Note 7. Debt
Current and long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
|
(in thousands)
|
|
September 30, 2014
|
|
|
December
31, 2013
|
|
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
Long-Term
|
|
|
Current
|
|
|
Long-Term
|
|
|
Borrowings under Credit Facility
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
27
|
|
|
$
|
-
|
|
|
$
|
7,010
|
|
|
Revenue equipment installment notes with finance companies; weighted average interest rate of 3.95% and 4.7% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from October 2014 to December 2021, secured by related revenue equipment
|
|
|
36,033
|
|
|
|
165,473
|
|
|
|
43,745
|
|
|
|
158,596
|
|
|
Real estate note; interest rate of 2.5% and 2.4% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, due in monthly installments with fixed maturity at December 2018, secured by related real estate
|
|
|
136
|
|
|
|
3,679
|
|
|
|
217
|
|
|
|
3,693
|
|
|
Other note payable, interest rate of 3.0% at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, with fixed maturity at November 2016
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
192
|
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
36,277
|
|
|
|
169,296
|
|
|
|
44,070
|
|
|
|
169,491
|
|
|
Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment
|
|
|
5,402
|
|
|
|
12,234
|
|
|
|
8,732
|
|
|
|
13,186
|
|
|
Total debt and capital lease obligations
|
|
$
|
41,679
|
|
|
$
|
181,530
|
|
|
$
|
52,802
|
|
|
$
|
182,677
|
|
In September 2008, we and substantially all of our subsidiaries (collectively, the "Borrowers") entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPM," and together with the Agent, the "Lenders").
The Credit Facility was originally structured as an $85.0 million revolving credit facility, with an accordion feature that, so long as no event of default existed, allowed us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million. The Credit Facility included, within our $85.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $85.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time.
In January 2013, we entered into an eighth amendment, which was effective December 31, 2012, to the Credit Facility which, among other things, (i) increased the revolver commitment to $95.0 million, (ii) extended the maturity date from September 2014 to September 2017, (iii) eliminated the availability block of $15.0 million, (iv) improved pricing for revolving borrowings by amending the applicable margin as set forth below, (v) improved the unused line fee pricing to 0.375% per annum when availability is less than $50.0 million and 0.5% per annum when availability is at or over such amount, (vi) provided that the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be tested only during periods that commence when availability is less than or equal to the greater of 12.5% of the revolver commitment or $11.9 million, (vii) eliminated the consolidated leverage ratio covenant, (viii) reduced the level of availability below which cash dominion applies to the greater of 15% of the revolver commitment or $14.3 million, (ix) added deemed amortization of real estate and eligible revenue equipment included in the borrowing base to the calculation of fixed charge coverage ratio, (x) amended certain types of permitted debt to afford additional flexibility, (xi) allowed for stock repurchases in an aggregate amount not exceeding $5.0 million and, (xii) removed certain restrictions relating to the purchase of up to the remaining 51% equity interest in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"), provided that certain conditions are met.
In exchange for these amendments, the Borrowers agreed to pay fees of $0.3 million. Based on availability as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
In August 2014, we obtained a ninth amendment to the Credit Facility, which allows for the disposition of certain parcels of real property and the acquisition of other real property. Additionally, in September 2014, we obtained a tenth amendment to the Credit Facility, which, among other things, amended certain provisions of the Credit Facility and related security documents to facilitate the Borrowers’ entry into fuel hedging arrangements.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "LIBOR loans." Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent's prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.5% to 1.25%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%
.
The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability. The unused line fee is also adjusted quarterly between 0.375% and 0.5% based on the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and capital leases.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $95.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the lesser of (a) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b) 95% of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, or (c) 35% of the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, plus (iii) the lesser of (a) $25.0 million or (b) 65% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate. We had less than $0.1 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $34.8 million, and available borrowing capacity of $52.6 million. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2014, was 4.25% on less than $0.1 million of base rate loans
.
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated. If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.
Capital lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at September 30, 2014 terminate in October 2014 through September 2021 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term
,
as well as included in the future minimum capital lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses.
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from October 2014 to December 2021
.
The notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $185.7 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additionally, a portion of the abovementioned fuel hedge contracts totaling $1.4 million at September 30, 2014, is cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered for the remainder of 2014 and in 2015, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, will be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, capital leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
Note 8. Share-Based Compensation
In February 2013, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved, subject to stockholder approval, a third amendment (the "Third Amendment") to the 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "Incentive Plan"). The Third Amendment (i) provides that the maximum aggregate number of shares of Class A common stock available for grant of awards under the Incentive Plan from and after May 29, 2013, shall not exceed 750,000, plus any remaining available shares of the 800,000 shares previously made available under the second amendment to the Incentive Plan (the "Second Amendment"), and any expirations, forfeitures, cancellations, or certain other terminations of shares approved for grant under the Third Amendment or the Second Amendment previously reserved, plus any remaining expirations, forfeitures, cancellations, or certain other terminations of such shares, and (ii) re-sets the term of the Incentive Plan to expire with respect to the ability to grant new awards on September 30, 2023. The Compensation Committee also re-approved, subject to stockholder re-approval, the material terms of the performance-based goals under the Incentive Plan so that certain incentive awards granted thereunder would continue to qualify as exempt "performance-based compensation" under Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m). The Company's stockholders approved the adoption of the Third Amendment and re-approved the material terms of the performance-based goals under the Incentive Plan at the Company's 2013 Annual Meeting held on May 29, 2013.
The Incentive Plan permits annual awards of shares of our Class A common stock to executives, other key employees, consultants, non-employee directors, and eligible participants under various types of options, restricted stock awards, or other equity instruments. At September 30, 2014, 675,021 of the abovementioned 1,550,000 shares were available for award under the Incentive Plan. No participant in the Incentive Plan may receive awards of any type of equity instruments in any calendar year that relates to more than 200,000 shares of our Class A common stock. No awards may be made under the Incentive Plan after September 30, 2023. To the extent available, we have issued treasury stock to satisfy all share-based incentive plans.
Included in salaries, wages, and related expenses within the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, is stock-based compensation expense of approximately $0.7 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and expense of $0.9 million and less than $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. An additional $0.1 million of stock-based compensation was recorded in general supplies and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, as it relates to the issuance of restricted stock to non-employee directors.
The Incentive Plan allows participants to pay the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements related to awards that vest or allows participants to deliver to us shares of Class A common stock having a fair market value equal to the minimum amount of such required withholding taxes. To satisfy withholding requirements for shares that vested, through September 30, 2014, certain participants elected to forfeit receipt of 15,388 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average per share price of $11.28 based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2014, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted $0.2 million to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements.
During the third quarter of 2014, certain employees exercised 11,150 stock options, which provided for approximately $0.2 million of proceeds.
Note 9. Equity Method Investment
In May 2011, we acquired a 49.0% interest in TEL for $1.5 million in cash. Additionally, TEL’s majority owners were eligible to receive an earn-out of up to $4.5 million for TEL’s results through December 31, 2012, of which $1.0 million was earned based on TEL’s 2011 results and $2.4 million was earned based on TEL’s 2012 results.
The earn-out payments increased our investment balance and there are no additional possible earn-outs.
TEL is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We have not guaranteed any of TEL’s debt and have no obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. We have an option to acquire 100% of TEL through May 31, 2016, by purchasing the majority owners’ interest based on a multiple of TEL’s average earnings before interest and taxes, adjusted for certain items including cash and debt balances as of the acquisition date. Subsequent to May 31, 2016, TEL’s majority owners have the option to acquire our interest based on the same terms detailed above. During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, we sold tractors and trailers to TEL totaling $9.7 million and reversed $0.1 million in previously deferred gains on the tractors and trailers sold to TEL for equipment that was subsequently sold to a third party. The deferred gains, totaling $0.8 million at September 30, 2014, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had a receivable from TEL for $1.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, related to cash disbursements made pursuant to a cash management agreement and related to providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment.
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL’s 2014 net income through September 30, 2014, or $2.5 million. Our investment in TEL, totaling $11.0 million and $8.7 million, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Our investment in TEL is comprised of the $4.9 million cash investment noted above and our equity in TEL’s earnings since our investment, partially offset by dividends received since our investment for minimum tax withholdings and the abovementioned gains on sales of equipment to TEL.
See TEL’s summarized financial information below:
|
(in thousands)
|
|
As of September 30,
2014
|
|
|
As of December 31,
2013
|
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
$
|
11,595
|
|
|
$
|
9,160
|
|
|
Non-current Assets
|
|
|
57,209
|
|
|
|
40,296
|
|
|
Current Liabilities
|
|
|
2,940
|
|
|
|
13,456
|
|
|
Non-current Liabilities
|
|
|
51,310
|
|
|
|
26,101
|
|
|
Total Equity
|
|
$
|
14,554
|
|
|
$
|
9,899
|
|
|
|
|
For the three months
ended
September 30, 2014
|
|
|
For the three months
ended
September 30, 2013
|
|
|
For the nine months
ended
September 30, 2014
|
|
|
For the nine months
ended
September 30, 2013
|
|
|
Revenue
|
|
$
|
23,545
|
|
|
$
|
16,672
|
|
|
$
|
64,433
|
|
|
$
|
39,838
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
21,120
|
|
|
|
14,256
|
|
|
|
57,613
|
|
|
|
34,631
|
|
|
Operating Income
|
|
$
|
2,425
|
|
|
$
|
2,416
|
|
|
$
|
6,820
|
|
|
$
|
5,207
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
1,855
|
|
|
$
|
2,009
|
|
|
$
|
5,282
|
|
|
$
|
4,217
|
|
Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
From time-to-time, we are a party to routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight. We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. In management's opinion, our potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.
In September 2014, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a pre-trial decision in a lawsuit against SRT relating to a cargo claim incurred in 2008. The court awarded the plaintiff approximately $5.9 million plus prejudgment interest and costs and denied a motion for summary judgment by SRT. Previously, the court had ruled in favor of SRT on all but one count before overturning its earlier decision and ruling in favor of the plaintiff. As a result of this decision, we have increased the reserve for this claim by approximately $7.5 million to approximately $8.1 million during the third quarter of 2014.
We had $34.8 million and $39.0 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs.
Effective April 2013, we entered into an auto liability policy with a three-year term. The policy retains the $1.0 million per claim limit for the primary excess layer of our auto liability program, with no changes to the excess policies. Similar to the prior policy, the current policy contains a commutation option; however, this option is only available after the completion of the three-year policy term, unless both we and the insurance carrier agree to a commutation prior to the end of the policy term.
Note 11
.
Accumulated other Comprehensive (Loss) Income
AOCI is comprised of net income and other adjustments, including changes in the fair value of certain derivative financial instruments qualifying as cash flow hedges.
The following tables summarize the change in the components of our AOCI balance for the periods presented (in thousands; presented net of tax):
|
Details about AOCI Components
|
|
Amount Reclassified from AOCI for the three months ended September 30, 2014
|
|
|
Amount Reclassified from AOCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2014
|
|
Affected Line Item in the
Statement of Operations
|
|
Gains on cash flow hedges
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commodity derivative contracts
|
|
$
|
791
|
|
|
$
|
198
|
|
Fuel expense
|
|
|
|
|
(304
|
)
|
|
|
(76
|
)
|
Income tax (benefit)
|
|
|
|
$
|
487
|
|
|
$
|
122
|
|
Net of tax
|
ITEM 2
. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada holding company, and its wholly owned subsidiaries. References in this report to "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
This report contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. In this Form 10-Q, statements relating to expected sources of working capital and liquidity, expected capital expenditures, expected cash flows, future trucking capacity, expected freight demand and volumes, future rates and prices, future depreciation and amortization, expected driver compensation and other future expenses, future utilization of independent contractors, strategies for managing fuel costs, the effectiveness of and cash flows relating to our fuel hedging contracts, future fleet size and management, the market value of equipment subject to operating or capital leases relative to our payment obligations under such operating leases (including residual value guarantees), the anticipated impact of our investment in TEL, the anticipated impact of existing and future industry regulation, and anticipated levels of and fluctuations relating to insurance and claims expense, including with respect to the September 2014 adverse judgment relating to a 2008 cargo claim, among others, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of terms or phrases such as "believe," "may," "could," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "anticipates," "plans," "intends," and similar terms and phrases. Such statements are based on currently available operating, financial, and competitive information. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers should review and consider the factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors," set forth in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, along with various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Executive Overview
We experienced a significant increase in demand throughout the third quarter of 2014, particularly in our expedited team-driver operations and our dedicated contract automotive offering. Operating results for each of our asset-based subsidiaries improved sequentially and year-over-year during the third quarter and Solutions’ operating ratio improved to 95.5% during the third quarter of 2014 from 96.6% in the 2013 quarter. The main positives in the third quarter were significant improvement in the operating profitability (excluding the cargo claim reserve) at each of our three asset-based trucking subsidiaries, a 6.7% increase in average freight revenue per total mile and a 5.7% increase in average miles per truck versus the same quarter of 2013, a sequential increase in our professional driver employee headcount, and a decrease in our total indebtedness. The main negatives in the quarter were a $7.5 million additional expense related to the 2008 cargo claim adverse judgment and other increased operating costs on a per mile basis.
Additional items of note for the third quarter of 2014 include the following:
|
●
|
Total revenue of $177.6 million, an increase of 3.9% compared with the third quarter of 2013 and freight revenue of $142.0 million (excluding revenue from fuel surcharges), an increase of 5.7% compared with the third quarter of 2013;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Operating income of $5.6 million and an operating ratio of 96.1%, compared with operating income of $5.9 million and an operating ratio of 95.6% in the third quarter of 2013. Operating income for the 2014 quarter included a $7.5 million reserve for an adverse judgment in September 2014 stemming from a cargo loss in 2008;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Net income of $1.9 million, or $0.12 per basic and diluted share, compared with net income of $2.0 million, or $0.13 per basic and diluted share, in the third quarter of 2013. Net income for the 2014 quarter includes an unfavorable after-tax impact of approximately $4.6 million, or $0.30 per share for the abovementioned cargo claim;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
With available borrowing capacity of $52.6 million under our Credit Facility, we do not expect to be required to test our fixed charge covenant in the foreseeable future;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Solutions’ revenue remained flat at approximately $10.7 million for the 2014 and 2013 quarters;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Our equity investment in TEL provided $0.9 million of pre-tax earnings compared to $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2013;
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Since December 31, 2013, total indebtedness, net of cash and including the present value of off-balance sheet lease obligations has decreased by $33.5 million to $271.7 million; and
|
|
|
|
|
●
|
Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2014, was $102.5 million and our tangible book value was $102.2 million, or $6.83 per basic share.
|
Since the end of the second quarter, we increased capacity allocated to our Covenant Transport subsidiary and maintained the capacity level of our Star subsidiary while reducing capacity allocated to our SRT subsidiary. While the industry’s driver shortage continues to be its most significant challenge, we are encouraged that our focus on improving our drivers’ employment experience and keeping our trucks seated is providing results. Specifically, our fleet experienced a 35 truck increase from our reported fleet size at the end of June 2014 and our fleet of team-driven trucks averaged 851 teams in the third quarter of 2014, a sequential increase of approximately 6.4% from the second quarter of 2014. We will continue to keep our drivers’ employment experience and keeping our trucks seated at the forefront of every initiative we implement and decision we make.
Our outlook for the fourth quarter of 2014 is positive. We expect strong customer demand to continue throughout the fourth quarter in all of our service offerings, but particularly in our expedited team and Solutions’ brokerage services, which provide critical supply chain services for retailers, e-tailers, and parcel delivery customers delivering Internet purchases. We expect customer demand to exceed that of both third quarter of 2014 and fourth quarter of 2013. Meanwhile, costs are experiencing normal inflationary pressure and our driver recruiting and retention efforts, including premium peak season compensation, are holding the seated truck and expedited team percentages relatively consistent with the third quarter of 2014. While diesel fuel prices are trending lower, we do not expect this trend to affect us to the same extent that it may affect some of our peers, as approximately 24.3% of our expected fuel needs have been hedged at fixed prices that were set prior to the recent decline in market fuel prices.
Revenue and Expenses
We focus on targeted markets where we believe our service standards can provide a competitive advantage. We are a major carrier for transportation companies such as freight forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers that require a high level of service to support their businesses, as well as for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers. We also generate revenue through a subsidiary that provides other freight services, including brokerage, less-than-truckload consolidation services, and accounts receivable factoring.
We have one reportable segment, our asset-based truckload services (“Truckload”).
The Truckload segment consists of three asset-based operating fleets that are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria. The three operating fleets that comprise our Truckload segment are as follows: (i) Covenant Transport, our historical flagship operation, which provides expedited long haul, dedicated, temperature-controlled, and regional solo-driver service; (ii) SRT, which provides primarily long-haul, regional, and intermodal temperature-controlled service; and (iii) Star, which provides regional solo-driver and dedicated services, primarily in the southeastern United States.
In our Truckload segment, we primarily generate revenue by transporting freight for our customers. Generally, we are paid a predetermined rate per mile for our truckload services. We enhance our truckload revenue by charging for tractor and trailer detention, loading and unloading activities, and other specialized services, as well as through the collection of fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of fuel. The main factors that affect our Truckload revenue are the revenue per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, and the number of shipments and miles we generate. These factors relate, among other things, to the general level of economic activity in the United States, inventory levels, specific customer demand, the level of capacity in the trucking industry, and driver availability.
Our Truckload segment also derives revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, and other accessorial services. We measure revenue before fuel surcharges, or "freight revenue," because we believe that fuel surcharges tend to be a volatile source of revenue. We believe the exclusion of fuel surcharges affords a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from period-to-period.
The main expenses that impact the profitability of our Truckload segment are the variable costs of transporting freight for our customers. These costs include fuel expenses, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and purchased transportation expenses, which primarily include compensating independent contractors. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a controllable component based on safety, self-insured retention versus insurance premiums, fleet age, efficiency, and other factors. Our main fixed costs include rentals and depreciation of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and terminal facilities, and the compensation of non-driver personnel.
Our main measure of profitability is operating ratio, which we define as operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue, divided by total revenue, less fuel surcharge revenue, or freight revenue.
We operate tractors driven by a single driver and also tractors assigned to two-person driver teams. Our single driver tractors generally operate in shorter lengths-of-haul, generate fewer miles per tractor, and experience more non-revenue miles, but the lower productive miles are expected to be offset by generally higher revenue per loaded mile and the reduced employee expense of compensating only one driver. In contrast, our two-person driver tractors generally operate in longer lengths-of-haul, generate greater miles per tractor, and experience fewer non-revenue miles, but we typically receive lower revenue per loaded mile and incur higher employee expenses of compensating both drivers. We expect operating statistics and expenses to shift with the mix of single and team operations.
In addition, our Solutions subsidiary has several service offerings ancillary to our Truckload operations, including: (i) freight brokerage service directly and through freight brokerage agents who are paid a commission for the freight they provide; (ii) less-than-truckload consolidation services; and (iii) accounts receivable factoring. These operations consist of several operating segments, which neither individually nor in the aggregate meet the quantitative or qualitative reporting thresholds.
Revenue Equipment
At September 30, 2014, we operated 2,599 tractors and 6,770 trailers. Of such tractors, 1,945 were owned, 465 were financed under operating leases, and 189 were provided by independent contractors, who provide and drive their own tractors. Of such trailers, 2,839 were owned, 3,094 were financed under operating leases, and 837 were financed under capital leases. We finance a portion of our tractor fleet and most of our trailer fleet with off-balance sheet operating leases. These leases generally run for a period of three to five years for tractors and five to seven years for trailers. At September 30, 2014, our fleet had an average tractor age of 1.7 years and an average trailer age of 5.5 years.
Independent contractors provide a tractor and a driver and are responsible for all operating expenses in exchange for a fixed payment per mile. We do not have the capital outlay of purchasing or leasing the tractor. The payments to independent contractors and the financing of equipment under operating leases are recorded in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation. Expenses associated with owned equipment, such as interest and depreciation, and expenses associated with employee drivers, including driver compensation, fuel, and other expenses
,
are not incurred with respect to independent contractors. Obtaining equipment from independent contractors and under operating leases effectively shifts financing expenses from interest to "above the line" operating expenses, and as such, we evaluate our efficiency using net margin as well as operating ratio.
RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 TO THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
The following tables set forth the percentage relationship of certain items to total revenue and freight revenue, where applicable:
Revenue
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Freight revenue
|
|
$
|
142,034
|
|
|
$
|
134,362
|
|
|
$
|
405,985
|
|
|
$
|
398,527
|
|
|
Fuel surcharge revenue
|
|
|
35,547
|
|
|
|
36,481
|
|
|
|
106,207
|
|
|
|
109,534
|
|
|
Total revenue
|
|
$
|
177,581
|
|
|
$
|
170,843
|
|
|
$
|
512,192
|
|
|
$
|
508,061
|
|
For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, total revenue increased $6.7 million, or 3.9%, to $177.6 million from $170.8 million in the 2013 quarter. Freight revenue increased $7.7 million, or 5.7%, to $142.0 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, from $134.4 million in the 2013 quarter, while fuel surcharge revenue decreased $0.9 million quarter-over-quarter.
The $7.7 million increase in Truckload revenue relates to a 13.4% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week and a $1.2 million increase in freight revenue from our refrigerated intermodal service offering from the 2013 quarter, partially offset by 6.7% decrease in our average tractor fleet. The increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 is the result of a 6.7% increase, or 10.1 cents per mile, in average rate per total mile as well as a 5.7% increase in average miles per unit when compared to the same period in 2013.
Solutions’ revenue remained relatively flat quarter-over-quarter, resulting from improved coordination with our Truckload segment operations, offset by the discontinuation of an underperforming location in June of 2014.
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014, total revenue increased $4.1 million, or 0.8%, to $512.2 million from $508.1 million in the 2013 period. Freight revenue increased $7.5 million, or 1.9%, to $406.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from $398.5 million in the 2013 period, while fuel surcharge revenue decreased $3.3 million period-over-period. The increase in freight revenue resulted from a $6.2 million increase in revenue from our Solutions subsidiary and a $1.3 million increase in freight revenues from our Truckload segment.
The increase in Solutions’ revenue is primarily the result of improved coordination with our Truckload segment as well as additional business from new customers added during the year. The increase in Truckload freight revenue relates to a 7.3% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week and a $3.1 million increase in freight revenue from our refrigerated intermodal service offering, partially offset by a 7.1% decrease in our average tractor fleet from the 2013 period as well as the first quarter 2014 challenges of harsh winter weather and the expected unfavorable impact of the February implementation of our enterprise management system at our SRT subsidiary.
Based on the capacity constraints in the market, primarily resulting from a shortage of professional drivers and an increased demand arising from improving economic conditions and e-commerce trends, we expect continued positive rate trends into the foreseeable future.
For comparison purposes in the discussion below, we use total revenue and freight revenue (total revenue less fuel surcharge revenue) when discussing changes as a percentage of revenue. As it relates to the comparison of expenses to freight revenue, we believe removing fuel surcharge revenue, which is sometimes a volatile source of revenue, affords a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from quarter-to-quarter and period-to-period.
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
|
|
$
|
57,636
|
|
|
$
|
53,728
|
|
|
$
|
166,651
|
|
|
$
|
163,602
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
32.5
|
%
|
|
|
31.4
|
%
|
|
|
32.5
|
%
|
|
|
32.2
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
40.6
|
%
|
|
|
40.0
|
%
|
|
|
41.0
|
%
|
|
|
41.1
|
%
|
Salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $3.9 million, or 7.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased to 32.5% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 31.4% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased to 40.6% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 40.0% in the same quarter in 2013. These increases are primarily the result of driver and nondriver employee pay upward adjustments, increased incentive compensation, and higher group health costs since the third quarter of 2013.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $3.0 million, or 1.9%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased slightly to 32.5% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from 32.2% for the same 2013 period. As a percentage of freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses remained relatively flat at 41.0% and 41.1% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Going forward, we believe salaries, wages, and related expenses will increase as a result of wage inflation, higher healthcare costs, and increased incentive compensation due to better performance. In particular, we expect driver pay to increase as we look to reduce the number of unseated trucks in our fleet in a tight market for drivers. As a percentage of total revenue and freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses will fluctuate to some extent based on the percentage of revenue generated by independent contractors and our Solutions business, for which payments are reflected in the purchased transportation line item.
Fuel expense
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Total fuel expense
|
|
$
|
42,784
|
|
|
$
|
46,540
|
|
|
$
|
127,875
|
|
|
$
|
141,734
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
24.1
|
%
|
|
|
27.2
|
%
|
|
|
25.0
|
%
|
|
|
27.9
|
%
|
We receive a fuel surcharge on our loaded miles from most shippers; however, this does not cover the entire increase in fuel prices for several reasons, including the following: surcharges cover only loaded miles we operated; surcharges do not cover miles driven out-of-route by our drivers; and surcharges typically do not cover refrigeration unit fuel usage or fuel burned by tractors while idling. Moreover, most of our business relating to shipments obtained from freight brokers does not carry a fuel surcharge. Finally, fuel surcharges vary in the percentage of reimbursement offered, and not all surcharges fully compensate for fuel price increases even on loaded miles.
The rate of fuel price changes also can have an impact on results. Most fuel surcharges are based on the average fuel price as published by the Department of Energy ("DOE") for the week prior to the shipment, meaning we typically bill customers in the current week based on the previous week's applicable index. Therefore, in times of increasing fuel prices, we do not recover as much as we are currently paying for fuel. In periods of declining prices, the opposite is true. Fuel prices as measured by the DOE averaged approximately 6.4 cents per gallon lower in the third quarter of 2014 compared with the same 2013 quarter and 4.2 cents per gallon lower for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2014 compared with the same 2013 period.
Additionally, $0.2 million of gains during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to results of operations as a reduction in fuel expense, respectively, related to gains on hedging contracts that expired and for which we completed the transaction by purchasing the hedged diesel fuel. In addition to the amounts reclassified into our results of operations as reductions in fuel expense, on the contracts that existed at September 30, 2014 and 2013, we recorded approximately $0.1 million of unfavorable ineffectiveness for the quarters ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The ineffectiveness was calculated using the cumulative dollar offset method as an estimate of the difference in the expected cash flows of respective fuel hedge contracts compared to the changes in the all-in cash outflows required for the diesel fuel purchases. We also recognized $0.4 million of additional fuel expense during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 related to contracts for which the hedging relationship was no longer deemed to be effective on a prospective basis.
To measure the effectiveness of our fuel surcharge program, we subtract fuel surcharge revenue (other than the fuel surcharge revenue we reimburse to independent contractors and other third parties which is included in purchased transportation) from our fuel expense. The result is referred to as net fuel expense. Our net fuel expense as a percentage of freight revenue is affected by the cost of diesel fuel net of fuel surcharge revenue, the percentage of miles driven by company trucks, our fuel economy, our percentage of deadhead miles, for which we do not receive fuel surcharge revenues, and the net impact of fuel hedging gains and losses. Net fuel expense is shown below:
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Total fuel surcharge
|
|
$
|
35,547
|
|
|
$
|
36,481
|
|
|
$
|
106,207
|
|
|
$
|
109,534
|
|
|
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue reimbursed to independent contractors and other third parties
|
|
|
2,690
|
|
|
|
3,286
|
|
|
|
8,287
|
|
|
|
9,690
|
|
|
Company fuel surcharge revenue
|
|
$
|
32,857
|
|
|
$
|
33,195
|
|
|
$
|
97,920
|
|
|
$
|
99,844
|
|
|
Total fuel expense
|
|
$
|
42,784
|
|
|
$
|
46,540
|
|
|
$
|
127,875
|
|
|
$
|
141,734
|
|
|
Less: Company fuel surcharge revenue
|
|
|
32,857
|
|
|
|
33,195
|
|
|
|
97,920
|
|
|
|
99,844
|
|
|
Net fuel expense
|
|
$
|
9,927
|
|
|
$
|
13,345
|
|
|
$
|
29,955
|
|
|
$
|
41,890
|
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
7.0
|
%
|
|
|
9.9
|
%
|
|
|
7.4
|
%
|
|
|
10.5
|
%
|
Total fuel expense decreased approximately $3.8 million, or 8.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 24.1% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 27.2% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 30.1% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 34.6% in the same quarter in 2013. These decreases are primarily due to an increase in our average fuel miles per gallon during 2014 as a result of purchasing equipment with more fuel-efficient engines and improved fuel pricing.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, total fuel expense decreased approximately $13.9 million, or 9.8%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 25.0% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 27.9% in the 2013 period. The decrease is primarily due to an increase in our average fuel miles per gallon during 2014 as a result of purchasing equipment with more fuel-efficient engines and improved fuel pricing.
Net fuel expense decreased $3.4 million, or 25.6%, and $11.9 million, or 28.5%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to the same 2013 periods, respectively. As a percentage of freight revenue, net fuel expense decreased to 7.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2014, as compared to 9.9% for the 2013 periods and to 7.4% for the 2014 period as compared to 10.5% for the 2013 period, respectively. These decreases are primarily the result of improved miles per gallon due to new engine technology, improved fuel surcharge recovery, and improved fuel pricing, in each case, net of gains and losses on fuel hedging contracts.
We expect to continue managing our idle time and truck speeds, investing in more fuel-efficient tractors to improve our miles per gallon, locking in fuel hedges when deemed appropriate, and partnering with customers to adjust fuel surcharge programs that are inadequate to recover a fair portion of fuel costs. Going forward, our net fuel expense is expected to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue based on factors such as diesel fuel prices, percentage recovered from fuel surcharge programs, percentage of uncompensated miles, percentage of revenue generated by team-driven tractors (which tend to generate higher miles and lower revenue per mile, thus proportionately more fuel cost as a percentage of revenue), percentage of revenue generated by refrigerated operation (which uses diesel fuel for refrigeration, but usually does not recover fuel surcharges on refrigeration fuel), percentage of revenue generated from independent contractors, the success of fuel efficiency initiatives, and gains and losses on fuel hedging contracts.
We have focused our efforts on increasing our ability to recover fuel surcharges under our customer contracts for fuel used in refrigeration units. If these efforts are successful, they could give rise to an increase in fuel surcharges recovered and a corresponding decrease in net fuel expense. Additionally, in recent months petroleum based markets have experienced rapid declines such that current pricing has reached four-year lows and, at current prices, we would experience fuel hedging losses over the next four quarters. The amount of these losses would vary depending on market fuel prices. As such, there has been significant volatility in our net fuel expense, and we would expect such volatility to continue if these market conditions persist.
Operations and maintenance
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Operations and maintenance
|
|
$
|
11,934
|
|
|
$
|
13,077
|
|
|
$
|
35,498
|
|
|
$
|
37,460
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
|
7.7
|
%
|
|
|
6.9
|
%
|
|
|
7.4
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
8.4
|
%
|
|
|
9.7
|
%
|
|
|
8.7
|
%
|
|
|
9.4
|
%
|
Operations and maintenance decreased approximately $1.1 million, or 8.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 6.7% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 7.7% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 8.4% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 9.7% in the same quarter in 2013. These decreases were primarily the result of reduced parts and vehicle maintenance expense related to the fleet reduction, removing higher maintenance units from the fleet, and an improvement in the average age of our revenue equipment.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, operations and maintenance decreased approximately $2.0 million, or 5.2%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 6.9% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 7.4% in the same period in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 8.7% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 9.4% in the same period in 2013. These decreases were primarily the result of reduced parts and vehicle maintenance expense related to the fleet reduction, removing higher maintenance units from the fleet, and an improvement in the average age of our revenue equipment.
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
|
|
$
|
25,871
|
|
|
$
|
26,207
|
|
|
$
|
78,818
|
|
|
$
|
75,668
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
14.6
|
%
|
|
|
15.3
|
%
|
|
|
15.4
|
%
|
|
|
14.9
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
18.2
|
%
|
|
|
19.5
|
%
|
|
|
19.4
|
%
|
|
|
19.0
|
%
|
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased approximately $0.3 million, or 1.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased to 14.6% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 15.3% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased to 18.2% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 19.5% in the same quarter in 2013. These decreases were primarily the result of a decrease in payments to independent contractors, which comprised a smaller percentage of our total fleet, partially offset by increased costs related to the growth of our intermodal service offerings.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased approximately $3.2 million, or 4.2%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to 15.4% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 14.9% in the same period in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to 19.4% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 19.0% in the same period in 2013. These increases were primarily the result of a tight driver market where we had to pay more to third party transportation providers and increased costs related to growth of our intermodal service offering, partially offset by a decrease in payments to independent contractors, which comprised a smaller percentage of our total fleet.
This expense category will fluctuate with the number of loads hauled by independent contractors and handled by Solutions, the percentage of our fleet financed with operating leases, the cost to obtain third party transportation services, and growth of our intermodal service offerings, as well as the amount of fuel surcharge revenue passed through to the third party carriers and independent contractors. If capacity remains tight, we believe we may need to increase the amounts we pay to third-party transportation providers, independent contractors, and intermodal transportation providers, which would increase this expense category as a percentage of freight revenue absent an offsetting increase in revenue. While we have seen a decline in the average number of independent contractors when compared to the third quarter of 2013, we continue to actively recruit them, and, if we are successful, we would expect this line item to increase as a percentage of revenue.
Operating taxes and licenses
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Operating taxes and licenses
|
|
$
|
2,733
|
|
|
$
|
2,780
|
|
|
$
|
8,041
|
|
|
$
|
8,215
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
1.5
|
%
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
1.9
|
%
|
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
|
2.1
|
%
|
For the periods presented, the change in operating taxes and licenses was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
Insurance and claims
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Insurance and claims
|
|
$
|
15,545
|
|
|
$
|
6,887
|
|
|
$
|
29,229
|
|
|
$
|
22,647
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
8.8
|
%
|
|
|
4.0
|
%
|
|
|
5.7
|
%
|
|
|
4.5
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
10.9
|
%
|
|
|
5.1
|
%
|
|
|
7.2
|
%
|
|
|
5.7
|
%
|
Insurance and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability, physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims increased approximately $8.9 million, or 125.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, insurance and claims increased to 8.8% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 4.0% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, insurance and claims increased to 10.9% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 5.1% in the same quarter in 2013, respectively. These increases are primarily related to approximately $7.5 million of additional reserves related to the adverse judgment in the third quarter of 2014 regarding a 2008 cargo claim. Additionally, insurance and claims per mile cost, excluding such cargo claim, increased to 9.8 cents per mile in the third quarter of 2014 from 8.3 cents per mile in the third quarter of 2013, primarily related to an increase in the frequency of accidents per million miles as measured by the United States Department of Transportation (the "DOT").
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, insurance and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability, physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims increased approximately $6.6 million, or 29.1%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, insurance and claims increased to 5.7% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 4.5% in the same period in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, insurance and claims increased to 7.2% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 5.7% in the same period in 2013. These increases are primarily related to approximately $7.5 million of additional reserves related to the adverse judgment regarding a 2008 cargo claim. Excluding this cargo claim, insurance and claims per mile cost remained relatively even at 9.1 cents per mile in the first nine months of 2014 compared to 9.0 cents per mile in the same period of 2013, which primarily related to favorable claims development experience and reduced accident severity compared to the same period of 2013, offset by an increase in the frequency of accidents per million miles as measured by the DOT.
With our significant self-insured retention, insurance and claims expense may fluctuate significantly from period-to-period, and any increase in frequency or severity of claims could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. We are appealing the judgment on the 2008 cargo claim. A successful appeal or mediation could significantly reduce insurance and claims expense in the period when the appeal is resolved. On the other hand, if we are not successful in such an appeal or mediation, insurance and claims expense may increase as a result of continuing litigation expenses, including pre and post judgment interest. We are always evaluating strategies to efficiently reduce our insurance and claims expense, which in the past has included the commutation of our auto liability insurance policy. We intend to continue to evaluate our ability to commute this policy and any such commutation could significantly impact insurance and claims expense.
Communications and utilities
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Communications and utilities
|
|
$
|
1,457
|
|
|
$
|
1,363
|
|
|
$
|
4,320
|
|
|
$
|
3,899
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
For the periods presented, the change in communications and utilities was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
General supplies and expenses
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
General supplies and expenses
|
|
$
|
3,950
|
|
|
$
|
3,882
|
|
|
$
|
12,289
|
|
|
$
|
12,182
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
2.2
|
%
|
|
|
2.3
|
%
|
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
|
2.4
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
2.8
|
%
|
|
|
2.9
|
%
|
|
|
3.0
|
%
|
|
|
3.1
|
%
|
For the periods presented, the change in general supplies and expenses was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
10,085
|
|
|
$
|
10,497
|
|
|
$
|
34,476
|
|
|
$
|
31,137
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
5.7
|
%
|
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
|
|
6.7
|
%
|
|
|
6.1
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
7.1
|
%
|
|
|
7.8
|
%
|
|
|
8.5
|
%
|
|
|
7.8
|
%
|
Depreciation and amortization consists primarily of depreciation of owned revenue equipment, net of gains and losses on disposition of capital assets. Depreciation and amortization decreased approximately $0.4 million, or 3.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 5.7% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 6.1% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 7.1% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 7.8% in the same quarter in 2013. Excluding gains and losses, depreciation increased $0.7 million, primarily as a result of the addition of new equipment and more owned units in the 2014 quarter than the 2013 quarter. This increase was offset by gains on the sale of property and equipment increasing approximately $1.1 million during the third quarter of 2014 as a result of the number of units and the type and mileage of the units sold during the quarter.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, depreciation and amortization increased approximately $3.3 million, or 10.7%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 6.7% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 6.1% in the same period in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, depreciation and amortization increased to 8.5% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 7.8% in the same period in 2013. Excluding gains and losses, depreciation increased $4.2 million, primarily as a result of the addition of new equipment and more owned units during the 2014 period than the same 2013 period. This increase was offset by gains on the sale of property and equipment increasing approximately $0.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as a result of the number of units and the type and mileage of the equipment sold during the year.
Other expense, net
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
|
2014
|
|
2013
|
|
Other expense, net
|
|
$2,634
|
|
$2,385
|
|
$8,098
|
|
$7,633
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
1.5%
|
|
1.4%
|
|
1.6%
|
|
1.5%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
1.9%
|
|
1.8%
|
|
2.0%
|
|
1.9%
|
For the periods presented, the change in other expense, net was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue.
Equity in income of affiliate
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Equity in income of affiliate
|
|
$
|
880
|
|
|
$
|
1,150
|
|
|
$
|
2,530
|
|
|
$
|
2,180
|
|
We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting and thus our financial results include our proportionate share of TEL’s net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 there was a slight decrease in TEL’s contributions to our results as a result of truck sales growing at a faster rate than leasing, as truck sales typically have a lower margin than equipment leasing. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the increase in TEL’s contributions to our results is due to their growth in both leasing and truck sales. Given TEL’s growth over the past three years and volatility in the used and leased equipment markets in which TEL operates, we expect the impact on our earnings resulting from our investment and TEL’s profitability to become more significant over the next twelve months. Additionally, should we exercise our option to purchase the remaining 51% of TEL, the consolidation of TEL’s results and balance sheet would provide for a significant fluctuation to our presentation and amounts reported. The extent of such fluctuation could depend on a number of factors, including the exercise price, the amount of TEL’s debt upon exercise, how TEL is financing their fleet of tractors and trailers (which would impact depreciation, amortization, and revenue equipment rentals), and compensation and benefits at TEL.
Income tax expense
|
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Income tax expense
|
|
$
|
1,975
|
|
|
$
|
2,674
|
|
|
$
|
5,164
|
|
|
$
|
4,159
|
|
|
% of total revenue
|
|
|
1.1
|
%
|
|
|
1.6
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
|
|
0.8
|
%
|
|
% of freight revenue
|
|
|
1.4
|
%
|
|
|
2.0
|
%
|
|
|
1.3
|
%
|
|
|
1.0
|
%
|
Income tax expense decreased approximately $0.7 million, or 26.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared with the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, income tax expense decreased to 1.1% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 1.6% in the same quarter in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, income tax expense decreased to 1.4% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014, from 2.0% in the same quarter in 2013. These increases were primarily related to the $0.8 million decrease in the pre-tax income in the 2014 quarter compared to the 2013 quarter.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, income tax expense increased approximately $1.0 million, or 24.2%, compared with the same period in 2013. As a percentage of total revenue, income tax expense increased to 1.0% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 0.8% in the same period in 2013. As a percentage of freight revenue, income tax expense increased to 1.3% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, from 1.0% in the same period in 2013. These increases were primarily related to the $3.4 million increase in the pre-tax income in the 2014 period compared to the 2013 period, resulting from the improvements in operating income noted above and the increase in the contribution from TEL’s earnings.
The effective tax rate is different from the expected combined tax rate due primarily to permanent differences related to our per diem pay structure for drivers. Due to the partial nondeductible effect of the per diem payments, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods as income fluctuates.
RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS
COMPARISON OF THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 TO THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2013
The following table summarizes financial and operating data by reportable segment:
|
(in thousands)
|
|
Three months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
Nine months ended
September 30,
|
|
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
2014
|
|
|
2013
|
|
|
Total Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Truckload
|
|
$
|
166,839
|
|
|
$
|
160,107
|
|
|
$
|
477,432
|
|
|
$
|
479,511
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
10,742
|
|
|
|
10,736
|
|
|
|
34,760
|
|
|
|
28,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
177,581
|
|
|
$
|
170,843
|
|
|
$
|
512,192
|
|
|
$
|
508,061
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Income (Loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Truckload
|
|
$
|
10,854
|
|
|
$
|
6,831
|
|
|
$
|
23,369
|
|
|
$
|
17,969
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
483
|
|
|
|
366
|
|
|
|
1,590
|
|
|
|
575
|
|
|
Unallocated Corporate Overhead
|
|
|
(5,751
|
)
|
|
|
(1,315
|
)
|
|
|
(9,964
|
)
|
|
|
(7,027
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,586
|
|
|
$
|
5,882
|
|
|
$
|
14,995
|
|
|
$
|
11,517
|
|
For the 2014 quarter Truckload revenue increased $6.7 million due to a $7.7 million increase in freight revenue partially offset by a $1.0 million decrease in fuel surcharge revenue. The increase in freight revenue is primarily the result of a 13.4% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week and a $1.2 million increase in freight revenue contributed from our refrigerated intermodal service offering, partially offset by a 6.7% decrease in our average tractor fleet. For the nine-month period, total Truckload revenue decreased $2.1 million due to a $3.3 million decrease in fuel surcharge revenue partially offset by a $1.3 million increase in freight revenue. The increase in freight revenue is primarily due to a 7.3% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week and a $3.1 million increase in freight revenue from our refrigerated intermodal service offering
,
partially offset by a 7.1% decrease in our average tractor fleet from the 2013 period, as well as the first quarter challenges of the harsh winter weather and the expected unfavorable impact of the February implementation of our enterprise management system at our SRT subsidiary
.
Additionally, 5.1% of our fleet lacked drivers during the nine-month 2014 period, compared with approximately 4.8% during the same 2013 period.
Our Truckload operating income was $4.0 million and $5.4 million higher in the three and nine-month periods of 2014 than in the same 2013 periods, respectively, due to the abovementioned increase in rates and utilization, partially offset by $7.5 million of additional reserves related to a 2008 cargo claim, as previously discussed. Additionally, net fuel costs were lower as a result of improved fuel economy and recognizing a $0.9 million benefit related to amending 2010 – 2013 fuel tax returns. For the nine-month period of 2014, the increase was partially offset by operating costs per mile net of surcharge revenue increasing by 3.0 cents per mile primarily due to higher wages and capital costs.
Other revenue, which relates to our Solutions subsidiary, remained relatively flat quarter-over-quarter as a result of improved coordination with our Truckload segment operations despite the discontinuation of an underperforming location in June of 2014. For the year-over-year period, Solutions’ revenue increased $6.2 million due to improved coordination with our Truckload segment operations, as well as the additional business from several new customers during the period. Operating income increased $0.1 million and $1.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, primarily as a result of the growth of Solutions' accounts receivable factoring line of business.
The change in unallocated corporate overhead for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 is primarily related to increased incentive compensation and increased expense related to the fuel hedge contracts.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Our business requires significant capital investments over the short-term and the long-term. Recently, we have financed our capital requirements with borrowings under our Credit Facility, cash flows from operations, long-term operating leases, capital leases, secured installment notes with finance companies, and proceeds from the sale of our used revenue equipment. Our primary sources of liquidity at September 30, 2014, were funds provided by operations, borrowings under our Credit Facility, borrowings from secured installment notes, capital leases, operating leases of revenue equipment, and cash and cash equivalents. We had working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) of $26.3 million and $14.1 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Based on our expected financial condition, results of operations, net capital expenditures, and net cash flows during the next twelve months, we believe our working capital and sources of liquidity will be adequate to meet our current and projected needs for at least the next twelve months.
Borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers are available to fund most new tractors expected to be delivered in 2014, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of notes, operating leases, capital leases, and/or from the Credit Facility. With a relatively young average fleet age at September 30, 2014, we believe there is significant flexibility to manage our fleet
,
and we plan to regularly evaluate our tractor replacement cycle and new tractor purchase requirements. We expect our capital expenditures on equipment, net of proceeds of disposition, to increase over the next twelve months as we expect fewer disposals and more trailer purchases, partially offset by reduced tractor purchases. If we are successful in our attempts to grow our independent contractor fleet, our capital requirements would be reduced. We had less than $0.1 million in borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $34.8 million, and available borrowing capacity of $52.6 million. Our intra-period borrowings on the Credit Facility ranged from less than $0.1 million to $25.1 million during the first nine months of 2014. Fluctuations in the outstanding balance and related availability on the Credit Facility are driven primarily by cash flows from operations and the timing and nature of property and equipment additions that are not funded through notes payable, as well as the nature and timing of receipt of proceeds from disposals of property and equipment.
Cash Flows
Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased $18.4 million in the nine month period ended September 30, 2014 compared with the 2013 period, primarily due to net income of $4.3 million in the 2014 period compared to $1.9 million in the 2013 period, an $8.6 million difference in insurance and claims accruals primarily relating to the $7.5 million increase to insurance reserves stemming from a cargo loss in 2008, and depreciation and amortization increasing approximately $4.1 million in the 2014 period, primarily due to more expensive revenue equipment and an increase in the number of owned units
.
The fluctuations from prepaid expenses are primarily related to the timing of payments for certain licensing costs for our fleet in the 2014 period compared to the 2013 period. The change in receivables and advances is the result of an increase in our Solutions subsidiary’s revenue offset by a decrease in our fuel surcharge revenue.
The decrease in net cash flows used in investing activities was primarily the result of the trade cycle for our revenue equipment and the net fleet reduction when compared to the nine-month period ended September 30, 2013. During the same 2014 period we took delivery of approximately 710 new company tractors and disposed of approximately 1,040 used tractors resulting in an average of 2,601 tractors for the 2014 period compared to an average of 2,799 tractors for the 2013 period. Additionally, during the 2014 period we received an equity distribution from TEL, our equity method investee, of approximately $0.3 million, which was distributed to each member based on its respective ownership percentage in order to satisfy estimated tax payments resulting from TEL’s earnings with no similar payment during the same period of 2013. Furthermore, during the 2013 period we paid out $0.5 million in earn-out payments to TEL with no similar payments made during the 2014 period.
The change in net cash flows used in financing activities was a function of net repayments of notes payable
,
capital leases, and the balance under our Credit Facility. The change primarily related to the trade cycle of the Company’s revenue equipment and cash flows from investing and operating activities discussed above. Going forward, our cash flow may fluctuate depending on the resolution of the 2008 cargo claim, our ability to commute our auto liability insurance policy, our investment in TEL, and the extent of future income tax obligations.
Material Debt Agreements
In September 2008, we and substantially all of our subsidiaries (collectively, the "Borrowers") entered into a Third Amended and Restated Credit Facility (the "Credit Facility") with Bank of America, N.A., as agent (the "Agent") and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPM," and together with the Agent, the "Lenders").
The Credit Facility was originally structured as an $85.0 million revolving credit facility, with an accordion feature that, so long as no event of default existed, allowed us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million. The Credit Facility included, within our $85.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $85.0 million and a swing line sub facility in an aggregate amount equal to the greater of $10.0 million or 10% of the Lenders' aggregate commitments under the Credit Facility from time-to-time.
In January 2013, we entered into an eighth amendment, which was effective December 31, 2012, to the Credit Facility which, among other things, (i) increased the revolver commitment to $95.0 million, (ii) extended the maturity date from September 2014 to September 2017, (iii) eliminated the availability block of $15.0 million, (iv) improved pricing for revolving borrowings by amending the applicable margin as set forth below, (v) improved the unused line fee pricing to 0.375% per annum when availability is less than $50.0 million and 0.5% per annum when availability is at or over such amount, (vi) provided that the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant will be tested only during periods that commence when availability is less than or equal to the greater of 12.5% of the revolver commitment or $11.9 million, (vii) eliminated the consolidated leverage ratio covenant, (viii) reduced the level of availability below which cash dominion applies to the greater of 15% of the revolver commitment or $14.3 million (previously this level was $75.0 million), (ix) added deemed amortization of real estate and eligible revenue equipment included in the borrowing base to the calculation of fixed charge coverage ratio, (x) amended certain types of permitted debt to afford additional flexibility, (xi) allowed for stock repurchases in an aggregate amount not exceeding $5.0 million and, and (xii) removed certain restrictions relating to the purchase of up to the remaining 51% equity interest in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"), provided that certain conditions are met.
Based on availability as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
In August 2014, we obtained a ninth amendment to our Credit Facility, which allows for the disposition of certain parcels of our real property and the acquisition of other real property. Additionally, in September 2014, we obtained a tenth amendment to our Credit Facility, which, among other things, amended certain provisions of the Credit Facility and related security documents to facilitate the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ entry into fuel hedging arrangements.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are classified as either "base rate loans" or "LIBOR loans." Base rate loans accrue interest at a base rate equal to the greater of the Agent's prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, or LIBOR plus 1.0%, plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.5% to 1.25%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%
.
The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability. The unused line fee is also adjusted quarterly between 0.375% and 0.5% based on the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility. The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and capital leases.
Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to a borrowing base limited to the lesser of (A) $95.0 million, minus the sum of the stated amount of all outstanding letters of credit; or (B) the sum of (i) 85% of eligible accounts receivable, plus (ii) the lesser of (a) 85% of the appraised net orderly liquidation value of eligible revenue equipment, (b) 95% of the net book value of eligible revenue equipment, or (c) 35% of the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility, plus (iii) the lesser of (a) $25.0 million or (b) 65% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate. We had less than $0.1 million of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2014, undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $34.8 million, and available borrowing capacity of $52.6 million. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings as of September 30, 2014, was 4.25% on less than $0.1 million of base rate loans
.
The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated. If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions. Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.
Capital lease obligations are utilized to finance a portion of our revenue equipment and are entered into with certain finance companies who are not parties to our Credit Facility. The leases in effect at September 30, 2014 terminate in October 2014 through September 2021 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum capital lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses.
Pricing for the revenue equipment installment notes is quoted by the respective financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders at the funding of each group of equipment acquired and include fixed annual rates for new equipment under retail installment contracts. The notes included in the funding are due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from October 2014 to December 2021. The notes contain certain requirements regarding payment, insuring of collateral, and other matters, but do not have any financial or other material covenants or events of default except certain notes totaling $185.7 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additionally, a portion of the abovementioned fuel hedge contracts totaling $1.4 million at September 30, 2014, are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additional borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers and other lenders are expected to be available to fund new tractors expected to be delivered for the remainder of 2014 and in 2015, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, will be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, capital leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
Operating leases have been an important source of financing for our revenue equipment and certain real estate. At September 30, 2014, we had financed 465 tractors and 3,094 trailers under operating leases. Vehicles held under operating leases are not carried on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and lease payments in respect of such vehicles are reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of operations in the line item "Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation." Our revenue equipment rental expense in the third quarter was $5.2 million and $5.7 million for the 2014 and 2013 quarters, respectively. The total present value amount of remaining payments under operating leases as of September 30, 2014, was approximately $65.7 million. In connection with various operating leases, we issued residual value guarantees, which provide that if we do not purchase the leased equipment from the lessor at the end of the lease term, we are liable to the lessor for an amount equal to the shortage (if any) between the proceeds from the sale of the equipment and an agreed value. The undiscounted value of the residual guarantees was approximately $8.3 million at September 30, 2014. We expect our residual guarantees to approximate the market value at the end of the lease term. We believe that proceeds from the sale of equipment under operating leases would exceed the payment obligation on substantially all operating leases.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no material changes in our commitments or contractual liabilities.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires that management make a number of assumptions and estimates that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, actual results may differ from these estimates and assumptions. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect, or could affect, our condensed consolidated financial statements materially and involve a significant level of judgment by management. There have been no material changes to our critical accounting policies and estimates during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to those disclosed in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation," included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SEASONALITY
In the trucking industry, revenue generally decreases as customers reduce shipments following the winter holiday season and as inclement weather impedes operations. At the same time, operating expenses generally increase, with fuel efficiency declining because of engine idling and weather, creating more physical damage equipment repairs. For the reasons stated, first quarter results historically have been lower than results in each of the other three quarters of the year, excluding charges. Over the past several years, we have seen increases in demand at varying times, specifically May through October, based primarily on restocking required to replenish inventories that have been held significantly lower than historical averages. Additionally, we have seen surges between Thanksgiving and Christmas resulting from holiday shopping trends toward delivery of gifts purchased over the internet, as well as the impact of shorter holiday seasons.