24,705
     
21,852
 
                 
Net deferred tax liability
  $
63,521
    $
61,897
 
 
The reconciliation between the effective income tax rate and the statutory Federal income tax rate for the years ended
December 
31,
2019,
2018
and
2017
is presented in the following table:
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                                                 
Income tax at the statutory federal rate
  $
2,124
     
21.0
    $
6,582
     
21.0
    $
4,975
     
34.0
 
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(29,255
)    
(199.9
)
Nondeductible expenses
   
342
     
3.4
     
80
     
0.2
     
72
     
0.5
 
State income taxes/other—net of federal benefit
   
(251
)    
(2.5
)    
685
     
2.2
     
(60
)    
(0.5
)
                                                 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $
2,215
     
21.9
    $
7,347
     
23.4
    $
(24,268
)    
(165.9
)
 

(
1
) On
December 22, 2017,
the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act included numerous changes to existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 
35%
 to 
21%
effective
January 1, 2018
and repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) allowing a refund of existing AMT carryovers during the years
2018
through
2021.
As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of 
$29.3
million in the
fourth
quarter of
2017
related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities.
 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consisted of the following:
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
  $
(56
)   $
(48
)   $
(79
)
State
   
646
     
189
     
441
 
Total current income tax provision
   
590
     
141
     
362
 
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
   
2,177
     
6,185
     
(24,622
)
State
   
(552
)    
1,021
     
(8
)
Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)
   
1,625
     
7,206
     
(24,630
)
                         
Total income tax provision (benefit) expense
  $
2,215
    $
7,347
    $
(24,268
)
 
At
December 31, 2019,
the Company has alternative minimum tax credits of approximately
$607,000
which will either be refunded at the rate of
50%
of the remaining credit each succeeding year, or used to offset regular Federal income tax in those succeeding years. The Company has general business credits of approximately
$988,000
at
December 31, 2018,
which begin to expire after the year
2030.
The Company also has net operating loss carryovers for federal income purposes of approximately
$66,805,000
of which
$30,835,000
will begin to expire after the year
2030
while the remaining balance does
not
expire and can be carried forward indefinitely.
 
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
740
-
10
-
30,
weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was
not
necessary.
 
The Company recognizes a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than
not
that the position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. As of
December 31, 2019,
an adjustment to the Company’s consolidated financial statements for uncertain tax positions has
not
been required as management believes that the Company’s tax positions taken in income tax returns filed or to be filed are supported by clear and unambiguous income tax laws. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions, if any, in income tax expense. During
2019
and
2018,
the Company has
not
recognized or accrued any interest or penalties related to uncertain income tax positions.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. and Canadian federal income tax laws as well as the income tax laws of multiple state jurisdictions. The major tax jurisdictions in which the Company operates generally provide for a deficiency assessment statute of limitation period of
three
years, and as a result, the Company’s tax years
2016
and forward remain open to examination in those jurisdictions.
v3.20.1
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
16.
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Other than the lawsuits discussed below, the Company is
not
a party to any pending legal proceedings which management believes to be material to the Consolidated financial statements of the Company.
 
We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on
December 9, 2016,
in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company during the period of
December 9, 2013,
through
December 31, 2019,
allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. On
February 18, 2020,
the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas granted preliminary approval of a
$16.5
million settlement reached with the plaintiffs. The settlement is subject to final approval by the court. As of
December 31, 2019,
the preliminary settlement amount of
$16.5
million was reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Management has determined that any losses under this claims will
not
be covered by existing insurance policies.
 
We are a defendant in a collective- and class-action lawsuit which was filed on
May 29, 2019,
in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. The plaintiffs, who are independent contractors who have been under contract with the Company during the period of
May 29, 2016
through the date of filing, allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law. The plaintiffs, through their attorneys, have filed causes of action alleging “misclassification as independent contractors, payment on the basis of miles without regard to the number of hours worked, improper deductions, and failure to pay minimum wage.” The plaintiffs are seeking actual and liquidated damages to include court costs and legal fees. Management has determined that any losses under this claims will
not
be covered by existing insurance policies.
 
We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the ordinary conduct of business. We also provide accruals for claims within our self-insured retention amounts. On
September 1, 2019,
we elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of
$1.0
million for which we previously maintained auto liability insurance coverage. We currently specifically reserve for claims that are expected to exceed
$1.0
million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims. Based on our knowledge of the facts, and in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of such claims and pending litigation will
not
have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. However, if we experience claims that are
not
covered by our insurance or that exceed our estimated claim reserve, it could increase the volatility of our earnings and have a materially adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
 
During
2014
and
2015,
the Company’s subsidiaries entered into operating leases for the lease of
471
trucks. Revenue equipment held under these operating leases was
not
carried on our balance sheet and the respective lease payments are reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as a component of the Rents and purchased transportation category. The final
56
trucks operated under these lease agreements were returned or purchased by
January 31, 2018.
 
Total rental expense, net of amounts reimbursed, for the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017
related to truck leases was approximately
$0,
$47,000,
and
$5,460,000,
respectively.
v3.20.1
Note 5 - Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                 
Payroll
  $
2,226
    $
2,955
 
Accrued vacation
   
2,191
     
1,987
 
Taxes—other than income
   
2,719
     
2,319
 
Interest
   
284
     
249
 
Driver escrows
   
2,211
     
2,722
 
Margin account borrowings
   
7,474
     
11,281
 
Self-insurance claims
   
2,988
     
1,984
 
Legal reserves
   
19,901
     
-
 
Current portion of Right-of-Use asset
   
616
     
-
 
                 
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $
40,610
    $
23,497
 
v3.20.1
Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation
–P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, operates as a truckload transportation and logistics company.
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, T.T.X., LLC, Transcend Logistics, Inc., and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. The following subsidiaries were inactive during all periods presented: P.A.M. International, Inc., P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., S & L Logistics, Inc. and P.A.M. Mexico Holdings, LLC.
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of Estimates
–The preparation of 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company periodically reviews these estimates and assumptions. The most significant estimates that affect our financial statements include accrued liabilities for insurance claims, legal reserves, useful lives and salvage values for property and equipment, allowance for doubtful accounts, and estimates for income taxes. The Company's estimates were based on its historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents
–The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At times cash held at banks
may
exceed FDIC insured limits.
Receivable [Policy Text Block]
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
–Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has
not
been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when management determines an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to be reliable and consistent with prior periods. However, additional allowances
may
be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.
Bank Overdrafts [Policy Text Block]
Bank Overdrafts
–The Company classifies bank overdrafts in current liabilities as accounts payable and does
not
offset other positive bank account balances located at the same or other financial institutions. Bank overdrafts generally represent checks written that have
not
yet cleared the Company’s bank accounts. The majority of the Company’s bank accounts are
zero
balance accounts that are funded at the time items clear against the account by drawings against a line of credit; therefore, the outstanding checks represent bank overdrafts. Because the recipients of these checks have generally
not
yet received payment, the Company continues to classify bank overdrafts as accounts payable. Bank overdrafts are classified as changes in accounts payable in the cash flows from operating activities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018
were approximately
$2,572,000
and
$3,669,000,
respectively.
Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block]
Accounts Receivable Other
–The components of accounts receivable other consist primarily of amounts representing company driver advances, independent contractor advances, and equipment manufacturer warranties. Advances receivable from company drivers as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
were approximately
$211,000
and
$220,000,
respectively. Accounts receivable from independent contractors as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
were approximately
$1,381,000
and
$1,724,000,
respectively. Independent contractors are allowed to purchase items such as fuel, repairs and tolls on Company accounts in order to share in favorable pricing negotiated by the Company. Independent contractors and trip lease carriers are also allowed to receive advances for a portion of the revenue that they expect to receive for loads that they transport for the Company.
Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Marketable Equity Securities
– The Company’s investment in marketable equity securities is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic
321,
(“ASC Topic
321”
), Investments-Equity Securities. ASC Topic
321
requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends on marketable equity securities are included in non-operating income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Prior to the adoption of ASU
2016
-
01
on
January 1, 2018,
marketable equity securities were classified by the Company as either available-for-sale or trading. Securities classified as available for sale were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders’ equity. Securities classified as trading were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses were computed utilizing the specific identification method.
 
For additional information with respect to marketable equity securities, see Note
4
– Marketable Equity Securities.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
–The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset
may
not
be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is
not
recoverable, and it exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net undiscounted cash flows, it is
not
recoverable.
No
impairment losses were recorded during
2019
or
2018.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Property and Equipment
–Property and equipment is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, the cost of such property is depreciated principally by the straight-line method. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or applicable cost recovery methods are used. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated asset life, considering the estimated salvage value of the asset. Such salvage values are based on estimates using expected market values for used equipment and the estimated time of disposal which, in many cases include guaranteed residual values by the manufacturers. Gains and losses are reflected in the year of disposal. The following is a table reflecting estimated ranges of asset useful lives by major class of depreciable assets:
 
Asset Class
Estimated Asset Life
(in years)
       
Service vehicles
3
-
5
Office furniture and equipment
3
-
7
Revenue equipment
3
-
8
Structures and improvements
5
-
40
 
The Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives and/or salvage values are necessary to ensure its estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. During
2019
and
2018,
management determined that an adjustment to the estimated useful lives or salvage values of trucks or trailers was
not
necessary based on such an evaluation.
Inventory Supplies, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Inventory
–Inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the
first
in,
first
out method.
Prepaid Tires [Policy Text Block]
Prepaid Tires
–Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the related equipment. Replacement tires are included in prepaid expenses and deposits and are amortized over a
24
-month period. Amounts paid for the recapping of tires are expensed when incurred.
Advertising Cost [Policy Text Block]
Advertising Expense
–Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately
$1,269,000,
$1,234,000
and
$1,087,000
for the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively.
Maintenance Cost, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Repairs and Maintenance
–Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Self Insurance Liability [Policy Text Block]
Self
-
Insurance Liability
–A liability is recognized for known health, workers’ compensation, cargo damage, property damage, and auto liability damage claims. An estimate of the incurred but
not
reported claims for each type of liability is made based on historical claims made, estimated frequency of occurrence, and considering changing factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance.
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Income Taxes
–The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than
not
that some or all of the deferred tax assets will
not
be realized.
 
The application of income tax law to multi-jurisdictional operations such as those performed by the Company is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, we
may
be required to make subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations
may
change over time which could cause changes in our assumptions and judgments that could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
We recognize the impact of tax positions in our financial statements. These tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-
not
recognition threshold to be recognized and tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-
not
threshold are recognized in the
first
subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that
no
longer meet the more-likely-than-
not
threshold are derecognized in the
first
subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is
no
longer met. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.
 
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
740
-
10
-
30,
weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was
not
necessary.
Revenue [Policy Text Block]
Revenue Recognition
– Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are
no
assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts.
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Earnings Per Share
–The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur from stock-based awards and other stock-based commitments using the treasury stock or the as if converted methods, as applicable. The difference between the Company's weighted-average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding is due to the dilutive effect of stock options for all periods presented. See Note
14
– Earnings per Share for more information regarding the computation of diluted EPS.
Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements
–Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value within the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. For additional information with respect to fair value measurements, see Note
18
– Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
Segment Reporting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Reporting Segments
–The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company provides truckload transportation services as well as brokerage and logistics services to customers throughout the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Truckload transportation services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented
82.7%,
80.0%
and
86.3%
of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for the
twelve
months ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. Remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for each respective year were generated by brokerage and logistics services.
Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Concentrations of Credit Risk
–The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does
not
require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In view of the concentration of the Company’s revenues and accounts receivable among a limited number of customers within the automobile industry, the financial health of this industry is a factor in the Company’s overall evaluation of accounts receivable.
Subsequent Events, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Subsequent Events
– On
February 24, 2020,
the Company announced that the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas has granted preliminary approval of a settlement reached with the plaintiffs in the Company’s previously disclosed collective- and class-action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company from
December 9, 2013,
through
December 31, 2019,
allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The proposed settlement is subject to final approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. As of
December 31, 2019
the preliminary settlement amount of
$16.5
million was reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s participation in the settlement agreement does
not
constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does
not
admit any fault or liability.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign Currency Transactions
–The functional currency of the Company’s foreign branch office in Mexico is the U.S. dollar. The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of this branch office, which are maintained in the local currency ledgers, at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses recorded in the local currency during the period are remeasured using average exchange rates for each period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Any resulting exchange gain or loss from the remeasurement process is included in non-operating income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements–
In
July 2018,
the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update, (“ASU”)
No.
2018
-
09,
(“ASU
2018
-
09”
), Codification Improvements. ASU
2018
-
09
was issued to update codification on multiple topics, and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU
2018
-
09
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2018,
with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
July 2018,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2018
-
10,
(“ASU
2018
-
10”
), Codification Improvements to Topic
842,
Leases. ASU
2018
-
10
was issued to update codification specific to Topic
842,
and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU
2018
-
10
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2018,
with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
June 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2016
-
13,
(“ASU
2016
-
13”
), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic
326
). ASU
2016
-
13
requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to the amortized cost of the securities. ASU
2016
-
13
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2019,
with early adoption permitted. The Company has evaluated the new guidance and does
not
expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
February 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2016
-
02,
Leases (Topic
842
). This update seeks to increase the transparency and comparability among public entities by requiring filers to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies
may
elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The new standard was effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after
December 
15,
2018,
and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.
 
To satisfy the standard’s objective, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments. Both the right-of-use asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the lease payments, with subsequent measurement dependent on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. For leases with a term of
12
months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset to
not
recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Accounting by lessors will remain mostly unchanged from current U.S. GAAP.
 
The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. See Note
17
– Leases for additional adoption information and disclosures required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic
842.
 
In
January 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
2016
-
01,
(“ASU
2016
-
01”
), Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic
825
-
10
): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure.
 
The provisions of ASU
2016
-
01
require, among other things, that the Company:
 
 
Categorize securities as equity securities or debt securities
 
 
Eliminate the classification of equity securities as trading or available for sale
 
 
Determine which securities have readily determinable fair values
 
 
Use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes
 
 
Consider the need for a valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset on available-for-sale securities in combination with the Company’s other deferred tax assets, and
 
 
Recognize changes in the fair market value of equity securities in net income
 
ASU
2016
-
01
was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after
December 
15,
2017.
With certain exceptions, early adoption was
not
permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2018,
did
not
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or cash flows, but did impact the Company’s results of operations, as the current guidance requires changes in market value related to equity securities to be recognized in net income, rather than being recognized as other comprehensive income. Upon adoption, approximately
$7.4
million in accumulated changes in the fair market value of the Company’s equity securities, net of deferred tax, that were presented at
December 31, 2017
as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income were reclassified to Retained Earnings.
v3.20.1
Note 13 - Stock-based Compensation (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Option, Activity [Table Text Block]
   
Shares
Under
Option
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding—January 1, 2017:
   
56,131
    $
10.85
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(11,063
)    
11.13
 
Canceled
   
-
     
-
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2017:
   
45,068
    $
10.79
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(45,005
)    
10.79
 
Canceled
   
(63
)    
11.22
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2018:
   
-
    $
-
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
-
     
-
 
Canceled
   
-
     
-
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2019:
   
-
    $
-
 
Options exercisable—December 31, 2019:
   
-
    $
-
 
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit, Activity [Table Text Block]
   
Restricted Stock
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2019
   
100,917
    $
23.09
 
Granted
   
2,058
     
48.75
 
Canceled/forfeited/expired
   
(3,500
)    
36.35
 
Vested
   
(44,016
)    
21.65
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2019
   
55,459
    $
24.35
 
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block]
4.
MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES
 
The Company accounts for its marketable securities in accordance with ASC Topic
321,
Investments - Equity Securities. ASC Topic
321
requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method, and interest and dividends on securities are included in non-operating income (expense).
 
Marketable equity securities are carried at fair value, with changes in fair market value included in the determination of net income. The fair market value of marketable equity securities is determined based on quoted market prices in active markets. See Note
18
– Fair Value of Financial Instruments for additional information regarding the valuation of marketable equity securities.
 
The following table sets forth cost, market value and unrealized gain on equity securities classified as available-for-sale as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018.
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Fair market value
  $
29,521
    $
27,549
 
Cost
   
24,156
     
25,602
 
Unrealized gain
  $
5,365
    $
1,947
 
 
The following table sets forth the gross unrealized gains and losses on the Company’s marketable securities as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018.
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Gross unrealized gains
  $
7,808
    $
5,668
 
Gross unrealized losses
   
2,443
     
3,721
 
Net unrealized gains
  $
5,365
    $
1,947
 
 
For the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
the Company recognized dividends of approximately
$1,309,000,
$1,171,000,
and
$999,000
in non-operating income in its statements of operations, respectively.
 
The following table shows the Company’s net realized gains during
2019,
2018
and
2017
on certain marketable equity securities.
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Realized gains:
                       
Sale proceeds
  $
2,984
    $
1,044
    $
6,833
 
Cost of securities sold
   
1,929
     
669
     
2,098
 
                         
Realized gains
  $
1,055
    $
375
    $
4,735
 
                         
Realized gains, net of taxes
  $
815
    $
278
    $
2,938
 
 
At
December 31, 2019,
the Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and related gross unrealized losses were
$8,587,000
and
$2,443,000,
respectively. At
December 31, 2018,
the Company’s investments’ approximate fair value of securities in a loss position and related gross unrealized losses were
$12,399,000
and
$3,721,000,
respectively.
 
The market value of the Company’s equity securities are periodically used as collateral against any outstanding margin account borrowings. As of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
the Company had outstanding borrowings of
$7,474,000
and
$11,281,000
under its margin account, respectively, which is reflected in accrued expenses. The interest rate on margin account borrowings was
2.40%
and
3.11%
as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
respectively.
v3.20.1
Note 8 - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Text Block]
8.
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
The Company financed approximately
$24.5
million and
$68.1
million in equipment purchases during
2019
and
2018,
respectively, utilizing noncash financing.
v3.20.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
CURRENT ASSETS:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 318,000 $ 282,000
Accounts receivable—net:    
Trade, less allowance of $2,952 and $2,224, respectively 61,784,000 63,350,000
Other 3,769,000 3,814,000
Inventories 1,327,000 1,461,000
Prepaid expenses and deposits 8,669,000 10,393,000
Marketable equity securities 29,521,000 27,549,000
Income taxes refundable 504,000 1,876,000
Total current assets 105,892,000 108,725,000
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:    
Land 7,246,000 5,596,000
Structures and improvements 20,204,000 19,547,000
Revenue equipment 524,527,000 457,142,000
Office furniture and equipment 11,185,000 10,040,000
Total property and equipment 563,162,000 492,325,000
Accumulated depreciation (175,887,000) (137,738,000)
Net property and equipment 387,275,000 354,587,000
OTHER ASSETS 4,842,000 2,754,000
TOTAL ASSETS 498,009,000 466,066,000
CURRENT LIABILITIES:    
Accounts payable 16,597,000 20,002,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 40,610,000 23,497,000
Current maturities of long-term debt 67,637,000 63,908,000
Total current liabilities 124,845,000 107,407,000
Long-term debt—less current portion 174,187,000 157,315,000
Deferred income taxes 63,522,000 61,897,000
Other long-term liabilities 1,481,000
Total liabilities 364,034,000 326,619,000
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 16)
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY    
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; 11,656,160 and 11,612,144 shares issued; 5,748,897 and 5,956,558 shares outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively 117,000 116,000
Additional paid-in capital 83,688,000 82,776,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income
Treasury stock, at cost; 5,907,263 and 5,655,586 shares at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively (156,836,650) (142,552,000)
Retained earnings 207,007,000 199,107,000
Total stockholders’ equity 133,975,000 139,447,000
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 498,009,000 $ 466,066,000
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on marketable securities included in net income, tax $ 0 $ 0 $ (1,326)
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on marketable securities included in net income, tax 0 0 16
Changes in fair value of marketable securities, tax $ 0 $ 0 $ (687)
v3.20.1
Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Securities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Marketable equity securities $ 29,521 $ 27,549
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities 29,521 27,549
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]    
Marketable equity securities
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases - Lease Cost (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Right-of-Use leases $ 255
Short-term leases (1) [1] 2,214 2,174
Total $ 2,469 $ 2,174
[1] Short-term lease cost includes leases with a term of twelve months or less and leases with options for early cancellation.
v3.20.1
Note 10 - Segment Information, Significant Customers, Industry Concentration, and Geographic Areas - Revenue Dollars and Percentages by Geographic Area (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Operating revenues $ 123,497 $ 128,994 $ 133,000 $ 128,686 $ 138,176 $ 140,325 $ 135,302 $ 119,458 $ 514,177 $ 533,261 $ 437,838
Motor Carrier [Member]                      
Operating revenues                 $ 514,177 $ 533,261 $ 437,838
Motor Carrier [Member] | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]                      
Operating Revenues, percentage                 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Motor Carrier [Member] | UNITED STATES                      
Operating revenues                 $ 326,559 $ 302,754 $ 255,197
Motor Carrier [Member] | UNITED STATES | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]                      
Operating Revenues, percentage                 63.50% 56.80% 58.30%
Motor Carrier [Member] | MEXICO                      
Operating revenues                 $ 186,391 $ 229,350 $ 181,099
Motor Carrier [Member] | MEXICO | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]                      
Operating Revenues, percentage                 36.30% 43.00% 41.40%
Motor Carrier [Member] | CANADA                      
Operating revenues                 $ 1,226 $ 1,157 $ 1,542
Motor Carrier [Member] | CANADA | Revenue Benchmark [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]                      
Operating Revenues, percentage                 0.20% 0.20% 0.30%
v3.20.1
Note 5 - Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities - Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Payroll $ 2,226 $ 2,955
Accrued vacation 2,191 1,987
Taxes—other than income 2,719 2,319
Interest 284 249
Driver escrows 2,211 2,722
Margin account borrowings 7,474 11,281
Self-insurance claims 2,988 1,984
Legal reserves 19,901
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities 40,610 23,497
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]    
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities) $ 616
v3.20.1
Note 7 - Long-term Debt - Annual Maturities on Long-term Debt Outstanding (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
2020 $ 67,637  
2021 41,629  
2022 55,460  
2023 47,211  
2024 26,157  
2025 2,955  
2026 775  
Total $ 241,824 $ 221,223
v3.20.1
Note 14 - Earnings Per Share (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net income
  $
7,900
    $
23,994
    $
38,899
 
                         
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,832
     
6,083
     
6,331
 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
   
48
     
76
     
67
 
                         
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,880
     
6,159
     
6,398
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $
1.35
    $
3.94
    $
6.14
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
1.34
    $
3.90
    $
6.08
 
v3.20.1
Note 7 - Long-term Debt (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Line of credit with a bank—due July 1, 2022, and collateralized by accounts receivable (1)
   
17,047
     
10,192
 
Equipment financing (2)
   
224,777
     
211,031
 
Total long-term debt
   
241,824
     
221,223
 
Less current maturities
   
(67,637
)    
(63,908
)
                 
Long-term debt—net of current maturities
  $
174,187
    $
157,315
 
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
2020
  $
67,637
 
2021
   
41,629
 
2022
   
55,460
 
2023
   
47,211
 
2024
   
26,157
 
2025
   
2,955
 
2026
   
775
 
         
Total
  $
241,824
 
v3.20.1
Note 1 - Accounting Policies (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Asset Class
Estimated Asset Life
(in years)
       
Service vehicles
3
-
5
Office furniture and equipment
3
-
7
Revenue equipment
3
-
8
Structures and improvements
5
-
40
v3.20.1
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Trade, allowance $ 2,952 $ 2,224 $ 1,335 $ 994
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Preferred stock, authorized (in shares) 10,000,000 10,000,000    
Preferred stock, issued (in shares) 0 0    
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Common stock, authorized (in shares) 40,000,000 40,000,000    
Common stock, issued (in shares) 11,656,160 11,612,144    
Common stock, outstanding (in shares) 5,748,897 5,956,558    
Treasury stock (in shares) 5,907,263 5,655,586    
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Common Stock Outstanding [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Treasury Stock [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Total
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016 6,397,000            
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016   $ 115 $ 80,822 $ 7,476 $ (122,835) $ 128,580 $ 94,158
NET INCOME   38,899 38,899
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   (32) $ (32)
Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits (in shares) 11,000           11,063
Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits   123 $ 123
Restricted stock issued (in shares) 7,000            
Restricted stock issued  
Treasury stock repurchases (in shares) (254,000)            
Treasury stock repurchases   (6,348) (6,348)
Share-based compensation   614 614
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017 6,161,000            
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017   115 81,559 7,444 (129,183) 167,669 127,604
Cumulative effect adjustment – ASU 2016-09   190 190
NET INCOME   23,994 $ 23,994
Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits (in shares) 45,000           45,005
Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits   1 485 $ 486
Restricted stock issued (in shares) 38,000            
Restricted stock issued  
Treasury stock repurchases (in shares) (287,000)            
Treasury stock repurchases   (13,369) (13,369)
Share-based compensation   732 732
Cumulative effect adjustment – ASU 2016-01       (7,444)   7,444  
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2018 5,957,000            
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018   116 82,776 0 (142,552) 199,107 139,447
NET INCOME   7,900 $ 7,900
Exercise of stock options-shares issued including tax benefits (in shares)            
Restricted stock issued (in shares) 44,000            
Restricted stock issued   1 $ 1
Treasury stock repurchases (in shares) (252,000)            
Treasury stock repurchases   (14,285) (14,285)
Share-based compensation   912 912
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2019 5,749,000            
Balance at Dec. 31, 2019   $ 117 $ 83,688 $ 0 $ (156,837) $ 207,007 $ 133,975
v3.20.1
Note 3 - Trade Accounts Receivable
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Financing Receivables [Text Block]
3.
TRADE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
 
The Company's receivables result primarily from the sale of transportation and logistics services. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and generally does
not
require collateral for accounts receivable. Accounts receivable, which consist of both billed and unbilled receivables, are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. Accounts receivable balances consist of the following components as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018:
 
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                 
Billed
  $
57,495
    $
56,766
 
Unbilled
   
7,241
     
8,808
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(2,952
)    
(2,224
)
                 
Total accounts receivable—net
  $
61,784
    $
63,350
 
 
An analysis of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018,
and
2017
follows:
 
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
   
20
1
7
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                         
Balance—beginning of year
  $
2,224
    $
1,335
    $
994
 
Provision for bad debts
   
728
     
889
     
341
 
Charge-offs
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Recoveries
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance—end of year
  $
2,952
    $
2,224
    $
1,335
 
v3.20.1
Note 7 - Long-term Debt
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
7.
LONG-TERM DEBT
 
Long-term debt at
December 31,
consists of the following:
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Line of credit with a bank—due July 1, 2022, and collateralized by accounts receivable (1)
   
17,047
     
10,192
 
Equipment financing (2)
   
224,777
     
211,031
 
Total long-term debt
   
241,824
     
221,223
 
Less current maturities
   
(67,637
)    
(63,908
)
                 
Long-term debt—net of current maturities
  $
174,187
    $
157,315
 
 
 
(
1
)
Line of credit agreement with a bank provides for maximum borrowings of
$60.0
million and contains certain restrictive covenants that must be maintained by the Company on a consolidated basis. Borrowings on the line of credit are at an interest rate of LIBOR as of the
first
day of the month plus
1.25%
(
2.96%
at
December 
31,
2019
) and are secured by our trade accounts receivable. An “unused fee” of
0.25%
is charged if average daily borrowings are less than
$18.0
million in a given month. Monthly payments of interest are required under this agreement. Also, under the terms of the agreement the Company must maintain a debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio of less than
4.00:1.
The Company was in compliance with all provisions under this agreement throughout
2019.
At
December 31, 2019,
outstanding advances on the line were approximately
$17.4
million, including letters of credit totaling
$0.4
million, with availability to borrow
$42.6
million. At
December 31, 2018,
outstanding advances on the line were approximately
$10.9
million, including letters of credit totaling
$0.7
million.
 
 
(
2
)
Equipment financings consist of installment obligations for revenue equipment purchases, payable in various monthly installments with various maturity dates through
September 2026,
at a weighted average interest rate of
3.65%
as of
December 31, 2019
and collateralized by revenue equipment.
 
The Company has provided letters of credit to
third
parties totaling approximately
$430,000
and
$700,000
at
December 31, 2019
and
December 31, 2018,
respectively. The letters are held by these
third
parties to assist such parties in collection of any amounts due by the Company should the Company default in its commitments to the parties.
 
Scheduled annual maturities on long-term debt outstanding at
December 31, 2019,
are:
 
2020
  $
67,637
 
2021
   
41,629
 
2022
   
55,460
 
2023
   
47,211
 
2024
   
26,157
 
2025
   
2,955
 
2026
   
775
 
         
Total
  $
241,824
 
v3.20.1
Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Fair Value of Long-term Debt Other Than Lines of Credit (Details) - Equipment Financing [Member] - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Reported Value Measurement [Member]    
Long-term debt $ 224,777 $ 211,031
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]    
Long-term debt $ 228,449 $ 210,234
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases - Lease Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Lease revenue $ 9,375 $ 8,256
Trucks under Operating Lease [Member]    
Lease revenue 9,220 8,101
Dock Space under Operating Lease [Member]    
Lease revenue $ 155 $ 155
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities - Realized Gains on Marketable Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sale proceeds $ 2,984 $ 1,044 $ 6,833
Cost of securities sold 1,929 669 2,098
Realized gains 1,055 375 4,735
Realized gains, net of taxes $ 815 $ 278 $ 2,938
v3.20.1
Note 7 - Long-term Debt - Summary of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Long-term debt $ 241,824 $ 221,223
Less current maturities (67,637) (63,908)
Long-term debt—net of current maturities 174,187 157,315
Line of Credit [Member]    
Long-term debt [1] 17,047 10,192
Secured Debt [Member]    
Long-term debt [2] $ 224,777 $ 211,031
[1] Line of credit agreement with a bank provides for maximum borrowings of $60.0 million and contains certain restrictive covenants that must be maintained by the Company on a consolidated basis. Borrowings on the line of credit are at an interest rate of LIBOR as of the first day of the month plus 1.25% (2.96% at December 31, 2019) and are secured by our trade accounts receivable. An “unused fee” of 0.25% is charged if average daily borrowings are less than $18.0 million in a given month. Monthly payments of interest are required under this agreement. Also, under the terms of the agreement the Company must maintain a debt to EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) ratio of less than 4.00:1. The Company was in compliance with all provisions under this agreement throughout 2019. At December 31, 2019, outstanding advances on the line were approximately $17.4 million, including letters of credit totaling $0.4 million, with availability to borrow $42.6 million. At December 31, 2018, outstanding advances on the line were approximately $10.9 million, including letters of credit totaling $0.7 million.
[2] Equipment financings consist of installment obligations for revenue equipment purchases, payable in various monthly installments with various maturity dates through September 2026, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.65% as of December 31, 2019 and collateralized by revenue equipment.
v3.20.1
Note 10 - Segment Information, Significant Customers, Industry Concentration and Geographic Areas (Details Textual) - Customer Concentration Risk [Member] - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sales [Member] | Five Largest Customers [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 40.00% 42.00% 41.00%
Sales [Member] | General Motors Company [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 19.00% 13.00% 18.00%
Sales [Member] | Fiat Chrysler Automobiles [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 9.00% 16.00% 10.00%
Sales [Member] | Ford Motor Company [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 7.00% 8.00% 9.00%
Revenue Provided to the Automobile Manufacturing Industry [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 40.00% 46.00% 46.00%
Accounts Receivable [Member]      
Accounts Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Current $ 31,327,000 $ 30,848,000  
v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes - Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 21, 2017
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Income tax at the statutory federal rate, amount                   $ 2,124 $ 6,582 $ 4,975
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent 35.00%                 21.00% 21.00% 34.00%
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, amount [1]                   $ (29,255)
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, percent [1]                   (199.90%)
Nondeductible expenses, amount                   $ 342 $ 80 $ 72
Nondeductible expenses, percent                   3.40% 0.20% 0.50%
State income taxes/other—net of federal benefit, amount                   $ (251) $ 685 $ (60)
State income taxes/other—net of federal benefit, percent                   (2.50%) 2.20% (0.50%)
Total income tax provision (benefit) expense   $ (4,168) $ 1,264 $ 2,301 $ 2,818 $ 1,883 $ 3,129 $ 2,005 $ 330 $ 2,215 $ 7,347 $ (24,268)
Total income tax (benefit) expense, percent                   21.90% 23.40% (165.90%)
[1] On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The Act included numerous changes to existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018 and repeal of the alternative minimum tax (“AMT”) allowing a refund of existing AMT carryovers during the years 2018 through 2021. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $29.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 related to the revaluation of its net deferred tax liabilities.
v3.20.1
Note 13 - Stock Based Compensation - Summary of Nonvested Restricted Stock (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Granted (in shares)    
Granted - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value   $ 6.34  
Restricted Stock [Member]      
Non-vested (in shares) 100,917    
Nonvested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 23.09    
Granted (in shares) 2,058    
Granted - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 48.75    
Canceled/forfeited/expired (in shares) (3,500)    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value $ 36.35    
Vested (in shares) (44,016)    
Vested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 21.65    
Non-vested (in shares) 55,459 100,917  
Nonvested - weighted average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) $ 24.35 $ 23.09  
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities - Unrealized Gains and Losses on Marketable Equity Securities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Gross unrealized gains $ 7,808 $ 5,668
Gross unrealized losses 2,443 3,721
Net unrealized gains $ 5,365 $ 1,947
v3.20.1
Note 3 - Trade Accounts Receivable - Accounts Receivable Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Billed $ 57,495 $ 56,766    
Unbilled 7,241 8,808    
Allowance for doubtful accounts (2,952) (2,224) $ (1,335) $ (994)
Total accounts receivable—net $ 61,784 $ 63,350    
v3.20.1
Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]
   
2019
   
2018
 
                                                                 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Marketable equity securities
  $
29,521
    $
29,521
     
-
     
-
    $
27,549
    $
27,549
     
-
     
-
 
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Long-term debt
  $
224,777
    $
228,449
    $
211,031
    $
210,234
 
v3.20.1
Note 11 - Dividends
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Dividend Payment Restrictions [Text Block]
11.
DIVIDENDS
 
The Company has paid cash dividends in the past; however, the Company currently intends to retain future earnings and does
not
anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to pay dividends will be at the discretion of the Board and will depend on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, any legal or contractual restrictions on the payment of dividends, and other factors the Board deems relevant.
v3.20.1
Note 15 - Benefit Plan
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
15.
BENEFIT PLAN
 
The Company sponsors a benefit plan for the benefit of all eligible employees. The plan qualifies under Section
401
(k) of the Internal Revenue Code thereby allowing eligible employees to make tax-deductible contributions to the plan. The plan provides for employer matching contributions of
50%
of each participant’s voluntary contribution up to
3%
of the participant’s compensation and vests at the rate of
20%
each year until fully vested after
five
years. Total employer matching contributions to the plan were approximately
$198,000,
$176,000
and
$179,000
in
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively.
v3.20.1
Note 19 - Related Party Transactions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
19.
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
In the normal course of business, transactions for transportation and repair services, equipment, property leases and other services are conducted between the Company and companies affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder. The Company recognized approximately
$2,691,000,
$2,854,000
and
$585,000
in operating revenue and approximately
$9,190,000,
$9,859,000
and
$7,497,000
in operating expenses in
2019,
2018,
and
2017,
respectively.
 
The Company purchased physical damage, auto liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation insurance through an unaffiliated insurance broker which was written by an insurance company affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder. The premiums for physical damage coverage were approximately
$0,
$1,271,000
and
$1,808,000
for
2019,
2018,
and
2017,
respectively. Premiums for auto liability coverage during
2019,
2018,
and
2017
were approximately
$10,345,000,
$10,987,000,
and
$10,860,000,
respectively. Premiums for general liability coverage during
2019,
2018,
and
2017
were approximately
$0,
$24,000
and
$35,000,
respectively. Premiums for workers’ compensation coverage during
2019,
2018,
and
2017
were approximately
$266,000,
$301,000
and
$286,000,
respectively.
 
 
Amounts owed to the Company by these affiliates were approximately
$1,052,000
and
$149,000
at
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
respectively. Of the accounts receivable at
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
approximately
$1,052,000
and
$147,000
represent freight transportation and approximately
$0
and
$2,000
represent revenue resulting from maintenance performed in the Company’s maintenance facilities and charges paid by the Company to
third
parties on behalf of their affiliate and charged back at the amount paid, respectively. Amounts representing prepaid insurance premiums at
December 31, 2019
and
2018
were approximately
$0
and
$29,000,
respectively. Amounts payable to affiliates at
December 31, 2019
and
2018
were approximately
$961,000
and
$2,161,000
respectively.
 
An insurance company affiliated with our Chairman and controlling stockholder has specific knowledge, experience and expertise related to self-insured claims development and assists the Company in establishing fully developed reserve estimates related to certain auto liability claims in excess of
$1.0
million.
v3.20.1
Document And Entity Information - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Feb. 25, 2020
Jun. 30, 2019
Document Information [Line Items]      
Entity Registrant Name PAM TRANSPORTATION SERVICES INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000798287    
Trading Symbol ptsi    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Entity Filer Category Accelerated Filer    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer No    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
Entity Small Business true    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)   5,746,450  
Entity Public Float     $ 112,575,691
Entity Shell Company false    
Document Type 10-K    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2019    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2019    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock ($0.01 par value)    
v3.20.1
Note 9 - Capital Stock
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
9.
CAPITAL STOCK
 
The Company's authorized capital stock consists of
40,000,000
shares of common stock, par value
$.01
per share, and
10,000,000
shares of preferred stock, par value
$.01
per share. At
December 31, 2019,
there were
11,656,160
shares of our common stock issued and
5,748,897
shares outstanding. At
December 31, 2018,
there were
11,612,144
shares of our common stock issued and
5,956,558
shares outstanding.
No
shares of our preferred stock were issued or outstanding at
December 31, 2019
or
2018.
 
Common Stock
 
The holders of our common stock, subject to such rights as
may
be granted to any preferred stockholders, elect all directors and are entitled to
one
vote per share. All shares of common stock participate equally in dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors and in net assets on liquidation. The shares of common stock have
no
preference, conversion, exchange, preemptive, or cumulative voting rights.
 
Preferred Stock
 
Preferred stock
may
be issued from time to time by our Board of Directors, without stockholder approval, in such series and with such preferences, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends, qualifications or other provisions, as
may
be fixed by the Board of Directors in the resolution authorizing their issuance. The issuance of preferred stock by the Board of Directors could adversely affect the rights of holders of shares of common stock; for example, the issuance of preferred stock could result in a class of securities outstanding that would have certain preferences with respect to dividends and in liquidation over the common stock, and that could result in a dilution of the voting rights, net income per share and net book value of the common stock. As of
December 31, 2019,
we have
no
agreements or understandings for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.
 
Treasury Stock
 
In
May 2019,
our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
200,000
shares of our common stock through a Dutch auction tender offer (the
“2019
tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional
2%
of its outstanding shares, which totaled
118,996
shares. The
2019
tender offer commenced on
May 13, 2019
and expired on
June 11, 2019.
Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of
$55.00
to
$60.00
per share. Upon expiration,
192,743
shares were purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of
$60.00
per share for a total of approximately
$11.6
million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on
June 13, 2019.
The Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2019.
 
In
May 2018,
our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to
100,000
shares of our common stock through a Dutch auction tender offer (the
“2018
tender offer”). Subject to certain limitations and legal requirements, the Company could repurchase up to an additional
2%
of its outstanding shares, which totaled
124,248
shares. The
2018
tender offer commenced on
May 8, 2018
and expired on
June 7, 2018.
Through this tender offer, the Company’s shareholders had the opportunity to tender some or all of their shares at a price within the range of
$39.00
to
$43.00
per share. Upon expiration,
185,597
shares were purchased through this offer at a final purchase price of
$40.00
per share for a total of approximately
$7.5
million, including fees and commission. The repurchase was settled on
June 12, 2018.
The Company accounted for the repurchase of these shares as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2018.
 
The Company’s stock repurchase program has been extended and expanded several times, most recently in
April 2017,
when the Board of Directors reauthorized
500,000
shares of common stock for repurchase under the initial
September 2011
authorization. The Company repurchased
58,934
shares and
101,754
shares of its common stock under this program during
2019
and
2018,
respectively.
 
The Company accounts for Treasury stock using the cost method, and as of
December 31, 2019,
5,907,263
shares were held in the treasury at an aggregate cost of approximately
$156,836,650.
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
NET INCOME $ 7,900 $ 23,994 $ 38,899
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:      
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on marketable securities included in net income (1) [1] (2,059)
Reclassification adjustment for unrealized losses on marketable securities included in net income (2) [2] 26
Changes in fair value of marketable securities (3) [3] 2,001
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME $ 7,900 $ 23,994 $ 38,867
[1] Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $(1,326), respectively.
[2] Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $16, respectively.
[3] Net of deferred income taxes of $0, $0, and $(687), respectively.
v3.20.1
Note 1 - Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
1.
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
Description of Business and Principles of Consolidation
–P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (the “Company”), through its subsidiaries, operates as a truckload transportation and logistics company.
 
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned operating subsidiaries: P.A.M. Transport, Inc., P.A.M. Cartage Carriers, LLC, Overdrive Leasing, LLC, Choctaw Express, LLC, Decker Transport Co., LLC, T.T.X., LLC, Transcend Logistics, Inc., and East Coast Transport and Logistics, LLC. The following subsidiaries were inactive during all periods presented: P.A.M. International, Inc., P.A.M. Logistics Services, Inc., Choctaw Brokerage, Inc., S & L Logistics, Inc. and P.A.M. Mexico Holdings, LLC.
 
Use of Estimates
–The preparation of 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 reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of any contingent assets and liabilities at the financial statement date and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. The Company periodically reviews these estimates and assumptions. The most significant estimates that affect our financial statements include accrued liabilities for insurance claims, legal reserves, useful lives and salvage values for property and equipment, allowance for doubtful accounts, and estimates for income taxes. The Company's estimates were based on its historical experience and various other assumptions that management believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents
–The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of
three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At times cash held at banks
may
exceed FDIC insured limits.
 
Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
–Accounts receivable are presented in the Company’s consolidated financial statements net of an allowance for estimated uncollectible amounts. Management estimates this allowance based upon an evaluation of the aging of our customer receivables and historical write-offs, as well as other trends and factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers. The Company continually updates the history it uses to make these estimates so as to reflect the most recent trends, factors and other information available. In order to gather information regarding these trends and factors, the Company also performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers. Customer receivables are considered to be past due when payment has
not
been received by the invoice due date. Write-offs occur when management determines an account to be uncollectible and could differ from the allowance estimate as a result of a number of factors, including unanticipated changes in the overall economic environment or factors and risks surrounding a particular customer. Management believes its methodology for estimating the allowance for doubtful accounts to be reliable and consistent with prior periods. However, additional allowances
may
be required if the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, and could have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods.
 
Bank Overdrafts
–The Company classifies bank overdrafts in current liabilities as accounts payable and does
not
offset other positive bank account balances located at the same or other financial institutions. Bank overdrafts generally represent checks written that have
not
yet cleared the Company’s bank accounts. The majority of the Company’s bank accounts are
zero
balance accounts that are funded at the time items clear against the account by drawings against a line of credit; therefore, the outstanding checks represent bank overdrafts. Because the recipients of these checks have generally
not
yet received payment, the Company continues to classify bank overdrafts as accounts payable. Bank overdrafts are classified as changes in accounts payable in the cash flows from operating activities section of the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Bank overdrafts as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018
were approximately
$2,572,000
and
$3,669,000,
respectively.
 
Accounts Receivable Other
–The components of accounts receivable other consist primarily of amounts representing company driver advances, independent contractor advances, and equipment manufacturer warranties. Advances receivable from company drivers as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
were approximately
$211,000
and
$220,000,
respectively. Accounts receivable from independent contractors as of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
were approximately
$1,381,000
and
$1,724,000,
respectively. Independent contractors are allowed to purchase items such as fuel, repairs and tolls on Company accounts in order to share in favorable pricing negotiated by the Company. Independent contractors and trip lease carriers are also allowed to receive advances for a portion of the revenue that they expect to receive for loads that they transport for the Company.
 
Marketable Equity Securities
– The Company’s investment in marketable equity securities is accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic
321,
(“ASC Topic
321”
), Investments-Equity Securities. ASC Topic
321
requires companies to measure equity investments at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The Company’s investments in marketable securities consist of equity securities with readily determinable fair values. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Realized and unrealized gains and losses, interest and dividends on marketable equity securities are included in non-operating income (expense) in our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Prior to the adoption of ASU
2016
-
01
on
January 1, 2018,
marketable equity securities were classified by the Company as either available-for-sale or trading. Securities classified as available for sale were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income in the statements of stockholders’ equity. Securities classified as trading were carried at market value with unrealized gains and losses recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. Realized gains and losses were computed utilizing the specific identification method.
 
For additional information with respect to marketable equity securities, see Note
4
– Marketable Equity Securities.
 
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
–The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of a long-lived asset
may
not
be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is
not
recoverable, and it exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, if the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net undiscounted cash flows, it is
not
recoverable.
No
impairment losses were recorded during
2019
or
2018.
 
Property and Equipment
–Property and equipment is recorded at historical cost, less accumulated depreciation. For financial reporting purposes, the cost of such property is depreciated principally by the straight-line method. For tax reporting purposes, accelerated depreciation or applicable cost recovery methods are used. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated asset life, considering the estimated salvage value of the asset. Such salvage values are based on estimates using expected market values for used equipment and the estimated time of disposal which, in many cases include guaranteed residual values by the manufacturers. Gains and losses are reflected in the year of disposal. The following is a table reflecting estimated ranges of asset useful lives by major class of depreciable assets:
 
Asset Class
Estimated Asset Life
(in years)
       
Service vehicles
3
-
5
Office furniture and equipment
3
-
7
Revenue equipment
3
-
8
Structures and improvements
5
-
40
 
The Company’s management periodically evaluates whether changes to estimated useful lives and/or salvage values are necessary to ensure its estimates accurately reflect the economic use of the assets. During
2019
and
2018,
management determined that an adjustment to the estimated useful lives or salvage values of trucks or trailers was
not
necessary based on such an evaluation.
 
Inventory
–Inventories consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, supplies, and fuel. Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the
first
in,
first
out method.
 
Prepaid Tires
–Tires purchased with revenue equipment are capitalized as a cost of the related equipment. Replacement tires are included in prepaid expenses and deposits and are amortized over a
24
-month period. Amounts paid for the recapping of tires are expensed when incurred.
 
Advertising Expense
–Advertising costs are expensed as incurred and totaled approximately
$1,269,000,
$1,234,000
and
$1,087,000
for the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively.
 
Repairs and Maintenance
–Repairs and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
 
Self
-
Insurance Liability
–A liability is recognized for known health, workers’ compensation, cargo damage, property damage, and auto liability damage claims. An estimate of the incurred but
not
reported claims for each type of liability is made based on historical claims made, estimated frequency of occurrence, and considering changing factors that contribute to the overall cost of insurance.
 
Income Taxes
–The Company applies the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred taxes are determined based on the temporary differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using tax rates expected to be in effect during the years in which the basis differences reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than
not
that some or all of the deferred tax assets will
not
be realized.
 
The application of income tax law to multi-jurisdictional operations such as those performed by the Company is inherently complex. Laws and regulations in this area are voluminous and often ambiguous. As such, we
may
be required to make subjective assumptions and judgments regarding our income tax exposures. Interpretations of and guidance surrounding income tax laws and regulations
may
change over time which could cause changes in our assumptions and judgments that could materially affect amounts recognized in the consolidated financial statements.
 
We recognize the impact of tax positions in our financial statements. These tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-
not
recognition threshold to be recognized and tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-
not
threshold are recognized in the
first
subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that
no
longer meet the more-likely-than-
not
threshold are derecognized in the
first
subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is
no
longer met. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the consolidated statements of income as income tax expense.
 
In determining whether a tax asset valuation allowance is necessary, management, in accordance with the provisions of ASC
740
-
10
-
30,
weighs all available evidence, both positive and negative to determine whether, based on the weight of that evidence, a valuation allowance is necessary. If negative conditions exist which indicate a valuation allowance might be necessary, consideration is then given to what effect the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and the availability of tax strategies might have on future taxable income to determine the amount, if any, of the required valuation allowance. As of
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
management determined that the future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and available tax strategies would generate sufficient future taxable income to realize its tax assets and therefore a valuation allowance was
not
necessary.
 
Revenue Recognition
– Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are
no
assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts.
 
Earnings Per Share
–The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS includes the potential dilution that could occur from stock-based awards and other stock-based commitments using the treasury stock or the as if converted methods, as applicable. The difference between the Company's weighted-average shares outstanding and diluted shares outstanding is due to the dilutive effect of stock options for all periods presented. See Note
14
– Earnings per Share for more information regarding the computation of diluted EPS.
 
Fair Value Measurements
–Certain financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value within the financial statements on a recurring basis. Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The fair value hierarchy requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. For additional information with respect to fair value measurements, see Note
18
– Fair Value of Financial Instruments.
 
Reporting Segments
–The Company's operations are all in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The Company provides truckload transportation services as well as brokerage and logistics services to customers throughout the United States and portions of Canada and Mexico. Truckload transportation services revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, represented
82.7%,
80.0%
and
86.3%
of total revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for the
twelve
months ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. Remaining revenues, excluding fuel surcharges, for each respective year were generated by brokerage and logistics services.
 
Concentrations of Credit Risk
–The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations and generally does
not
require collateral from its customers. The Company maintains reserves for potential credit losses. In view of the concentration of the Company’s revenues and accounts receivable among a limited number of customers within the automobile industry, the financial health of this industry is a factor in the Company’s overall evaluation of accounts receivable.
 
Subsequent Events
– On
February 24, 2020,
the Company announced that the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas has granted preliminary approval of a settlement reached with the plaintiffs in the Company’s previously disclosed collective- and class-action lawsuit in which the plaintiffs, who include current and former employee drivers who worked for the Company from
December 9, 2013,
through
December 31, 2019,
allege violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act and the Arkansas Minimum Wage Law including “failure to pay minimum wage during orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to team drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay minimum wage to solo-drivers after initial orientation, failure to pay for compensable travel time, Comdata card fees, unlawful deductions, and breach of contract.” The proposed settlement is subject to final approval by the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas. As of
December 31, 2019
the preliminary settlement amount of
$16.5
million was reserved in accrued expenses and other liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The Company’s participation in the settlement agreement does
not
constitute an admission by the Company of any fault or liability, and the Company does
not
admit any fault or liability.
 
Foreign Currency Transactions
–The functional currency of the Company’s foreign branch office in Mexico is the U.S. dollar. The Company remeasures the monetary assets and liabilities of this branch office, which are maintained in the local currency ledgers, at the rates of exchange in effect at the end of the reporting period. Revenues and expenses recorded in the local currency during the period are remeasured using average exchange rates for each period. Non-monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured using historical rates. Any resulting exchange gain or loss from the remeasurement process is included in non-operating income (loss) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
 
Recent Accounting Pronouncements–
In
July 2018,
the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update, (“ASU”)
No.
2018
-
09,
(“ASU
2018
-
09”
), Codification Improvements. ASU
2018
-
09
was issued to update codification on multiple topics, and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU
2018
-
09
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2018,
with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
July 2018,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2018
-
10,
(“ASU
2018
-
10”
), Codification Improvements to Topic
842,
Leases. ASU
2018
-
10
was issued to update codification specific to Topic
842,
and includes updates for technical corrections, clarifications and other minor improvements. ASU
2018
-
10
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2018,
with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
June 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2016
-
13,
(“ASU
2016
-
13”
), Accounting for Credit Losses (Topic
326
). ASU
2016
-
13
requires the use of an “expected loss” model on certain types of financial instruments. The standard also amends the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and requires estimated credit losses to be recorded as allowances instead of reductions to the amortized cost of the securities. ASU
2016
-
13
is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after
December 15, 2019,
with early adoption permitted. The Company has evaluated the new guidance and does
not
expect it to have a material impact on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
 
In
February 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
No.
2016
-
02,
Leases (Topic
842
). This update seeks to increase the transparency and comparability among public entities by requiring filers to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies
may
elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The new standard was effective for public companies for annual periods beginning after
December 
15,
2018,
and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted.
 
To satisfy the standard’s objective, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term and a lease liability for the obligation to make lease payments. Both the right-of-use asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the lease payments, with subsequent measurement dependent on the classification of the lease as either a finance or an operating lease. For leases with a term of
12
months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset to
not
recognize lease assets and lease liabilities. If a lessee makes this election, it should recognize lease expense for such leases generally on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Accounting by lessors will remain mostly unchanged from current U.S. GAAP.
 
The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2019
did
not
have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. See Note
17
– Leases for additional adoption information and disclosures required by Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic
842.
 
In
January 2016,
the FASB issued ASU
2016
-
01,
(“ASU
2016
-
01”
), Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic
825
-
10
): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The updated guidance enhances the reporting model for financial instruments, which includes amendments to address aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure.
 
The provisions of ASU
2016
-
01
require, among other things, that the Company:
 
 
Categorize securities as equity securities or debt securities
 
 
Eliminate the classification of equity securities as trading or available for sale
 
 
Determine which securities have readily determinable fair values
 
 
Use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes
 
 
Consider the need for a valuation allowance related to a deferred tax asset on available-for-sale securities in combination with the Company’s other deferred tax assets, and
 
 
Recognize changes in the fair market value of equity securities in net income
 
ASU
2016
-
01
was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after
December 
15,
2017.
With certain exceptions, early adoption was
not
permitted. The adoption of this guidance on
January 1, 2018,
did
not
have a significant impact on the Company’s financial condition or cash flows, but did impact the Company’s results of operations, as the current guidance requires changes in market value related to equity securities to be recognized in net income, rather than being recognized as other comprehensive income. Upon adoption, approximately
$7.4
million in accumulated changes in the fair market value of the Company’s equity securities, net of deferred tax, that were presented at
December 31, 2017
as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income were reclassified to Retained Earnings.
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:      
Net income $ 7,900,000 $ 23,994,000 $ 38,899,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:      
Depreciation 55,107,000 49,387,000 42,274,000
Bad debt expense 728,000 889,000 341,000
Stock compensation—net of excess tax benefits 912,000 732,000 614,000
Provision for (benefit from) deferred income taxes 1,625,000 7,206,000 (24,630,000)
Reclassification of other than temporary impairment in marketable equity securities 42,000
Recognized (gain) loss on marketable equity securities (4,753,000) 5,388,000 (4,735,000)
(Loss) gain on sale or disposal of equipment 583,000 (1,306,000) (58,000)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:      
Accounts receivable 884,000 (5,970,000) (1,298,000)
Prepaid expenses, deposits, inventories, and other assets 1,865,000 (137,000) (1,095,000)
Income taxes refundable 1,372,000 (76,000) (155,000)
Trade accounts payable (2,233,000) 1,731,000 682,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 20,307,000 509,000 (266,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities 84,297,000 82,347,000 50,614,000
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:      
Purchases of property and equipment (79,354,000) (73,882,000) (67,674,000)
Proceeds from disposition of equipment 14,263,000 24,904,000 18,766,000
Sales of marketable equity securities 2,984,000 1,045,000 6,833,000
Purchases of marketable equity securities, net of return of capital (203,000) (7,318,000) (3,211,000)
Net cash used in investing activities (62,310,000) (55,251,000) (45,286,000)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:      
Borrowings under line of credit 590,902,000 615,612,000 483,297,000
Repayments under line of credit (584,047,000) (605,419,000) (485,163,000)
Borrowings of long-term debt 60,203,000 52,717,000 55,415,000
Repayments of long-term debt (70,917,000) (82,442,000) (48,110,000)
Borrowings under margin account 527,000 7,584,000 3,412,000
Repayments under margin account (4,334,000) (2,206,000) (7,867,000)
Repurchases of common stock (14,285,000) (13,369,000) (6,348,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 0 485,000 123,000
Net cash used in financing activities (21,951,000) (27,038,000) (5,241,000)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 36,000 58,000 87,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—Beginning of year 282,000 224,000 137,000
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS—End of year 318,000 282,000 224,000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION—      
Interest 8,612,000 6,095,000 3,905,000
Income taxes 671,000 217,000 518,000
NONCASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES—      
Purchases of revenue equipment included in accounts payable $ 366,000 $ 1,597,000 $ 2,973,000
v3.20.1
Note 5 - Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
5.
ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
 
Accrued expenses and other liabilities at
December 31
are summarized as follows:
 
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                 
Payroll
  $
2,226
    $
2,955
 
Accrued vacation
   
2,191
     
1,987
 
Taxes—other than income
   
2,719
     
2,319
 
Interest
   
284
     
249
 
Driver escrows
   
2,211
     
2,722
 
Margin account borrowings
   
7,474
     
11,281
 
Self-insurance claims
   
2,988
     
1,984
 
Legal reserves
   
19,901
     
-
 
Current portion of Right-of-Use asset
   
616
     
-
 
                 
Total accrued expenses and other liabilities
  $
40,610
    $
23,497
 
v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                 
Deferred tax liabilities:
               
Property and equipment
  $
83,453
    $
78,502
 
Unrealized gains on securities
   
2,580
     
2,580
 
Prepaid expenses and other
   
2,193
     
2,667
 
                 
Total deferred tax liabilities
   
88,226
     
83,749
 
                 
Deferred tax assets:
               
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
760
     
572
 
QAFMV tax credit carryforward
   
864
     
864
 
New hire tax credit
   
124
     
124
 
Compensated absences
   
512
     
460
 
Self-insurance allowances
   
5,630
     
188
 
Marketable equity securities
   
1,253
     
2,200
 
Net operating loss carryover
   
15,364
     
17,241
 
Other
   
198
     
203
 
                 
Total deferred tax assets
   
24,705
     
21,852
 
                 
Net deferred tax liability
  $
63,521
    $
61,897
 
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
                                                 
Income tax at the statutory federal rate
  $
2,124
     
21.0
    $
6,582
     
21.0
    $
4,975
     
34.0
 
Impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
(1)
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
(29,255
)    
(199.9
)
Nondeductible expenses
   
342
     
3.4
     
80
     
0.2
     
72
     
0.5
 
State income taxes/other—net of federal benefit
   
(251
)    
(2.5
)    
685
     
2.2
     
(60
)    
(0.5
)
                                                 
Total income tax expense (benefit)
  $
2,215
     
21.9
    $
7,347
     
23.4
    $
(24,268
)    
(165.9
)
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Current:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
  $
(56
)   $
(48
)   $
(79
)
State
   
646
     
189
     
441
 
Total current income tax provision
   
590
     
141
     
362
 
Deferred:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Federal
   
2,177
     
6,185
     
(24,622
)
State
   
(552
)    
1,021
     
(8
)
Total deferred income tax provision (benefit)
   
1,625
     
7,206
     
(24,630
)
                         
Total income tax provision (benefit) expense
  $
2,215
    $
7,347
    $
(24,268
)
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Marketable Securities [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Fair market value
  $
29,521
    $
27,549
 
Cost
   
24,156
     
25,602
 
Unrealized gain
  $
5,365
    $
1,947
 
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Available-for-sale securities:
               
Gross unrealized gains
  $
7,808
    $
5,668
 
Gross unrealized losses
   
2,443
     
3,721
 
Net unrealized gains
  $
5,365
    $
1,947
 
Schedule of Realized Gain (Loss) [Table Text Block]
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Realized gains:
                       
Sale proceeds
  $
2,984
    $
1,044
    $
6,833
 
Cost of securities sold
   
1,929
     
669
     
2,098
 
                         
Realized gains
  $
1,055
    $
375
    $
4,735
 
                         
Realized gains, net of taxes
  $
815
    $
278
    $
2,938
 
v3.20.1
Note 6 - Claims Liabilities (Details Textual) - USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 01, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Self Insurance Auto Liability Claims Threshold Amount   $ 1,000,000  
Workers Compensation Self Insured Retention $ 500,000    
Workers Compensation Per Occurrence Excess Policy 500,000    
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 430,000   $ 700,000
Stop Loss for Self Insurance for Employee Health Claims Per Covered Employee Per Year 350,000    
Cargo Loss Coverage [Member]      
Per Occurrence Deductibles 10,000    
Auto Liability Coverage [Member]      
Per Occurrence Deductibles 2,500    
Self Insurance Auto Liability Claims Threshold Amount 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000  
Workers Compensation Coverage [Member]      
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 430,000    
Certificates of Deposit, at Carrying Value $ 300,000    
v3.20.1
Note 8 - Noncash Investing and Financing Activities (Details Textual) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Fixed Assets Acquired $ 24.5 $ 68.1
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases - Future Minimum Annual Lease Payments (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
2019 $ 9,649
2020 6,497
2021 2,417
2022 2,025
2023 1,731
Thereafter
Total future minimum lease payments $ 22,319
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases - Operating Lease (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
2020 $ 616
2021 627
2022 544
2023 340
2024 114
Thereafter 0
Total undiscounted operating lease payments 2,241
Less: Imputed interest $ (143)
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (in years) (Year) 3 years 270 days
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases 3.59%
Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities And Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]  
Present value of operating lease liabilities $ 2,098
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets) 2,098
Total operating lease liabilities 2,098
Other Current Liabilities [Member]  
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities) 616
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]  
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities) $ 1,482
v3.20.1
Note 20 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) - Quarterly Financial Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Sep. 30, 2019
Jun. 30, 2019
Mar. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Sep. 30, 2018
Jun. 30, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Operating revenues $ 123,497 $ 128,994 $ 133,000 $ 128,686 $ 138,176 $ 140,325 $ 135,302 $ 119,458 $ 514,177 $ 533,261 $ 437,838
Operating expenses and costs 141,381 121,461 119,789 118,999 123,500 127,172 125,285 115,702 501,630 491,659 425,158
Operating income (loss) (17,884) 7,533 13,211 9,687 14,676 13,153 10,017 3,756 12,547 41,602 12,680
Non-operating income (loss) 2,457 490 (197) 3,472 (4,704) 935 632 (879) 6,222 (4,016) 5,853
Interest expense (2,377) (2,178) (2,059) (2,040) (2,019) (1,711) (1,355) (1,160) (8,654) (6,245) (3,902)
Income tax (expense) benefit 4,168 (1,264) (2,301) (2,818) (1,883) (3,129) (2,005) (330) (2,215) (7,347) 24,268
Net income $ (13,636) $ 4,581 $ 8,654 $ 8,301 $ 6,070 $ 9,248 $ 7,289 $ 1,387 $ 7,900 $ 23,994 $ 38,899
Basic (in dollars per share) $ (2.37) $ 0.80 $ 1.47 $ 1.40 $ 1.02 $ 1.53 $ 1.18 $ 0.22 $ 1.35 $ 3.94 $ 6.14
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ (2.37) $ 0.79 $ 1.45 $ 1.39 $ 1.01 $ 1.52 $ 1.17 $ 0.22 $ 1.34 $ 3.90 $ 6.08
Basic (in shares) 5,751 5,756 5,901 5,921 5,975 6,034 6,159 6,168 5,832 6,083 6,331
Diluted (in shares) 5,751 5,799 5,949 5,985 6,029 6,088 6,229 6,264 5,880 6,159 6,398
v3.20.1
Note 4 - Marketable Equity Securities (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Investment Income, Dividend $ 1,309,000 $ 1,171,000 $ 999,000
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value, Total 8,587,000 12,399,000  
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax 2,443,000 3,721,000  
Margin Account Borrowings [Member] | Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities [Member]      
Short-term Debt, Total $ 7,474,000 $ 11,281,000  
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 2.40% 3.11%  
v3.20.1
Note 1 - Accounting Policies (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Bank Overdrafts $ 2,572,000 $ 3,669,000  
Due from Employees, Current 211,000 220,000  
Other Receivables, Net, Current, Total 3,769,000 3,814,000  
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use   $ 0  
Period for Amortizing Prepaid Tires   2 years  
Advertising Expense 1,269,000 $ 1,234,000 $ 1,087,000
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]      
Reclassification of Gain (Loss) Unrealized on Equity Securities from AOCI to Retained Earnings   (7,444,000)  
Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] | AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]      
Reclassification of Gain (Loss) Unrealized on Equity Securities from AOCI to Retained Earnings   $ (7,400,000)  
Settlement Of Collective And Class Action Lawsuit [Member]      
Loss Contingency Accrual, Ending Balance $ 16,500,000    
Truckload Services [Member] | Sales [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member]      
Concentration Risk, Percentage 82.70% 80.00% 86.30%
Independent Contractors [Member]      
Other Receivables, Net, Current, Total $ 1,381,000 $ 1,724,000  
v3.20.1
Note 15 - Benefit Plan (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Match 50.00%    
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Matching Contribution, Percent of Employees' Gross Pay 3.00%    
Defined Contribution Plan, Employers Matching Contribution, Annual Vesting Percentage 20.00%    
Defined Contribution, Fully Vested Period 5 years    
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost $ 198,000 $ 176,000 $ 179,000
v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes (Details Textual) - USD ($)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 21, 2017
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent 35.00%   21.00% 21.00% 34.00%
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations, Adjustment of Deferred Tax (Asset) Liability   $ 29,300,000      
Income Taxes Receivable     $ 607,000    
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards, General Business       $ 988,000  
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Total     66,805,000    
Operating Loss Carryforwards, To Expire     30,835,000    
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense, Total     $ 0 $ 0  
Statute of Limitations     3 years    
v3.20.1
Note 13 - Stock-based Compensation (Details Textual) - USD ($)
1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
May 29, 2014
May 31, 2019
Apr. 30, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Apr. 30, 2017
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2019
Mar. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value                    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period                        
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross                   0    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance               45,068 56,131
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value                   $ 953,000 $ 719,000 $ 256,000  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense                   912,000 732,000 614,000  
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense, Tax Benefit                   $ 200,000 $ 172,000 $ 231,000  
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Impact on Earnings Per Share, Diluted                   $ 0.12 $ 0.09    
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total               $ 924,000   $ 924,000      
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Impact on Earnings Per Share, Basic                   $ 0.12 0.10    
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Impact on Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted                       $ 0.26  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares, Ending Balance                       0  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value                     $ 6.34    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value                     $ 1,406,000 $ 82,000  
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised                   $ 0 485,000 123,000  
Amortization, Current Year [Member]                          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total               399,000   399,000      
Amortization Year 2 [Member]                          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total               263,000   263,000      
Amortization, Year 3 [Member]                          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Nonvested Award, Cost Not yet Recognized, Amount, Total               $ 262,000   $ 262,000      
Restricted Stock [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value                   $ 48.75      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period                   2,058      
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value                   $ 36.35      
Accrual Shares to Each Non-employee Director [Member]                          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense                   $ 100,000 $ 70,000    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Grants in Period                     276    
Accrual Shares to Each Non-employee Director [Member] | Nine Non-Employee Directors [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Grants in Period               205          
Accrual Shares to Each Non-employee Director [Member] | One Non-Employee Directors [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Grants in Period                   213      
Nonqualified Options [Member] | Annual Grant to Non-employee [Member]                          
Share-based Payment Arrangement, Expense                       $ 70,000  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Grants in Period                 614        
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized 750,000                        
Number of Common Stock Accrued Under Share-based Compensation Plan for Each Non-employee Director   213 1,845   1,932   4,298            
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross                     0    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number, Ending Balance       0             0    
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant               407,000   407,000      
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value       $ 36.35                  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period       33,000                  
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period       4 years                  
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member] | Chief Executive Officer [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value           $ 16.38              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period           100,000              
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period           3 years              
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Stock Award [Member] | Director [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value   $ 47.06 $ 48.94   $ 36.35   $ 16.29            
The 2014 Stock Option Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]                          
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent 85.00%                        
v3.20.1
Note 13 - Stock-based Compensation
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]
13.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
 
The Company maintains a stock incentive plan under which incentive and nonqualified stock options and other stock awards
may
be granted. On
March 13, 2014,
the Company’s Board of Directors adopted, and on
May 29, 2014
our shareholders approved, the
2014
Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) which amended and restated the Company’s
2006
Stock Option Plan. Under the Plan,
750,000
shares are reserved for the issuance of stock awards to directors, officers, key employees, and others. The stock option exercise price and the restricted stock purchase price under the
2014
Plan shall
not
be less than
85%
of the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date the award is granted. The fair market value is determined by the closing price of the Company’s common stock, on its primary exchange, on the same date that the option or award is granted.
 
In
April 2019,
the Company granted
1,845
shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$48.94
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.
 
In
May 2019,
the Company granted
213
shares of common stock to a non-employee director. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$47.06
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.
 
In
December 2018,
the Company granted
33,000
restricted shares of common stock to certain key employees. These restricted stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$36.35
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, with
one
fourth
of the award vesting each of the next
four
years on the anniversary date.
 
In
March 2018,
the Company granted
1,932
shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$36.35
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, and vested immediately.
 
In
April 2017,
the Company granted
100,000
restricted shares of common stock to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer. This restricted stock award has a grant date fair value of
$16.38,
based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant, with
one
third
of the award vesting each of the next
three
years on the anniversary date.
 
In
March 2017,
the Company granted
4,298
shares of common stock to non-employee directors. These stock awards have a grant date fair value of
$16.29
per share, based on the closing price of the Company’s stock on the date of grant and vested immediately.
 
During
2019
and
2018,
there were
no
grants of stock options and there were
no
outstanding stock options at
December 31, 2019
or
December 31, 2018.
At
December 31, 2019,
approximately
407,000
shares were available for granting future options or restricted stock.
 
The grant date fair value of stock and stock options vested during
2019,
2018
and
2017
was approximately
$953,000,
$719,000
and
$256,000,
respectively. Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately
$912,000
during
2019
and includes approximately
$100,000
recognized as a result of the grant of
205
shares of stock to
nine
non-employee directors and
213
shares of stock to
one
non-employee director during the
second
quarter of
2019.
The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately
$200,000
related to stock-based compensation expense during
2019.
The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$
0.12
during
2019.
As of
December 
31,
2019,
the Company had stock-based compensation plans with total unvested stock-based compensation expense of approximately
$924,000
which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining vesting period. As a result, the Company expects to recognize approximately
$399,000
in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during
2020,
$263,000
in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during
2021,
and
$262,000
in additional compensation expense related to unvested restricted stock awards during
2022.
 
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately
$732,000
during
2018
and includes approximately
$70,000
recognized as a result of the grant of
276
shares of stock to each non-employee director during the
first
quarter of
2018.
The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately
$172,000
related to stock-based compensation expense during
2018.
The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.09
and
$0.10,
respectively, during
2018.
 
Total pre-tax stock-based compensation expense, recognized in Salaries, wages and benefits was approximately
$614,000
during
2017
and included approximately
$70,000
recognized as a result of the grant of
614
shares of stock to each non-employee director during the
first
quarter of
2017.
The Company recognized a total income tax benefit of approximately
$231,000
related to stock-based compensation expense during
2017.
The recognition of stock-based compensation expense decreased both diluted and basic earnings per common share by approximately
$0.26
during
2017.
 
Transactions in stock options under these plans are summarized as follows:
 
   
Shares
Under
Option
   
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Outstanding—January 1, 2017:
   
56,131
    $
10.85
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(11,063
)    
11.13
 
Canceled
   
-
     
-
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2017:
   
45,068
    $
10.79
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
(45,005
)    
10.79
 
Canceled
   
(63
)    
11.22
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2018:
   
-
    $
-
 
Granted
   
-
     
-
 
Exercised
   
-
     
-
 
Canceled
   
-
     
-
 
Outstanding—December 31, 2019:
   
-
    $
-
 
Options exercisable—December 31, 2019:
   
-
    $
-
 
 
There were
no
options granted during
2019,
2018,
or
2017.
There were
no
options canceled, forfeited, or expired during
2017.
The weighted-average grant-date fair value of options canceled, forfeited, or expired during
2018
was
$6.34.
 
The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended
December 31, 2018
and
2017,
were approximately
$1,406,000
and
$82,000,
respectively.
 
A summary of the status of the Company’s non-vested restricted stock as of
December 31, 2019
and changes during the year ended
December 31, 2019,
is presented below:
 
   
Restricted Stock
 
   
Number of
Shares
   
Weighted-
Average Grant
Date Fair
Value
 
Nonvested at January 1, 2019
   
100,917
    $
23.09
 
Granted
   
2,058
     
48.75
 
Canceled/forfeited/expired
   
(3,500
)    
36.35
 
Vested
   
(44,016
)    
21.65
 
Nonvested at December 31, 2019
   
55,459
    $
24.35
 
 
Cash received from option exercises totaled approximately
$0,
$485,000
and
$123,000
during the years ended
December 31, 2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. The Company issued new shares upon option exercise.
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block]
17.
LEASES
 
Right-of-Use Leases
 
During
2019,
the Company entered into operating leases which include initial terms of approximately
five
years and which do
not
include an option for early cancellation. In accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic
842,
these leases resulted in the recognition of right-of-use assets and corresponding operating lease liabilities, respectively, valued at 
$
2.1
million as of
December 31, 2019.
These assets and liabilities are recognized based on the present value of future minimum lease payments over the lease term at commencement date, using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate as of the respective dates of lease inception, as the rate implicit in each lease is
not
readily determinable. The right-of-use assets are recorded in other assets, and the lease liability is recorded in accrued expenses and other liabilities and in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. Lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term and is recorded in rent and purchased transportation in our consolidated statements of operations. While the lease agreements contain provisions to extend after the initial term for an additional
five
years, the Company is
not
reasonably certain these extension options will be exercised. Therefore, potential lease payments that might occur under this extension period are
not
included in amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2019.
 
Scheduled amounts and timing of cash flows arising from operating lease payments at
December 31, 2019,
are:
 
    (in thousands)  
Maturity of Lease Liabilities
       
2020
  $
616
 
2021
   
627
 
2022
   
544
 
2023
   
340
 
2024
   
114
 
Thereafter
   
0
 
Total undiscounted operating lease payments
  $
2,241
 
Less: Imputed interest
   
(143
)
Present value of operating lease liabilities
  $
2,098
 
         
Balance Sheet Classification
       
Right-of-use assets (recorded in other non-current assets)
  $
2,098
 
         
Current lease liabilities (recorded in other current liabilities)
  $
616
 
Long-term lease liabilities (recorded in other long-term liabilities)
   
1,482
 
Total operating lease liabilities
  $
2,098
 
         
Other Information
       
Weighted-average remaining lease term for operating leases (in years)
   
3.74
 
Weighted-average discount rate for operating leases
   
3.59
%
 
Cash Flows
 
Right-of-use assets of
$2.4
million were recognized as non-cash asset additions that resulted from new operating lease liabilities during the year ended
December 31, 2019.
Cash paid for amounts included in the present value of right-of-use lease liabilities was
$0.3
million during the year ended
December 31, 2019
and is included in operating cash flows.
 
Cash Paid for Operating Leases
 
       
Twelve Months
Ended
 
       
December
3
1
,
 
       
2019
   
2018
 
   
(in thousands)
 
                     
Right-of-Use leases
      $
255
    $
-
 
Short-term leases (1)
       
2,214
     
2,174
 
Total
      $
2,469
    $
2,174
 
 
(
1
) Short-term lease cost includes leases with a term of
twelve
months or less and leases with options for early cancellation.
 
Lease Revenue
 
The Company has a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease a Company-owned truck. The terms associated with these leases require weekly lease payments over the term of the leases which range from
7
to
60
months. The cost and carrying amount of Company-owned trucks in this program at
December 31, 2019
were approximately
$60,130,000
and
$33,757,000,
respectively. 
 
Leases in our lease-purchase program expire at various dates through
2024.
Payments received under this program are classified in the Company’s financial statements under the consolidated statements of operations category Revenue. Future minimum lease receipts related to these leases at
December 31, 2019
and
2018
were approximately
$18,792,000
and
$22,319,000,
respectively. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the equipment, down to an estimated salvage value. In most cases, the Company has agreements in place with certain manufacturers whereby salvage values are guaranteed by the manufacturer. In other cases, where salvage values are
not
guaranteed, estimates of salvage value are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal. During the year ended
December 31, 2019,
the Company incurred
$6.7
million of depreciation expense for these assets.
 
The Company leases office and shop facilities to a related party at our Laredo, Texas terminal. At
December 31, 2019,
the cost and carrying amount of the facilities leased were approximately
$1,697,000
and
$1,080,000,
respectively. Future minimum lease receipts related to this lease at
December 31, 2019
are approximately
$12,000.
See Note
19
– Related Party Transactions for additional information regarding the Company’s transactions with related persons.
 
The Company's operating lease revenue is disclosed in the table below.
 
     
 
Twelve Months
E
nded
 
     
December 3
1
,
 
     
2019
   
2018
 
 
(in thousands)
 
                   
Leased truck revenue (recorded in revenue, before fuel surcharge)
    $
9,220
    $
8,101
 
Leased dock space revenue (recorded in non-operating income)
     
155
     
155
 
Total lease revenue
    $
9,375
    $
8,256
 
 
Lease Receivable
 
Future minimum operating lease payments receivable at
December 31, 2019:
 
   
(in thousands)
 
2020
  $
7,811
 
2021
   
3,847
 
2022
   
3,404
 
2023
   
2,728
 
2024
   
1,002
 
Thereafter
   
-
 
Total future minimum lease payments receivable
  $
18,792
 
 
 
Lease Payments to Related Parties
 
Payments to related parties of
$813,756
were made for real estate leases during
2019
which include maintenance facilities in
one
state and trailer drop yards in
eleven
states. The leases are generally month-to-month leases with automatic renewal provisions.
 
ASC Topic
840
disclosures
 
The ASC Topic
840
Comparative Approach for adopting ASC Topic
842
requires companies to provide disclosures for all periods that continue to be in accordance with ASC Topic
840.
 
The Company has a lease-purchase program whereby we offer independent contractors the opportunity to lease a Company-owned truck. The cost and carrying amount of the Company-owned trucks in this program at
December 31, 2018
were approximately
$61,061,000
and
$34,299,000,
respectively. Payments under this program are classified in the Company's financial statements under the consolidated statement of operations category Revenue.
 
Future minimum operating lease payments receivable as of
December 31, 2018:
 
   
(in thousands)
 
2019
  $
9,649
 
2020
   
6,497
 
2021
   
2,417
 
2022
   
2,025
 
2023
   
1,731
 
Thereafter
   
-
 
Total future minimum lease payments
  $
22,319
 
 
The Company leases office and shop facilities to a related party. At
December 31, 2018,
the cost and carrying amount of the facilities leased were approximately
$1,697,000
and
$1,138,000,
respectively. Future minimum lease receipts related to this lease at
December 31, 2018
were approximately
$12,000.
 
During
2018
the Company leased office, shop and parking spaces from various lessors, including a related party. The initial term for the majority of these leases is
one
year, with an option for early cancellation and an option to renew for subsequent
one
-month periods. These leases can be terminated by either party by providing notice to the other party of the intent to cancel or to
not
extend. Relatively short lease durations for these properties are intended to provide flexibility to the Company as changing operational needs and shifting opportunities often result in cancellation or non-renewal of these leases by the Company or the lessor. The minimum operating lease payable under these arrangements was approximately
$284,000
as of
December 31, 2018.   
v3.20.1
Note 3 - Trade Accounts Receivable - Changes in Allowance for Doubtful Accounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Balance—beginning of year $ 2,224 $ 1,335 $ 994
Provision for bad debts 728 889 341
Charge-offs
Recoveries
Balance—end of year $ 2,952 $ 2,224 $ 1,335
v3.20.1
Note 20 - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]
   
2019
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                                 
Operating revenues
  $
128,686
    $
133,000
    $
128,994
    $
123,497
 
Operating expenses and costs
   
118,999
     
119,789
     
121,461
     
141,381
 
                                 
Operating income (loss)
   
9,687
     
13,211
     
7,533
     
(17,884
)
Non-operating income (loss)
   
3,472
     
(197
)    
490
     
2,457
 
Interest expense
   
(2,040
)    
(2,059
)    
(2,178
)    
(2,377
)
Income tax (expense) benefit
   
(2,818
)    
(2,301
)    
(1,264
)    
4,168
 
                                 
Net income (loss)
  $
8,301
    $
8,654
    $
4,581
    $
(13,636
)
                                 
Net income (loss) per common share:
                               
Basic
  $
1.40
    $
1.47
    $
0.80
    $
(2.37
)
Diluted
  $
1.39
    $
1.45
    $
0.79
    $
(2.37
)
                                 
Average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
5,921
     
5,901
     
5,756
     
5,751
 
Diluted
   
5,985
     
5,949
     
5,799
     
5,751
 
   
201
8
 
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31
   
June 30
   
September 30
   
December 31
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                                 
Operating revenues
  $
119,458
    $
135,302
    $
140,325
    $
138,176
 
Operating expenses and costs
   
115,702
     
125,285
     
127,172
     
123,500
 
                                 
Operating income
   
3,756
     
10,017
     
13,153
     
14,676
 
Non-operating (loss) income
   
(879
)    
632
     
935
     
(4,704
)
Interest expense
   
(1,160
)    
(1,355
)    
(1,711
)    
(2,019
)
Income tax expense
   
(330
)    
(2,005
)    
(3,129
)    
(1,883
)
                                 
Net income
  $
1,387
    $
7,289
    $
9,248
    $
6,070
 
                                 
Net income per common share:
                               
Basic
  $
0.22
    $
1.18
    $
1.53
    $
1.02
 
Diluted
  $
0.22
    $
1.17
    $
1.52
    $
1.01
 
                                 
Average common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
   
6,168
     
6,159
     
6,034
     
5,975
 
Diluted
   
6,264
     
6,229
     
6,088
     
6,029
 
v3.20.1
Note 12 - Federal and State Income Taxes - Significant Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities and Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Property and equipment $ 83,453 $ 78,502
Unrealized gains on securities 2,580 2,580
Prepaid expenses and other 2,193 2,667
Total deferred tax liabilities 88,226 83,749
Deferred tax assets:    
Allowance for doubtful accounts 760 572
QAFMV tax credit carryforward 864 864
New hire tax credit 124 124
Compensated absences 512 460
Self-insurance allowances 5,630 188
Marketable equity securities 1,253 2,200
Net operating loss carryover 15,364 17,241
Other 198 203
Total deferred tax assets 24,705 21,852
Net deferred tax liability $ 63,521 $ 61,897
v3.20.1
Note 13 - Stock-based Compensation - Employee Stock Option Activity (Details) - $ / shares
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Outstanding (in shares) 45,068 56,131
Outstanding (in dollars per share) $ 10.79 $ 10.85
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period    
Granted (in dollars per share)
Exercised (in shares) (45,005) (11,063)
Exercised (in dollars per share) $ 10.79 $ 11.13
Canceled (in shares) (63)
Canceled (in dollars per share) $ 11.22
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross 0  
Outstanding (in shares) 45,068
Outstanding (in dollars per share) $ 10.79
Options exercisable (in shares)    
Options exercisable (in dollars per share)    
v3.20.1
Note 16 - Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textual)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Sep. 01, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2015
Dec. 31, 2014
Self Insurance Auto Liability Claims Threshold Amount       $ 1,000,000    
Operating Leases Number of Trucks     56   471 471
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Total $ 0 $ 47,000 $ 5,460,000      
Settlement Of Collective And Class Action Lawsuit [Member]            
Loss Contingency Accrual, Ending Balance $ 16,500,000          
v3.20.1
Note 14 - Earnings Per Share
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
14.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
 
Basic earnings per common share was computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share was calculated as follows:
 
   
For the Year Ended December 31,
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
   
201
7
 
   
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
                         
Net income
  $
7,900
    $
23,994
    $
38,899
 
                         
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,832
     
6,083
     
6,331
 
Dilutive effect of common stock equivalents
   
48
     
76
     
67
 
                         
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
   
5,880
     
6,159
     
6,398
 
                         
Basic earnings per share
  $
1.35
    $
3.94
    $
6.14
 
                         
Diluted earnings per share
  $
1.34
    $
3.90
    $
6.08
 
v3.20.1
Note 18 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
18.
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, marketable equity securities, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and borrowings.
 
The Company follows the guidance for financial assets and liabilities measured on a recurring basis. The guidance defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date and also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.
 
 
The standard describes
three
levels of inputs that
may
be used to measure fair value:
 
 
Level
1:
 
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
 
 
 
 
Level
2:
 
Inputs other than Level
1
inputs that are either directly or indirectly observable such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are
not
active; inputs other than quoted prices that are observable; or other inputs
not
directly observable, but derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data.
       
 
Level
3:
 
Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or
no
market activity.
 
The Company utilizes the market approach to measure fair value for its financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
 
At
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
the following items are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
   
2019
   
2018
 
                                                                 
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Marketable equity securities
  $
29,521
    $
29,521
     
-
     
-
    $
27,549
    $
27,549
     
-
     
-
 
 
 
During
2019
and
2018,
there were
no
transfers of marketable securities between levels of fair value measurement.
 
The Company’s investments in marketable equity securities are recorded at fair value based on quoted market prices. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to their short maturities.
 
The carrying amount for the line of credit approximates fair value because the line of credit interest rate is adjusted frequently.
 
For long-term debt other than the lines of credit, the fair values are estimated using discounted cash flow analyses, based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. The carrying values and estimated fair values of this other long-term debt at
December 31, 2019
and
2018
are summarized as follows:
 
   
201
9
   
201
8
 
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
   
Carrying
Value
   
Estimated
Fair Value
 
   
(in thousands)
 
Long-term debt
  $
224,777
    $
228,449
    $
211,031
    $
210,234
 
 
 
The Company has
not
elected the fair value option for any of our financial instruments.
v3.20.1
Note 2 - Revenue Recognition
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
2.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
 
The Company has a single performance obligation, to transport our customer’s freight from a specified origin to a specified destination. The Company has the discretion to choose to self-transport or to arrange for alternate transportation to fulfill the performance obligation. Where the Company decides to self-transport the freight, the Company classifies the service as truckload services, and where the Company arranges for alternate transportation of the freight, the Company classifies the service as brokerage and logistics services. In either case, the Company is paid a rate to transport freight from its origin location to a specified destination. Because the primary factors influencing revenue recognition, including performance obligation, customer base, and timing of revenue recognition are the same for both of its service categories, the Company utilizes the same revenue recognition method throughout its operations.
 
Company revenue is generated from freight transportation services performed utilizing heavy truck trailer combinations. While various ownership arrangements
may
exist for the equipment utilized to perform these services, including Company-owned or leased, owner-operator owned, and
third
-party carriers, revenue is generated from the same base of customers. Contracts with these customers establish rates for services performed, which are predominantly rates that will be paid to pick up, transport and drop off freight at various locations. In addition to transportation, revenue is also awarded for various accessorial services performed in conjunction with the base transportation service. The Company also has other revenue categories that are
not
discussed in this note or broken out in our consolidated statements of operations due to their immaterial amounts.
 
In fulfilling the Company’s obligation to transport freight from a specified origin to a specified destination, control of freight is transferred to us at the point it has been loaded into the driver’s trailer, the doors are sealed and the driver has signed a bill of lading, which is the basic transportation agreement that establishes the nature, quantity and condition of the freight loaded, responsibility for invoice payment, and pickup and delivery locations. Our revenue is generated, and our customer receives benefit, as the freight progresses towards delivery locations. In the event our customer cancels the shipment at some point prior to the final delivery location and re-consigns the shipment to an alternate delivery location, we are entitled to receive payment for services performed for the partial shipment. Shipments are generally conducted over a relatively short time span, generally
one
to
three
days; however, freight is sometimes stored temporarily in our trailer at
one
of our drop yard locations or at a location designated by a customer. Our revenue is categorized as either Freight Revenue or Fuel Surcharge Revenue, and both are earned by performing the same freight transportation services, as discussed further below.
 
Freight Revenue – revenue generated by the performance of the freight transportation service, including any accessorial service, provided to customers.
 
Fuel Surcharge Revenue – revenue designed to adjust freight revenue rates to an agreed upon base cost for diesel fuel. Diesel fuel prices can fluctuate widely during the term of a contract with a customer. At the point that freight revenue rates are negotiated with customers, a sliding scale is agreed upon that approximately adjusts diesel fuel costs to an agreed upon base amount. In general, as fuel prices increase, revenue from fuel surcharge increases, so that diesel fuel cost is adjusted to the approximate base amount agreed upon.
 
Revenue is recognized over time as the freight progresses towards its destination and the transportation service obligation is fulfilled. For loads picked up during the reporting period, but delivered in a subsequent reporting period, revenue is allocated to each period based on the transit time in each period as a percentage of total transit time. There are
no
assets or liabilities recorded in conjunction with revenue recognized, other than Accounts Receivable and Allowance for doubtful accounts.
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals)
$ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2017
USD ($)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax $ 1,995
v3.20.1
Note 6 - Claims Liabilities
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]
6.
CLAIMS LIABILITIES
 
The Company maintains cargo insurance coverage to protect it from certain business risks. This policy has a per occurrence deductible of
$10,000.
 
On
September 1, 2019,
the Company elected to become self-insured for certain layers of auto liability claims in excess of
$1.0
million. Prior to
September 1, 2019,
the Company maintained auto liability insurance coverage for these layers. The Company specifically reserves for claims that are expected to exceed
$1.0
million when fully developed, based on the facts and circumstances of those claims.
 
Beginning
September 1, 2018,
the Company became self-insured for physical damage losses on its trucks. Prior to
October 1, 2013,
the Company was self-insured for physical damage losses on its trailers. From
October 1, 2013
until
September 30, 2015,
the Company insured its trailers for physical damage losses with a
$2,500
deductible per occurrence. Beginning
October 1, 2015,
the Company elected to self-insure trailers for physical damage losses.
 
The Company maintains workers’ compensation coverage in Arkansas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Florida with a
$500,000
self-insured retention and a
$500,000
per occurrence excess policy. The Company has elected to opt out of workers’ compensation coverage in Texas and is providing coverage through the P.A.M. Texas Injury Plan. The Company has accrued for estimated losses to pay such claims as well as claims incurred but
not
yet reported. The Company has
not
experienced any adverse trends involving differences in claims experienced versus claims estimates for workers’ compensation claims. Letters of credit aggregating approximately
$430,000
and certificates of deposit totaling
$300,000
are held by banks as security for workers’ compensation claims. The Company self-insures for employee health claims with a stop loss of
$350,000
per covered employee per year and estimates its liability for claims outstanding and claims incurred but
not
reported. See Note
5
– Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities for additional information regarding self-insurance claims liabilities.
v3.20.1
Note 10 - Segment Information, Significant Customers, Industry Concentration and Geographic Areas
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes to Financial Statements  
Segment Reporting and Concentration Risk Disclosure [Text Block]
10.
SEGMENT INFORMATION, SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS, INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION AND GEOGRAPHIC AREAS
 
The Company's revenues for
2019,
2018
and
2017
were all generated from operations in the motor carrier segment and are aggregated into a single reporting segment in accordance with the aggregation criteria under GAAP.
 
The table below presents revenue dollars and percentages by geographic area:
 
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
United States - domestic shipments
  $
326,559
     
63.5
    $
302,754
     
56.8
    $
255,197
     
58.3
 
Shipments to or from Mexico
   
186,391
     
36.3
     
229,350
     
43.0
     
181,099
     
41.4
 
Shipments to or from Canada
   
1,226
     
0.2
     
1,157
     
0.2
     
1,542
     
0.3
 
                                                 
Total Operating Revenues
  $
514,177
     
100
%   $
533,261
     
100
%   $
437,838
     
100
%
 
Our
five
largest customers, for which we provide carrier services covering a number of geographic locations, accounted for approximately
40%,
42%
and
41%
of our total revenues in
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. General Motors Company accounted for approximately
19%,
13%
and
18%
of our revenues in
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles accounted for approximately
9%,
16%
and
10%
of our revenues in
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively. Ford Motor Company accounted for approximately
7%,
8%
and
9%
of our revenues in
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively.
 
We also provide transportation services to other manufacturers who are suppliers for automobile manufacturers. Approximately
40%,
46%
and
46%
of our revenues were derived from transportation services provided to the automobile industry during
2019,
2018
and
2017,
respectively.
 
Accounts receivable from the
three
largest customers totaled approximately
$31,327,000
and
$30,848,000
at
December 31, 2019
and
2018,
respectively.
v3.20.1
Consolidated Statements of Operations - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING REVENUES:      
Operating revenues $ 514,177 $ 533,261 $ 437,838
OPERATING EXPENSES AND COSTS:      
Salaries, wages and benefits 129,738 119,819 102,227
Operating supplies and expenses 98,420 93,130 79,505
Rents and purchased transportation 168,399 201,455 174,477
Depreciation 55,107 49,387 42,274
Insurance and claims 35,622 17,191 17,484
Other 13,761 11,983 9,249
Loss (gain) on disposition of equipment 583 (1,306) (58)
Total operating expenses and costs 501,630 491,659 425,158
OPERATING INCOME 12,547 41,602 12,680
NON-OPERATING INCOME (EXPENSE) 6,222 (4,016) 5,853
INTEREST EXPENSE (8,654) (6,245) (3,902)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 10,115 31,341 14,631
FEDERAL & STATE INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT):      
Current 590 141 362
Deferred 1,625 7,206 (24,630)
Total federal & state income tax expense (benefit) 2,215 7,347 (24,268)
NET INCOME $ 7,900 $ 23,994 $ 38,899
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:      
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 1.35 $ 3.94 $ 6.14
Diluted (in dollars per share) $ 1.34 $ 3.90 $ 6.08
AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:      
Basic (in shares) 5,832 6,083 6,331
Diluted (in shares) 5,880 6,159 6,398
Freight Transportation Service [Member]      
OPERATING REVENUES:      
Operating revenues $ 439,511 $ 445,855 $ 373,523
Fuel Surcharge [Member]      
OPERATING REVENUES:      
Operating revenues $ 74,666 $ 87,406 $ 64,315
v3.20.1
Note 10 - Segment Information, Significant Customers, Industry Concentration and Geographic Areas (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Reconciliation of Revenue from Segments to Consolidated [Table Text Block]
   
Year Ended December 31,
 
   
2019
   
2018
   
2017
 
   
(in thousands)
 
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
   
Amount
   
Percent
 
United States - domestic shipments
  $
326,559
     
63.5
    $
302,754
     
56.8
    $
255,197
     
58.3
 
Shipments to or from Mexico
   
186,391
     
36.3
     
229,350
     
43.0
     
181,099
     
41.4
 
Shipments to or from Canada
   
1,226
     
0.2
     
1,157
     
0.2
     
1,542
     
0.3
 
                                                 
Total Operating Revenues
  $
514,177
     
100
%   $
533,261
     
100
%   $
437,838
     
100
%
v3.20.1
Note 3 - Trade Accounts Receivable (Tables)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Notes Tables  
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                 
Billed
  $
57,495
    $
56,766
 
Unbilled
   
7,241
     
8,808
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
(2,952
)    
(2,224
)
                 
Total accounts receivable—net
  $
61,784
    $
63,350
 
Financing Receivable, Current, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block]
   
20
1
9
   
20
1
8
   
20
1
7
 
   
(
i
n thousands)
 
                         
Balance—beginning of year
  $
2,224
    $
1,335
    $
994
 
Provision for bad debts
   
728
     
889
     
341
 
Charge-offs
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Recoveries
   
-
     
-
     
-
 
Balance—end of year
  $
2,952
    $
2,224
    $
1,335
 
v3.20.1
Note 7 - Long-term Debt (Details Textual)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2018
USD ($)
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount $ 430,000 $ 700,000
Line of Credit [Member]    
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity $ 60,000,000  
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End 2.96%  
Line of Credit Facility, Unused Capacity, Commitment Fee Percentage 0.25%  
Average Daily Borrowings Amount Unused Fee Trigger $ 18,000,000  
Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital   4
Line of Credit Facility, Outstanding Advances 17,400,000 $ 10,900,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 400,000 $ 700,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity $ 42,600,000  
Line of Credit [Member] | Equipment Financing [Member]    
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time 3.65%  
Line of Credit [Member] | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]    
Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 1.25%  
v3.20.1
Note 9 - Capital Stock (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Jun. 13, 2019
May 13, 2019
Jun. 08, 2018
May 08, 2018
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Apr. 30, 2017
Common Stock, Shares Authorized         40,000,000 40,000,000    
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share         $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized         10,000,000 10,000,000    
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share         $ 0.01 $ 0.01    
Common Stock, Shares, Issued, Total         11,656,160 11,612,144    
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding, Ending Balance         5,748,897 5,956,558    
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued, Total         0 0    
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method         $ 14,285,000 $ 13,369,000 $ 6,348,000  
Treasury Stock, Shares, Ending Balance         5,907,263 5,655,586    
Treasury Stock, Value, Ending Balance         $ 156,836,650 $ 142,552,000    
The 2019 Tender Offer [Member]                
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased   200,000            
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Shares Authroized To Be Repurchased Percent Of Outstanding Shares Percent   2.00%            
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased Percent Of Outstanding Shares, Shares   118,996            
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired 192,743              
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share $ 60              
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method $ 11,600,000              
The 2019 Tender Offer [Member] | Minimum [Member]                
Treasury Stock Acquired Cost Per Share   $ 55            
The 2019 Tender Offer [Member] | Maximum [Member]                
Treasury Stock Acquired Cost Per Share   $ 60            
The 2018 Tender Offer [Member]                
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased       100,000        
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Shares Authroized To Be Repurchased Percent Of Outstanding Shares Percent       2.00%        
Stock Repurchase Program Additional Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased Percent Of Outstanding Shares, Shares       124,248        
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired     185,597          
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share     $ 40          
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method     $ 7,500,000          
The 2018 Tender Offer [Member] | Minimum [Member]                
Treasury Stock Acquired Cost Per Share       $ 39        
The 2018 Tender Offer [Member] | Maximum [Member]                
Treasury Stock Acquired Cost Per Share       $ 43        
September 2011 Reauthorization [Member]                
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased               500,000
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired         58,934 101,754    
v3.20.1
Note 19 - Related Party Transactions (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Sep. 01, 2019
Self Insurance Auto Liability Claims Threshold Amount       $ 1,000,000
Auto Liability Coverage [Member]        
Self Insurance Auto Liability Claims Threshold Amount $ 1,000,000     $ 1,000,000
Majority Shareholder [Member]        
Revenue from Related Parties 2,691,000 $ 2,854,000 $ 585,000  
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 9,190,000 9,859,000 7,497,000  
Due from Related Parties, Total 1,052,000 149,000    
Due to Related Parties, Total 961,000 2,161,000    
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Freight Transportation [Member]        
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties 1,052,000 147,000    
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Maintenance Performed and Charges Paid to Third Parties on Behalf of Their Affiliate and Charged Back [Member]        
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties 0 2,000    
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Insurance Premiums Paid in Excess of Amounts Earned [Member]        
Accounts Receivable, Related Parties 0 29,000    
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Physical Damage Coverage [Member]        
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 0 1,271,000 1,808,000  
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Auto Liability Coverage [Member]        
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 10,345,000 10,987,000 10,860,000  
Majority Shareholder [Member] | General Liability Coverage [Member]        
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party 0 24,000 35,000  
Majority Shareholder [Member] | Workers Compensation Coverage [Member]        
Related Party Transaction, Selling, General and Administrative Expenses from Transactions with Related Party $ 266,000 $ 301,000 $ 286,000  
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases - Lease Receivables (Details)
$ in Thousands
Dec. 31, 2019
USD ($)
2020 $ 7,811
2021 3,847
2022 3,404
2023 2,728
2024 1,002
Thereafter
Total future minimum lease payments receivable $ 18,792
v3.20.1
Note 17 - Leases (Details Textual) - USD ($)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Lessee, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 5 years    
Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability $ 2,400,000    
Operating Lease, Payments 300,000    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance 563,162,000 $ 492,325,000  
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance 387,275,000 354,587,000  
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Total 18,792,000    
Depreciation, Total 55,107,000 49,387,000 $ 42,274,000
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total   22,319,000  
Majority Shareholder [Member]      
Operating Lease, Payments 813,756    
Trucks under Operating Lease [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance 60,130,000    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance 33,757,000    
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Total 18,792,000 22,319,000  
Depreciation, Total 6,700,000    
Shop and Office Space [Member] | Majority Shareholder [Member]      
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross, Ending Balance 1,697,000    
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Ending Balance 1,080,000    
Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Total $ 12,000    
Trucks [Member]      
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross   61,061,000  
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net, Total   34,299,000  
Trucks [Member] | Minimum [Member]      
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 7 years    
Trucks [Member] | Maximum [Member]      
Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract 60 years    
Building [Member]      
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross   1,697,000  
Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net, Total   1,138,000  
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total   12,000  
Shop and Office Space [Member]      
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Total   $ 284,000  
Operating Lease Liabilities [Member]      
Operating Lease, Liability, Total $ 2,100,000    
Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities And Other Long-term Liabilities [Member]      
Operating Lease, Liability, Total 2,098,000    
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset $ 2,098,000