UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
or

[  ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                       to

Commission File Number:  0-24960


COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada
 
88-0320154
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
or organization)
   
     
400 Birmingham Hwy.
   
Chattanooga, TN
 
37419
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

423-821-1212
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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 [X]
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 [X]
No [   ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, 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 [X]
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 Exchange Act).

Yes [   ]
No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date (November 6, 2018).
Class A Common Stock, $.01 par value: 15,996,066 shares
Class B Common Stock, $.01 par value:   2,350,000 shares

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
Page
Number
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
5
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
 
8
     
Item 2.
24
     
Item 3.
40
     
Item 4.
41
     
 
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
   
Page
Number
     
Item 1.
42
     
Item 1A.
42
     
Item 2.
42
     
Item 3.
42
     
Item 4.
42
     
Item 5.
42
     
Item 6.
43
 
 
 
PART I            FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.            FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
 
 
ASSETS
 
September 30, 2018
(unaudited)
   
December 31, 2017
(unaudited)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
19,612
   
$
15,356
 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $1,817 in 2018 and $1,460 in 2017
   
134,957
     
104,153
 
Drivers' advances and other receivables, net of allowance of $672 in 2018 and $496 in 2017
   
15,340
     
15,062
 
Inventory and supplies
   
4,337
     
4,232
 
Prepaid expenses
   
12,045
     
8,699
 
Assets held for sale
   
1,325
     
1,444
 
Income taxes receivable
   
1,585
     
11,551
 
Other short-term assets
   
2,333
     
1,817
 
Total current assets
   
191,534
     
162,314
 
                 
Property and equipment, at cost
   
635,909
     
650,988
 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(187,144
)
   
(186,916
)
Net property and equipment
   
448,765
     
464,072
 
                 
Goodwill
   
41,086
     
-
 
Other intangibles, net
   
33,269
     
-
 
Other assets, net
   
32,828
     
23,282
 
Total assets
 
$
747,482
   
$
649,668
 
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Checks outstanding in excess of bank balances
   
605
     
-
 
Accounts payable
   
21,488
     
11,857
 
Accrued expenses
   
47,797
     
26,520
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
27,643
     
24,596
 
Current portion of capital lease obligations
   
5,074
     
2,962
 
Current portion of insurance and claims accrual
   
24,785
     
15,042
 
Other short-term liabilities
   
-
     
243
 
Total current liabilities
   
127,392
     
81,220
 
                 
Long-term debt
   
169,037
     
164,465
 
Long-term portion of capital lease obligations
   
33,877
     
21,777
 
Insurance and claims accrual
   
16,291
     
21,836
 
Deferred income taxes
   
73,347
     
63,344
 
Other long-term liabilities
   
1,388
     
1,825
 
Total liabilities
   
421,332
     
354,467
 
Commitments and contingent liabilities
   
-
     
-
 
Stockholders' equity:
               
Class A common stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares authorized; 15,996,066 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and 15,979,703 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017
   
171
     
171
 
Class B common stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 2,350,000 shares issued and outstanding
   
24
     
24
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
140,404
     
137,242
 
Accumulated other comprehensive income
   
1,487
     
293
 
Retained earnings
   
184,064
     
157,471
 
Total stockholders' equity
   
326,150
     
295,201
 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
747,482
   
$
649,668
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017
(In thousands, except per share data)

   
Three months ended
September 30,
(unaudited)
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
(unaudited)
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Revenue:
                       
Freight revenue
 
$
214,623
   
$
159,500
   
$
535,721
   
$
445,212
 
Fuel surcharge revenue
   
28,680
     
19,131
     
77,466
     
56,489
 
Total revenue
 
$
243,303
   
$
178,631
   
$
613,187
   
$
501,701
 
                                 
Operating expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
   
86,249
     
60,732
     
211,621
     
178,639
 
Fuel expense
   
33,428
     
25,998
     
89,817
     
76,310
 
Operations and maintenance
   
16,457
     
13,046
     
40,783
     
37,504
 
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
   
47,445
     
36,361
     
115,525
     
90,719
 
Operating taxes and licenses
   
3,377
     
2,364
     
8,649
     
7,197
 
Insurance and claims
   
12,675
     
7,681
     
31,269
     
24,313
 
Communications and utilities
   
1,810
     
1,747
     
5,216
     
5,081
 
General supplies and expenses
   
6,391
     
3,729
     
16,833
     
10,919
 
Depreciation and amortization, including gains and losses on disposition of property and equipment
   
19,290
     
17,932
     
56,803
     
57,707
 
Total operating expenses
   
227,122
     
169,590
     
576,516
     
488,389
 
Operating income
   
16,181
     
9,041
     
36,671
     
13,312
 
Interest expense, net
   
2,460
     
2,174
     
6,360
     
6,216
 
Income from equity method investment
   
(2,142
)
   
(750
)
   
(5,407
)
   
(2,575
)
Income before income taxes
   
15,863
     
7,617
     
35,718
     
9,671
 
Income tax expense
   
4,249
     
2,985
     
9,716
     
3,530
 
Net income
 
$
11,614
   
$
4,632
   
$
26,002
   
$
6,141
 
                                 
Income per share:
                               
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.63
   
$
0.25
   
$
1.42
   
$
0.34
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.63
   
$
0.25
   
1.41
   
$
0.33
 
Basic weighted average shares outstanding
   
18,343
     
18,288
     
18,337
     
18,275
 
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding
   
18,497
     
18,404
     
18,448
     
18,366
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017
(In thousands)

   
Three months ended
September 30,
(unaudited)
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
(unaudited)
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
                         
Net income
 
$
11,614
   
$
4,632
   
$
26,002
   
$
6,141
 
                                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
                               
                                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax of $133 and $782 in 2018 and $1,050 and $796 in 2017, respectively
   
353
     
1,678
     
2,065
     
(1,271
)
                                 
Reclassification of cash flow hedges (gain) loss into statement of operations, net of tax of $155 and $330  in 2018 and $424 and $1,546 in 2017, respectively
   
(406
)
   
677
     
(868
)
   
2,469
 
                                 
Unrealized holding loss on investments classified as available-for-sale
   
(3
)
   
-
     
(3
)
   
-
 
                                 
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
   
(56
)
   
2,355
     
1,194
     
1,198
 
                                 
Comprehensive income
 
$
11,558
   
$
6,987
   
$
27,196
   
$
7,339
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.


COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018
(Unaudited and in thousands)

         
Additional
   
Accumulated
Other
         
Total
 
   
Common Stock
   
Paid-In
Capital
   
Comprehensive
Income
   
Retained
Earnings
   
Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
Class A
   
Class B
 
                                     
Balances at December 31, 2017
 
$
171
   
$
24
   
$
137,242
   
$
293
   
$
157,471
   
$
295,201
 
                                                 
Net income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
26,002
     
26,002
 
                                                 
Effect of adoption of ASU 2014-09
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
-
     
591
     
591
 
                                                 
Other comprehensive income
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
1,194
     
-
     
1,194
 
                                                 
Stock-based employee compensation expense
   
-
     
-
     
2,868
     
-
     
-
     
2,868
 
                                                 
Issuance of restricted shares
   
-
     
-
     
294
     
-
     
-
     
294
 
                                                 
Balances at September 30, 2018
 
$
171
   
$
24
   
$
140,404
   
$
1,487
   
$
184,064
   
$
326,150
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 AND 2017
(In thousands)

   
Nine months ended September 30,
(unaudited)
 
   
2018
   
2017
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
 
$
26,002
   
$
6,141
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
   
168
     
241
 
Reversal of gain on sales to equity method investee
   
(185
)
   
(153
)
Depreciation and amortization
   
56,370
     
54,489
 
Amortization of deferred financing fees
   
111
     
206
 
Deferred income tax expense
   
9,172
     
16,437
 
Income tax benefit arising from restricted share vesting
   
19
     
96
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
3,243
     
896
 
Equity in income of affiliate
   
(5,407
)
   
(2,575
)
Return on investment in affiliated company
   
-
     
1,960
 
Loss on disposition of property and equipment
   
433
     
3,217
 
Loss on investment in available-for-sale securities
   
(6
)
   
-
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Receivables and advances
   
(4,717
)
   
(19,975
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
(2,763
)
   
1,439
 
Inventory and supplies
   
(102
)
   
(69
)
Insurance and claims accrual
   
1,553
     
837
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
17,723
     
(400
)
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
   
101,614
     
62,787
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Acquisition of Landair Holdings, Inc., net of cash acquired
   
(106,060
)
   
-
 
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
   
(1,496
)
   
-
 
Acquisition of property and equipment
   
(44,528
)
   
(89,917
)
Proceeds from disposition of property and equipment
   
49,302
     
32,739
 
Net cash flows used in investing activities
   
(102,782
)
   
(57,178
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Change in checks outstanding in excess of bank balances
   
605
     
1,325
 
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
   
83,746
     
110,762
 
Repayments of  notes payable
   
(73,376
)
   
(101,717
)
Repayments of capital lease obligations
   
(2,608
)
   
(6,689
)
Proceeds under revolving credit facility
   
1,153,310
     
930,161
 
Repayments under revolving credit facility
   
(1,156,162
)
   
(938,667
)
Payment of minimum tax withholdings on stock compensation
   
(81
)
   
(257
)
Debt refinancing costs
   
(10
)
   
-
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
   
5,424
     
(5,082
)
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
4,256
     
527
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
15,356
     
7,750
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
19,612
   
$
8,277
 
                 
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the year for:
               
Equipment purchased under capital leases
 
$
16,820
   
$
9,953
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Note 1.     Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

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.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Act of 1933.  In preparing financial statements, it is necessary for management to make assumptions and estimates affecting the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes.  These estimates and assumptions are developed based upon all information available.  Actual results could differ from estimated amounts.  In the opinion of management, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented, such adjustments being of a normal recurring nature.

Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.  The December 31, 2017, condensed consolidated balance sheet was derived from our audited balance sheet as of that date.  The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis; therefore operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2018.  These condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.  Results of operations in interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for a full year.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Standards adopted

In May 2014 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, which supersedes virtually all existing revenue guidance. The new standard introduces a five-step model to determine when and how revenue is recognized.  The premise of the new model is that an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  The guidance also requires enhanced disclosures regarding the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from an entity’s contracts with customers.  The new standard became effective for us for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018.  The guidance permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective adoption approach with a cumulative effect adjustment recorded in either scenario as necessary upon transition.

As permitted by the guidance, we elected the modified retrospective approach and thus recognized the cumulative effect of adoption of $0.6 million, net of tax, as a positive adjustment to retained earnings in the first quarter of 2018 as a result of the initial recording of in process revenue and associated direct expenses.

Based on our review of our customer shipping arrangements and the related guidance, we have concluded that we will recognize revenue from loads proportionally as the transportation service is performed based on the percentage of miles completed as of the period end, as opposed to recognizing revenue upon the completion of the load, which was our historic practice. Revenue will be recognized on a gross basis at amounts charged to our customers because we control and are primarily responsible for the fulfillment of the promised service. Our recognition of revenue under the new standard approximates our recognition of revenue under the prior standard, as there will generally be a consistent amount of freight in process at the beginning and end of the period; however, seasonality and the day on which the period ends may cause minor differences.
 

The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting ASU 606 on the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.

   
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Financial Statement Line Item (in thousands)
 
As reported
   
Adjustments
   
Balances without adoption of Topic 606
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
     Accounts receivable, net of allowances
 
$
134,957
   
$
(1,276
)
 
$
133,681
 
     Total assets
   
747,482
     
(1,276
)
   
746,206
 
     Accrued expenses
   
47,797
     
(236
)
   
47,561
 
     Deferred income taxes
   
73,347
     
(286
)
   
73,061
 
     Total liabilities
   
421,332
     
(522
)
   
420,810
 
     Retained earnings
   
184,064
     
(754
)
   
183,310
 
     Total stockholders’ equity
   
326,150
     
(754
)
   
325,396
 
     Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
   
747,482
     
(1,276
)
   
746,206
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
     Freight revenue
   
214,623
     
49
     
214,672
 
     Total revenue
   
243,303
     
49
     
243,352
 
     Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
86,249
     
(1
)
   
86,248
 
     Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
   
47,445
     
(95
)
   
47,350
 
     Total operating expenses
   
227,122
     
(96
)
   
227,026
 
     Income tax expense
   
4,249
     
40
     
4,289
 
     Net income
   
11,614
     
105
     
11,719
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
     Net income
   
11,614
     
105
     
11,719
 
     Comprehensive income
   
11,558
     
105
     
11,663
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
Operating Cash Flows
                       
     Net income
   
11,614
     
105
     
11,719
 
     Deferred income tax expense
   
2,676
     
40
     
2,716
 
     Change in: Receivables and advances
   
(16,537
)
   
(49
)
   
(16,586
)
     Change in: Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
16,087
     
(96
)
   
15,991
 
     Net cash flows provided by operating activities
   
38,981
     
-
     
38,981
 


   
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
Financial Statement Line Item (in thousands)
 
As reported
   
Adjustments
   
Balances without adoption of Topic 606
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
     Accounts receivable, net of allowances
 
$
134,957
   
$
(1,276
)
 
$
133,681
 
     Total assets
   
747,482
     
(1,276
)
   
746,206
 
     Accrued expenses
   
47,797
     
(236
)
   
47,561
 
     Deferred income taxes
   
73,347
     
(286
)
   
73,061
 
     Total liabilities
   
421,332
     
(522
)
   
420,810
 
     Retained earnings
   
184,064
     
(754
)
   
183,310
 
     Total stockholders’ equity
   
326,150
     
(754
)
   
325,396
 
     Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
   
747,482
     
(1,276
)
   
746,206
 
Consolidated Statement of Operations
 
     Freight revenue
   
535,721
     
(266
)
   
535,455
 
     Total revenue
   
613,187
     
(266
)
   
612,921
 
     Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
211,621
     
13
     
211,634
 
     Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
   
115,525
     
(54
)
   
115,471
 
     Total operating expenses
   
576,516
     
(41
)
   
576,475
 
     Income tax expense
   
9,716
     
(62
)
   
9,654
 
     Net income
   
26,002
     
(164
)
   
25,838
 
Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
 
     Net income
   
26,002
     
(163
)
   
25,838
 
     Comprehensive income
   
27,196
     
(163
)
   
27,032
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
 
Operating Cash Flows
                       
     Net income
   
26,002
     
(163
)
   
25,838
 
     Deferred income tax expense
   
9,172
     
(62
)
   
9,110
 
     Change in: Receivables and advances
   
(4,717
)
   
266
     
(4,451
)
     Change in: Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
17,723
     
(41
)
   
17,682
 
     Net cash flows provided by operating activities
   
101,613
     
-
     
101,612
 

We have two reportable segments, Truckload, which is comprised of our truckload services, and Managed Freight, which provides freight brokerage and logistics services.

The Truckload segment consists of four operating fleets that are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria.  The four 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 dedicated service; (iii) Star Transportation, Inc., which provides regional solo-driver and dedicated services, primarily in the southeastern United States; and (iv) Landair’s trucking operations, which provides primarily dedicated service.

Managed Freight is comprised primarily of freight brokerage, logistics, and transportation management services. Included in Managed Freight are our accounts receivable factoring and warehousing businesses, which do not meet the aggregation criteria, but only accounted for $3.4 million and $11.7 million of our  revenue, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
 
The following table summarizes our revenue by our two reportable segments, Truckload and Managed Freight, disaggregated to the operating fleet level as used by our chief operating decision maker in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc., organized first by reportable segment (i.e. Truckload and Managed Freight) and then by operating fleet for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018:

(in thousands)
 
Three Months ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total Revenues:
                       
Truckload: Covenant Transport
 
$
108,223
   
$
95,100
   
$
309,583
   
$
272,387
 
Truckload: SRT
   
47,866
     
41,382
     
134,163
     
123,905
 
Truckload: Star Transportation
   
19,887
     
16,584
     
57,489
     
50,030
 
Truckload: Landair
   
21,077
     
-
     
21,077
     
-
 
Managed Freight
   
46,250
     
25,565
     
90,875
     
55,379
 
Total
 
$
243,303
   
$
178,631
   
$
613,187
   
$
501,701
 

Accounting Standards not yet adopted

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, which requires lessees to recognize a right-to-use asset and a lease obligation for all leases.  Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize an asset and liability for leases with a term of twelve months or less.  Lessor accounting under the new standard is substantially unchanged.  Additional qualitative and quantitative disclosures, including significant judgments made by management, will be required.  This new standard will become effective for us in our annual reporting period beginning January 1, 2019, including interim periods within that reporting period and requires a modified retrospective transition approach.  We have engaged a third party to assist with our implementation of the standard and are currently evaluating the impacts the adoption of this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, while depreciation for tax purposes is generally recorded using an accelerated method. Depreciation of revenue equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We have historically depreciated new tractors (excluding day cabs) over five years to salvage values of approximately 15% of their cost.  We generally depreciate new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 25% of their cost. We annually review the reasonableness of our estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice.  Changes in the useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could have a material effect on our results of operations. Gains and losses on the disposal of revenue equipment are included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

Note 2.
Income Per Share

Basic income per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted income per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings.  There were no anti-dilutive shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018.  There were no outstanding stock options at September 30, 2018.  Income per share is the same for both Class A and Class B shares.


The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the calculation of net income per share included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations:

(in thousands except per share data)
 
Three Months ended
September 30,
   
Nine Months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income
 
$
11,614
   
$
4,632
   
$
26,002
   
$
6,141
 
Denominator:
                               
Denominator for basic earnings per share – weighted-average shares
   
18,343
     
18,288
     
18,337
     
18,275
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
                               
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted stock
   
154
     
116
     
111
     
91
 
Denominator for diluted earnings per share – adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions
   
18,497
     
18,404
     
18,448
     
18,366
 
                                 
Basic income per share:
 
$
0.63
   
$
0.25
   
$
1.42
   
$
0.34
 
Diluted income per share:   $ 0.63     0.25     1.41     0.33  

Note 3.
Segment Information

We have two reportable segments, our truckload services or Truckload and Managed Freight, which provides freight brokerage, logistics, and transportation management services. Our Managed Freight consists of several operating segments, which are aggregated due to similar margins and customers.  Included in Managed Freight are our accounts receivable factoring and warehousing businesses, which do not meet the aggregation criteria, but only accounted for $3.4 million and $11.7 million of our revenue, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based.  We evaluate performance based on operating income of the respective business units.

The following table summarizes our segment information used by our chief operating decision maker of the Company in making decisions regarding allocation of resources, etc., as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018:

(in thousands)
 
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total Revenues:
                       
Truckload
 
$
197,053
   
$
153,066
   
$
522,312
   
$
446,322
 
Managed Freight
   
46,250
     
25,565
     
90,875
     
55,379
 
Total
 
$
243,303
   
$
178,631
   
$
613,187
   
$
501,701
 
                                 
Operating Income:
                               
Truckload
 
$
11,960
   
$
6,573
   
$
29,055
   
$
7,812
 
Managed Freight
   
4,221
     
2,468
     
7,616
     
5,500
 
Total
 
$
16,181
   
$
9,041
   
$
36,671
   
$
13,312
 

Note 4.
Income Taxes

Income tax expense varies from the amount computed by applying the federal corporate income tax rates of 21% and 35% in 2018 and 2017, respectively, to income before income taxes, primarily due to state income taxes, net of federal income tax effect, adjusted for permanent differences, the most significant of which is the effect of the per diem pay structure for drivers.  Drivers who meet the requirements and elect to receive per diem generally receive non-taxable per diem pay in lieu of a portion of their taxable wages.  This per diem program increases our drivers' net pay per mile, after taxes, while decreasing gross pay, before taxes.  As a result, salaries, wages, and related expenses are slightly lower and our effective income tax rate is higher than the statutory rate.  Generally, as pre-tax income or loss increases, the impact of the driver per diem program on our effective tax rate decreases, because aggregate per diem pay becomes smaller in relation to pre-tax income or loss, while in periods where earnings are at or near breakeven the impact of the per diem program on our effective tax rate is significant.  Due to the partially nondeductible effect of per diem pay, our tax rate will fluctuate in future periods based on fluctuations in earnings.

Our liability recorded for uncertain tax positions as of September 30, 2018 has decreased by $0.1 million since December 31, 2017.

The net deferred tax liability of $73.3 million primarily relates to differences in cumulative book versus tax depreciation of property and equipment, partially off-set by net operating loss carryovers and insurance claims that have been reserved but not paid. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets assumes that we will be able to generate, based on certain estimates and assumptions, sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions to utilize these deferred tax benefits.  If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to establish a valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets, which would result in additional income tax expense.  On a periodic basis, we assess the need for adjustment of the valuation allowance.  Based on forecasted taxable income resulting from the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, primarily generated by accelerated depreciation for tax purposes in prior periods, and tax planning strategies available to us, a valuation allowance has been established at September 30, 2018, for $0.1 million related to certain state net operating loss carry-forwards.  If these estimates and related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to modify our valuation allowance against the carrying value of the deferred tax assets.

Provisional Amounts in the Effective Rate

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was enacted on December 22, 2017.  We are applying the Securities and Exchange Commission’s guidance in Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 when accounting for the enactment-date effects of the Act.  At September 30, 2018, we have not completed our accounting for all of the tax effects of the Act; however, as described below, we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects.  During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we recognized no adjustments to the provisional amounts recorded at December 31, 2017.  We will continue to make and refine our calculations as additional analysis is completed, and as the states determine how they will coordinate and we receive the results of the federal carryback claim.  Our estimates may also be affected as we gain a more thorough understanding of the tax law on a federal and state basis.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities:  We remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally 21%.  We also analyzed the future deductibility of restricted stock awards for executives and computed the effects of a net operating loss carryback to benefit the loss at 35% in prior years.  We recorded a provisional benefit amount of $40.1 million as of December 31, 2017 related to the remeasurement of certain deferred tax balances.  For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, we have made no change to our analysis.  We are still analyzing certain aspects of the Act and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of these balances or potentially give rise to new deferred tax amounts.  The provisional amount is also subject to change based on how states conform to the Act, as that information is not readily available for many states at this time.

Note 5.            Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is defined as an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Accordingly, fair value is a market-based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The fair value of the hedge derivative liability was determined based on quotes from the counterparty which were verified by comparing them to the exchange on which the related futures are traded, adjusted for counterparty credit risk. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity, and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value of available-for-sale securities is based upon quoted prices in active markets. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.  A three-tier fair value hierarchy is used to prioritize the inputs in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

(in thousands)
     
Hedge derivatives
 
September 30, 2018
   
December 31, 2017 (1)
 
Net Fair Value of Derivatives
 
$
2,055
   
$
393
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
  $
-
    $
-
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
$
2,055
   
$
393
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
  $
-
    $
-
 
 
(1)
Includes derivative liabilities of $487 at December 31, 2017.
 
(in thousands)
     
Available-for-sale securities
 
September 30, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
Net Fair Value of Derivatives
 
$
1,493
   
$
-
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
 
$
1,493
    $
-
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
  $
-
    $
-
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
  $
-
    $
-
 

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, commodity contracts, accounts payable, debt, and interest rate swaps. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, certificates of deposit, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments.  Included in accounts receivable is $46.2 million and $31.9 million of factoring receivables at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, net of a $0.4 million and $0.2 million allowance for bad debt for each respective date. We advance approximately 85% to 95% of each receivable factored and retain the remainder as collateral for collection issues that might arise.  The retained amounts are returned to the clients after the related receivable has been collected, net of accrued interest. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, the retained amounts related to factored receivables totaled $2.4 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and were included in accounts payable in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Our clients are smaller trucking companies that factor their receivables to us for a fee to facilitate faster cash flow.  We evaluate each client's customer base under predefined criteria.  The carrying value of the factored receivables approximates the fair value, as the receivables are generally repaid directly to us by the client's customer within 30-40 days due to the combination of the short-term nature of the financing transaction and the underlying quality of the receivables.

Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes.  The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value at September 30, 2018, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility (as defined herein) approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on that facility.  Additionally, commodity contracts, which are accounted for as hedge derivatives, as discussed in Note 6, are valued based on the forward rate of the specific indices upon which the contract is being settled and adjusted for counterparty credit risk using available market information and valuation methodologies. The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements is determined using the market-standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed-cash payments and the discounted expected variable-cash receipts. The variable-cash receipts are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves. These analyses reflect the contractual terms of the swap, including the period to maturity and use observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair value calculation also includes an amount for risk of non-performance of our counterparties using "significant unobservable inputs" such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default, which we have determined to be insignificant to the overall fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.
Page 14


Note 6.      Derivative Instruments

We engage in activities that expose us to market risks, including the effects of changes in fuel prices and in interest rates.  Financial exposures are evaluated as an integral part of our risk management program, which seeks, from time-to-time, to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of fuel markets and interest rate risk may have on operating results.

In an effort to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel prices, we periodically enter into various derivative instruments, including forward futures swap contracts.  Specifically, we enter into hedging contracts with respect to ultra-low sulfur diesel ("ULSD"). Under these contracts, we pay a fixed rate per gallon of ULSD and receive the monthly average price of Gulf Coast ULSD. The retrospective and prospective regression analyses provided that changes in the prices of diesel fuel and ULSD were deemed to be highly effective based on the relevant authoritative guidance. We do not engage in speculative transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

In August 2015, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $28.0 million, which was designated as a hedge against the variability in future interest payments due on the debt associated with the purchase of our corporate headquarters as described in Note 7. The terms of the swap agreement effectively convert the variable rate interest payments on this note to a fixed rate of 4.2% through maturity on August 1, 2035.  In 2016 and 2017, we also entered into several interest rate swaps, which were designated to hedge against the variability in future interest rate payments associated with the purchase of certain trailers.  Because the critical terms of the swaps and hedged items coincide, in accordance with the requirements of ASC 815, the change in the fair value of the derivative is expected to exactly offset changes in the expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate over the term of the debt instrument, and therefore no ongoing assessment of effectiveness is required. The fair value of all interest rate swap agreements that were in effect at September 30, 2018, of approximately $1.2 million, is included in other short and long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Additionally, less than $0.1 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations as additional interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018, related to changes in interest rates during such period. Based on the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2018, we expect to reclassify gains of approximately $0.1 million, net of tax, on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations during the next twelve months due to changes in interest rates. The amounts actually realized will depend on the fair values as of the date of settlement.

We recognize all derivative instruments at fair value on our condensed consolidated balance sheets.  Our derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges, thus the gain or loss on the derivatives is reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income and will be reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.  The change in fair value of the hedge offsets the change in fair value of the hedged item.

At September 30, 2018, we had fuel hedge contracts on approximately 1.9 million gallons for the remainder of 2018, or approximately 17.1% of our projected remaining 2018 fuel requirements.

The fair value of the fuel hedge contracts that were in effect at September 30, 2018, of approximately $0.9 million is included in other short-term assets in the consolidated balance sheet and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.  Changes in the fair values of these instruments can vary dramatically based on changes in the underlying commodity prices. For example, during the third quarter in 2018, market "spot" prices for ULSD peaked at a high of approximately $2.31 per gallon and hit a low price of approximately $2.02 per gallon. During the same 2017 quarter, market "spot" prices ranged from a high of $1.83 per gallon to a low of $1.41 per gallon. Market price changes can be driven by factors such as supply and demand, inventory levels, weather events, refinery capacity, political agendas, the value of the U.S. dollar, geopolitical events, and general economic conditions, among other items.
 
Page 15


Additionally, $0.6 million and $1.3 million were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations as a reduction to fuel expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, related to gains on contracts that expired.  Based on the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2018, and the expected timing of the purchases of the diesel hedged, we expect to reclassify gains of approximately $0.6 million, net of tax, on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations during the next twelve months due to actual diesel fuel purchases.  The amounts actually realized will be dependent on the fair values as of the date of settlement.

We perform both a prospective and retrospective assessment of the effectiveness of our fuel hedge contracts at inception and quarterly, including assessing the possibility of counterparty default.  If we determine that a derivative is no longer expected to be highly effective, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively and recognize subsequent changes in the fair value of the hedge in earnings.  As a result of our effectiveness assessment at inception and at September 30, 2018, we believe our hedge contracts have been and will continue to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk.

Outstanding financial derivative instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by the counterparties to the agreements. We do not expect any of the counterparties to fail to meet their obligations.  Our credit exposure related to these financial instruments is represented by the fair value of contracts reported as assets.  To manage credit risk, we review each counterparty's audited financial statements, credit ratings, and obtain references as we deem necessary.

Note 7.     Debt

Current and long-term debt consisted of the following at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:

(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
   
December 31, 2017
 
   
Current
   
Long-Term
   
Current
   
Long-Term
 
Borrowings under Credit Facility; interest rate of 5.8% at September 30, 2018
 
$
-
   
$
6,155
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Revenue equipment installment notes with finance companies; weighted average interest rate of 3.6% and 3.3% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates ranging from October 2018 to July 2023, secured by related revenue equipment
   
26,752
     
139,044
     
23,732
     
130,946
 
Real estate note; interest rate of 3.8% and 3.1% at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, due in monthly installments with a fixed maturity at August 2035, secured by related real estate
   
1,037
     
24,029
     
1,004
     
24,810
 
Deferred loan costs
   
(146
)
   
(191
)
   
(140
)
   
(298
)
Total debt
   
27,643
     
169,037
     
24,596
     
164,465
 
Principal portion of capital lease obligations, secured by related revenue equipment
   
5,074
     
33,877
     
2,962
     
21,777
 
Total debt and capital lease obligations
 
$
32,717
   
$
202,914
   
$
27,558
   
$
186,242
 
 
Page 16

We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to 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. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders").

The Credit Facility is a $95.0 million revolving credit facility, with an uncommitted accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million subject to Lender acceptance of the additional funding commitment.  The Credit Facility includes, within our $95.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $95.0 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.  The Credit Facility matures in September 2021.

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 1.0%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.0%.  The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability.  The unused line fee is the product of 0.25% times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility.  The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and 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) 75% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate, as reduced by a periodic amortization amount.  As of September 30, 2018, there were undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, available borrowing capacity was $59.9 million, and $6.2 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018, was 5.8% on $6.2 million of base rate loans, and there were no outstanding LIBOR loans. Based on availability as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.

The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated.  If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause or have the ability to cause all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions.  Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.

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, 2018 terminate in October 2018 through September 2023 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum 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 2018 to July 2023. 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 $133.0 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additionally, the abovementioned fuel hedge contracts totaling $0.9 million at September 30, 2018, 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 2018, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to be funded with a combination of available cash, notes, operating leases, capital leases, and/or from the Credit Facility.
Page 17


Note 8.      Stock-Based Compensation

Our 2006 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended (the "Incentive Plan") governs the issuance of equity awards and other incentive compensation to management and members of the board of directors.  In February 2013, the Compensation Committee 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).  Our stockholders re-approved the material terms of the performance-based goals under the Incentive Plan at our 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, 2018, 49,405 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 March 31, 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 is $1.1 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and $2.9 million and $0.6 million of stock-based compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. All stock compensation expense recorded in 2018 and 2017 relates to restricted shares.  An additional $0.4 million and $0.3 million of stock-based compensation was recorded in general supplies and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for each of the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as this amount 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, 2018, certain participants elected to forfeit receipt of an aggregate of 2,753 shares of Class A common stock at a weighted average per share price of $29.57 based on the closing price of our Class A common stock on the dates the shares vested in 2018, in lieu of the federal and state minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. We remitted less than $0.1 million to the proper taxing authorities in satisfaction of the employees' minimum statutory withholding requirements.

Note 9.      Equity Method Investment

We own a minority investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL"). 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.   In May 2016, the operating agreement with TEL was amended to, among other things, remove the previously agreed to fixed date purchase options.  TEL’s majority owners are generally restricted from transferring their interests in TEL, other than to certain permitted transferees, without our consent.   We sold approximately $0.1 million of tractors or trailers to TEL during each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and we received $5.9 million and $4.2 million respectively, for providing various maintenance services, certain back-office functions, and for miscellaneous equipment.  We recognized a net reversal of previously deferred gains totaling approximately $0.2 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, representing 49% of the gains on units sold to TEL less any gains previously deferred and recognized when the equipment was subsequently sold to a third party.  Deferred gains, totaling $0.2 million at September 30, 2018, are being carried as a reduction in our investment in TEL.  At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, we had accounts receivable from TEL of $5.7 million and $7.8 million, respectively, related to cash disbursements made pursuant to our performance of certain back-office and maintenance functions on TEL’s behalf.
 
Page 18


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 2018 net income through September 30, 2018, or $5.4 million. Our investment in TEL, totaling $25.7 million and $20.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively, is included in other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

See TEL’s summarized financial information below:

(in thousands)
 
As of September 30, 2018
   
As of December 31, 2017
 
Current Assets
 
$
23,276
   
$
19,660
 
Non-current Assets
   
255,352
     
183,905
 
Current Liabilities
   
15,451
     
53,981
 
Non-current Liabilities
   
219,878
     
117,135
 
Total Equity
 
$
43,299
   
$
32,449
 

   
For the three months ended
September 30, 2018
   
For the three months ended
September 30, 2017
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30, 2018
   
For the nine
months ended
September 30, 2017
 
Revenue
 
$
25,437
   
$
18,299
   
$
74,152
   
$
64,543
 
Operating Expenses
   
19,061
     
15,439
     
58,060
     
55,753
 
Operating Income
   
6,376
     
2,860
     
16,092
     
8,790
 
Net Income
 
$
4,369
   
$
1,499
   
$
10,850
   
$
5,188
 

Note 10.    Commitments and Contingencies

From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and 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.

On May 8, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a pre-trial decision against our Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc. ("SRT") subsidiary relating to a cargo claim incurred in 2008. The court had previously ruled in favor of the plaintiff in 2014, and the prior decision was reversed in part by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and remanded for further proceedings in 2015.  As a result of this decision, we increased the reserve in respect of this case by $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 in order to accrue additional legal fees and pre-judgment interest since the time of the previously noted appeal.  On September 25, 2018, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiff and against SRT.  While considering its further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, SRT will likely pay this claim, related accrued interest and legal fees totaling approximately $6.8 million within the next six months.

Our SRT subsidiary is a defendant in a lawsuit filed on December 16, 2016 in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California.  The lawsuit was filed on behalf of David Bass (a California resident and former driver), who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action case wherein he alleges violation of multiple California wage and hour statutes over a four year period of time, including failure to pay wages for all hours worked, failure to provide meal periods and paid rest breaks, failure to pay for rest and recovery periods, failure to reimburse certain business expenses, failure to pay vested vacation, unlawful deduction of wages, failure to timely pay final wages, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, and unfair and unlawful competition as well as various state claims.  The case was removed from state court in February, 2017 to the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California, and subsequently, SRT moved the District Court to transfer venue of the case to the U.S. District Court sitting in the Western District of Arkansas.  The motion to transfer was approved by the California District Court in July, 2017, and the case will now be heard in the U.S. District court in the Western District of Arkansas.
Page 19


Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes the resolution of open claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, is not reasonably possible to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

We had $35.1 million and $32.9 million of outstanding and undrawn letters of credit as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support our insurance programs.

See Note 12 for a discussion of contingencies related to our acquisition of Landair Holdings, Inc.

Note 11.   Other comprehensive income (loss) ("OCI")

OCI 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 table summarizes the change in the components of our OCI balance for the periods presented (in thousands; presented net of tax):

Details about OCI Components
 
Amount Reclassified from OCI for the three months ended September 30, 2018
   
Amount Reclassified from OCI for the nine months ended September 30, 2018
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement of Operations
Losses (gains) on cash flow hedges
               
Commodity derivative contracts
 
$
(580
)
 
$
(1,312
)
Fuel expense
     
160
     
361
 
Income tax expense
   
$
(420
)
 
$
(951
)
Net of tax
                      
Interest rate swap contract
 
$
19
   
$
114
 
Interest expense
     
(5
)
   
(31
)
Income tax benefit
   
$
14
   
$
83
 
Net of tax

Note 12.    Acquisition of Landair Holdings, Inc.

On July 3, 2018, we acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of Landair Holdings, Inc., a Tennessee corporation (“Landair”). The total cash paid was $106.7 million, including (i) $83.0 million in cash to Landair's former owners, (ii) $3.2 million reimbursement to Landair's former owners and $5.0 million in state taxes paid by Landair after the acquisition related to our Internal Revenue Code Section 338(h)(10) election, which is still subject to finalization, and (iii) approximately $15.5 million for the debt of Landair, which we have paid in full, but not considering approximately $0.8 million of cash balances acquired.  The Stock Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants, and indemnification provisions.

Landair is a leading dedicated and for-hire truckload carrier, as well as a supplier of transportation management, warehousing and logistics inventory management services. Landair’s results have been included in the condensed consolidated financial statements since the date of acquisition. Landair’s trucking operations’ results are reported within our Truckload segment, while Landair’s logistics operations’ results are reported within our Managed Freight segment.

The allocation of the preliminary purchase price detailed below is subject to change based on finalization of the valuation of long-lived and intangible assets, as well as our ongoing evaluation of Landair’s accounting principles for consistency with ours.

(in thousands)  
 
 
Cash paid
       
$
106,700
 
               
Allocated to:
             
Historical book value of Landair’s assets and liabilities
 
$
25,589
         
Adjustments to recognize assets and liabilities at acquisition-date fair value:
               
Property, plant, and equipment
   
(7,450
)
       
Other assets
   
(1,094
)
       
Liabilities
   
(829
)
       
Fair value of tangible net assets acquired
           
16,216
 
Post-acquisition goodwill adjustments
           
(114
)
Identifiable intangibles at acquisition-date fair value
           
34,000
 
Debt paid at closing
           
15,512
 
Excess of consideration transferred over the net amount of assets and liabilities recognized
         
$
41,086
 
                 
Cash paid pursuant to Stock Purchase Agreement
   
$
106,700
 
Cash acquired included in historical book value of Landair assets and liabilities
     
(754
)
Net purchase price
   
$
105,946
 
               

Deferred income taxes arising from the acquisition are immaterial because of our 338(h)(10) election.

The following table summarizes the preliminary fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date.

(in thousands)
     
   
July 3, 2018
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
754
 
Accounts receivable
   
12,610
 
Driver advances and other receivables
   
4,295
 
Inventory and supplies
   
3
 
Prepaid expenses
   
1,010
 
Assets held for sale
   
128
 
Net property and equipment
   
26,164
 
Other assets, net
   
22
 
Other intangibles, net
   
34,000
 
Total identifiable assets acquired
   
78,986
 
         
Accounts payable
   
(5,475
)
Accrued expenses
   
(5,015
)
Insurance and claims accrual
   
(2,645
)
Other short-term liabilities
   
(123
)
Total liabilities assumed
   
(13,258
)
Net identifiable assets acquired
   
65,728
 
Goodwill
   
40,972
 
Net assets acquired
   
106,700
 
         

The goodwill recognized is attributable primarily to expected cost synergies in the areas of insurance and claims, workers compensation, fuel, and purchases of revenue equipment. Additionally, Landair and the historical Company have limited customer overlap, and as such we expect to be able to cross-sell services between historical customers and those of Landair.

The amounts of revenue and earnings of Landair included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations from the acquisition date to the period ended September 30, 2018 are as follows:

(in thousands)
 
Three months ended
 
   
September 30, 2018
 
Total revenue
 
$
41,490
 
Net income
 
$
1,956
 

 
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 assume that the acquisition of Landair occurred as of January 1, 2017:

(in thousands)
 
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total revenue
 
$
243,303
   
$
208,842
   
$
687,937
   
$
592,333
 
Net income
 
$
11,614
   
$
4,882
   
$
28,886
   
$
6,892
 
Basic net income per share
 
$
0.63
   
$
0.27
   
$
1.58
   
$
0.38
 
Diluted net income per share
 
$
0.63
   
$
0.27
   
$
1.57
   
$
0.38
 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the pro forma results include an immaterial amount of adjustments to conform Landair to the accounting policies of the Company related to operations and maintenance and insurance and claims. In addition, salaries, wages, and related expenses decreased by a net of $2.1 million related to sale bonuses and non-recurring compensation paid to a prior owner of Landair, partially offset by restricted shares granted to key retained employees. General supplies and expenses decreased by $3.4 million related to non-recurring acquisition-related expenses. Depreciation and amortization increased by $1.1 million due to the amortization of intangible assets as detailed in Note 13, partially offset by a net decrease resulting from the depreciation of property, plant, and equipment using useful lives consistent with those utilized by the Company. Interest expense, net increased by approximately $2.0 million as a result of the financing obtained by the Company to fund the Landair acquisition. Income tax expense was adjusted by approximately $0.1 million for the effect of each of the aforementioned adjustments. Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 exclude two days of Landair’s operations that occurred between the period ended June 30, 2018 and our acquisition on July 3, 2018, but this effect is immaterial.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the pro forma results include an immaterial amount of adjustments to conform Landair to the accounting policies of the Company related to operations and maintenance and insurance and claims. Depreciation and amortization increased by approximately $0.6 million and $1.7 million for the quarter and nine months, respectively, due to the amortization of intangible assets as detailed in Note 13, partially offset by a net decrease resulting from the depreciation of property, plant, and equipment using useful lives consistent with those utilized by the Company. Interest expense, net increased $1.0 million and $3.0 million for the quarter and nine months, respectively, as a result of the financing obtained by the Company to fund the Landair acquisition. Income tax expense was adjusted by an immaterial amount for the effect of each of the aforementioned adjustments.

The pro forma adjustments have been made solely for informational purposes. The actual results reported by the consolidated company in periods following the acquisition may differ significantly from that reflected in the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations for a number of reasons, including but not limited to cost savings from operating efficiencies, synergies and the impact of the incremental costs incurred in integrating the two companies. As a result, the   unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations are not intended to represent and does not purport to be indicative of what the combined company’s results of operations would have been had the acquisition been completed on the applicable dates of this unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations. In addition, the unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations do not purport to project the future results of operations of the consolidated company.

Note 13.   Intangible Assets

Based on the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for Landair, the following amounts have been allocated to identifiable intangible assets along with the respective amortization periods:

(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
       
   
Gross intangible assets
   
Accumulated amortization
   
Net intangible assets
   
Life (months)
 
Trade name
 
$
4,400
   
$
(73
)
 
$
4,327
     
180
 
Non-Compete agreement
   
1,400
     
(70
)
   
1,330
     
60
 
Customer relationships
   
28,200
     
(588
)
   
27,612
     
144
 
Total
 
$
34,000
   
$
(731
)
 
$
33,269
         
 
The above intangible assets have a weighted average life of 145 months. The expected amortization of these assets for the next five successive years is as follows:

   
(In thousands)
 
2018
 
$
731
 
2019
   
2,923
 
2020
   
2,923
 
2021
   
2,923
 
2022
   
2,923
 
2023
   
2,783
 
Thereafter
   
18,063
 
 
Note 14 .    Available-for-sale Securities

We have purchased certain investments to meet dual objectives of capital preservation and maintenance of sufficient resources to fund insurance losses. As such, the investments are not held for the purpose of trading. Furthermore, due to the uncertain nature of insurance losses, the investments are not held-to-maturity, and are thus classified as available-for-sale securities. Unrealized holding gains and losses on these investments are excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income until realized. Unrealized holding losses below, which are comprised of ten investments in an unrealized loss position, are not considered other-than-temporary, as both the duration and amount of unrealized losses have been insignificant.

(in thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
   
Amortized cost basis
   
Gross unrealized losses (less than 12 months)
   
Fair value
 
US corporate securities, maturing within one to five years
 
$
396
   
$
(2
)
 
$
394
 
Certificates of deposit, maturing in less than one year
   
600
     
(0
)
   
600
 
Certificates of deposit, maturing within one to five years
   
500
     
(1
)
   
499
 
Total available-for-sale securities
 
$
1,496
   
$
(3
)
 
$
1,493
 


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 or current fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing.  In this Form 10-Q, statements relating to future reclassification of gains arising from derivative instruments and the performance of counterparties to such instruments, future impact of new accounting standards, future results of SRT, future third-party transportation provider expenses, future tax rates, expenses, and deductions, expected freight demand and volumes, potential results of a default and testing of our fixed charge covenant under the Credit Facility or other debt agreements, expected sources of working capital and liquidity (including our mix of debt, capital leases, and operating leases as means of financing revenue equipment), expected capital expenditures, future customer relationships, future use of dedicated contracts,  future mix of team versus solo drivers, expected debt reduction, future driver market conditions, expected cash flows, expected operating income and earnings per share improvements, future trucking capacity, future rates and prices, future utilization, future depreciation and amortization, future salaries, wages, and related expenses, including driver compensation and management bonuses, expected net fuel costs, strategies for managing fuel costs, the effectiveness and impact of, and cash flows relating to, our fuel hedging contracts and fuel surcharge programs, future fluctuations in operations and maintenance expenses, future fleet size and management, the market value of used equipment, including equipment subject to operating or capital leases relative to our payment obligations under such operating leases (including residual value guarantees and the proceeds from the sale thereof), the anticipated impact of our investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC, the anticipated impact of our acquisition of Landair, and anticipated levels of and fluctuations relating to insurance, claims, and litigation expenses, including with respect to the 2008 cargo claim and the California wage and hour 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, 2017.  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, 2017, 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

With continued economic growth in the U.S. we are encouraged by the year-over-year improvement in our operating margins for the third quarter of 2018. The main positives in the third quarter were 1) the successful strategic addition of Landair, meeting our stated objective of entering into closer relationships with our customers and getting deeper in the supply chain, 2) improvement in the operating profitability at each of our Truckload segment operating fleets, 3) an approximate 10% increase in average freight revenue per tractor for our Truckload segment, excluding Landair’s truckload operations, versus the same quarter of 2017, and 4) improved year-over-year earnings from our investment in TEL. The main negative in the quarter was the increased Truckload operating costs on a per mile basis, most notably the unfavorable employee wages and casualty insurance claims costs, partially offset by lower net fuel costs and improved net depreciation expense.

Additional items of note for the third quarter of 2018 include the following:

Total revenue of $243.3 million, an increase of 36.2% compared with the third quarter of 2017 and freight revenue (which excludes revenue from fuel surcharges) of $214.6 million, an increase of 34.6% compared with the third quarter of 2017;
   
Operating income of $16.2 million, an operating ratio of 93.3%, and an adjusted operating ratio of 92.1%, compared with operating income of $9.0 million, an operating ratio of 94.9%, and an adjusted operating ratio of 94.3% in the third quarter of 2017;
   
Net income of $16.2 million, or $0.63 per diluted share, compared with net income of $4.6 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2017;
   
With available borrowing capacity of $59.9 million under our Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018, we do not expect to be required to test our fixed charge covenant in the foreseeable future;
   
Our Managed Freight segment’s total revenue increased by 80.9% to $46.3 million, compared to $25.6 million for the third quarter of 2017, and their operating income increased to $4.2 million compared to the 2017 quarter at $2.5 million;
   
Our equity investment in TEL provided $2.1 million of pre-tax earnings compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter of 2017;
   
Since December 31, 2017, aggregate lease-adjusted indebtedness (which includes the present value of off-balance sheet lease obligations), net of cash, increased by $22.2 million to $242.4 million; and
   
Stockholders’ equity at September 30, 2018 was $326.2 million, and tangible book value was $251.8 million, or $13.72 per basic share.

We expect the overall balance of business conditions to remain favorable through the fourth quarter of 2018 and into 2019.  Freight demand has been, and remains, strong across our business units and indications from our holiday peak season customers indicate robust expectations for the fourth quarter.  From a capacity perspective, attracting and retaining highly qualified, over the road professional truck drivers remains our largest challenge.  Low unemployment, alternative careers, and an aging driver population are creating an increasingly competitive environment. In this environment, we continue to work actively with our customers to improve driver compensation, efficiency, and working conditions while providing a high level of service and generating acceptable financial returns.  We intend to continue to allocate our assets where the returns are justified and use our managed freight units to supplement our internal capacity.

Along with the Landair acquisition, we have increased our capital allocation to organically grow our dedicated truckload, transportation management services, and other managed freight solutions. As of September 30, 2018, we had 1,535 tractors from our truckload fleet operating under dedicated contracts, representing 50% of the fleet. This compares to a year ago when only approximately 827 of our tractors, or 32% of our fleet, operated under dedicated contracts. We believe the dedicated contract fleet provides a stronger partnership with our customers as we integrate deeper into their supply chains, offers more consistent and seasonally-manageable freight volumes, reduces earnings volatility of the cyclical freight economy, and provides a favorable drivers’ experience for professional drivers who desire greater consistency.

For the fourth quarter, we will remain a major participant in the holiday peak shipping season and anticipate our consolidated adjusted operating ratio and consolidated adjusted earnings per diluted share to improve compared with the fourth quarter of 2017.  However, due to changes in team versus solo-driver mix, dedicated versus irregular route capacity, and managed freight capacity, as well as the impact of the Landair transaction, we are not offering more specific earnings guidance.

In addition to operating ratio, we use "adjusted operating ratio" as a key measure of profitability.  Adjusted operating ratio is not a substitute for operating ratio measured in accordance with GAAP. There are limitations to using non-GAAP financial measures.  Adjusted operating ratio means operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue and amortization of intangibles, expressed as a percentage of revenue, excluding fuel surcharge revenue. We believe the use of adjusted operating ratio allows us to more effectively compare periods, while excluding the potentially volatile effect of changes in fuel prices. Our Board and management focus on our adjusted operating ratio as an indicator of our performance from period to period. We believe our presentation of adjusted operating ratio is useful because it provides investors and securities analysts the same information that we use internally to assess our core operating performance. Although we believe that adjusted operating ratio improves comparability in analyzing our period-to-period performance, it could limit comparability to other companies in our industry, if those companies define adjusted operating ratio differently. Because of these limitations, adjusted operating ratio should not be considered a measure of income generated by our business or discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. Management compensates for these limitations by primarily relying on GAAP results and using non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.

Operating Ratio

Operating Ratio ("OR") For Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2018, respectively
 
             
   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
GAAP Operating Ratio:
 
2018 (1)(2)
   
OR %
   
2017 (2)
   
OR %
   
2018 (1) (2)
   
OR %
   
2017 (2)
   
OR %
 
Total revenue
 
$
243,303
         
$
178,631
         
$
613,187
         
$
501,701
       
Total operating expenses
   
227,122
     
93.3
%
   
169,590
     
94.9
%
   
576,516
     
94.0
%
   
488,389
     
97.3
%
Operating income
 
$
16,181
           
$
9,041
           
$
36,671
           
$
13,312
         
                                                                 
Adjusted Operating Ratio:
   
2018
   
Adj.
OR %
     
2017
   
Adj.
OR %
     
2018
   
Adj.
OR %
     
2017
   
Adj.
OR %
 
Total revenue
 
$
243,303
           
$
178,631
           
$
613,187
           
$
501,701
         
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue:
   
(28,680
)
           
19,131
             
(77,466
)
           
56,489
         
Revenue (excluding fuel surcharge revenue)
   
214,623
             
159,500
             
535,721
             
445,212
         
                                                                 
Total operating expenses
   
227,122
             
169,590
             
576,516
             
488,389
         
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue
   
(28,680
)
           
19,131
             
(77,466
)
           
56,489
         
Less: Amortization of intangibles (3)
   
(731
)
           
-
             
(731
)
           
-
         
Total operating expenses (net of fuel surcharge revenue)
   
197,711
     
92.1
%
   
150,459
     
94.3
%
   
498,319
     
93.0
%
   
431,900
     
97.0
%
Operating income
 
$
16,912
           
$
9,041
           
$
37,402
           
$
13,312
         
   
(1) Includes impact of adoption of ASU 2014-09. See Note 1. for the related impact to total revenue and operating expenses.
(2) The reported results do not include the results of operations of Landair on and prior to its acquisition by the Company on July 3, 2018 in accordance with the
accounting treatment applicable to the transaction.
(3) “Amortization of intangibles” reflects the non-cash amortization expense relating to intangible assets identified in the July 3, 2018 acquisition of Landair.
 

Revenue and Expenses

We focus on targeted markets throughout the United States where we believe our service standards can provide a competitive advantage.  We are a major carrier for transportation companies such as parcel freight forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers that require a high level of service to support their businesses, as well as for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers.  We also generate revenue through providing ancillary services, including freight brokerage and accounts receivable factoring.

We have two reportable segments, Truckload, which is comprised of our truckload services, and Managed Freight, which provides freight brokerage, logistics, and transportation management services.

The Truckload segment at September 30, 2018 consisted of four operating fleets that are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the aggregation criteria.  The four 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 dedicated service; (iii) Star Transportation, Inc., which provides regional solo-driver and dedicated services, primarily in the southeastern United States; and (iv) Landair trucking operations, which provides primarily dedicated service.

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.  Nonetheless, freight revenue represents a non-GAAP financial measure.  Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on the discussion of freight revenue, and discussions of freight revenue should be considered in combination with discussions of total revenue.  For each expense item discussed below, we have provided a table setting forth the relevant expense first as a percentage of total revenue, and then as a percentage of freight revenue.

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 measures of profitability are operating ratio and adjusted operating ratio, which we define as operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge revenue and amortization of intangibles, divided by total revenue, less fuel surcharge revenue, or freight revenue. See page 28 for the uses and limitations associated with adjusted operating ratio.

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 Managed Freight segment has service offerings ancillary to our Truckload services, including: freight brokerage service directly and through freight brokerage agents, who are paid a commission for the freight they provide, and transportation management services.  The operations consist of several operating segments, which are aggregated due to similar margins and customers.  Included in Managed Freight are our accounts receivable factoring and warehousing businesses, which do not meet the aggregation criteria, but only account for $3.4 million and $11.7 million of our revenue, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
 

Revenue Equipment

At September 30, 2018, we operated 3,077 tractors and 6,849 trailers. Of such tractors, 2,417 were owned, 345 were financed under operating leases, and 315 were provided by independent contractors, who provide and drive their own tractors.  Of such trailers, 5,121 were owned, 570 were financed under operating leases, and 1,158 were financed under capital leases.  We finance a small portion of our tractor fleet and larger portion 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, 2018, our fleet had an average tractor age of 2.3 years and an average trailer age of 3.8 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, 2018 TO THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

The following tables set forth the percentage relationship of certain items to total revenue and freight revenue, where applicable (dollars in thousands):

Revenue

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Revenue:
                       
Freight revenue
 
$
214,623
   
$
159,500
   
$
535,721
   
$
445,212
 
Fuel surcharge revenue
   
28,680
     
19,131
     
77,466
     
56,489
 
Total revenue
 
$
243,303
   
$
178,631
   
$
613,187
   
$
501,701
 

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, total revenue increased $64.7 million, or 36.2%, to $243.3 million from $178.6 million in the 2017 quarter.  Freight revenue increased $55.1 million, or 34.6%, to $214.6 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, from $159.5 million in the 2017 quarter, while fuel surcharge revenue increased $9.6 million quarter-over-quarter. The increase in freight revenue resulted from a $34.4 million increase in freight revenues from our Truckload segment, as well as a $20.7 million increase in revenues from our Managed Freight segment.

The $34.4 million increase in Truckload freight revenue relates to a 547 (or 21.6%) average tractor increase and a 6.1% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week, partially offset by a $2.7 million decrease in intermodal revenues in the 2018 quarter as compared to the 2017 quarter, as we effectively discontinued this consistently unprofitable service offering within our solo-driver refrigerated truckload unit during December 2017.  Of the 547 increased average tractors, 428 were contributed by the Landair acquisition, as Landair contributed $18.4 million of freight revenue to consolidated truckload operations in the third quarter of 2018. Average freight revenue per total mile increased by 27.7 cents per mile, or 16.4%, compared to the 2017 quarter and average miles per tractor decreased by 8.9%.  The decline in our utilization is primarily a result of the impact of the Landair operations on the combined truckload division, as well as the 9.6% decrease in the percentage of our fleet comprised of team-driven tractors, offset by a higher average seated tractor percentage. Landair's shorter average length of haul and dedicated contract, solo-driven truck operations generally produce higher revenue per total mile and fewer miles per tractor than our other truckload business units.

For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, total revenue increased $111.5 million, or 22.2%, to $613.2 million from $501.7 million in the 2017 period.  Freight revenue increased $90.5 million, or 20.3%, to $535.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from $445.2 million in the 2017 period, while fuel surcharge revenue increased $21.0 million period-over-period. The increase in freight revenue resulted from a $55.0 million increase in freight revenues from our Truckload segment, as well as a $35.5 million increase in revenue from our Managed Freight segment.

The $55.0 million increase in Truckload freight revenue relates to a 192 (or 7.5%) average tractor increase and an 8.9% increase in average freight revenue per tractor resulting from the aforementioned contribution of the Landair acquisition, an increase in average rate per total mile of 22.8 cents, and was partially offset by a $9.2 million decrease in freight revenue from the aforementioned discontinuation of our intermodal service offering, compared to the same 2017 period. Average freight revenue per total mile increased by 22.8 cents per mile compared to the 2017 period and average miles per tractor decreased by 4.4%. The decline in our utilization is primarily a result of the impact of the Landair operations on the combined truckload division, a lower average seated tractor percentage, as well as the 11.1% decrease in the percentage of our fleet comprised of team-driven tractors, to an average of 884 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 compared to an average of 994 teams during the same 2017 period.

Managed Freight revenue increased $20.7 million quarter-over-quarter and $35.5 million for the nine-month period, as a result of $20.4 million in freight revenue contributed by Landair’s managed freight operations during the third quarter of 2018, in addition to growth with existing customers and certain internal strategic growth initiatives, compared with the same 2017 periods.

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 period-to-period.  Nonetheless, freight revenue represents a non-GAAP financial measure.  Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed on the discussion of freight revenue, and discussions of freight revenue should be considered in combination with discussions of total revenue.  For each expense item discussed below, we have provided a table setting forth the relevant expense first as a percentage of total revenue, and then as a percentage of freight revenue.

Salaries, wages, and related expenses

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Salaries, wages, and related expenses
 
$
86,249
   
$
60,732
   
$
211,621
   
$
178,639
 
% of total revenue
   
35.4
%
   
34.0
%
   
34.5
%
   
35.6
%
% of freight revenue
   
40.2
%
   
38.1
%
   
39.5
%
   
40.1
%

Salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $25.7 million, or 42.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased to 35.4% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 34.0% in the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased to 40.2% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 38.1% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $33.0 million, or 18.5%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses decreased to 34.5% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 35.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, salaries, wages, and related expenses decreased to 39.5% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 40.1% in the same period in 2017.

The increases for the three-month period in salaries, wages, and related expenses are primarily the result of increased driver and non-driver headcount due to the Landair acquisition, which contributed $16.6 million of salaries, wages, and related expenses during the third quarter of 2018. Additionally, employee pay adjustments beginning in the third quarter of 2017 contributed to the overall increase and were partially offset by a lower percentage of our fleet comprised of team-driven tractors.

While salaries, wages, and related expenses increased approximately $33.0 million for the nine-month period as a result of both employee pay adjustments beginning in the third quarter of 2017 and increased headcount due to the Landair acquisition, it decreased as a percentage of total and freight revenue as a result of a lower percentage of our fleet comprised of team-driven tractors. Additionally, workers’ compensation decreased 0.4 cents per mile compared to the same 2017 period.

When compared to periods prior to the Landair acquisition, we expect salaries, wages, and related expenses will be higher as a result of increased headcount due to the Landair acquisition. We believe salaries, wages, and related expenses will also increase going forward as a result of a tight driver market, which continues to offer significant challenges, wage inflation, higher healthcare costs, and, in certain periods, increased incentive compensation due to better performance. In particular, we expect driver pay to increase as we look to maintain or reduce the number of unseated tractors in our fleet in a tight market for drivers. Additionally, as freight market rates continue to increase, we would expect to, as we have historically, pass a portion of those rate increases on to our professional drivers.  Salaries, wages, and related expenses will fluctuate to some extent based on the percentage of revenue generated by independent contractors and our Managed Freight segment, for which payments are reflected in the purchased transportation line item.

Fuel expense

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total fuel expense
 
$
33,428
   
$
25,998
   
$
89,817
   
$
76,310
 
% of total revenue
   
13.7
%
   
14.6
%
   
14.6
%
   
15.2
%

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 operate; surcharges do not cover miles driven out-of-route by our drivers; and surcharges typically do not cover refrigeration unit fuel usage or fuel burned by tractors while idling.  Moreover, most of our business relating to shipments obtained from freight brokers does not carry a fuel surcharge.  Finally, fuel surcharges vary in the percentage of reimbursement offered, and not all surcharges fully compensate for fuel price increases even on loaded miles.

The rate of fuel price changes also can have an impact on results.  Most fuel surcharges are based on the average fuel price as published by the 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.  Ultra-low-sulfur diesel prices as measured by the DOE averaged approximately $0.61 per gallon and $0.53 per gallon higher, respectively, for the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 compared with the same 2017 quarter and period.

Additionally, $0.6 million and $1.3 million, respectively, were reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations as a reduction to fuel expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, related to gains on fuel hedge contracts that expired. At September 30, 2018, all the fuel hedge contracts were deemed to be effective and thus continue to qualify as cash flow hedges. To measure the effectiveness of our fuel surcharge program, we subtract fuel surcharge revenue (other than the fuel surcharge revenue we reimburse to independent contractors and other third parties which is included in purchased transportation) from our fuel expense.  The result is referred to as net fuel expense.  Our net fuel expense as a percentage of freight revenue is affected by the cost of diesel fuel net of fuel surcharge revenue, the percentage of miles driven by company tractors, our fuel economy, our percentage of deadhead miles, for which we do not receive material 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,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total fuel surcharge
 
$
28,680
   
$
19,131
   
$
77,466
   
$
56,489
 
Less: Fuel surcharge revenue reimbursed to independent contractors and other third parties
   
3,388
     
2,002
     
9,214
     
5,586
 
Company fuel surcharge revenue
 
$
25,292
   
$
17,129
   
$
68,252
   
$
50,903
 
Total fuel expense
 
$
33,428
   
$
25,998
   
$
89,817
   
$
76,310
 
Less: Company fuel surcharge revenue
   
25,292
     
17,129
     
68,252
     
50,903
 
Net fuel expense
 
$
8,136
   
$
8,869
   
$
21,565
   
$
25,407
 
% of freight revenue
   
3.8
%
   
5.6
%
   
4.0
%
   
5.7
%
 
 
Total fuel expense increased approximately $7.4 million, or 28.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 13.7% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 14.6% in the same quarter in 2017. As a percentage of freight revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 15.6% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 16.3% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, total fuel expense increased approximately $13.5 million, or 17.7%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 14.6% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 15.2% in the 2017 period.  As a percentage of freight revenue, total fuel expense decreased to 16.8% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 17.1% in the 2017 period.

These changes in total fuel expense for the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 are primarily due to the 10.8% increase in total miles for the quarter, mostly due to the Landair acquisition, as well as changes in the average price per gallon of ultra-low-sulfur diesel as measured by the DOE compared with the same periods in 2017, partially offset by the aforementioned diesel fuel hedge gains of $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the quarter and nine-month periods, respectively, compared to losses of $1.0 million and $3.7 million in those respective 2017 periods.

Net fuel expense decreased $0.7 million, or 8.3%, and $3.8 million, or 15.1%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same 2017 quarter and period.  As a percentage of freight revenue, net fuel expense decreased to 3.8% and 4.0%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the same 2017 quarter and period.  The change in net fuel expense is primarily due to brokering less freight and the tiered reimbursement structure of certain fuel surcharge agreements, as well as the aforementioned gains on fuel hedging transactions. These decreases were partially offset by a greater percentage of miles driven by independent contractors, where we pay a rate that reflects then-existing fuel prices and we do not have the natural hedge created by fuel surcharge.

We expect to continue managing our idle time and tractor speeds, investing in more fuel-efficient tractors to improve our miles per gallon, locking in fuel hedges when deemed appropriate, and partnering with customers to adjust fuel surcharge programs that are inadequate to recover a fair portion of fuel costs.  Going forward, our net fuel expense is expected to fluctuate as a percentage of revenue based on factors such as diesel fuel prices, percentage recovered from fuel surcharge programs, percentage of uncompensated miles, percentage of revenue generated by team-driven tractors (which tend to generate higher miles and lower revenue per mile, thus proportionately more fuel cost as a percentage of revenue), percentage of revenue generated by refrigerated 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.

Given recent historical lows, we would expect diesel fuel prices to increase over the next few years. We are continuing our efforts to increase our ability to recover fuel surcharges under our customer contracts for fuel used in refrigeration units. If these efforts are successful, it could give rise to an increase in fuel surcharges recovered and a corresponding decrease in net fuel expense. Also, due to hedging contracts being locked in at a fixed rate on a portion of the fuel gallons we expect to use in 2018, we expect net fuel expense to decline in the fourth quarter of 2018 if fuel prices remain flat or increase. We do not currently have fuel hedging contracts for periods beyond 2018.
 
Operations and maintenance

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Operations and maintenance
 
$
16,457
   
$
13,046
   
$
40,783
   
$
37,504
 
% of total revenue
   
6.8
%
   
7.3
%
   
6.7
%
   
7.5
%
% of freight revenue
   
7.7
%
   
8.2
%
   
7.6
%
   
8.4
%

Operations and maintenance increased approximately $3.4 million, or 26.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 6.8% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 7.3% in the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 7.7% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 8.2% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, operations and maintenance increased $3.3 million, or 8.7%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 6.7% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 7.5% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, operations and maintenance decreased to 7.6% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 8.4% in the same period in 2017.

The changes for the quarter and nine-month period were primarily the result of the addition of the Landair business and its comparatively older tractor fleet, as well as unloading and other operational costs associated with our increase in dedicated freight that was added since the first quarter of 2017, partially offset by extending the trade cycle of our tractors in the second half of 2017 that reduced trade preparation costs.

Going forward, we believe this category will fluctuate based on several factors, including our continued ability to maintain a relatively young fleet, accident severity and frequency, weather, and the reliability of new and untested revenue equipment models, but is expected to increase in the near term when compared to the first half of 2018.

Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation
 
$
47,445
   
$
36,361
   
$
115,525
   
$
90,719
 
% of total revenue
   
19.5
%
   
20.4
%
   
18.8
%
   
18.1
%
% of freight revenue
   
22.1
%
   
22.8
%
   
21.6
%
   
20.4
%

Revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased approximately $11.1 million, or 30.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased to 19.5% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 20.4% in the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation decreased to 22.1% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 22.8% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased approximately $24.8 million, or 27.3%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to 18.8% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 18.1% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation increased to 21.6% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 20.4% in the same period in 2017.

The changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 were primarily the result of the acquisition of Landair’s managed freight business, which added to overall purchased transportation cost but is less reliant on purchased transportation to generate revenue, compared to our existing brokerage and logistics services. Additionally, we experienced increases due to a more competitive market for sourcing third-party capacity in our existing Managed Freight segment, as well as an increase in our number of independent contractors, partially offset by the late 2017 discontinuation of our temperature-controlled intermodal service offering. We expect revenue equipment rentals to decrease going forward as a result of our increase in acquisition of revenue equipment through financed purchases or capital leases rather than operating leases, particularly as we transition Landair from operating leases to owned equipment. As discussed below, this decrease may be partially or fully offset by an increase in purchased transportation, as we expect to continue to grow our Managed Freight segment, as well as a result of reduced capacity.
 

 
In addition, if fuel prices continue to increase, it would result in a further increase in what we pay third party carriers and independent contractors.  However, this expense category will fluctuate with the number and percentage of loads hauled by independent contractors and handled by Managed Freight, the percentage of our fleet financed with operating leases, and the cost to obtain third party transportation services, 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 and independent contractors, which would increase this expense category on an absolute basis and as a percentage of freight revenue absent an offsetting increase in revenue. We continue to actively recruit independent contractors and, if we are successful, we would expect this line item to increase as a percentage of revenue. Further, we exited the temperature-controlled intermodal business in the fourth quarter of 2017 in order to focus on our objective to continue improvements at SRT. As a result, we expect purchased transportation costs at SRT to decrease in the fourth quarter of 2018, which could partially offset any increase in consolidated purchased transportation, and to be relatively consistent thereafter.

 
Operating taxes and licenses

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Operating taxes and licenses
 
$
3,377
   
$
2,364
   
$
8,649
   
$
7,197
 
% of total revenue
   
1.4
%
   
1.3
%
   
1.4
%
   
1.4
%
% of freight revenue
   
1.6
%
   
1.5
%
   
1.6
%
   
1.6
%

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,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Insurance and claims
 
$
12,675
   
$
7,681
   
$
31,269
   
$
24,313
 
% of total revenue
   
5.2
%
   
4.3
%
   
5.1
%
   
4.8
%
% of freight revenue
   
5.9
%
   
4.8
%
   
5.8
%
   
5.5
%

Insurance and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability, physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims increased approximately $5.0 million, or 65.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, insurance and claims increased to 5.2% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 4.3% in the same quarter of 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, insurance and claims increased to 5.9% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 4.8% in the same quarter in 2017.  Insurance and claims cost per mile increased to 14.5 cents per mile in the third quarter of 2018 from 9.8 cents per mile in the third quarter of 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, insurance and claims increased approximately $7.0 million, or 28.6%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, insurance and claims increased to 5.1% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 4.8% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, insurance and claims increased to 5.8% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 5.5% in the same period in 2017.  Insurance and claims cost per mile increased to 13.0 cents per mile in the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from 10.5 cents per mile in the same 2017 period.

These increases primarily related to an increase in accidents with third-party injuries and adverse development on prior claims during the first nine months of 2018, as well as an increase in non-chargeable accidents per million miles, as measured by the U.S. Department of Transportation, while chargeable accidents remained relatively flat compared to the same 2017 period.
 
Our auto liability (personal injury and property damage), cargo, and general liability insurance programs include significant self-insured retention amounts.  We are also self-insured for physical damage to our equipment.  Because of these significant self-insured exposures, insurance and claims expense may fluctuate significantly from period-to-period. Any increase in frequency or severity of claims, or any increases to then-existing reserves, could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. 

The auto liability policy contains a feature whereby we are able to retroactively obtain a partial refund of the premium in exchange for taking on the liability for incidents that occurred during the period and releasing the insurers.  This is referred to as "commuting" the policy or "policy commutation."  In several past periods, including the policy period from April 1, 2013, through September 30, 2014, commuted in 2015, we have commuted the policy, which has lowered our insurance and claims expense. We intend to evaluate our ability to commute the policy for the three years ended March 31, 2018 and any such commutation could significantly reduce insurance and claims expense, by zero to $7.2 million, depending upon the ultimate resolution of claims during that period.

We have accrued a reserve totaling $6.8 million in connection with a judgment that was rendered against us based on a 2008 cargo claim.  We recorded an additional $0.9 million of expense in the first quarter of 2017 in order to accrue additional legal fees and pre-judgment interest since the time of our previous appeal.  On September 25, 2018, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiff and against SRT.  While considering its further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, SRT will likely pay this claim, related accrued interest and legal fees within the next six months.

Communications and utilities

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Communications and utilities
 
$
1,810
   
$
1,747
   
$
5,216
   
$
5,081
 
% of total revenue
   
0.7
%
   
1.0
%
   
0.9
%
   
1.0
%
% of freight revenue
   
0.8
%
   
1.1
%
   
1.0
%
   
1.1
%

For the periods presented, the change in communications and utilities was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue. This expense category should remain relatively consistent from period to period, as it is comprised mostly of fixed costs related to maintaining our infrastructure and is largely unaffected by changes in rates and other variable factors.

General supplies and expenses

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
General supplies and expenses
 
$
6,391
   
$
3,729
   
$
16,833
   
$
10,919
 
% of total revenue
   
2.6
%
   
2.1
%
   
2.7
%
   
2.2
%
% of freight revenue
   
3.0
%
   
2.3
%
   
3.1
%
   
2.5
%

General supplies and expenses increased approximately $2.6 million, or 71.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 2.6% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 2.1% in the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 3.0% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 2.3% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, general supplies and expenses increased approximately $5.9 million, or 54.2%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 2.7% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 2.2% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, general supplies and expenses increased to 3.1% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 2.5% in the same period in 2017.

These increases are primarily comprised of $1.5 million of legal and professional expenses incurred in the second quarter of 2018 related to our acquisition of Landair, the write-off of approximately $0.3 million of previously capitalized in-process software investment costs that were deemed to be redundant in connection with the Landair acquisition, and costs related to Landair’s ongoing business, which contributed an additional $2.2 million of general supplies and expenses in the third quarter of 2018.

Depreciation and amortization

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
$
19,290
   
$
17,932
   
$
56,803
   
$
57,707
 
% of total revenue
   
7.9
%
   
10.0
%
   
9.3
%
   
11.5
%
% of freight revenue
   
9.0
%
   
11.2
%
   
10.6
%
   
13.0
%

Depreciation and amortization consists primarily of depreciation of tractors, trailers, and other capital assets offset or increased, as applicable, by gains or losses on dispositions of capital assets. Depreciation and amortization increased approximately $1.4 million, or 7.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 7.9% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 10.0% in the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 9.0% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 11.2% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, depreciation and amortization decreased approximately $0.9 million, or 1.6%, compared with the same period in 2017. As a percentage of total revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 9.3% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 11.5% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, depreciation and amortization decreased to 10.6% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 13.0% in the same period in 2017.

Excluding gains and losses, depreciation increased approximately $2.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, primarily due to increased tractor and trailer counts from the Landair acquisition. Gains and losses on the sale of property and equipment totaled $0.3 million of gains and $0.4 million of losses in the quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to losses of $0.7 million and $3.2 million in the quarter and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2017, respectively. The improvement in consolidated gain/loss on disposition resulted from a strengthening market for used tractors and trailers. We expect the impact on our earnings from depreciation and amortization to remain relatively even going forward, aside from the impact of the additional revenue equipment from Landair. However, if the used tractor market were to decline, we could have to adjust residual values and increase depreciation or experience increased losses on sale. Amortization increased approximately $0.7 million for the quarter and nine-month period ended September 30, 2018, due to the addition of intangible assets related to the Landair acquisition.

Interest expense, net

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Interest expense, net
 
$
2,460
   
$
2,174
   
$
6,360
   
$
6,216
 
% of total revenue
   
1.0
%
   
1.2
%
   
1.0
%
   
1.2
%
% of freight revenue
   
1.1
%
   
1.3
%
   
1.2
%
   
1.4
%

For the periods presented, the change in interest expense, net was not significant as either a percentage of total revenue or freight revenue. This line item will fluctuate based on our decision with respect to purchasing revenue equipment with balance sheet debt versus operating leases as well as our ability to continue to generate profitable results and reduce our leverage. We expect interest expense, net to increase in the fourth quarter of 2018 due to increased debt associated with the Landair acquisition.

Income from equity method investment

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Income from equity method investment
 
$
2,142
   
$
750
   
$
5,407
   
$
2,575
 

 
 
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, 2018. The increase in TEL’s contributions is primarily due to growth in TEL’s lease offerings, as well as improvements in the used tractor market compared to the same 2017 periods. We expect the impact on our earnings resulting from our investment in TEL to continue to improve year-over-year for the remainder of 2018.

Income tax expense

   
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Income tax expense
 
$
4,249
   
$
2,985
   
$
9,716
   
$
3,530
 
% of total revenue
   
1.7
%
   
1.7
%
   
1.6
%
   
0.7
%
% of freight revenue
   
2.0
%
   
1.9
%
   
1.8
%
   
0.8
%

Income tax expense increased approximately $1.3 million, or 42.3%, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared with the same quarter in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, income tax expense remained relatively flat at 1.7% of total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.  As a percentage of freight revenue, income tax expense increased to 2.0% of freight revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2018, from 1.9% in the same quarter in 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, income tax expense increased approximately $6.2 million, or 175.2%, compared with the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of total revenue, income tax expense increased to 1.6% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 0.7% in the same period in 2017.  As a percentage of freight revenue, income tax expense increased to 1.8% of freight revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, from 0.8% in the same period in 2017.

These increases were primarily related to the $8.2 million and $26.0 million increases in the pre-tax income in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018, respectively, compared to the same 2017 periods, resulting from the improvements in operating income and contribution from TEL’s earnings noted above, partially offset by a lower tax rate due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

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.  We are currently estimating our 2018 effective income tax rate to be 26.0%.

RESULTS OF SEGMENT OPERATIONS

COMPARISON OF THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 TO THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

The following table summarizes financial and operating data by reportable segment:

(in thousands)
 
Three months ended
September 30,
   
Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   
2018
   
2017
   
2018
   
2017
 
Total Revenues:
                       
Truckload
 
$
197,053
   
$
153,066
   
$
522,312
   
$
446,322
 
Managed Freight
   
46,250
     
25,565
     
90,875
     
55,379
 
Total
 
$
243,303
   
$
178,631
   
$
613,187
   
$
501,701
 
                                 
Operating Income:
                               
Truckload
 
$
11,960
   
$
6,573
   
$
29,055
   
$
7,812
 
Managed Freight
   
4,221
     
2,468
     
7,616
     
5,500
 
Total
 
$
16,181
   
$
9,041
   
$
36,671
   
$
13,312
 


For the 2018 quarter Truckload total revenue increased $44.0 million due to a $34.4 million increase in freight revenue, as well as a $9.6 million increase in fuel surcharge revenue. The increase in freight revenue is the result of a 547 (or 21.6%) average tractor increase, primarily from the Landair acquisition, increased freight revenue per total mile of 27.7 cents per mile compared to the 2017 quarter, partially offset by an 8.9% decrease in average miles per tractor and a $0.7 million decrease in freight revenue from our temperature-controlled intermodal service, as a result of discontinuing this service offering during December 2017.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, Truckload total revenue increased $76.0 million due to a $55.0 million increase in freight revenue, as well as a $21.0 million increase in fuel surcharge revenue. The increase in freight revenue primarily relates to the aforementioned increase in average tractors from the Landair acquisition, as well as an 8.9% increase in average freight revenue per tractor per week from the 2017 period, partially offset by a $9.1 million decrease in freight revenue from our discontinued refrigerated intermodal service offering.  Team driven units decreased approximately 11.1% to an average of 884 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 compared to an average of 994 teams during the same 2017 period.

Our Truckload operating income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $5.4 million and $21.2 million higher than the same 2017 periods, respectively, due to the abovementioned increases in revenue and contributions from Landair, partially offset by an increase in operating costs per mile, net of fuel surcharge revenue, primarily related to increased salaries and driver compensation, as well as increased insurance and claims cost.

Managed Freight total revenue and operating income increased $20.7 million and $1.8 million quarter-over-quarter, respectively, and increased $35.5 million and $2.1 million period-over-period, respectively.  The revenue increases are primarily as a result of the acquisition of Landair’s Managed Freight business, growth with existing customers, and certain internal strategic growth initiatives, while operating income is partially offset by a more competitive market for sourcing third-party capacity, which increased our costs.

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.  Going forward, we expect revenue equipment acquisitions through purchases and capital leases to increase as a percentage of our fleet as we decrease our use of operating leases.  Further, we expect to increase our capital allocation toward dedicated, transportation management services, and other managed freight solutions to become the go-to partner for our customers’ most critical transportation and logistics needs. We had working capital (total current assets less total current liabilities) of $64.1 million and $81.1 million at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Based on our expected financial condition, results of operations, net capital expenditures, sources of financing, 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 and we do not expect to experience material liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

We expect borrowings from the financial affiliates of our primary revenue equipment suppliers to be available to fund most new tractors expected to be delivered in 2018, 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, 2018, we believe we have flexibility to manage our fleet, and we plan to regularly evaluate our tractor replacement cycle, new tractor purchase requirements, and purchase options. If we are successful in our attempts to grow our independent contractor fleet, our capital requirements would be reduced. As of September 30, 2018, there were undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, available borrowing capacity was $59.9 million, and $6.2 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. Our intra-period borrowings on the Credit Facility ranged from zero to approximately $21.6 million during the first nine months of 2018.  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 collection of accounts receivable, payments of accrued expenses, and receipt of proceeds from disposals of property and equipment. As a result of the Landair acquisition, our working capital subsequent to June 30, 2018 was reduced by approximately $45.5 million as the result of using cash on hand to fund a portion of the purchase. We also borrowed approximately $53.0 million to fund the remainder of the purchase price, and while we have experienced and expect favorable cash flows from operations, when compared to 2017, we expect our leverage at December 31, 2018 to approximate December 31, 2017.
 

Cash Flows

Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased $38.9 million in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2018 than in the 2017 period, primarily due to an increase in net income of $19.9 million, partially offset by a decrease in deferred income tax expense, fluctuations in cash flows from accounts payable and accrued expenses, as well as fluctuations in receivables and driver advances, resulting from a strong freight economy and increased fuel cost and related surcharges.  The fluctuations in cash flows from accounts payable and accrued expenses primarily related to timing and amount of payments on our trade accounts in the 2018 period compared to the 2017 period, incentive compensation, as well as transaction costs related to our acquisition of Landair.

Net cash flows used in investing activities was $102.8 million in the 2018 period, compared to $57.2 million in the 2017 period.  The change in net cash flows used in investing activities was primarily the result of our acquisition of Landair, as well as the timing of our trade cycle whereby we took delivery of approximately 525 new company tractors and disposed of approximately 611 used tractors, compared to delivery and disposal of 605 and 343 tractors, respectively, in the same 2017 period. The trade cycle timing is partially the result of an improved used tractor market and new equipment not being delivered as fast in 2018 as 2017, due to an increase in demand for new tractors. Our current tractor fleet plan for full-year 2018 includes the delivery of approximately 930 new company tractors, and the disposal of approximately 812 used tractors. We expect net capital expenditures to increase in 2019 compared to 2018, primarily due to anticipated upgrades to Landair’s revenue equipment.

Net cash flows provided by financing activities was $5.4 million in the 2018 period, compared to net cash flows used in financing activities of $5.1 million in the 2017 period. The change in net cash flows used in financing activities was primarily a function of reduced net borrowings, primarily as a result of the trade cycle of our revenue equipment, whereby we have taken delivery of fewer new company tractors and disposed of more used tractors in the 2018 period, compared to the 2017 period.

Going forward, our cash flow may fluctuate depending on capital expenditures, the resolution of the 2008 cargo claim, future stock repurchases, strategic investments or divestitures, and the extent of future income tax obligations and refunds.

Material Debt Agreements

We and substantially all of our subsidiaries are parties to 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. (together with the Agent, the "Lenders").

The Credit Facility is a $95.0 million revolving credit facility, with an uncommitted accordion feature that, so long as no event of default exists, allows us to request an increase in the revolving credit facility of up to $50.0 million subject to Lender acceptance of the additional funding commitment.  The Credit Facility includes, within our $95.0 million revolving credit facility, a letter of credit sub facility in an aggregate amount of $95.0 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.  The Credit Facility matures in September 2021.

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 1.0%; while LIBOR loans accrue interest at LIBOR, plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.5% to 2.0%.  The applicable rates are adjusted quarterly based on average pricing availability.  The unused line fee is the product of 0.25% times the average daily amount by which the Lenders' aggregate revolving commitments under the Credit Facility exceed the outstanding principal amount of revolver loans and the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding letters of credit issued under the Credit Facility.  The obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by us and secured by a pledge of substantially all of our assets, with the notable exclusion of any real estate or revenue equipment pledged under other financing agreements, including revenue equipment installment notes and 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) 75% of the appraised fair market value of eligible real estate, as reduced by a periodic amortization amount.  As of September 30, 2018, there were undrawn letters of credit outstanding of approximately $35.1 million, available borrowing capacity was $59.9 million, and $6.2 million in outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. The interest rate on outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility as of September 30, 2018, was 5.8% on $6.2 million of base rate loans, and there were no outstanding LIBOR loans. Based on availability as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, there was no fixed charge coverage requirement.
 
 

The Credit Facility includes usual and customary events of default for a facility of this nature and provides that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an event of default, payment of all amounts payable under the Credit Facility may be accelerated, and the Lenders' commitments may be terminated.  If an event of default occurs under the Credit Facility and the Lenders cause or have the ability to cause all of the outstanding debt obligations under the Credit Facility to become due and payable, this could result in a default under other debt instruments that contain acceleration or cross-default provisions. The Credit Facility contains certain restrictions and covenants relating to, among other things, debt, dividends, liens, acquisitions and dispositions outside of the ordinary course of business, and affiliate transactions.  Failure to comply with the covenants and restrictions set forth in the Credit Facility could result in an event of default.

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, 2018 terminate in October 2018 through September 2023 and contain guarantees of the residual value of the related equipment by us. As such, the residual guarantees are included in the related debt balance as a balloon payment at the end of the related term as well as included in the future minimum capital lease payments. These lease agreements require us to pay personal property taxes, maintenance, and operating expenses. As of September 30, 2018, our total capital lease obligations were $39.0 million, compared to $24.7 million as of December 31, 2017. The increase included financing previously unencumbered equipment to fund a portion of the Landair acquisition.

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 2018 to July 2023. 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 $133.0 million are cross-defaulted with the Credit Facility. Additionally, the abovementioned fuel hedge contracts totaling $0.9 million at September 30, 2018, 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 2018, while any other property and equipment purchases, including trailers, are expected to 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, 2018, we had financed 345 tractors and 570 trailers under operating leases.  Vehicles held under operating leases are not carried on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, and operating 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 was approximately $3.9 million in the third quarter of 2018, compared to $2.7 million in the same 2017 quarter. The total value of remaining payments under operating leases as of September 30, 2018 was approximately $25.7 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 $2.0 million at September 30, 2018. The residual guarantees at September 30, 2018 expire between October 2018 and February 2019.  The discounted present value of the total remaining lease payments and residual value guarantees were approximately $26.4 million as of September 30, 2018.  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 three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were no material changes in our commitments or contractual liabilities, excluding the aforementioned increase in debt and capital leases used to partially finance the Landair acquisition. See Note 7 for additional information.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated. There have been no material changes to our most critical accounting policies and estimates during the three months ended September 30, 2018, compared to those disclosed in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," included in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, other than the adoption of ASU 2014-09, as discussed in Note 1.

ITEM 3.            QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We experience various market risks, including changes in interest rates and fuel prices.  We do not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, or when there are no underlying related exposures.

COMMODITY PRICE RISK

We engage in activities that expose us to market risks, including the effects of changes in fuel prices and in interest rates.  Financial exposures are evaluated as an integral part of our risk management program, which seeks, from time-to-time, to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of fuel markets and interest rate risk may have on operating results.

In an effort to seek to reduce the variability of the ultimate cash flows associated with fluctuations in diesel fuel prices, we periodically enter into various derivative instruments, including forward futures swap contracts.  Specifically, we enter into hedging contracts with respect to ultra-low sulfur diesel ("ULSD"). Under these contracts, we pay a fixed rate per gallon of ULSD and receive the monthly average price of Gulf Coast ULSD. The retrospective and prospective regression analyses provided that changes in the prices of diesel fuel and ULSD were deemed to be highly effective based on the relevant authoritative guidance. We do not engage in speculative transactions, nor do we hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.

A one dollar increase or decrease in diesel per gallon would have an approximately $0.2 million impact to our annual net income due to our fuel surcharge recovery and existing fuel hedge contracts. This sensitivity analysis considers that we expect to purchase approximately 11.0 million gallons of diesel during the remainder of 2018, on which we recover approximately 85.0% of the cost (which was our fuel surcharge recovery rate during the year-to-date period ended September 30, 2018). Assuming our fuel surcharge recovery is consistent during the remainder of 2018, this leaves 1.7 million gallons that are not covered by the natural hedge created by our fuel surcharges.  Because we have hedged a portion of our fuel, we will not realize the impact of changes in fuel prices to the same extent as we would have had we not entered into our hedge contracts.

INTEREST RATE RISK

In August 2015, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $28.0 million, which was designated as a hedge against the variability in future interest payments due on the debt associated with the purchase of our corporate headquarters as described in Note 7. The terms of the swap agreement effectively convert the variable rate interest payments on this note to a fixed rate of 4.2% through maturity on August 1, 2035.  In 2016 and 2017, we also entered into several interest rate swaps, which were designated to hedge against the variability in future interest rate payments associated with the purchase of certain trailers.  Because the critical terms of the swaps and hedged items coincide, in accordance with the requirements of ASC 815, the change in the fair value of the derivative is expected to exactly offset changes in the expected cash flows due to fluctuations in the LIBOR rate over the term of the debt instrument, and therefore no ongoing assessment of effectiveness is required. The fair value of all interest rate swap agreements that were in effect at September 30, 2018, of approximately $1.2 million, is included in other short and long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and is included in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. Additionally, $0.1 million was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations as additional interest expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018, related to changes in interest rates during such period. Based on the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2018, we expect to reclassify gains of approximately $0.1 million, net of tax, on derivative instruments from accumulated other comprehensive income into our results of operations during the next twelve months due to changes in interest rates. The amounts actually realized will depend on the fair values as of the date of settlement.

Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates. Historically, we have used a combination of fixed-rate and variable-rate obligations to manage our interest rate exposure. Fixed-rate obligations expose us to the risk that interest rates might fall. Variable-rate obligations expose us to the risk that interest rates might rise. Of our total $235.6 million of debt and capital leases, we had $40.2 million of variable rate debt outstanding at September 30, 2018, including our Credit Facility, a real-estate note, and certain equipment notes, of which the real-estate note of $25.1 million was hedged with the interest rate swap agreement at 4.2% and certain of our equipment notes totaling $9.0 million were hedged to provide a weighted average interest rate of 2.9%. The interest rates applicable to these agreements are based on either the prime rate or LIBOR.  Due to our interest rate swaps, at our September 30, 2018 level of borrowing, a 1% increase in our applicable rate would not affect annual net income. Our remaining debt is fixed rate debt, and therefore changes in market interest rates do not directly impact our interest expense.

ITEM 4.            CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of senior management and the Board of Directors.

We implemented ASU 2014-09,  Revenue from Contracts with Customers , on January 1, 2018 with no major changes in our internal controls over financial reporting related to our revenue recognition process.

Based on their evaluation as of September 30, 2018, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective at a reasonable assurance level to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the 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, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We acquired Landair on July 3, 2018.   Landair’s total assets and total revenues represented approximately 16.2% and 17.1%, respectively, of the related consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended September 30, 2018. As the acquisition occurred in July 2018 and Landair was previously not subject to SOX 404 requirements, we anticipate that our management's annual report on our internal control over financial reporting and our independent registered public accounting firm's attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for fiscal year ended December 31, 2018, will exclude Landair's internal controls over financial reporting. This exclusion is in accordance with the SEC's general guidance that an assessment of a recently acquired business may be omitted from the scope in the year of acquisition.

Except as described above for the acquisition of Landair, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or that are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting

We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures.  Nevertheless, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure procedures and controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors or intentional fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met.  Further, the design of an internal controls system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.  Due to the inherent limitations in all internal controls systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all our controls issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

PART II           OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.            LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time-to-time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of business, most of which involves claims for personal injury and/or property damage incurred in connection with the transportation of freight.

We maintain insurance to cover liabilities arising from the transportation of freight for amounts in excess of certain self-insured retentions. In management's opinion, our potential exposure under pending legal proceedings is adequately provided for in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

On May 8, 2017, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio issued a pre-trial decision against our Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc. ("SRT") subsidiary relating to a cargo claim incurred in 2008. The court had previously ruled in favor of the plaintiff in 2014, and the prior decision was reversed in part by the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals and remanded for further proceedings in 2015.  As a result of this decision, we increased the reserve in respect of this case by $0.9 million in the first quarter of 2017 in order to accrue additional legal fees and pre-judgment interest since the time of the previously noted appeal.  On September 25, 2018, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of the plaintiff and against SRT.  While considering its further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, SRT will likely pay this claim, related accrued interest and legal fees totaling approximately $6.8 million within the next six months.

Our SRT subsidiary is a defendant in a lawsuit filed on December 16, 2016 in the Superior Court of San Bernardino County, California.  The lawsuit was filed on behalf of David Bass (a California resident and former driver), who is seeking to have the lawsuit certified as a class action case wherein he alleges violation of multiple California wage and hour statutes over a four year period of time, including failure to pay wages for all hours worked, failure to provide meal periods and paid rest breaks, failure to pay for rest and recovery periods, failure to reimburse certain business expenses, failure to pay vested vacation, unlawful deduction of wages, failure to timely pay final wages, failure to provide accurate itemized wage statements, unfair and unlawful competition, as well as various state claims.  The case was removed from state court in February, 2017 to the U.S. District Court in the Central District of California, and subsequently, SRT moved the District Court to transfer venue of the case to the U.S. District Court sitting in the Western District of Arkansas.  The motion to transfer was approved by the California District Court in July, 2017, and the case will now be heard in the U.S. District court in the Western District of Arkansas.

Based on our present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, advice of outside counsel, management believes the resolution of open claims and pending litigation, taking into account existing reserves, is not reasonably possible to have a materially adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

ITEM 1A.          RISK FACTORS

While we attempt to identify, manage, and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present.  Our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in the section entitled "Item 1A. Risk Factors," describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business.  These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects.

ITEM 2.            UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

During the quarter ended September 30, 2018, we did not engage in unregistered sales of securities or any other transactions required to be reported under this Item 2 of Part II on Form 10-Q.

The payment of cash dividends is currently limited by our financing arrangements, including certain covenants under our Credit Facility.

ITEM 3.            DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not applicable.

ITEM 4.             MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

ITEM 5.            OTHER INFORMATION

Not applicable.


ITEM 6.
EXHIBITS
   
Exhibit
Number
 
Reference
 
Description
#*
Stock Purchase Agreement, dated July 3, 2018, by and among Landair Holdings, Inc., the Stockholders of Landair Holdings, Inc. and Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
(1)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
(2)
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws
(1)
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
(2)
Second Amended and Restated Bylaws
#
Sixteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated effective as of July 3, 2018, among Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Covenant Transport, Inc., CTG Leasing Company, Covenant Asset Management, LLC, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, Star Transportation, Inc., Covenant Logistics, Inc., Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, Transport Management Services, LLC, Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., Landair Leasing, Inc., Bank of America, N.A., and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
#
Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by David R. Parker, the Company's Principal Executive Officer
#
Certification pursuant to Item 601(b)(31) of Regulation S-K, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Richard B. Cribbs, the Company's Principal Financial Officer
##
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by David R. Parker, the Company's Chief Executive Officer
##
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Richard B. Cribbs, the Company's 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 Labels Linkbase Document
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
References:
   
(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Report on Form 8-K, filed May 29, 2007.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Form 10-Q, filed May 13, 2011.
#
Filed herewith.
##
Furnished herewith.
*
Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company agrees to supplementally furnish to the SEC a copy of any omitted schedule upon request by the SEC.
SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


 
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
   
   
Date:  November 9, 2018
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
   
Richard B. Cribbs
   
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
in his capacity as such and as a duly authorized officer
on behalf of the issuer

 

Exhibit 2.1


STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
by and among
LANDAIR HOLDINGS, INC.
as the Company,
THE STOCKHOLDERS OF LANDAIR HOLDINGS, INC.
as the Sellers,
and
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
as Buyer
July 3, 2018

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 PURCHASE AND SALE
1
     
1.01
Purchase and Sale of the Company Stock
1
1.02
Calculation of Closing and Final Consideration
2
1.03
The Closing
4
1.04
Closing Deliveries by the Company and Sellers
4
1.05
Closing Deliveries by Buyer
6
1.06
Potential Gross-Up Payment
6
     
ARTICLE 2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
7
     
2.01
Organization; Power and Authority
7
2.02
Enforceability
7
2.03
Authorization; No Conflicts; Litigation
8
2.04
Title
8
2.05
Brokerage and Expenses
9
2.06
Indebtedness
9
2.07
Subsidiaries
9
2.08
Organizational Documents
9
2.09
Equity Securities
10
2.10
Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities
10
2.11
Accounts Receivable
11
2.12
Absence of Certain Developments
12
2.13
Real Properties
14
2.14
Taxes
15
2.15
Contracts and Commitments
17
2.16
Intellectual Property
21
2.17
Litigation
23
2.18
Employee Benefit Plans
24
2.19
Insurance
27
2.20
Compliance with Laws
27
2.21
Environmental Matters
27
2.22
Affiliated Transactions
28
2.23
Sufficiency of and Title to Assets
29
2.24
Labor and Employment Matters
29
2.25
Drivers
31
2.26
Owner-Operators
31
2.27
Permits; Safety
32
2.28
Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney; Investments; Derivatives
33
2.29
Loans to Officers and Directors
33
2.30
Bribery of Public Officials and Witnesses; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
33
2.31
Books and Records
34
2.32
Restrictions on Business Activities
34
2.33
No Other Representations or Warranties
34
     
ARTICLE 3 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
35
     
3.01
Good Standing
35
3.02
Power and Authority; Authorization
35
3.03
Enforceability
35
3.04
No Conflicts
35
3.05
Litigation
35
3.06
Brokerage
35
3.07
No Other Representations or Warranties
36
 

 
ARTICLE 4 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
36
     
4.01
Tax Matters
36
4.02
Further Assurances
39
4.03
Release
40
4.04
Restrictive Covenants
41
4.05
Employee Matters
43
4.06
Use of Certain Names
44
4.07
R&W Policy
44
4.08
Financial Statements
44
     
ARTICLE 5 INDEMNIFICATION
45
     
5.01
Survival
45
5.02
Indemnification
45
5.03
Escrow
48
5.04
Expiration of Claims
49
5.05
Procedures Relating to Indemnification
49
5.06
Determination of Loss Amount
51
5.07
Resolution of Objections to Claims
51
5.08
Sole and Exclusive Remedy
51
     
ARTICLE 6 DEFINITIONS
52
     
6.01
Definitions
52
6.02
Other Definitional Matters
64
     
ARTICLE 7 MISCELLANEOUS
64
     
7.01
Press Releases and Announcements
64
7.02
Expenses
65
7.03
Notices
65
7.04
Assignment
66
7.05
Severability
66
7.06
Construction and Disclosure
66
7.07
Captions
67
7.08
Amendment and Waiver
67
7.09
Complete Agreement
67
7.10
Counterparts
67
7.11
Governing Law
68
7.12
JURISDICTION; VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS
68
7.13
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL
68
7.14
No Third Party Beneficiaries
68
7.15
Payments Under Agreement
68
7.16
Electronic Delivery
69


Exhibits
Exhibit A                      Escrow Agreement
Exhibit B                      Forms of Lease Agreement

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT
This Stock Purchase Agreement (this “ Agreement ”) is executed and delivered as of July 3, 2018, by and among (i) Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“ Buyer ”); (ii) Landair Holdings, Inc. (the “ Company ”); and (iii) Scott M. Niswonger, a resident of the state of Tennessee (“ Niswonger ”), and John A. Tweed, a resident of the state of Tennessee (“ Tweed ”, and each of Niswonger and Tweed individually a “ Seller ” and collectively “ Sellers ”).  Capitalized terms used herein have the meanings set forth in Article 6 below or elsewhere in this Agreement.
WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement, Buyer desires to purchase from Sellers, and Sellers desire to sell, assign, transfer and convey to Buyer, all of the Company’s outstanding Common Stock, par value $0.00 per share (the “ Company Stock ”) for the consideration described herein; and
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants contained herein and of other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
PURCHASE AND SALE
1.01    Purchase and Sale of the Company Stock .
(a)      Subject to the terms and conditions in this Agreement, at the Closing, Buyer shall (or shall cause any Subsidiary to which Buyer has assigned its rights hereunder to) purchase and acquire from Sellers, and Sellers shall sell, assign, transfer and convey to Buyer (or any Subsidiary to which Buyer has assigned such rights), all of the Company Stock, free and clear of all Liens other than transfer restrictions arising under federal and state securities laws.
(b)      In furtherance of the purchase and sale of the Company Stock, at the Closing:
(i)     Buyer will:
(A)    make payment to the Sellers of an aggregate amount equal to the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration, as provided by the Sellers in accordance with Section 1.02(b) , by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the Sellers in writing prior to the Closing in accordance with each Seller’s Pro Rata Amount of the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration;
(B)    deposit $1,000,000 (the “ Escrow Amount ”) by wire transfer of immediately available funds into an escrow account (the “ Escrow Account ”) established pursuant to the escrow agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “ Escrow Agreement ”) among Buyer, the Sellers, and the Escrow Agent; and
(C)     pay, on behalf of the Company, the Indebtedness, as reported by the Sellers in accordance with Section   1.02(b) , by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts designated by the holders of such Indebtedness in their respective Payoff Letters; provided , however , that all Transaction Expenses described in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) of the definition of such term shall be paid at the time provided in the Plan, Benefit Program or Agreement, or other agreement or arrangement establishing such Transaction Expenses .
(ii)     Sellers will deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Buyer all of the Company Stock.
1

1.02      Calculation of Closing and Final Consideration .
(a)         For purposes of this Agreement, the “ Aggregate Closing Consideration ” means an amount equal to the result of: (i)  $98,500,000 (the “ Purchase Price ”), minus   (ii)  the Escrow Amount, minus   (iii)  the actual amount of Indebtedness as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date, plus   (iv)  the amount, if any, by which actual Net Working Capital as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date exceeds the Net Working Capital Surplus Threshold, or minus   (v)  the amount, if any, by which actual Net Working Capital as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date is less than the Net Working Capital Deficit Threshold, plus   (vi)  the actual amount of any Cash on Hand (which may be a negative number) as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything in this Agreement to the contrary, when calculating the Aggregate Closing Consideration, any Transaction Expenses shall be included in the outstanding amount of Indebtedness and not as current liabilities in Net Working Capital.
(b)         Two Business Days prior to Closing, the Sellers will deliver to Buyer in writing the Sellers’ estimate of the Aggregate Closing Consideration, which estimate will be prepared by the Sellers in good faith based upon the books and records of Sellers and the Company (such amount, the “ Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration ”), and shall include an estimate of:  (i) the total amount of each component item of Indebtedness (including each component item of Transaction Expenses) and total Indebtedness as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date (together with the name of and wire transfer instructions for each payee thereof, including the following information in the wire instructions: account owner, bank name, bank city, account number and routing number), (ii) the amount of estimated Net Working Capital as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date, and (iii) the total estimated amount of Cash on Hand as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date.
(c)         Within 90 days after the Closing Date, Buyer shall deliver to the Sellers a statement setting forth Buyer’s proposed calculation of the actual Aggregate Closing Consideration with a comparison to the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration, including Buyer’s calculation of each of the components thereof in sufficient detail to identify each item of difference between the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration and the Aggregate Closing Consideration, including details regarding each component item of Indebtedness (the “ Closing Statement ”).
(d)          Following receipt by Sellers of Buyer’s proposed Closing Statement and until the Aggregate Closing Consideration is finally determined pursuant to this Section   1.02 , Sellers shall be permitted, upon reasonable advance written notice and during normal business hours, to review the Company’s books and records and working papers related to Buyer’s draft of the proposed Closing Statement and determination of the Aggregate Closing Consideration, and Buyer shall provide Sellers with reasonable access to the Company’s senior management and books and records, to the extent reasonably necessary for such review.  The proposed Closing Statement delivered by Buyer shall become final and binding on the parties 30 days following Buyer’s delivery thereof to Sellers unless Sellers deliver written notice of their disagreement (“ Notice of Disagreement ”) to Buyer on or prior to such date.  Any Notice of Disagreement must identify with specificity each item in the proposed Closing Statement that Sellers disagree with and, for each disputed item, contain a statement describing in reasonable detail the basis of such objection and the amount in dispute.  If a timely Notice of Disagreement is delivered by Sellers, then the Closing Statement shall become final and binding on the parties to this Agreement on the earlier of (i) the date Buyer and Sellers resolve in writing any differences they have with respect to the matters specified in the Notice of Disagreement, and (ii) the date all matters in dispute are finally resolved in writing by the Independent Accountants.
2

(e)          During the 30 days following delivery of a Notice of Disagreement, Buyer and Sellers shall seek in good faith to resolve in writing any differences that they may have with respect to the matters specified in the Notice of Disagreement.  At the end of such 30-day period, Buyer and Sellers shall submit such dispute to the Independent Accountants for resolution of all matters which remain in dispute which were included in the Notice of Disagreement (and shall take all actions reasonably requested by the Independent Accountants in connection with such resolution, including submitting written claims to the Independent Accountants if so requested), and the Independent Accountants, acting as experts and not as arbitrators, shall make a final determination of the Aggregate Closing Consideration in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (with it being understood that Buyer and Sellers will request that the Independent Accountants deliver to Buyer and the Sellers its resolution in writing not more than 30 days after its engagement).  The Independent Accountants shall make a determination only with respect to the matters still in dispute and, with respect to each such matter, their determination shall be within the range of the dispute between Buyer and Sellers.  The Independent Accountants’ determination shall be based solely on written materials submitted by Buyer and Sellers (i.e., not on independent review) and on the definitions of “ Aggregate Closing Consideration ,” “ Indebtedness ,” “ Cash on Hand ” and “ Net Working Capital ” (and related definitions) included herein and the provisions of this Agreement.
(f)         The costs and expenses of the Independent Accountants shall be allocated between Buyer and Sellers based upon the percentage of the portion of the contested amount not awarded to Buyer or Sellers as compared to the amount actually contested by such party.  For example, if Sellers claim the Aggregate Closing Consideration is $1,000 greater than the amount claimed by Buyer, and Buyer contests only $500 of the amount claimed by Sellers, and if the Independent Accountants ultimately resolve the dispute by awarding Sellers $300 of the $500 contested, then the costs and expenses of the Independent Accountants will be allocated 60% (i.e., 300 ÷ 500) to Buyer and 40% (i.e., 200 ÷ 500) to Sellers.
(g)         If the Aggregate Closing Consideration as finally determined pursuant to this Section 1.02 (the “ Final Aggregate Closing Consideration ”) is greater than the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration (the amount of such difference being the “ Underpayment ”), then, within three Business Days after the date on which the Final Aggregate Closing Consideration is determined, Buyer shall pay to Sellers, or cause the Company to pay to each Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in writing by such Seller, such Seller’s Pro Rata Amount of an aggregate amount equal to the Underpayment.
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(h)         If the Final Aggregate Closing Consideration is less than the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration (the amount of such difference being the “ Overpayment ”), then, within three Business Days after the date on which the Final Aggregate Closing Consideration is determined, Sellers shall, on a several and not joint basis, pay to Buyer, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, an amount equal to the Overpayment.
(i)          All payments required pursuant to Sections 1.02(g) and 1.02(h) shall be deemed to be adjustments for Tax purposes to the aggregate purchase price paid by Buyer for the Company Stock.
(j)          The provisions of this Section 1.02 shall apply in such a manner so as not to give the components and calculations duplicative effect to any item of adjustment and no amount shall be (or is intended to be) included in whole or in part (either as an increase or reduction) more than once in calculation of (including any component of) Aggregate Closing Consideration or any other calculated amount pursuant to this Agreement if the effect of such additional inclusion (either as an increase or reduction) would be to cause such amount to be overstated or understated for purposes of such calculation.
1.03    The Closing .  The closing of the purchase and sale of the Company Stock (the “ Closing ”) shall occur in Tennessee by remote electronic and/or telephonic exchange and release of documents by the parties hereto, at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Time, contemporaneously with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  The date on which the Closing occurs is referred to herein as the “ Closing Date .”
1.04    Closing Deliveries by the Company and Sellers .  The Sellers are delivering, or are causing the Company to deliver, as the case may be, to Buyer the following documents, each of which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer, the delivery of which is a condition to the obligation of Buyer to consummate the Closing:
(a)        (i) A copy of the charter or articles of incorporation (or equivalent governing documents) of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, certified by the Secretary of State of each entity’s respective state of incorporation or organization and dated not earlier than 10 days prior to the Closing Date; (ii) a certificate of good standing of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries from the Secretary of State of each entity’s respective state of incorporation or organization dated not earlier than 10 days prior to the Closing Date; and (iii) certificates from the Secretary of State of each state where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is qualified to do business, dated not earlier than 15 days prior to the Closing Date, that such entity is in good standing in each such state; and
(b)         A certificate of the secretary or assistant secretary of the Company, certifying as to the following: (i) a copy of the charter and bylaws, or other applicable governing documents, of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries, (ii) a copy of the resolutions of the board of directors and stockholders of the Company, approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of all Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party and the consummation of the Transactions, (iii) that no action has been taken or is pending to dissolve the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (iv) the incumbency and signatures of each of the Company’s (and its Subsidiaries’, as applicable) officers who are authorized to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party;
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(c)         Copies of all notice filings given to, and consents and approvals of, third parties and Governmental Authorities listed on Schedule 1.04(c) ;
(d)        All certificates representing the Company Stock, free and clear of all Liens other than transfer restrictions arising under federal and state securities laws, accompanied by a duly executed assignment;
(e)         The Escrow Agreement, duly executed by the Escrow Agent and Sellers;
(f)          Payoff letters from the lenders or other entities set forth on Schedule 1.04(f) indicating that, upon payment of the amount specified in such letters (which in the aggregate shall cover all Indebtedness except for Transaction Expenses that are not to be paid at the Closing as provided in Section 1.01(b)(i)(C) ), (i) all Liens against the Company Stock and the property of the Company (including the equity interests and the property of any Subsidiary of the Company) held by such Persons shall be released (and authorizing the Company to file all termination statements with respect to such Liens), and (ii) all obligations of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than contractual contingent indemnity obligations in Contracts previously disclosed to Buyer) to such Persons shall be satisfied and fully released (the “ Payoff Letters ”);
(g)         Duly executed resignations, effective as of the Closing, of each director and officer (or similar persons) of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, set forth on Schedule 1.04(g) ;
(h)         A certificate of non-foreign status executed by each Seller in the form prescribed by Treasury Regulation §1.1445-2(b)(2);
(i)          With respect to each tract or parcel of Related-Party Real Property, (i) a termination of the existing Real Property Lease (whether written or verbal) under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries use or occupy such Related-Party Real Property, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer, duly executed by the applicable lessor and the Company or its applicable Subsidiary, and (ii) a new lease agreement in the applicable form attached hereto as Exhibit B , duly executed by the applicable landlord and the Company (the “ Related-Party Leases ”);
(j)          An offer letter of Landair Transport, Inc. (the “ Offer Letters ”), duly executed by each of the persons set forth on Schedule 1.04(j) (the “ Key Employees ”);
(k)          A confidentiality, assignment of inventions and non-competition agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Buyer, duly executed by each of the Key Employees; and
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(l)          Evidence of termination, assignment or amendment of the Contracts specified on Schedule 1.04(l) .
1.05      Closing Deliveries by Buyer .  At Closing, in addition to the payments and deliveries by Buyer at the Closing described in Section   1.01 of this Agreement, Buyer is delivering the following documents at the Closing, each of which shall be in form and substance satisfactory to Sellers, the delivery of which is a condition to the obligation of Sellers to consummate the Closing:
(a)         A certificate of good standing of the Buyer from the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada dated not earlier than ten days prior to the Closing Date;
(b)         A certificate of an officer of Buyer, certifying as to (i) the due approval by the Buyer of the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the Transactions, and that such approval has not been withdrawn, and (ii) incumbency and signatures of each of the Buyer’s officers who is authorized to execute and deliver this Agreement and such other Transaction Documents; and
(c)         The Escrow Agreement, duly executed by Buyer and Escrow Agent.
1.06     Potential Gross-Up Payment . In the event one or more elections are made under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code and any similar provision of state or local law (each, a “ Section 338(h)(10) Election ”) with respect to Buyer’s purchase of the Company Stock, pursuant to Section 4.01(j) or otherwise Buyer, shall pay to each Seller, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in writing by such Seller, as an increase to the Purchase Price, such Seller’s Pro Rata Amount of the aggregate increase in Taxes (including if applicable Halls Tax), calculated at statutory rates, resulting from the Section 338(h)(10) Election and including the amount required to cover any increase resulting from the tax adjustment described herein (“ Gross-Up Payment ”). An example of the methodology presently expected to be used by the parties is set forth on Schedule 1.06 . Any initial Gross-Up Payment shall be paid by Buyer to Sellers within one Business Day following the filing of a Section 338(h)(10) Election. The obligation to compensate Sellers for increased Taxes will be ongoing in the event of any actual adjustment upon amended return, audit or otherwise, and (i) any additional increase shall be paid promptly by Buyer by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in writing by each Seller and (ii) any decrease shall be paid promptly by the Sellers by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the account specified in writing by Buyer. Any dispute regarding the amount of the Gross-Up Payment shall be resolved in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions described in Section 1.02 , substituting for these purposes any reference in Section 1.02 to “Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration” or similar and “Closing Statement” with “Gross-Up Payment” and “calculation of the Gross-Up Payment”, respectively.
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ARTICLE 2
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF SELLERS
Each Seller, severally and not jointly, represents and warrants to Buyer as follows as of the date hereof:
2.01    Organization; Power and Authority .
(a)        With respect to each Seller, such Seller has all requisite power, competence and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents to which any Seller is a party by such Seller and the consummation of the Transactions by such Seller have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of such Seller.
(b)        The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Tennessee.  The Company is qualified or licensed to transact business as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each of those jurisdictions set forth on Schedule 2.01(b) , which constitute all of the jurisdictions in which the ownership or leasing of its assets or property or the conduct of business as presently conducted requires it to qualify, except where the failure to be so qualified, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a material liability to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.  The Company has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder and to own and operate its properties and to carry on its businesses as presently conducted.
2.02    Enforceability .
(a)      This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each Seller, and assuming that this Agreement is the valid and binding agreement of Buyer and each other party hereto, this Agreement constitutes the valid and binding obligation of each Seller, enforceable against each Seller in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of equitable remedies.  Each other Transaction Document to which any Seller is a party, has been duly executed and delivered by such Seller, and assuming that such other Transaction Documents are valid and binding obligations of the other parties thereto, each such Transaction Document to which it is a party constitutes a valid and binding obligation of such Seller, enforceable against such Seller in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of equitable remedies.
(b)        The Transaction Documents to which the Company is a party have been duly executed and delivered by the Company, and, assuming that such Transaction Documents are valid and binding obligations of the other parties thereto, constitute the valid and binding obligations of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability hereof or thereof may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of equitable remedies.
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2.03    Authorization; No Conflicts; Litigation .
(a)         The execution, delivery and performance by each Seller of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the Transactions by such Seller do not conflict with or result in any breach of, constitute a default under, result in a violation of, result in the creation of any Lien upon the Company Stock or any assets of that Seller, or require any authorization, consent, approval or other action by or notice to any Governmental Authority or other third party, under any Contract or other instrument to which such Seller is bound, or any Legal Requirement to which such Seller or any of its properties or assets is subject.  No Seller is a party to any Proceeding, or any outstanding Order   of any Governmental Authority or arbitration or mediation authority, that reasonably could be expected to affect such Seller’s performance of its obligations under this Agreement, and to the Sellers’ Knowledge, no such Proceeding is threatened against any Seller.
(b)         The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries and/or any Seller to which any of such Persons is a party and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly and validly authorized by all requisite action on the part of the Company, and no other proceedings on the Company’s part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of the Transaction Documents to which any of such Persons is a party.
(c)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.03(c) , the execution, delivery and performance by the Company, any of its Subsidiaries and/or any Seller of the Transaction Documents to which any of such Persons is a party and the consummation of the Transactions do not conflict with or result in any breach of, constitute a default under, result in a violation of, result in the creation of any Lien upon any material assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under, trigger any penalty, right or change in control payment under, or require any authorization, consent, approval, filing, exemption or other action by or notice (i) to any Governmental Authority or other third party, (ii) under the provisions of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ charter (or equivalent governing documents), (iii) under any Contract to which any Seller, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is party or by which any of such Persons is bound, or (iv) in respect of any Legal Requirement to which any Seller, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is subject.
2.04    Title .  Each Seller is the record and beneficial owner of the Company Stock set forth opposite such Seller’s name on Schedule 2.04 , free and clear of any Liens (other than transfer restrictions under applicable federal and state securities laws or transfer restrictions in the Organizational Documents and that certain Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement of Landair Transport, Inc. by and among Landair Holdings, Inc., Landair Transport, Inc., Scott Niswonger, and John Tweed effective as of December 31, 2013, as amended by the First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Shareholders’ Agreement of Landair Transport, Inc. effective as of January 1, 2014), which shall terminate prior to Closing.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.04 , no Seller is a party to any Option, voting agreement, proxy or other Contract (other than this Agreement) with respect to any Company Stock or other ownership interest or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Except for the Company Stock owned by the Sellers and listed on Schedule 2.04 , no Seller owns any equity interest or other security of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any Options.  At the Closing, Sellers are transferring to Buyer, and Buyer is acquiring from Sellers, good title to the Company Stock free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens arising under federal and state securities laws and Liens created by, or otherwise arising as a result of any action of, Buyer.
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2.05      Brokerage and Expenses .  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.05 , there are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the Transactions based on any arrangement or Contract made by or on behalf of any Seller or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
2.06    Indebtedness Schedule 2.06 sets forth all Indebtedness and describes by category any Liens on any assets which secure the same such Indebtedness, in each case as of the Closing Date.
2.07    Subsidiaries .  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.07 , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns or holds the right or has an obligation to acquire any stock, partnership interest, joint venture interest or other equity ownership interest in any other Person.  Each Subsidiary of the Company is in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, has all requisite limited partnership, corporate, limited liability company or similar, as applicable, power and authority to own its properties and to carry on its businesses as presently conducted, and is qualified or licensed to transact business and is in good standing in each of those jurisdictions set forth on Schedule 2.07 , which constitute all of the jurisdictions in which the ownership or leasing of its assets or property or the conduct of its respective business as presently conducted requires it to qualify, except where the failure to be so qualified, individually or in the aggregate, would not result in a material liability to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.  All of the equity securities of each Subsidiary of the Company are owned by the Company, as described on Schedule 2.07 .  Each outstanding share of capital stock or other equity interest of each Subsidiary of the Company has been duly and validly authorized and issued to the Company and is fully paid and non-assessable.  No shares of capital stock or other equity interest of any Subsidiary of the Company have been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of any past or present shareholder of such Subsidiary.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.07 , none of the Company’s Subsidiaries has any outstanding equity securities, or securities convertible into equity securities, and there are no Contracts, options, warrants or other rights or arrangements existing or outstanding which provide for the sale or issuance of any of the foregoing by any Subsidiary of the Company.
2.08    Organizational Documents .
(a)         Schedule 2.08 sets forth true, complete, and correct copies of the charter and bylaws of the Company (as amended through the date hereof, the “ Organizational Documents ”).  The Company has provided or made available to Buyer the minute books and ownership records of the Company since January 1, 2012.  The Company is not in violation of any of the provisions of its Organizational Documents.  The minute books and ownership records of the Company previously furnished or made available to Buyer correctly and completely reflect all actions taken at all meetings of, or by written consents of, the board of directors (including any committees thereof) and stockholders of the Company, and reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes accurately in all material respects since January 1, 2012.
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(b)         The Company has provided or made available to Buyer true, complete, and correct copies of the organizational documents, including the certificate of incorporation, charter, articles, bylaws, certificate of formation or other organizational documents of each Subsidiary of the Company (as amended through the date hereof, the “ Company Subsidiary Organizational Documents ”).  The Company has provided or made available to Buyer the minute books and share records of each Subsidiary of the Company since January 1, 2012.  No Subsidiary of the Company is in violation of any of the provisions of its Company Subsidiary Organizational Documents.  The minute books and share or other ownership records of each Subsidiary of the Company previously furnished or made available to Buyer correctly and completely reflect all corporate actions taken at all meetings of, or by written consents of, directors and shareholders (or similar persons) of such Subsidiary of the Company, and reflect all transactions referred to in such minutes accurately in all material respects since January 1, 2012.
(c)         Schedule 2.08(c) sets forth a true, complete and correct list of the officers and directors (or similar positions) of the Company and each Subsidiary of the Company.
2.09    Equity Securities .  The authorized capital stock of the Company consists solely of 1,000 shares of Common Stock, all of which are issued and outstanding, and no shares of common stock are issued and held by the Company in treasury.  Each share of the Company Stock is held of record by Sellers, as set forth on Schedule 2.04 .  The Company Stock has been duly authorized and validly issued, and is fully paid and nonassessable.  None of the shares of Company Stock has been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights of any past or present stockholder or other equityholder of the Company.  Except for the Company Stock, the Company has no outstanding equity securities, or securities convertible into equity securities, and there are no Contracts, Options or other rights or arrangements existing or outstanding which provide for the sale or issuance of any of the foregoing by the Company.  Upon consummation of the Transactions, Buyer shall have good and valid title to all equity interests in the Company, free and clear of all Liens, other than Liens arising under federal and state securities laws and Liens created by, or otherwise arising as a result of any action of, Buyer.
2.10     Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities .
(a)         Schedule 2.10(a) consists of: (i)  the Company’s unaudited balance sheet as of May 31, 2018 (the “ Latest Balance Sheet ”), and the related statements of income for the five-month period then ended, (the “ Interim Financial Statements ”), (ii)  the Company’s audited consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, together with the statements of income and cash flows for the two fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 (the statements described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 2.10(a) , collectively, the “ Financial Statements ”).  The Financial Statements (y) present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position, cash flows and results of operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as of the times and for the periods referred to therein, and (z) have been prepared in all material respects in conformity with GAAP, consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except (A) as set forth on Schedule 2.10(a)(z) , and (B) in the case of the Interim Financial Statements, the effects of the absence of footnote disclosures and changes resulting from normal, recurring year-end adjustments (none of which, individually or in the aggregate, are material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole).
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(b)         Except as set forth on Schedule 2.10(b) , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any material liabilities or obligations other than (i) liabilities or obligations shown on the Latest Balance Sheet, (ii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice since the date of the Latest Balance Sheet, and (iii) liabilities of a type not required to be recorded on a balance sheet prepared in accordance with GAAP arising under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and not arising out of a breach of such contracts, (iv) liabilities taken into consideration in the calculation of Final Aggregate Closing Consideration (but unless constituting working capital liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices addressed under Section 1.02, only to the extent such consideration resulted in an actual adjustment to Final Aggregate Closing Consideration), and (v) liabilities expressly disclosed in the other Disclosure Schedules.
2.11    Accounts Receivable .  All accounts receivable of the Company and its Subsidiaries (“ Accounts Receivable ”), whether or not reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet, represent valid obligations arising from sales actually made or services actually performed in the ordinary course of business.  The Accounts Receivable are current and collectible net of the reserves shown on the Latest Balance Sheet (which reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP and calculated consistent with past practice in the preparation of the Financial Statements).  None of the Accounts Receivable are subject to any claim of offset, recoupment, setoff, or counter-claim, and to the Sellers’ Knowledge, there are no facts or circumstances (whether asserted or unasserted) that would reasonably be expected to give rise to any such claim, other than nominal cash discounts and routine billing disputes in the ordinary course of business.  No amount of Accounts Receivable is contingent upon the performance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, a Seller or any of their respective Affiliates, of any obligation or Contract, other than such performance as has been completed (excluding the “empty” portion of any “round trip” movement) or for which an adequate reserve or deferred revenue account is reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet.  The Company has no obligation pursuant to any rule or regulation of any Governmental Authority (whether in bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings or otherwise) to repay, return, refund or forfeit any accounts receivable previously collected by the Company.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.11(i) , no Person has any Lien on any Accounts Receivable, no Account Receivable is subject to prior assignment, no Contract for deduction or discount has been made with respect to any such Accounts Receivable, and the Company has not incurred any liabilities to customers for discounts, returns, promotional allowances or otherwise.  None of the obligors of the Accounts Receivable have refused or given notice that they refuse to pay the full amount thereof except for minor disputes or disagreements which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and which the Company has made adequate provision for uncollectability on the Latest Balance Sheet, and none of the obligors of such Accounts Receivable are an Affiliate of the Company or a Seller except for inter-company accounts among the Company and its Subsidiaries that are reflected in the Interim Financial Statements.  Schedule 2.11(ii) sets forth an accurate list of the Accounts Receivable and notes receivable of the Company, an aging of such Accounts Receivable and notes receivable in the aggregate and by customer, and indicates the amounts of allowances for doubtful accounts.
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2.12    Absence of Certain Developments .  Since December 31, 2017, there has not occurred any event, occurrence, fact, circumstance or change that has had a Material Adverse Effect with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.12 , since December 31, 2017, the Company and its Subsidiaries have operated their business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice in all material respects, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has:
(a)          sold, leased, assigned or transferred any material portion of its assets, or entered into any Contract or letter of intent with respect thereto;
(b)          effected any recapitalization, reclassification, stock or other dividend, stock split or similar occurrence, adjustment, combination, subdivision or like change in its capitalization, or declared, set aside or paid any other distribution of any kind (whether in cash, stock or property) to any stockholder or other equity holder, or made any direct or indirect redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of any shares of capital stock or other equity interests;
(c)           issued (or made commitments to issue) additional securities;
(d)           merged or consolidated with or made any equity investment in, or any loan or advance to, or any acquisition of the securities or assets of, any other Person (other than advancement of reimbursable ordinary and necessary business expenses made to directors, officers, employees, independent contractors, and third-party transportation providers of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof in the ordinary course of business);
(e)           made commitments for capital expenditures other than as contemplated by the Company’s budget, a true and correct copy of which has been made available to Buyer;
(f)            granted any license or sublicense of, assigned, transferred, abandoned, allowed to lapse or otherwise disposed of any material rights under or with respect to any Intellectual Property other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(g)           suffered any event of damage, destruction, casualty loss or claim affecting the assets, properties or business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and exceeding $100,000 individually or $250,000 in the aggregate;
(h)           failed to maintain their respective material assets (except for Rolling Stock, which is addressed in Section 2.12(i) below) in good condition and repair, normal wear and tear excepted;
(i)            failed to maintain its Rolling Stock consistent with past practices in a condition that is (i) adequate for use in the ordinary course of business in compliance with applicable law, (ii) operational and capable of performing its intended use based upon similar equipment of similar age and (iii) consistent with all requirements necessary to maintain warranties applicable thereto;
(j)            made any changes to policies or timing of repairs, maintenance, and purchasing and installation of tires, fuel and other replaceable operating supplies;
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(k)            granted any increase in the amount of compensation, benefits, bonus, change in control, retention or severance pay payable or potentially payable to any of its directors, officers, employees, independent contractors or consultants or adopted, amended or terminated any Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement;
(l)             made any payment or commitment to pay any pension, retirement allowance, retiree medical or other employee benefit, any amount relating to unused vacation days or other paid time off, retention, severance or termination pay to any director, officer or employee other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and which payments or commitments to pay do not exceed $50,000   in the aggregate;
(m)           made any material change in accounting, auditing or tax reporting methods, policies or practices;
(n)            made or revoked any election with respect to Taxes of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or changed its tax year;
(o)            made any payment or incurred any obligation in excess of $100,000, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;
(p)            created, incurred, assumed or guaranteed any Indebtedness other than Indebtedness reflected on the Interim Financial Statements and borrowings of less than $500,000 in the aggregate under the line of credit since the date of the Interim Financial Statements;
(q)            to the Sellers’ Knowledge, received a complaint or notice that an investigation against the Company has been commenced by any Governmental Authority or that any other event has occurred which calls into question any Permit necessary for the Company to conduct its business and to own and operate the Company’s material assets;
(r)            received any notice from any customer, supplier, Governmental Authority or any other Person, the result of which could reasonably be expected to materially impact the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(s)             accelerated or changed any of its practices, policies, procedures or timing of the billing of customers or the collection of their accounts receivable, pricing and payment terms, cash collections, cash payments or terms with vendors other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;
(t)             delayed or postponed the payment of any liability (including accounts payable or accrued expenses) or the deferment of expenses other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices;
(u)            discharged or satisfied any Lien, or subjected the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets to any Lien;
(v)            committed to do any of the foregoing.
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2.13     Real Properties .
(a)         Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries owns any real property.
(b)         Schedule 2.13(b) contains a complete and accurate list of all leases, subleases, licenses, occupancy agreements or other, similar agreements, and all modifications, amendments and supplements thereto (collectively, the “ Real Property Leases ”), under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries uses, occupies or operates any real property (the “ Leased Real Property ”).  The Leased Real Property constitutes all of the real estate used, occupied or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  The Company has made available to Buyer true, correct and complete copies of the Real Property Leases, including all modifications, amendments and supplements thereto.
(c)         Except as set forth on Schedule 2.13(c) :
(i)     the Company or its Subsidiary has valid and binding leasehold interests in the Leased Real Property;
(ii)     the Company or its Subsidiary enjoys peaceful and undisturbed possession of the Leased Real Property sufficient for the current operations and use of such Leased Real Property by the Company or its Subsidiary and, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, there are no facts that could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the possession, use, or occupancy of the Leased Real Property;
(iii)    each Real Property Lease is in full force and effect in all material respects;
(iv)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other party is in material breach or material default under any of the Real Property Leases, nor has any event occurred which, with the passage of time or notice, or both, would constitute a material default thereunder or a violation of the terms (or permit the termination) thereof. None of the Transactions will constitute or create a default, event of default, or right of termination under any of the Real Property Leases, nor is the consent of the lessor or landlord or any other third party required pursuant to the terms of any of the Real Property Leases in connection with the Transactions;
(v)     neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has subleased, and no other Person is in possession of, or has the right of use or occupancy of any portion of, any of the Leased Real Property, nor have any of the Real Property Leases been assigned in whole or in part;
(vi)   no part of any of the Leased Real Property has been condemned or otherwise taken by any Governmental Authority and, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, no such condemnation or taking is threatened or contemplated; and
(vii)  the buildings and structures located on the Leased Real Property and used in the business and operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries are sufficient for the continued conduct of the business and operations of the Company and its Subsidiaries after the Closing in substantially the same manner as conducted prior to the Closing.
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(d)         Schedule 2.13(d) contains a complete and accurate list of all Leased Real Property that is owned by any member of the Seller Group, any Affiliate of the Seller Group, and/or any Affiliate of the Company, in each case other than the Company and its Subsidiaries (“ Related-Party Real Property ”).
2.14     Taxes
(a)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.14(a) : (i) the Sellers or the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, have duly and timely filed or caused to be duly and timely filed all federal and all other material Tax Returns that are required to be filed by or with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries (taking into consideration all extended filing deadlines); (ii) all Tax Returns filed by the Sellers or the Company and its Subsidiaries are true, correct and complete in all material respects; (iii) the Sellers, the Company and its Subsidiaries have paid, or made provision for the payment of, all Taxes that are or have become due for all periods covered by the Tax Returns or otherwise, or pursuant to any assessment received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except such Taxes, if any, as are being contested in good faith and as to which adequate reserves (determined in accordance with GAAP) have been provided in the Financial Statements; and (iv) all Taxes that the Sellers, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is obligated to withhold from amounts owing to any employee, creditor or third party have been paid or properly accrued.
(b)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.14(b) :
(i)    there is no dispute or claim concerning any Tax liability of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries raised by any taxing authority in writing;
(ii)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has waived any statute of limitations in respect of Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to a Tax assessment or deficiency;
(iii)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has requested or been granted an extension of the time for filing any Tax Return which has not yet been filed;
(iv)  no deficiency or proposed adjustment which has not been finally settled or resolved for any amount of Tax has been proposed, asserted or assessed by any taxing authority against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(v)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by any Tax allocation, sharing or indemnity contract or other arrangement;
(vi)   there is no action, suit, taxing authority proceeding or audit now in progress, pending or to the Sellers’ Knowledge threatened against or with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(vii)   no written claim has been made by a taxing authority in a jurisdiction where the Company or any of its Subsidiaries does not Tax Returns that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is or may be subject to taxation by that jurisdiction;
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(viii)    no power of attorney that is currently in force has been granted with respect to any matter related to Taxes that could affect the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;
(ix)     there are no Liens (other than the Liens for Taxes not yet due and payable) on any of the assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that arose in connection with any failure (or alleged failure) to pay any Tax;
(x)       none of the property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is held in an arrangement that is a partnership for U.S. federal Tax purposes;
(xi)      no asset of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a debt obligation that (i) was issued with “original issue discount,” as defined in Section 1273 of the Code; (ii) is an “applicable high yield discount obligation,” as defined in Section 162(i) of the Code; (iii) provides for the payment of interest that is “disqualified interest,” as such term is defined in Section 163(j)(3) of the Code; (iv) constitutes “corporation acquisition indebtedness” within the meaning of Section 279(b) of the Code; or (v) is a “disqualified debt instrument,” as defined in Section 163(b)(2) of the Code;
(xii)    neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will be required to include any item of income in, or exclude any item of deduction from, taxable income for any taxable period (or portion thereof) ending after the Closing Date as a result of any:  (i) change in method of accounting for a taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date; (ii) “closing agreement” as described in Code Section 7121 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Legal Requirements) executed on or prior to the Closing Date; (iii) intercompany transaction or any excess loss account described in Treasury Regulations under Code Section 1502 (or any corresponding or similar provision of state, local or foreign income Tax Legal Requirements) entered into or created on or prior to the Closing Date; (iv) installment sale or open transaction disposition made on or prior to the Closing Date; (v) cash method of accounting or long-term contract method of accounting utilized prior to the Closing Date; or (vi) prepaid amount received on or prior to the Closing Date;
(xiii)    neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any liability for the Taxes of any Person under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any corresponding provisions of state, local or foreign Tax Legal Requirements), or as a transferee or successor, or by contract or otherwise;
(xiv)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has (i) participated (within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.6011-4(c)(3)) in any “reportable transaction” within the meaning of Treasury Regulations § 1.6011‑4(b) (and all predecessor regulations); (ii) claimed any deduction, credit, or other tax benefit by reason of any “tax shelter” within the meaning of former Section 6111(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder or any “confidential corporate tax shelter” within the meaning of former Section 6111(d) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder; or (iii) purchased or otherwise acquired an interest in any “potentially abusive tax shelter” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation § 301.6112‑1.  The Company has disclosed on its Tax Returns all positions taken therein that could give rise to a substantial understatement of Tax within the meaning of Section 6662 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law);
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(xv)   neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has made any payments, is obligated to make any payments, or is a party to any plan or agreement that under certain circumstances could obligate it to make any payments that would not be deductible under Section 280G (determined without regard to the exceptions contained in Sections 280G(b)(4) and 280G(b)(5)) or 404 of the Code; and
(xvi)    there is no Contract, plan or other arrangement to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or bound by which provides for any “gross up” or similar payment relating to Taxes under Section 4999 or 409A of the Code.
(c)         (i) The Company is, and has been at all times since its inception, and (ii) Landair Transport, Inc. was, from March 1, 2003 until December 31, 2013, properly classified as an “S corporation” under Section 1361 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, and is and has been, or is and was, as applicable, so classified for state income Tax purposes pursuant to analogous state provisions.
(d)       (i) Each Subsidiary of the Company (other than Landair Transport, Inc.) is, and has been at all times since its inception, and (ii) Landair Transport, Inc. is, and has been at all times since January 1, 2014, a “qualified subchapter S subsidiary” within the meaning of Section 1361(b)(3)(B) of the Code.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries nor any Seller has taken any steps or actions, or failed to take any steps or actions, that resulted or could have resulted in the failure of any Subsidiary of the Company to be treated as a qualified subchapter S subsidiary.
(e)      The Company will not be liable for any Tax under Section 1374 of the Code or any other applicable state or local law as a result of the transaction contemplated  by this Agreement, including the making of a Section 338(h)(10) Election. The Company has not, since its inception, acquired assets from another corporation in a transaction in which the Company’s Tax basis for the acquired assets was determined, in whole or in part, by reference to the Tax basis of the acquired assets (or any other property) in the hands of the transferor or acquired the stock of any corporation which is or became a “qualified subchapter S subsidiary” within the meaning of Section 1361(b)(3)(B) of the Code.
2.15    Contracts and Commitments .
(a)         Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15(a) or Schedule 2.18(a) , none of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is party, or subject, to any of the following Contracts (each a “ Material Contract ”):
(i)   any Contract relating to any completed or pending business acquisition or divestiture since January 1, 2012;
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(ii)      any bonus, severance, retention, change of control, pension, profit sharing, retirement or other form of deferred compensation plan involving unpaid amounts in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate;
(iii)       any Contract for the sale of Rolling Stock in excess of $100,000 or any other capital assets in excess of $50,000;
(iv)      any Contract for purchase of Rolling Stock in excess of $100,000 or other capital expenditures in excess of $50,000;
(v)      any Contract with an owner operator or with respect to any employee or driver leasing arrangement involving the financing of Rolling Stock for such person;
(vi)      any Contract involving unpaid amounts in excess of $50,000 with a “change in control” clause;
(vii)     any stock option or similar plan;
(viii)    any Contract (A) for the employment of any officer, individual employee or other person, (B) providing for the payment of any cash or other compensation or benefits upon the consummation of the Transactions (or any of them), or (C) that provides severance or other benefits for any person or, in each case, that is otherwise not immediately terminable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without cost or liability;
(ix)      any Contract under which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries created, incurred or assumed any Indebtedness (including any conditional sales Contract, sale-leaseback, or capitalized lease) or mortgaging, pledging or otherwise granting or placing a Lien on any portion of any of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ assets;
(x)       any guaranty of any Indebtedness;
(xi)       any lease or other Contract under which it is lessee of or holds, occupies, operates or uses any real or personal property owned by any other Person, for which the annual rental exceeds $100,000;
(xii)     any lease or other Contract under which it is lessor of or permits any third party to hold, occupy, operate or use any real or personal property for which the annual rental exceeds $100,000;
(xiii)    any Contract or group of related Contracts with the same party for the purchase by the Company of products or services, under which the undelivered balance of such products and services has a purchase price in excess of $250,000;
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(xv)     any Contract containing covenants that in any way purport to restrict the right of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof to engage in its current line of business, engage in any line of business, compete with any Person, or solicit customers, carriers or employees (other than immaterial customary restrictions on “back solicitation” of the counterparty’s employees included in Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business);
(xvi)    any currency exchange, commodities, interest rate or other hedging arrangement or forward, swap, derivatives or futures Contract;
(xvii)    any joint venture, partnership, franchise, joint marketing Contract or any other similar Contract (including sharing of profits, losses, costs or liabilities by the Company or any Subsidiary thereof with any other Person);
(xviii)   any material licensing Contract or other material Contract with respect to Intellectual Property, including (A) any Contracts with current or former employees, consultants or contractors regarding the appropriation or non-disclosure of any material Intellectual Property and (B) any license agreements related to the use of software (other than license agreements for the use of generally commercially available off-the-shelf software involving total consideration of less than $100,000);
(xix)   any Contract under which the Company or any Subsidiary thereof has made loans, investments or advances to any other Person, and such investments, advances or loans remain outstanding, except advancement of reimbursable ordinary and necessary business expenses made to directors, officers, employees, and independent contractors of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof in the ordinary course of business in each case in which the amount involved exceeds $2,500 individually or $25,000 in the aggregate;
(xx)    any Contract with any Governmental Authority having an annual revenue or expense in excess of $100,000;
(xxi)  any Contract pursuant to which rights of any third party are triggered or become exercisable directly and solely, or under which any other consequence, result or effect arises, in connection with or as a result of the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions having an annual revenue or expense in excess of $100,000;
(xxii)   any Contract granting rights of first refusal, rights of first negotiation or similar rights or terms to any Person, other than customary renewal or extension rights contained in Contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business and rights in favor of Buyer under the leases of Related-Party Real Property;
(xxiii)   any Contract providing for the development of Intellectual Property, content or technology, solely or jointly, by or for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and involving remaining payments in excess of $100,000 after the date of this Agreement;
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(xxiv)     any Contract involving the payment of royalties to any other Person;
(xxv)      any Contract of indemnification or warranty or any Contract containing any support, maintenance, performance metric requirement, non-performance or deficient performance penalty, charge back of any nature, Lien waiver or service obligation on the part of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the Company’s customer or carrier Contracts listed in the Disclosure Schedules and any other Contracts that would not be reasonably expected to result in a material liability to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries);
(xxvi)     any Contract with any consultant (which provides for or will likely involve payments to such consultant in excess of $100,000 after the date of this Agreement) of the Company or any Subsidiary thereof;
(xxvii)    any settlement, conciliation or similar Contract, the performance of which will involve payment after the date of this Agreement of consideration in excess of $100,000 or governmental monitoring, consent decree or reporting responsibilities;
(xxviii)  any Contract granting any exclusive rights with respect to the products and services or Intellectual Property of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any type or scope to any Person;
(xxix)     any Contract that grants most favored nation status or similar provision ;
(xxx)      any other Contract (other than the types in the clauses listed above) involving remaining fixed payments by the Company in excess of $250,000 which cannot be canceled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries without penalty or further payment by giving notice not to exceed 90 days; or
(xxxi)     any Contract not otherwise covered by the foregoing, that is otherwise material to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.
(b)      The Company has made available to Buyer a true, correct and complete copy of each written Contract set forth on Schedule 2.15(a) or Schedule 2.18(a) , including all modifications and amendments thereto, and has made available to Buyer a true, correct and complete written summary of each oral Contract listed on Schedule 2.15(a) or Schedule 2.18(a) .  With respect to each Contract set forth on Schedule 2.15(a) or Schedule 2.18(a) :  (i) such Contract is valid, binding and in full force and effect in all material respects and is enforceable by the Company or its Subsidiaries in accordance with its respective terms; (ii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other party, is in material breach or default under such Contract; and (iii) there has been no material overpayment or material underpayment with respect to any party’s obligations under such Contract.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of the intention of any party to terminate any Contract listed on Schedule 2.15(a) .
(c)      Schedule 2.15(c) sets forth a list of the Company’s 10 largest customers (by consolidated revenue and with notations of (i) such customer’s percentage share of the Company’s revenue for such period and (ii) whether such customer is transactional or dedicated in nature, or both) for each of the five-month period ended May 31, 2018 (the “ 2018 Customer Contracts ”) and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, together with a list of the contracts with each such customer, true, correct and complete copies of which, including all modifications and amendments thereto, have been made available to Buyer (collectively, “ Customer Contracts ”), and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other party, is in material breach or default under any 2018 Customer Contract.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received notice from any customer that such customer intends to terminate, modify, fail to renew, or reduce volumes under, any such 2018 Customer Contract or otherwise adversely impact its volumes or business relations with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15(c) , to the Sellers’ Knowledge there is no fact or circumstance (including the consummation of the Transactions) that could reasonably be expected to cause any such customer to cease or materially diminish the use of the products or services of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the 2018 Customer Contracts after the Closing.
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(d)         Schedule 2.15(d) sets forth a list of the Company’s 10 largest Suppliers (by consolidated expenses) for each of the five-month period ended May 31, 2018 (the “ 2018 Vendor Contracts ”) and the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, together with a list of the Contracts with each such Supplier, true, correct and complete copies of which, including all modifications and amendments thereto, have been made available to Buyer (collectively, “ Vendor Contracts ”), and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other party, is in material breach or default under any 2018 Vendor Contract.  Neither the Company nor any Subsidiary has received notice from any Supplier that such Supplier intends to terminate, modify, fail to renew, or reduce volumes under any such 2018 Vendor Contract or otherwise adversely impact its volumes or business relations with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.15(d) , to the Sellers’ Knowledge there is no fact or circumstance (including the consummation of the Transactions) that could reasonably be expected to cause any such Supplier to cease or materially diminish its provision of products or services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries under the 2018 Vendor Contracts after the Closing.
2.16    Intellectual Property .
(a)        All of the patents, internet domain names, registered trademarks, registered service marks, registered copyrights, and applications for any of the foregoing Intellectual Property, owned or exclusively licensed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (collectively, the “ Registered Intellectual Property ”) are set forth on Schedule 2.16(a)(i) .  All currently due maintenance fees or renewal fees for the Registered Intellectual Property have been paid and all necessary documents and certificates for the Registered Intellectual Property have been filed with the relevant patent, copyright, trademark, Internet registrar, or other authorities in the United States or foreign jurisdictions, as the case may be, for the purposes of maintaining or renewing such Registered Intellectual Property.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(a) (ii ) , there are no actions that must be taken by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date, including the payment of any registration, issue, examination, maintenance or renewal fees or annuities or the filing of any documents, applications or certificates for the purposes of maintaining, perfecting or preserving or renewing any Registered Intellectual Property. The Intellectual Property owned by the Company or its Subsidiaries (the “ Owned Intellectual Property ”) and the Intellectual Property licensed by the Company from third parties is all of the Intellectual Property that is used by the Company in the conduct of its business as currently conducted and as conducted since January 1, 2017. Schedule 2.16(a)(iii) sets forth each material license or sublicense that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has granted to any third party with respect to any Intellectual Property.
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(b)        Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(b) , the Company or a Subsidiary thereof owns and possesses all right, title and interest in and to, or possesses the valid right to use, all Intellectual Property used or held for use in the conduct of the business as currently conducted and as conducted since January 1, 2017 (the “ Company Intellectual Property ”), in each case free and clear of all Liens, exclusive licenses granted to third parties, and non-exclusive licenses not granted in the ordinary course of business, and other encumbrances. Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(b) , (i) the conduct of the business of the Company as currently conducted and as it has been conducted in the past three years has not and does not infringe, misappropriate, dilute, or otherwise violate the Intellectual Property of any Person; (ii) there are no pending actions alleging that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating any Intellectual Property of any Person or that seek to limit or challenge the validity, enforceability, ownership or use of the Owned Intellectual Property; and (iii) neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received, in the past six years, any claim, “cease and desist” letter, or like correspondence from any Person alleging any Intellectual Property infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other such violations.  There are no Contracts or outstanding judicial or administrative orders to which the Company or its Subsidiaries is a party or by which they are bound, which restricts the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ rights to use any of the Company Intellectual Property.  To the Sellers’ Knowledge, the Company Intellectual Property is valid and enforceable.
(c)         All employees, contractors and agents of the Company and each of its Subsidiaries involved in the conception, development, authoring, creation, or reduction to practice of any Company Intellectual Property have executed Contracts that assign such Intellectual Property to the Company or the applicable Subsidiary on substantially the form made available to Buyer.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have provided Buyer a true, correct, and complete description of steps taken to protect and, where applicable, maintain in confidence, trade secrets of the Company and its Subsidiaries and third parties, including obtaining from employees, directors, officers and consultants confidentiality Contracts between the Company and such employees, directors, officers, or consultants on substantially the form made available to Buyer.  Except as set forth in Schedule 2.16(c) , no present or former officer, director, employee, or contractor of Company or its Subsidiaries, has any ownership interest, in whole or in part, in any Company Intellectual Property, or the right to receive royalty or other payments for Intellectual Property used or held for use by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(d)        The Company and its Subsidiaries own or lease all Computer Systems that are necessary for the operation of its business.  To the Sellers’ Knowledge, the Computer Systems do not contain software routines or hardware components intentionally designed to permit (i) unauthorized access to a computer or network, (ii) unauthorized disablement or erasure of software, hardware or data, or (iii) any other similar type of unauthorized activities. To the Sellers’ Knowledge, there has been no failure, material substandard performance or breach of any Computer Systems which have caused any material disruptions to the business of Company or its Subsidiaries or resulted in any unauthorized disclosure of or access to any data owned, collected or controlled by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  The Company and its Subsidiaries have taken the steps to provide for the back-up and recovery of data and information described on Schedule 2.16(d) .  The Company and its Subsidiaries have, pursuant to written software licenses, the authorized number of users or seats used in the business of Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
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(e)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(e) , the Company or its Subsidiaries have possession of all material Technology necessary to operate the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries as currently conducted.
(f)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.16(f) , none of the Company Software owned and/or currently under development by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries uses, incorporates or distributes any Open Source Code in a manner that could:  (i) place conditions on the use or distribution of such Company Software; (ii) require the license of such Company Software or any portion thereof for the purpose of making modifications or derivative works; (iii) require the distribution of such Company Software or any portion thereof without charge; (iv) require or condition the disclosure, licensing or distribution of any source code or any portion of Company Software; or (v) otherwise impose a limitation, restriction or condition on the right of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to use or distribute any Company Software or any portion thereof.
(g)         To the Sellers’ Knowledge, the Company and its Affiliates have complied in all material respects with all Contracts, privacy policies, laws and regulations applicable to the Company and its Subsidiaries regarding personally identifiable information, including any such data privacy laws, PCI Data Security Standards, consumer privacy laws, or agreements with third parties, in every jurisdiction where (i) the Company or its Subsidiaries conduct business or (ii) residents of such jurisdiction have provided personally identifiable information to the Company and its Subsidiaries.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has been legally required to provide any notices to data owners in connection with a disclosure of personally identifiable information.
(h)         The execution, delivery and performance by the Company of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions do not and will not:
(i)    encumber or adversely affect the right to use any Intellectual Property presently owned, used or held for use by Company or any of its Subsidiaries in the conduct of its business; or
(ii)   cause Company or its Subsidiaries to be contractually obligated to pay any royalties or other amounts to any third party in excess of the amounts that such party would have been obligated to pay if this Agreement had not been executed, delivered, and performed or the Transactions consummated.
2.17     Litigation .
(a)         Except as set forth on Schedule 2.17(a) , there are no Proceedings pending or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened against or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective partners, managers, members, officers, directors, agents, employees, predecessors or indemnified persons in their capacities as such, at law or in equity, before or by any Governmental Authority or arbitration or mediation authority or otherwise in existence, nor, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, is there any reasonable and valid basis for any such Proceeding based on acts or omissions of the Sellers, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case in which a reserve in excess of $50,000 has been established, or the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ maximum estimated liability is in excess of $50,000.
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(b)           Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a party to or subject to or in default under any outstanding Order of any Governmental Authority or arbitration or mediation authority.
(c)           Except as set forth on Schedule 2.17(c) , since December 31, 2017, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not settled or received a final Order concerning any outstanding Proceeding for an amount in excess of $50,000.
(d)           Except as set forth on Schedule 2.17(d) , neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any Proceeding pending against any other Person in an amount in excess of $25,000.
2.18        Employee Benefit Plans .
(a)           Schedule 2.18(a) lists each of the following which is sponsored, maintained or contributed to by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of employees, former employees, directors, former directors, or any agents, consultants, or similar representatives providing services to or for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or with respect to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries has any liability:
(i)    each “employee benefit plan,” as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (“ ERISA ”) (a “ Plan ”);
(ii)    each personnel policy, stock option, stock purchase, stock appreciation rights, phantom equity, or any other equity-based plan, program, agreement or arrangement, collective bargaining agreement, bonus plan or arrangement, incentive award plan or arrangement, vacation policy, retention or severance pay plan, policy or Contract, deferred compensation Contract or other arrangement, compensation or supplemental income arrangement, consulting Contract, employment Contract and each other employee benefit plan, Contract or other arrangement, program, practice or understanding which is not described in Schedule 2.18(a)(i) , whether written or unwritten (“ Benefit Program or Agreement ”).
(b)          With respect to each Plan and each Benefit Program or Agreement, the Company has made available to Buyer copies (as applicable) of (i) the applicable plan or other governing documents currently in effect, and any related trusts, insurance, group annuity Contracts, and each other funding or financing arrangement related thereto, including any amendments (or, in the case of any unwritten arrangement, a written description of the terms thereof), (ii) the most recent summary plan description and amendments and modifications thereto, (iii) the most recent determination letter or opinion letter received from the Internal Revenue Service, (iv) the latest financial statements, and (v) the latest annual or other report filed with any Governmental Authority.
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(c)           Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any corporation, trade, business or entity under common control with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001 of ERISA (a “ Commonly Controlled Entity ”), has ever (i) sponsored, maintained, participated in or contributed to any plan which is subject to Section 302 of ERISA, Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA or is a “multiemployer plan” (as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA) or (ii) incurred any withdrawal liability with respect to any multiemployer plan or any liability in connection with the termination, insolvency or reorganization of any multiemployer plan.  No Plan provides for medical or life insurance benefits to retired or former employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than as required under Code Section 4980B, or similar state Legal Requirement).
(d)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.18(d) :
(i)    Each Plan and Benefit Program or Agreement complies in all material respects in form and operation with its terms, the requirements of the Code, ERISA, and all other applicable laws;
(ii)     Each Plan that is intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code meets such requirements and has received a favorable determination letter or opinion letter from the Internal Revenue Service within the applicable remedial amendment periods and no amendments have been made to any such Plan following the receipt of a determination letter or opinion letter that would jeopardize such Plan’s qualified status;
(iii)   There are no Proceedings (other than routine claims for benefits under such plans) pending or to Sellers’ Knowledge threatened against any of the Plans, Benefit Programs or Agreements or their assets;
(iv)   As to any Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401 of the Code, there has been no termination or partial termination of the Plan within the meaning of Section 411(d)(3) of the Code;
(v)   No act, omission or transaction has occurred which would result in imposition on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of (A) breach of fiduciary duty liability damages under Section 409 of ERISA, (B) a civil penalty assessed pursuant to Section 502 of ERISA or (C) a tax imposed pursuant to Chapter 43 of Subtitle D of the Code;
(vi)    To the Sellers’ Knowledge, there is no matter pending (other than routine qualification determination filings) with respect to any of the Plans or Benefit Program or Agreements before the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Pension Guaranty Benefit Corporation or any other Governmental Authority; and
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(vii)     No trust funding a Plan is intended to be exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to Section 501(c)(9) of the Code.
(e)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.18(e) :
(i)      All contributions (including all employer contributions and employee salary reduction contributions) that are due and owing have been paid to each Plan that is an “employee pension benefit plan” (or related trust or held in the general assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as appropriate), and all contributions for any period ending on or before the Closing Date that are not yet due have been paid to each such Plan or accrued in accordance with past custom and practice of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(ii)     All premiums or other payments that are due and owing (except retroactive premium adjustments (if any) that may become due) for all periods ending on or before the Closing Date have been paid or accrued in accordance with past custom and practice of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to each Plan that is an “employee welfare benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA); and
(iii)    The Company and each of its Subsidiaries are in compliance in all material respects with the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010, as amended (the “ ACA ”), and applicable regulations and other regulatory guidance issued under such act, and the Company and its Subsidiaries have not received written notice of, and to the Sellers’ Knowledge there is no reason to expect any Tax or liability to be incurred as a result of the application of the ACA other than has been paid or accrued.
(f)          Each Plan which is an “employee welfare benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(l) of ERISA) may be unilaterally amended or terminated in its entirety without liability except as to benefits accrued thereunder prior to such amendment or termination.
(g)         Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 2.18(g ) , no Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement provides that payments pursuant to such Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement may be made in securities of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any Commonly Controlled Entity, nor does any trust maintained pursuant to any Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement hold any securities of the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any Commonly Controlled Entity.
(h)         The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions (either alone or in combination with any other event) will not (i) require the Company, any of its Subsidiaries, the Buyer or any of their Affiliates to make a larger contribution to, or pay greater compensation, payments or benefits under any Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement, (ii) create or give rise to any additional vested rights or service credits under any Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement or (iii) accelerate the time of vesting, payment or funding of any amount or benefit due pursuant to any Plan or Benefit Program or Agreement.
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2.19    Insurance .
(a)        Schedule 2.19 lists each insurance policy and bond maintained by or otherwise covering the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and describes any self-insurance or co-insurance arrangements by or affecting the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (the “ Insurance Policies ”).  Schedule 2.19 also sets forth the name of the insurer under each such policy and bond, the type of policy or bond, the expiration dates thereof, and the coverage amounts and applicable deductible thereunder since January 1, 2015.  All such Insurance Policies are in full force and effect, and no notice or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threat of a rate increase, non-renewal, cancellation or termination has been received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any such Insurance Policy.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has failed to give any notice or present any material claim under any Insurance Policy in due and timely fashion or as required by any Insurance Policy.  The Company has provided or made available to Buyer true, correct, and complete copies of all such policies of insurance and bonds set forth on Schedule 2.19 .
(b)        Except as set forth on Schedule 2.19(b) , there is no claim pending under any of such policies or bonds listed on Schedule 2.19 with an accrued amount in excess of $50,000.  All premiums due and payable under all such policies and bonds have been timely paid, and the Company and each of its Subsidiaries are otherwise in compliance with the terms of such policies and bonds.  The insurance coverage provided by the policies and bonds described in Schedule 2.19 will not terminate or lapse by reason of the consummation of any of the Transactions.  Such policies are sufficient for the compliance with all Legal Requirements and all Material Contracts relating to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
2.20    Compliance with Laws .  Except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 2.20 : (a) at all times during the past three years, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have complied in all material respects with all Legal Requirements material to the operation of the business as presently conducted; (b) no investigation, audit or review by any Governmental Authority with respect to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is pending or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened; (c) no written notices alleging a violation, or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other communication regarding, any violation, investigation relating to any violation, or threat to be charged with any violation, have been received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case with respect to any such Legal Requirements.
2.21     Environmental Matters .  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.21 :
(a)         The Company and each of its Subsidiaries and their properties and operations are and, during the relevant time periods specified in all applicable statutes of limitations, have been in compliance with Environmental Laws in all material respects;
(b)         The Company and each of its Subsidiaries possess, and are in compliance in all material respects with, all Environmental Permits required for their operations and such Environmental Permits are in the name of the proper entity and will remain valid following the Closing;
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(c)          The Company and each of its Subsidiaries and their properties and operations are not subject to any pending or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened Environmental Claims, nor have the Sellers or the Company or any of its Subsidiaries received any notice of violation, noncompliance, or enforcement or any notice of investigation or remediation from any Governmental Authority pursuant to Environmental Laws;
(d)          There has been no Release of any Hazardous Substance by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or in connection with their properties or operations in violation of any Environmental Laws or in a manner that could give rise to any remedial or corrective action obligations pursuant to Environmental Laws (excluding minor spills of petroleum products due to operations and accidents ordinarily associated with the trucking business that have been fully remediated);
(e)          There has been no exposure of any Person or property to any Hazardous Substance in connection with the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ properties or operations thereon that could reasonably be expected to form the basis for any material Environmental Claim or any other material claim for damages or compensation;
(f)          Other than pursuant to leases and other Contracts containing customary indemnification and similar provisions, the Company and each of its Subsidiaries have not assumed or retained by contract, Order or operation of any Legal Requirement any liability (i) of any Person (other than the Company and each of its Subsidiaries) in respect of any Environmental Claim or pursuant to Environmental Laws, or (ii) with respect to any property formerly owned or operated by, or any business or operations formerly conducted by, either the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; and
(g)         The Sellers have made available for inspection by Buyer complete and accurate copies of all material environmental assessment and audit reports and studies, all Environmental Permits, and all correspondence addressing environmental obligations or Environmental Claims relating to the Company and each of its Subsidiaries and their properties and operations that are in the possession of or otherwise available to the Sellers, in each case dated since January 1, 2012.
2.22    Affiliated Transactions .  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.22 , no director, officer, stockholder, member, partner or any Affiliate of the Sellers, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any individual in such director’s, officer’s, member’s, partner’s, holder’s or Affiliate’s immediate family or any entity controlled by any such director, officer, stockholder, member, partner or Affiliate of the Sellers or the Company, (i) is a party to any Contract or transaction with or (except under terms of employment, as applicable) provides any services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, (ii) has any interest in any tangible or intangible property used by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (iii) has, directly or indirectly, any material interest in any Person that competes with, or does business with, or has any contractual arrangement with, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) collectively, “ Affiliated Transactions ”). Except for obligations under the Related-Party Leases (but only if such obligations are considered in the calculation of Final Aggregate Closing Consideration, and then only to the extent such consideration resulted in an actual adjustment to Final Aggregate Closing Consideration), (a) none of said Persons has any claim, charge, action, or cause of action against the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, except for claims for reasonable unreimbursed travel or entertainment expenses, accrued vacation pay, or accrued salary and bonus or accrued benefits under a Plan existing on the date hereof, and (b) none of said Persons owes any money to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
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2.23    Sufficiency of and Title to Assets .  The assets owned, leased, or licensed by the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof (and for the avoidance of doubt, immediately following the consummation of the Transactions) constitute all material assets used in connection with the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and such assets constitute all the assets necessary for the Company and its Subsidiaries to continue to conduct its business in the same manner as they are presently being conducted or proposed to be conducted.  Except as set forth in Schedule 2.23 and for physical damage for which adequate accruals are reflected in the Interim Financial Statements, the Rolling Stock, taken as a whole, (i) is in the Company’s possession and control, (ii) is in good operating condition and repair (subject to normal wear, repairs, and maintenance), (iii) is usable in the ordinary course of business, (iv) is properly and currently licensed and registered and is otherwise in conformance with applicable Legal Requirements, Permits, warranties and maintenance schedules relating to its construction, manufacture, modification, use and operation, (v) is in good operating condition as compared to tractors and trailers of its age and type and (vi) has been maintained and serviced in a manner materially consistent with manufacturers’ recommendations and requirements, United States Department of Transportation (“ USDOT ”) standards and the standards of any other Governmental Authority applicable to the Rolling Stock. Schedule 2.23-1 sets forth the Rolling Stock owned or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the date of the Latest Balance Sheet (and indicates whether such Rolling Stock is either owned or leased), and, except for acquisitions and dispositions in the ordinary course of business since such date, such Rolling Stock is owned or leased by the Company or the applicable Subsidiary of the Company as of the Closing Date. The assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries are not subject to any Lien, except for Liens disclosed on Schedule 2.23 and Liens not securing any Indebtedness that are immaterial individually and in the aggregate.
2.24      Labor and Employment Matters .
(a)          Schedule 2.24(a) sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all employees of the Company and/or any of its Subsidiaries (the “ Business Employees ”).  Schedule 2.24(a) sets forth each Business Employee’s name, employing entity or employing entities, job title, principal place of employment, status as exempt or non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, original hire date, service date, bonus and other compensation paid for calendar year 2017 and paid or payable for calendar year 2018, current base salary or base wages and all other forms of compensation for which such Business Employee is eligible, description of any current leave status (including nature and anticipated duration), details of any visa and details of any co-employment relationship.
(b)          Except as set forth on Schedule 2.24(b) :
(i)    neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is, are, or have been, a party to or bound by any collective bargaining agreement or other Contract with a labor union or other representative of employees and no such Contract is currently being negotiated;
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(ii)    no Business Employee is represented by a labor union or similar representative and there have been no union certification or representation petitions with respect to any Business Employees or other individuals who have provided services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, no union organizing campaign or similar effort is pending or threatened with respect to any Business Employees;
(iii)   There is no legal, administrative or other claim, charge, labor dispute, grievance or arbitration proceeding pending or, to Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened by or with respect to any Business Employee or any other individual who has provided services with respect to the Company. Since January 1, 2015, the Company has complied in all material respects with all Legal Requirements with respect to the employment or engagement of each Business Employee and each other individual who has provided services with respect to the Company (including the Fair Labor Standards Act and all such Legal Requirements regarding wages and hours, classification of employees and contractors, anti-discrimination, anti-retaliation, recordkeeping, employee leave, Tax withholding and reporting, immigration and safety) and as of the Closing Date, each Business Employee and any other individual who has provided services with respect to the Company will have been paid all wages, bonuses, compensation and other sums owed to such Business Employee or other individual as of such date or (only if such obligations are considered in the calculation of Final Aggregate Closing Consideration, and then unless constituting working capital liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices addressed under Section 1.02, only to the extent such consideration resulted in an actual adjustment to Final Aggregate Closing Consideration) the appropriate amounts will have been accrued as a current liability in the Sellers’ calculation of the Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration;
(iv)   since January 1, 2017, there has not been any strike, slowdown, picketing, work stoppage, lockout, employee grievance process, union organizational activity, or other labor dispute involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or any of foregoing entities’ respective Affiliates;
(v)    with respect to all Business Employees and former employees and contractors of the Company and its Subsidiaries, since January 1, 2015, there has not been any proceeding relating to the alleged violation of any Legal Requirement pertaining to labor relations, including any charge or complaint filed with the National Labor Relations Board, or any comparable Governmental Authority and there has not been any material proceeding relating to any alleged violation of any Legal Requirement pertaining to employment or wage practices, including any charge or complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, U.S. Department of Labor, or any comparable Governmental Authority;
(vi)    Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has agreed to recognize a collective bargaining agent; and
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(vii)     there are no current or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened investigations relating to the classification of independent contractors engaged by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, nor any of foregoing entities’ respective Affiliates, has received notice from any Governmental Authority or other third party that such authority or other third party is seeking to reclassify all or any portion of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’, or any of foregoing entities’ respective Affiliates’, independent contractors as employees for any purpose.
2.25     Drivers .
(a)         Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries:
(i)      is required by agreement with any driver to segregate from the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ general funds monies collected for such driver or is otherwise restricted from use of such funds, except with respect to Tax levies, garnishments, and other amounts incurred in the ordinary course of business, including but not limited to advances to drivers and owner-operators and maintenance escrows;
(ii)     holds or is required to hold any funds in trust for a driver, in respect of such driver’s services; or
(iii)   has any fiduciary relationship or duty to any driver arising out of or in connection with any Contract with any driver.
(b)          No driver, whether pursuant to contract or otherwise, controls the method of collection of the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ accounts or restricts the use of proceeds thereof after receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(c)          No driver, whether pursuant to contract or otherwise, has the right to seek payment from, or otherwise has recourse against, any Person obligated on an account for payables by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to such driver.
(d)          All payments by the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of payables to drivers, whether pursuant to contract or otherwise, are made from the general funds of the Company or its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
2.26      Owner-Operators .
(a)          Each of the Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ contracts with its owner-operators complies in all material respects with the federal truth-in-lending regulations set forth in 49 C.F.R. Part 376, and in the past three years, all payments, deductions, chargebacks, and other actions of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries with regard to its owner-operators have complied in all material respects with the terms and conditions of such contracts and regulations.
(b)          Each of the Company’s and each of its Subsidiaries’ contracts with its owner-operators (i) complies in all material respects with all applicable Legal Requirements, (ii) has been duly and validly executed and delivered by the Company or its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, the respective owner-operator, (iii) is in full force and effect and is valid and enforceable in accordance with its terms, and (iv) does not require the consent of any Person in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.  Except as would not reasonably be expected to result in any material liability to the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole, no event has occurred or circumstance exists that (with or without notice or lapse of time or both) would be reasonably expected to contravene, conflict with or result in a breach of, or give the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other Person the right to declare a default or exercise any remedy under, or to accelerate the maturity or performance of, or payment under, or to cancel, terminate, or modify any contract between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an owner-operator.
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(c)          S chedule 2.26(c) is a true, correct, and complete listing, as of the relevant date, of all of the escrowed funds held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for each owner-operator, in all material respects, and a listing of any amounts owed to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by each owner-operator in accordance with the terms of any contract between the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and an owner-operator, all of which are reflected on the Latest Balance Sheet and included in the calculation of Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration.
2.27      Permits; Safety .
(a)          The Company and its Subsidiaries possess all Permits required to operate their business in all material respects as presently or previously conducted, such Permits are in full force and effect, no Proceeding is pending or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, threatened which could result in the revocation, reclassification or limitation of any Permit. Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received any written notice of or, to the Sellers’ Knowledge, any other communication regarding (i) any actual or possible violation of any Permit or any failure to comply with any term or requirement of any Permit, or (ii) any actual or possible revocation, withdrawal, suspension, cancellation, termination, or modification of any Permit.  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.27 , none of the Permits held by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will be terminated or impaired or become terminable as a result of the Transactions.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has an unsatisfactory or conditional safety and fitness rating from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Commission (“ FMCSA ”), or its predecessor the Federal Highway Administration (“ FHWA ”), as a result of a compliance review by the FMCSA or FHWA, and there is no compliance review or related proceeding currently pending.  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, maintains Compliance, Safety and Accountability scores (“ CSA Scores ”) above the “alert” threshold in each of the seven categories assessed by the FMCSA in connection therewith, and to Sellers’ Knowledge no issues, deficiencies or violations exist which, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect upon such CSA Scores resulting in any one or more of the CSA Scores increasing above “alert” threshold.
(b)          Attached hereto as Schedule 2.27(b) is a true and accurate copy of the Carrier Selection Guidelines of the Company and its Subsidiaries describing the minimum qualifications applicable to all motor carriers which the Company and its Subsidiaries currently contracts with for brokered transportation of freight and the procedures employed by the Company and its Subsidiaries to confirm each such motor carriers continuing compliance with such requirements (the “ Carrier Selection Requirements ”).  All motor carriers which the Company and its Subsidiaries currently contracts with for brokered transportation of freight comply in all material respects with the Carrier Selection Requirements.
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2.28    Bank Accounts; Powers of Attorney; Investments; Derivatives Schedule  2.28 sets forth (a) the names and locations of all banks, trusts, companies, savings and loan associations and other financial institutions at which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries maintains safe deposit boxes, an account, credit line, lock box or other accounts of any nature with respect to its business, and the account numbers with respect to each of the foregoing, (b) the names of all Persons authorized to draw thereon, make withdrawals therefrom or have access thereto, (c) the names of all Persons, if any, holding powers of attorney from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and a summary statement of the terms thereof, (d) all certificates of deposit, debt, or equity securities and other investments owned, beneficially or of record, by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and (e) any outstanding obligations in respect of a derivative transaction including any foreign exchange transaction.
2.29    Loans to Officers and Directors .  Except as set forth on Schedule  2.29, neither the Company nor any Subsidiary of the Company has outstanding any loans or advances to any officer or director of the Company or any Subsidiary.
2.30    Bribery of Public Officials and Witnesses; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act .
(a)        Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has violated, attempted, planned, promised to or otherwise acted in contradiction to the anti-bribery and corruption provisions of 18 U.S.C. § 201(b) and (c) or any regulations or rules promulgated thereunder (the “ Anti-Kickback Statutes ”).  Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice from any Governmental Authority of, or been investigated by any Governmental Authority with respect to, any violation by the Company, any Subsidiary of the Company or any employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of the Anti-Kickback Statutes and no such investigation has been threatened or is pending.
(b)         (i) the Company and its Subsidiaries are in compliance with the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the “ FCPA ”), except where the failure to so comply would not result in a material liability to or limitation on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, and (ii) since January 1, 2012, the Company and its Subsidiaries have not been investigated by any Governmental Authority with respect to, or been given written notice by a Governmental Authority of, any violation by the Sellers, the Company or its Subsidiaries of the FCPA.
(c)         Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries have, directly or indirectly, used any corporate funds for unlawful contributions, gifts, entertainment, or other unlawful expenses relating to political activity, made any unlawful payment to foreign or domestic government officials or employees or to foreign or domestic political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, established or maintained a secret or unrecorded fund, participated in or co-operated with an international boycott as defined in Section 999 of the Code, violated any provision of the FCPA, or made any bribe, rebate, payoff, influence payment, kickback, or other similar unlawful payment to any officer or employee of any Governmental Authority, a member of a foreign political party, or a candidate for political office in a foreign country, for the purpose of influencing any act or decision of any such Person acting in his or her official capacity or inducing the Person to do or omit to do any action in violation of his or her lawful duty, inducing such Person to use his or her influence with any government to affect or influence any act or decision of such government or instrumentality, in order to assist the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to obtain or retain business for or with, or in directing business to, any Person.
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2.31      Books and Records . The Company has provided or made available to Buyer true, correct, and complete copies of (a) all documents identified in the Disclosure Schedules, (b) the Organizational Documents, (c) the Company Subsidiary Organizational Documents, (d) the minute books containing records of all proceedings, consents, actions, and meetings by the managers, members, boards of directors, or similar governing body of the Company and its Subsidiaries, committees of the boards of directors of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and stockholders or other equity holders of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as applicable, in each case, since January 1, 2012, and (e) the stock ledger, journal, and other records of the equity ownership of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  The foregoing books and records of the Sellers, the Company and its Subsidiaries are true, correct and complete in all material respects.
2.32    Restrictions on Business Activities .  Except as set forth on Schedule 2.32 , there is no Contract or Order binding upon the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, which has or would reasonably be expected to have, whether before or after consummation of the Transactions, the effect of prohibiting or impairing any current or presently proposed business practice of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, any acquisition of property by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of business by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as currently conducted or as presently proposed to be conducted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
2.33     No Other Representations or Warranties .  SELLERS ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY BUYER THAT ARE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES) OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, BUYER EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS AND MAKES NO, AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE ANY, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED) TO SELLERS OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.  EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, NONE OF SELLERS, ANY OF THEIR AFFILIATES, NOR ANY OTHER PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF SELLERS MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO BUYER (WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED) WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.
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ARTICLE 3
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER
Buyer represents and warrants to Sellers as follows:
3.01    Good Standing .  Buyer is a corporation existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of Nevada.
3.02    Power and Authority; Authorization .  Buyer has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and to perform its obligations thereunder.  The execution, delivery and performance of the Transaction Documents by Buyer and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of Buyer, and no other corporate proceedings on Buyer’s part are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery or performance of the Transaction Documents to which Buyer is a party.
3.03    Enforceability .  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer, and assuming that this Agreement is a valid and binding obligation of Sellers, this Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of equitable remedies.  Each other Transaction Document to which the Buyer is a party, has been (or are being in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement) duly executed and delivered by Buyer, and assuming that such other Transaction Documents are valid and binding obligations of the other parties thereto, each such Transaction Document constitutes a valid and binding obligation of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy laws, other similar Legal Requirements affecting creditors’ rights and general principles of equity affecting the availability of equitable remedies.
3.04    No Conflicts .  Except as set forth on Schedule 3.04 , the execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of the Transaction Documents to which it is a party and the consummation of the Transactions do not conflict with or result in any breach of, constitute a default under, result in a violation of, result in the creation of any Lien upon any assets of Buyer, or require any authorization, consent, approval or other action by or notice to any Governmental Authority or other third party that has not been obtained, under the provisions of Buyer’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws, or any Contract or other instrument to which Buyer is bound, or any Legal Requirement to which Buyer is subject.
3.05    Litigation .  There are no Proceedings pending against or affecting Buyer or its Subsidiaries at law or in equity, by or before any Governmental Authority, or arbitration or mediation authority, which would reasonably be expected to adversely affect Buyer’s performance under any Transaction Document to which Buyer is a party or the consummation of the Transactions.
3.06    Brokerage .  There are no claims for brokerage commissions, finders’ fees or similar compensation in connection with the Transactions based on any arrangement or other Contract made by or on behalf of Buyer, except those that will be satisfied or otherwise borne by Buyer (and not satisfied or otherwise borne by Sellers or any of their owners or Affiliates).
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3.07    No Other Representations or Warranties .  BUYER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES MADE BY SELLERS THAT ARE EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE DISCLOSURE SCHEDULES) OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, SELLERS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIM AND MAKE NO, AND SHALL NOT BE DEEMED TO HAVE MADE ANY, REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND (WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED) TO BUYER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES OR REPRESENTATIVES WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.  EXCEPT FOR THE REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES EXPRESSLY CONTAINED IN THIS AGREEMENT OR IN ANY TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, NONE OF BUYER, ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES, NOR ANY OTHER PERSON ACTING ON BEHALF OF BUYER MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY TO SELLERS (WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED) WITH RESPECT TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS AGREEMENT.
ARTICLE 4
ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS
4.01     Tax Matters .
(a)         Buyer shall prepare or cause to be prepared all Tax Returns of the Company and its Subsidiaries required to be filed after the Closing Date for all Pre-Closing Periods and all Straddle Periods (collectively, the “ Buyer Prepared Returns ”), other than income Tax Returns and any amendments thereto required under Legal Requirements to be filed by any Seller and the Company’s Form 1120S for the period up to the date immediately prior to the Closing Date (or through the end of the Closing Date if a Section 338(h)(10) Election is made) and for any prior periods (the “ Seller Prepared Returns ”), preparation of which will be the responsibility of the Sellers.  The Buyer Prepared Returns shall be prepared on a basis consistent with past practice except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Legal Requirements.  Not later than 15 days prior to the due date (including extensions) for filing any Buyer Prepared Return (other than a Tax Return relating to sales, use, or payroll Taxes that are required to be filed contemporaneously with, or promptly after, the close of a Tax period), Buyer shall deliver a copy of such Buyer Prepared Return, together with all supporting documentation and workpapers, to Sellers for their review and reasonable comment.  Buyer will cause each Buyer Prepared Return to be timely filed and will provide a copy thereof to Sellers.  Not later than five days prior to the due date for the payment of Taxes with respect to any Buyer Prepared Return, Sellers shall pay or cause to be paid to Buyer the amount of any Seller Taxes with respect to such Buyer Prepared Return.  Not later than 15 days prior to the due date (including extensions) for filing any Seller Prepared Return, Sellers shall deliver a copy of such Seller Prepared Return, together with all supporting documentation and workpapers, to Buyer for its review and reasonable comment.  Sellers will cause each Seller Prepared Return to be timely filed, pay any Taxes owed for the period covered by such Seller Prepared Return and provide a copy thereof to Buyer.
(b)          In completing any Seller Prepared Returns for the relevant Tax period and for any Straddle Period, the Indebtedness and Transaction Expenses paid at or prior to the Closing by the Company or its Subsidiaries will, to the extent properly deductible by Sellers for federal or applicable state and local income tax purposes, be allocated to Sellers.  For the avoidance of doubt, any accrued liabilities taken into account in computing the “aggregate deemed sale price” pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.338-4 and Section 6.01 (i) below will, to the extent properly deductible by Sellers for federal or applicable state and local income tax purposes, be allocated to such pursuant to Treasury Regulations Sections 1.461-4(d)(5) and 1.338-4(d).  The parties will not make an election under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii) (or any corresponding or similar provision of applicable state, local or foreign income Tax law) to ratably allocate the 2018 income and loss of the Company and its Subsidiaries.
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(c)          Except as otherwise required by applicable law (including in connection with a voluntary disclosure agreement), Buyer will not amend (or cause to be amended) any Tax Return of the Company or its Subsidiaries, for any Pre-Closing Period or Straddle Period, or make (or cause to be made) any Tax filing or election that has retroactive effect to any Pre-Closing Period or Straddle Period (other than the Section 338(h)(10) Election), in each case without the prior written consent of the Sellers which consent will not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided that such prior written consent shall not be required if such Tax Return is required by law to be amended or if such Tax filing or election is required by law to be made (including in connection with a voluntary disclosure agreement).
(d)           Buyer and the Sellers shall attempt in good faith to resolve any disagreements regarding any Buyer Prepared Return and any Seller Prepared Return prior to the filing due date (including applicable extensions).  In the event that Buyer and Sellers are unable to resolve any dispute with respect to such Buyer Prepared Return or Seller Prepared Return, such dispute shall be resolved by an independent accounting firm mutually acceptable to both Buyer and Sellers. The fees and expenses of such accounting firm shall be borne equally by Sellers, on the one hand, and Buyer on the other.  If any dispute with respect to a Buyer Prepared Return or a Seller Prepared Return is not resolved prior to the applicable filing due date (including applicable extensions), such Buyer Prepared Return or Seller Prepared Return shall be filed in the manner that Buyer deems correct and consistent with this Agreement; provided , however , that such Buyer Prepared Return or Seller Prepared Return shall be amended to the extent necessary to reflect the subsequent resolution of any such dispute by the independent accounting firm.
(e)           In the case of such Taxes that are payable with respect to any Straddle Period, the portion of any such Taxes that is attributable to the portion of the period ending on the Closing Date shall be:
(i)     in the case of Taxes that are either (A) based upon or related to income or receipts, or (B) imposed in connection with any sale or other transfer or assignment of property (real or personal , tangible or intangible), deemed equal to the amount that would be payable if the Tax period of the Company and its Subsidiaries ended with (and included) the Closing Date; provided that exemptions, allowances or deductions that are calculated on an annual basis (including depreciation and amortization deductions) shall be allocated between the period ending on and including the Closing Date and the period beginning after the Closing Date in proportion to the number of days in each period; and
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(ii)    in the case of Taxes that are imposed on a periodic basis with respect to the assets or capital of the Company or any Subsidiary, deemed to be the amount of such Taxes for the entire Straddle Period (or, in the case of such Taxes determined on an arrears basis, the amount of such Taxes for the immediately preceding period), multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is the number of calendar days in the portion of the period ending on and including the Closing Date and the denominator of which is the number of calendar days in the entire period.
(f)         Buyer and Sellers shall cooperate fully as and to the extent reasonably requested by the other party in connection with the filing of Tax Returns and any audit, litigation or other proceeding (each a “ Tax Proceeding ”) with respect to Taxes imposed on or with respect to the assets, operations or activities of the Company and its Subsidiaries.  Such cooperation shall include the retention and (upon the other party’s request) the provision of records and information which are reasonably relevant to any such Tax Return or Tax Proceeding and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any material provided hereunder.  Each of the Sellers and Buyer agrees, upon request of the other, to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any certificate or other documentation from any Governmental Authority or any other Person as may be necessary to mitigate, reduce or eliminate any Tax that could be imposed on the Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary or Sellers, including, but not limited to, with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.  The Company and its Subsidiaries and Sellers shall (i) retain all books and records with respect to Tax matters pertinent to the Company and its Subsidiaries relating to any taxable period beginning before the Closing Date until the expiration of the statute of limitations (and, to the extent notified by Buyer or the Sellers, any extensions thereof) of the respective taxable periods, and to abide by all record retention agreements entered into with any taxing authority, and (ii) give the other party reasonable written notice prior to transferring, destroying or discarding any such books and records and, if the other party so requests, the Company and its Subsidiaries, or the Sellers, as the case may be, shall allow the other party to take possession of such books and records.  Notwithstanding the above, the control and conduct of any Tax Proceeding that is a third-party action shall be governed by Section 5.0 5 .
(g)         Any Tax refunds that are received by Buyer or its Affiliates (including the Company after the Closing), and any amounts credited against Taxes to which Buyer or its Affiliates may become entitled, that relate to Seller Taxes for Pre-Closing Periods or portions thereof for any Straddle Period (other than any refund resulting from the carryback of a net operating loss or other Tax arising in a Tax period or portion thereof beginning after the Closing Date) will be for the account of Sellers, and Buyer will pay over to Sellers any such refund or credit within ten (10) days after receipt or entitlement thereto.  If any such refund or credit is subsequently disallowed, the Taxes payable by the Company in connection with the disallowance of such refund or credit will be treated as Seller Taxes subject to indemnification or escrow recovery under Section 5.04 .
(h)         All transfer, documentary, sales, use, stamp, registration or other similar Taxes imposed on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or the Sellers as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (collectively, “ Transfer Taxes ”) and any penalties or interest with respect to the Transfer Taxes will be borne fifty percent (50%) by Sellers and fifty percent (50%) by Buyer.  The Buyer will file all necessary Tax Returns and other documentation with respect to all such Transfer Taxes.  Buyer and Sellers will cooperate in the filing of any returns with respect to the Transfer Taxes, including promptly supplying information in their possession that is reasonably necessary to complete such Tax Returns.   Buyer and Sellers shall cooperate in good faith to minimize, to the extent permissible under applicable Law, the amount of any such Transfer Taxes.
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(i)         If a Section 338(h)(10) Election is made, Buyer shall provide Sellers with an allocation of the Purchase Price and the liabilities of the Company and Subsidiaries for which such election is made (plus other relevant items) among the assets of such Company and Subsidiaries pursuant to section 338 of the Code and the regulations thereunder and consistent with the principles set forth on Schedule 1.06 (the “ Tax Allocation ”).  Buyer shall adjust the Tax Allocation to reflect any adjustments to the Purchase Price hereunder and shall provide Seller with a copy of the revised Tax Allocation. Sellers and Buyer shall, and shall cause their Affiliates to, report consistently with the Tax Allocation in all Tax Returns, including IRS Form 8594, which Buyer and Sellers shall timely file with the IRS, and neither Sellers nor Buyer shall take any position in any Tax Return that is inconsistent with the Tax Allocation, as adjusted, in each case, unless required to do so by an Order, and Sellers and Buyer agree to promptly advise each other regarding the existence of any Tax audit, controversy, or other Proceeding relating to the Allocation.
(j)         Sellers agree that, if requested by Buyer not later than ninety (90) days after the Closing Date, Sellers will join Buyer in making a timely, irrevocable and effective Section 338(h)(10) Election.  To facilitate such election, at the Closing, Sellers shall deliver to Buyer IRS Forms 8023 or successor forms and any similar forms under state or local law (each a “ Form 8023 ”) with respect to Buyer’s purchase of the Company Stock, which Forms 8023 shall have been duly executed by authorized persons on behalf of Sellers.  If Buyer elects to make one or more Section 338(h)(10) Elections, prior to the due date thereof, Buyer shall (i) cause the applicable Form 8023 to be duly executed by an authorized person for Buyer; (ii) complete the schedules required to be attached thereto (including providing appropriate information for each entity for which Buyer elects to make a Section 338(h)(10) Election); (iii) provide a copy of the executed Form 8023 and schedules to Sellers; (iv) deliver the Gross Up Payment to the Sellers in accordance with Section 1.06; and (v) duly and timely file the Form 8023 as prescribed by Treasury Regulation Section 1.338(h)(10)-1 or applicable provision under state or local law.  If Buyer elects to make one or more Section 338(h)(10) Elections, Buyer, the Company and Sellers will file all Tax Returns (such as IRS Form 8883 or any other forms or reports required to be filed pursuant to Section 338 of the Code or any comparable provisions of state or local law) and information reports in a manner consistent with the Tax Allocation, as finally determined, except as otherwise required by a final determination as defined in Section 1313 of the Code.
4.02    Further Assurances .  From time to time from and after the Closing, as and when reasonably requested by the other party, each Seller and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Buyer and its Affiliates, on the other hand, shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents and instruments and shall take, or cause to be taken, all such further or other actions as Buyer may reasonably deem necessary to evidence and effectuate the Transactions, including, if requested by Buyer or its Affiliates , assistance with respect to any claim by Buyer (or one of its Affiliates) under the R&W Policy.
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4.03    Release .
(a)        Effective as of the Closing, each Seller on its behalf and on behalf of each member of the Seller Group, hereby finally, unconditionally, irrevocably and absolutely forever releases, acquits, remises and discharges, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Legal Requirements, each member of the Company Group, both individually and in their official capacities, from any and all claims that any member of the Seller Group may now have, has ever had or that might subsequently accrue to such member of the Seller Group, including any claims (i) that may be asserted derivatively whether on behalf of the Company or otherwise against any current or former officer, director, partner, member, manager or employee of any member of the Company Group, including with respect to the negotiation, execution and delivery of this Agreement or any Transaction Document, (ii) arising on account of or arising out of any matter, cause or event related to such Seller’s direct or indirect, record or beneficial, ownership of the Company Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group, (iii) relating to breach of fiduciary duty, (iv) relating to breach of the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group, (v) relating to slander, libel or disparagement of such Seller or of his family members by any member of the Company Group occurring prior to the date hereof, (vi) relating to requests for information or any failure to provide required reports or complete or correct information to such Seller, or any officers, directors or managers of any member of the Company Group, (vii) relating to the operation or management of any member of the Company Group by the partners, officers, directors, managers and Affiliates of such member of the Company Group, (viii) relating to any failure of any member of the Company Group to offer such Seller the right to acquire any additional securities of any member of the Company Group or any violation of any preemptive rights of such Seller, or (ix) relating to such Seller’s employment by any member of the Seller Group or the termination thereof (the “ Seller Released Claims ”); provided , however , that the foregoing release and discharge shall not apply to any (x) rights and claims arising from or in connection with this Agreement or any Transaction Document (including claims arising after the Closing under the Related Party Leases), (y) compensation for services rendered and reimbursement of expenses payable to such Seller in such Seller’s capacity as an employee or officer of the Company in the ordinary course of business relating to the pay period in which the Closing occurs, or (z) rights and claims arising from a Seller’s employment relationship with the Company Group for any period beginning after the Closing.
(b)       THE RELEASE IN SECTION 4.03(a) IS SPECIFICALLY INTENDED TO OPERATE AND BE APPLICABLE EVEN IF IT IS ALLEGED, CHARGED OR PROVEN THAT ALL OR SOME OF THE CLAIMS OR DAMAGES RELEASED WERE SOLELY AND COMPLETELY CAUSED BY ANY ACTS OR OMISSIONS, WHETHER NEGLIGENT, GROSSLY NEGLIGENT, INTENTIONAL OR OTHERWISE, OF OR BY (AND WHETHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY AGENTS OR REPRESENTATIVES OF) THE COMPANY GROUP.
(c)       E ach Seller represents and warrants that it has not transferred, pledged, assigned or otherwise hypothecated to any other Person all or any portion of any Seller Released Claims (or any claims that would constitute Seller Released Claims but for any such transfer, pledge or assignment) or any rights or entitlements with respect thereto.
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(d)        Each Seller acknowledges that the provisions of Section  4.03(a) are valid, fair, adequate and reasonable and were agreed to with its full knowledge and consent, were not procured through fraud, duress or mistake and have not had the effect of misleading, misinforming or failing to inform such Seller. Each Seller further acknowledges that, in signing the release set forth in Section  4.03(a), it has not relied on any promises or representations, express or implied, that are not referred to herein.
(e)        Each Seller, on its own behalf and on behalf of each member of the Seller Group, hereby irrevocably covenants to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any claim or demand, or commencing, instituting or causing to be commenced, or assisting any party in the commencement of any action, proceeding, arbitration, audit, hearing, investigation, litigation or suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or informal) of any kind against any member of the Company Group based upon any Seller Released Claims purported to be released hereby. Each Seller understands that it is, on its own behalf and on behalf of each member of the Seller Group, expressly waiving all claims against the Company Group covered by the release set forth in Section 4.03(a) , including those claims that he, she or it may not know of or suspect to exist, that, if known, may have materially affected the decision to provide the release set forth in Section 4.03(a) , and each Seller is, on its own behalf and on behalf of each member of the Seller Group, expressly waiving any rights under applicable Legal Requirements that provide to the contrary.  Each Seller agrees that if it violates any provision of this Section 4.03 , it shall pay all costs and expenses of defending against any related or resulting suit or other proceeding incurred by the applicable member of the Company Group released hereunder, including reasonable attorneys’ fees.
4.04    Restrictive Covenants .  In (i) consideration for Buyer’s acquisition of the Company Stock and the transfer of the goodwill associated therewith, (ii) order to protect the goodwill obtained by Buyer and transferred by the Sellers as a result of the Transactions, and (iii) order to satisfy certain conditions to the consummation of the Transactions and as a material inducement and express incentive for Buyer to enter into this Agreement, each Seller expressly agrees to the provisions of this Section 4.04 .
(a)            Covenant Not To Compete . Each Seller covenants and agrees that, during the Restricted Period, except as set forth on Schedule 4.04(a) , such Seller shall not, and shall not permit any Affiliate of such Seller or any Person acting at such Seller’s direction (collectively, a “Seller Party”) to, directly or indirectly, own, invest in (except for passive investment, not exceeding 4.9% percent ownership, of any public company), manage, join, operate or control, or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected as a partner, consultant or otherwise with, or permit such Seller’s or other Person’s names to be used by or in connection with, any business or organization (other than Buyer or any of Buyer’s Affiliates) that engages in the Restricted Business. For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of this Section 4.04(a) , the Restricted Business shall not be deemed to include (i) activities in respect of owned warehouses and the provision of public warehousing services in relation to those warehouses, (ii) activities normally associated with ownership, operation, management, control, and financing of tractor and/or trailer dealerships affiliated with original equipment manufacturers (“ OEM ”) (including without limitation the ownership that certain Landmark Navistar dealership in which the Sellers or their Affiliates formerly had ownership), whether through acquisition or start-up, and including in such activities new and used tractor and trailer sales and leasing that are consistent with OEM dealer activities and not in violation of Section 4.04(b) or 4.04(c) hereof, or (iii) the passive ownership of or investment in trailers or pass-through entities that own trailers and collection of rents therefrom without any material participation in the control, management, marketing, or operation of the leasing operations. The restrictions set forth in the previous sentence shall apply on Sellers’ (and its Affiliates and other applicable Person’s) activities throughout the lower 48 contiguous United States (the “ Restricted Territory ”).
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(b)            Non-Solicitation of Employees, Consultants, Independent Contractors .  During the Restricted Period, no Seller shall, and each Seller shall cause its respective Affiliates not to, without the prior written consent of Buyer, directly or indirectly, cause, solicit, induce or encourage to leave the employment or engagement of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of Buyer or any of its Affiliates, or solicit, hire or employ, or cause any other Person to solicit, hire, engage or employ, any Person (including any consultants or independent contractors) retained or employed by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or by Buyer or any of its Affiliates as of the Closing or as of any time following the Closing unless such employee’s, consultant’s or independent contractor’s retention or employment had ceased for the preceding 12 months; provided that (i) general advertising (including general Internet advertising) not targeted at a particular employee or consultant or independent contractor (or group thereof) shall not be deemed a breach hereof, nor shall hiring or retaining any Person who responds to such a general advertisement not targeted at a particular employee or consultant or independent contractor (or group thereof), and (ii) nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit any Seller or any other Person from engaging any professional services firm or other third party advisor that provides consulting services to multiple clients.
(c)            No Interference with Customers, Suppliers or Others .  Each Seller agrees that, during the Restricted Period, each Seller shall not, and shall not permit any Affiliate of such Seller or any Person acting at such Seller’s direction or with such Seller’s encouragement to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, encourage, support, cause or attempt to cause any Supplier to cease or lessen such Supplier’s business with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or with Buyer or any of its Affiliates; or (ii) solicit any Customer regarding Restricted Business in the Restricted Territory. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Customer ” means any shipper, carrier, client or other customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Buyer or any of its Affiliates as of the Closing or during the Restricted Period. For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Supplier ” means any carrier or other supplier of goods or services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing or during the Restricted Period.
(d)            Non-Disparagement .  Each Seller agrees that, during the Restricted Period, such Seller shall not, shall cause its Affiliates not to, and shall not permit any Person acting at such Seller’s direction or with such Seller’s encouragement to, directly or indirectly, make, publish, communicate or take any action, or cause or induce or encourage any Person to make, publish, communicate or take any action, to disparage Buyer or any of its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries) or their respective direct or indirect officers, directors, employees, equityholders, members, agents, products or services.
(e)            Sellers’ Acknowledgements and Representations .  Each Seller expressly acknowledges and agrees that the restrictions set forth herein are reasonable in all respects and are no greater than necessary to protect Buyer’s and its Affiliates’ (including the Company’s) legitimate business interests, including the preservation of trade secrets, valuable confidential and professional information, substantial relationships with prospective and existing customers, and the goodwill that the Sellers are conveying to Buyer under this Agreement.  Each Seller further acknowledges and agrees that the Restricted Territory represents a reasonable geographic area and that the Company and Buyer do business throughout the Restricted Territory as of the Closing Date.  Further, each Seller acknowledges that Buyer would not proceed with the Closing without receiving the full scope of the protections provided for hereunder and that any lesser geographic restriction would not adequately protect Buyer.
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(f)        Reformation; Severability of Provisions .  The parties expressly acknowledge and agree that the restrictions contained herein are reasonable and no greater than necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Buyer and its Affiliates.  However, if any covenant set forth in this Agreement is determined by any court to be unenforceable by reason of its extending for too great a period of time or over too great a geographic area, or by reason of its being too extensive in any other respect, such covenant shall be reformed and interpreted to extend only for the longest period of time and over the greatest geographic area, and to otherwise have the broadest application as shall be enforceable.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision (or part thereof) of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions hereof (or parts thereof), which shall continue in full force and effect.  Without limiting the foregoing, the covenants contained herein shall be construed as separate covenants, covering their respective subject matters, with respect to each of the separate cities, counties and states, and each political subdivision thereof, within the Restricted Territory.
(g)       Injunctive Relief .  Each Seller acknowledges that (a) the provisions of this Section  4.04 are reasonable and necessary to protect the legitimate interests of Buyer, and (b) any violation of this Section 4.04 will result in irreparable injury to Buyer, the exact amount of which will be difficult to ascertain, and that the remedies at law for any such violation would not be reasonable or adequate compensation to Buyer for such a violation.  Accordingly, each Seller agrees that if a Seller violates the provisions of this Section 4.04 , Buyer, in addition to all other remedies which may be available to it at law or in equity, shall be entitled to specific performance and injunctive relief, without posting bond or other security, and without the necessity of proving actual damages. Such relief will not be exclusive, but will be in addition to all other relief available to Buyer and its Affiliates, at law and equity.
4.05    Employee Matters .
(a)         Service Credit . For purposes of determining eligibility to participate and vesting in the employee benefit, plans and programs of Buyer or the applicable employing Affiliate of Buyer in which those employees of the Company immediately prior to the Closing Date who continue to be employees of the Company or Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer after the Closing Date may be eligible to participate, such employees will be credited with their years of service with the Company and any predecessors to the extent such service was recognized for corresponding purposes of an analogous Plan, except to the extent doing so would create a duplication of benefits for the same period of service.
(i)      Sellers plan to make certain payments to certain existing employees of the Company and Subsidiaries after Closing as more particularly set forth in a certain side letter from the Sellers to Buyer dated as of the date hereof (“ Specified Employee Payments ”).  The Sellers agree to pay all Specified Employee Payments and associated payroll taxes (employer and employee sides), and neither Buyer nor the Company or any Subsidiary shall be liable or responsible to make any of the Specified Employee Payments.
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(b)          No Third Party Beneficiaries; No Amendments .  The provisions of this Section 4.05 are solely for the benefit of the parties hereto and nothing in this Section 4.05 , express or implied, shall confer upon any employee (including any Business Employee), or legal representative or beneficiary thereof, any rights or remedies, including any right to employment or continued employment for any specified period, or compensation or benefits of any nature or kind whatsoever under this Agreement.  Nothing in this Section 4.05 , express or implied, shall be (i) deemed an amendment of any Plan, Benefit Program or Agreement or any employee benefit plan maintained by Buyer or its Affiliates, or (ii) construed to prevent Buyer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates from terminating or modifying to any extent or in any respect any employee benefit plan that Buyer, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates may establish or maintain.
4.06      Use of Certain Names .  Within 60 days following the Closing, the Sellers shall and shall cause their Affiliates to cease using the term “Landair” and any other word, expression or identifiers of source confusingly similar thereto or constituting an abbreviation, derivation or extension thereof (the “ Company Marks ”), including removing, or causing to be removed, all such names, marks or logos from wherever they may appear on a Seller’s assets and disposing of any unused stationery and literature of the Sellers bearing the Company Marks, and thereafter, Sellers shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, use the Company Marks or any other logos, trademarks, trade names similar thereto or other Intellectual Property belonging to the Company or any Affiliate thereof (including the Buyer), and each Seller acknowledges that it, and its Affiliates have no rights whatsoever to use such Intellectual Property.
4.07      R&W Policy .   Buyer has obtained a buyer-side transaction risk insurance policy underwritten by VALE Insurance Partners, LLC as managing general agent for PartnerRe Ireland Insuance dac, which is effective at Closing (the “ R&W Policy ”), insuring Buyer for certain Losses due to certain breaches of representations and warranties of the Sellers under Article 2 , such policy in form reasonably satisfactory to Sellers. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Buyer and the Sellers shall each pay 50% of all costs and expenses related to the R&W Policy, including the total premium, underwriting costs, brokerage commissions, and Taxes related to such policy and fees and expenses of such policy.
4.08      Financial Statements .  Sellers shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Buyer, as promptly as practicable following Closing and in any event no later than 60 days following Closing, (a) financial statements for the Company and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, audited by Coulter & Justus, P.C. and otherwise complying with the requirements of the SEC (including requirements of Regulation S-X), and (b) a written consent of Coulter & Justus, P.C. to the use of such audited financial statements in Buyer’s filings with the SEC under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.  All costs in relation to such items shall be paid by the Buyer.
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ARTICLE 5
INDEMNIFICATION
5.01      Survival .  All of the representations and warranties contained in Article 2 or Article 3 shall survive the Closing and remain in full force and effect until the date that is 18 months following the Closing Date; provided , however , that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the representations and warranties contained in Article 2 will remain operative and in full force and effect until the third anniversary of the Closing Date with respect to any Excess R&W Claims (the “ Excess R&W Claim Expiration Date ”); provided , further , that the representations and warranties in Section 2.21 (Environmental Matters) will remain operative and in full force and effect until the first anniversary of the Closing Date; provided , further , that the representations set forth in Section 2.01 (Organization; Power and Authority), Section 2.02 (Enforceability), Section 2.03(a) and (b) (Authorization), Section 2.04 (Title), Section 2.05 (Brokerage and Expenses), Section 2.09 (Equity Securities), and Section 2.14 (Taxes) (collectively, the “ Fundamental Representations ”) will remain operative and in full force and effect until the later of (a) the sixth anniversary of the Closing Date and (b) expiration of the applicable statute of limitations plus a period of 30 days (each such date of expiration, as applicable, the “ Survival Date ”). Subject to the foregoing, all representations, warranties, covenants and obligations in this Agreement, and any other certificate or document delivered pursuant to this Agreement will survive the Closing until fully performed (or until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations plus a period of 30 days, if such shorter period is required by applicable Legal Requirements). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no expiration of any representation, warranty, covenant or obligation in this Agreement or any other certificate or document delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall affect the rights of any Buyer Indemnitee under this Article 5 or otherwise to seek recovery of Losses arising out of any, fraud or willful breach of any representation or warranty.
5.02        Indemnification .
(a)          From and after the Closing (but subject to the provisions of this Article 5 ), the Sellers shall, severally and not jointly, indemnify Buyer, the Company, and each of Buyer’s and the Company’s respective Affiliates and representatives (all such foregoing persons, collectively, the “ Buyer Indemnitees ”), and defend and hold the Buyer Indemnitees harmless from any Losses, directly or indirectly, whether or not due to a third-party claim, incurred or sustained by or imposed upon a Buyer Indemnitee, to the extent arising out of, based upon, relating to, incurred in connection with, resulting from or with respect to or by reason of any of the following:
(i)     any breach or inaccuracy of any representation or warranty made by any Seller in this Agreement or the Disclosure Schedules, or contained in any certificate delivered to Buyer pursuant to any provision of this Agreement;
(ii)    any breach of the covenants, obligations or agreements made by any Seller in this Agreement;
(iii)   the Excluded Liabilities; and
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(iv)    a ny liability of the Company or the Sellers relating to any Environmental Claim, Environmental Law or Environmental Permits, or any Release of Hazardous Substances to the extent arising out of facts or circumstances in existence prior to the Closing.
(b)        The indemnification provided for in Section 5.02(a) shall be subject to each of the following principles or qualifications:
(i)      All payments under this Section 5.02 shall be treated by the parties as an adjustment to the proceeds received by the indemnifying Seller pursuant to Article 1 ;
(ii)       The Sellers shall not have any liability with respect to the indemnification obligations under Section 5.02(a)(i) other than (A) the possible loss of the funds in the Escrow Account and (B) an additional amount equal to the aggregate Excess R&W Claim Amount actually recovered from the R&W Policy (if any), except, in each case, in respect of (x) fraud or willful breach of any representation or warranty, or (y) breach of a Fundamental Representation;
(iii)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, (A) except for Losses arising from fraud or willful breach, in no event shall Sellers be liable for aggregate Losses resulting from breaches or inaccuracies of any of the representations and warranties contained in Article 2 in excess of the Purchase Price, and (B) in no event shall Sellers be liable for aggregate Losses under Section 5.02(a)(iv) in excess of $5,000,000, nor shall any individual be liable for aggregate Losses under Section 5.02(a)(iv) in excess of $2,500,000;
(iv)    With the exception of Losses arising from a breach of or inaccuracy in any of the Fundamental Representations or fraud or willful breach, no Losses shall be recoverable pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) or Section 5.02(a)(iv) unless the aggregate amount of all Losses for which claims are made pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) and/or Section 5.02(a)(iv) exceeds $500,000, in which case the Buyer Indemnitees shall be entitled to be indemnified against and compensated and reimbursed for the entire amount of such Losses (and not merely the portion of such Losses exceeding such amount);
(v)     With the exception of Losses arising from a breach of or inaccuracy in any of the Fundamental Representations or fraud or willful breach, no Losses shall be recoverable pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) or Section 5.02(a)(iv) for any claim relating to a single matter or series of related or similar matters unless such claim involves Losses exceeding $20,000;
(vi)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, for purposes of determining whether there has been a breach of or inaccuracy in any representation, warranty, or covenant in this Agreement or for purposes of calculating any Losses with respect to a breach of or inaccuracy in any representation, warranty, or covenant in this Agreement, if any such representation, warranty or covenant is qualified by the use of the term “Material Adverse Effect” or by the word “material” or by any word formed from such words, then such representation or warranty shall be construed as if the word “material” (and such words formed therefrom) or the term “Material Adverse Effect” were not included in such representation, warranty or covenant;
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(vii)     Each Buyer Indemnitee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate all Losses of which Buyer has knowledge for which such Buyer Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement.  With respect to any claim for any breach of or inaccuracy in any of the representations and warranties of the Sellers pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) , except in respect of fraud or willful breach of any representation or warranty, the Buyer shall Indemnitees shall first pursue recovery from the Escrow Account and under the R&W Policy, to the extent coverage is available, prior to seeking recovery from any Seller.  A Buyer Indemnitee’s obligation to first pursue recovery from the R&W Policy for any claim by a Buyer Indemnitee for any breach of or inaccuracy in any of the Fundamental Representations pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) (a “ Fundamental Representation Claim ”) or any claim pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(iv) (an “ Environmental Indemnity Claim ”, and any Fundamental Representation Claim or Environmental Indemnity Claim, a “ Specified Claim ”)), shall be subject to the following conditions in the case of claims made at any time on or prior to the third anniversary of the Closing Date: each Seller must first post his respective share of cash, irrevocable letter of credit, or other collateral, in each case in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer (any such collateral, “ Excess R&W Claim Collateral ”), in an amount equal to the lesser of (x) the aggregate amount of Losses subject to such claim, and (y) the aggregate amount of the policy limit under the R&W Policy that remains available to satisfy Losses at the time of such claim (any such amount, an “ Excess R&W Claim Amount ”), in which case Buyer will thereafter pursue the claim under the R&W Policy prior to seeking recovery from any Seller (it being understood that the irrevocable letter of credit described in clause (ix) below constitutes the Excess R&W Claim Collateral for any Environmental Indemnity Claim, and in no event will Sellers be required to post any collateral or make any payment in excess of such amount with respect to any Environmental Indemnity Claim). In addition to, and not in limitation of, the Buyer Indemnitees’ other rights to indemnification pursuant to this Article 5 (including with respect to Fundamental Representation Claims), in the event that a Buyer Indemnitee obtains any recovery from the R&W Policy with respect to any Specified Claim made prior to the Excess R&W Claim Expiration Date, the Buyer Indemnitees shall be entitled to indemnification from Sellers pursuant to Section 5.02(a)(i) for any claims other than Fundamental Representation Claims to the extent made by a Buyer Indemnitee on or prior to the Excess R&W Claim Expiration Date (any such claim, an “ Excess R&W Claim ”), subject to the limitation set forth in Section 5.02(b)(ii) . Any Excess R&W Claim Collateral shall be available to compensate the Buyer Indemnitees for Losses pursuant to this Article 5 . Any Excess R&W Claim Collateral that does not become subject to an Excess R&W Claim on or before the Excess R&W Claim Expiration Date shall thereafter be returned to Sellers. The amount of any Loss that is subject to indemnification under this Article 5 shall be calculated net of the amount of any proceeds pursuant to a third-party insurance policy or from any indemnity, contribution or similar payment from a third-party, in each case to the extent actually received by Buyer with respect to such Loss (net of all amounts that are self-insured and the amount of any deductibles, co-payments, retro-premium obligations and premium increases attributable thereto, and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs of collection of any such proceeds). If a Buyer Indemnitee receives such insurance proceeds or indemnity, contribution or similar payments after being indemnified under this Article 5 with respect to some or all of such Losses, such Buyer Indemnitee shall pay to the applicable Seller the lesser of (A) the amount of such insurance proceeds or indemnity, contribution or similar payment (net of all amounts that are self-insured and the amount of any deductibles, co-payments, retro-premium obligations and premium increases attributable thereto, and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs of collection of any such proceeds), and (B) the aggregate amount paid by such Seller to any Buyer Indemnitee with respect to such Loss. Buyer shall be obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts (consistent with the efforts it would use to obtain insurance proceeds on its own behalf) to obtain available insurance coverage with respect to any Losses; provided , however , that Buyer shall not be obligated to file suit or initiate litigation, mediation or any other proceeding with respect to such insurance coverage.  For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer shall have no obligation to seek recovery from any Person, other than insurance providers as discussed in the previous sentence;
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(viii)    Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the right to indemnification based on any representations, warranties, covenants, or obligations or agreements will not be affected by (A) any investigation conducted with respect to, or any knowledge acquired (or capable of being acquired) at any time, whether before or after the Closing Date, with respect to the accuracy or inaccuracy of or compliance with, any such representation, warranty, covenant, or agreement, or (B) knowledge of the inaccuracy of any, such representations, warranties, covenants, or agreements by the Buyer; and
(ix)      Within 14 days following the Closing Date, each Seller shall post an irrevocable letter of credit in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Buyer and in the amount of $2,500,000, to secure his indemnification obligations under Section 5.02(a)(iv).
5.03     Escrow .
(a)        The Escrow Account shall be available to compensate the Buyer Indemnitees for Losses pursuant to the indemnification obligations set forth in this Article 5 .
(b)          In accordance with the terms of the Escrow Agreement, on the date that is three Business Days following the date that is 18 months following the Closing Date, the Escrow Agent shall pay and distribute out of the Escrow Account (provided, that the Escrow Agent has received joint written instructions from Buyer and Sellers), by wire transfer to the Sellers, an aggregate amount equal to the Escrow Amount (together with any interest that may be earned thereon), less (x) any amounts which have been distributed from the Escrow Account prior to such date and (y) any amounts for which Buyer Indemnitees shall have made a claim pursuant to the procedures set forth in this Article 5 and for which recovery shall not have been satisfied from the Escrow Account (the “ Outstanding Escrow Claims ”).
(i)     As between the parties to this Agreement, if any term or provision of the Escrow Agreement conflicts with any term or provision of this Agreement, then the term or provision of this Agreement will control.  Buyer and the Sellers will each pay for 50% of the administrative fees of the Escrow Agent at the Closing.  All payments made from the Escrow Account shall be treated by the parties as an adjustment to the proceeds received by Sellers pursuant to Article 1 hereof.
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(ii)     In the event that Buyer is determined to be entitled to recovery of a Loss from the Escrow Account, Sellers agree to execute and deliver, at Buyer’s request, to the Escrow Agent joint written instructions within three Business Days after the determination with respect to such Loss is made, instructing the Escrow Agent to distribute to Buyer an amount equal to the lesser of (A) the amount of such Loss and (B) the amount remaining in the Escrow Account, in accordance with such joint written instructions.
5.04    Expiration of Claims . The ability of the Buyer Indemnitees to receive indemnification under Section 5.02(a)(i) shall terminate on the applicable Survival Date, unless a Buyer Indemnitee shall have incurred or reasonably expects to incur a Loss and makes either a written claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 5.02 or a written claim for receipt of proceeds from the Escrow Account pursuant to Section 5.03 , as applicable, on or prior to the applicable Survival Date.  If a Buyer Indemnitee has made either a written claim for indemnification pursuant to Section 5.02 or a written claim for receipt of proceeds from the Escrow Account pursuant to Section 5.03 , as applicable, on or prior to the applicable Survival Date, such claim, if then unresolved, shall not be extinguished by the passage of the applicable Survival Date.
5.05    Procedures Relating to Indemnification .
(a)        In order for a Buyer Indemnitee (such Buyer Indemnitee, the “ Claiming Party ”) to be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement in respect of a claim or demand made by any Person against the Claiming Party (a “ Third Party Claim ”), such Claiming Party shall promptly notify the Sellers (the “ Defending Party ”) in writing of the Third Party Claim after receipt by such Claiming Party of notice of the Third Party Claim; provided that failure to give such notification on a timely basis shall not affect the indemnification obligations of the Sellers provided hereunder except to the extent the Defending Party shall have been actually and materially prejudiced as a result of such failure.  Thereafter, the Claiming Party shall promptly deliver to the Defending Party after the Claiming Party’s receipt thereof, copies of all material notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Claiming Party from the Person making the Third Party Claim.
(b)        If a Third Party Claim is made against a Claiming Party, the Defending Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense thereof and, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof with recognized counsel selected by the Defending Party and approved by the Claiming Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), so long as the requirements of this Section 5.05(b) remain true: (i)  the Defending Party notifies the Claiming Party within 15 days after the Claiming Party has given written notice of a Third Party Claim to the Defending Party that the Defending Party is assuming the defense of such Third Party Claim; and (ii) the Defending Party conducts the defense of the Third Party Claim in an active and diligent manner; provided that the Defending Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense (unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Claiming Party) if (x) the Third Party Claim relates to any criminal proceeding, action, indictment, allegation or investigation
 
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(y) the Third Party Claim seeks any relief other than monetary damages in an amount not in excess of the amount then remaining in the Escrow Account as to which no Outstanding Escrow Claims are pending or the insurer under the R&W Policy has accepted defense. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Defending Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim unless it has acknowledged in writing the Claiming Party’s right to reimbursement and indemnification hereunder for Losses with respect to such Third Party Claim.  Should a Defending Party so elect to assume the defense of a Third Party Claim, the Defending Party shall not be liable to the Claiming Party for legal expenses subsequently incurred by the Claiming Party in connection with the defense thereof unless (i) the employment of separate counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the Defending Party in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim or (ii) the Claiming Party’s counsel shall have advised the Claiming Party in writing, with a copy delivered to the Defending Party, that there is a conflict of interest that would make it inappropriate under applicable standards of professional conduct to have common counsel.  If the Defending Party assumes such defense, the Claiming Party shall have the right to participate in the defense thereof and to employ counsel, at the Defending Party’s expense, separate from the counsel employed by the Defending Party, it being understood, however, that the Defending Party shall control such defense (including any settlement with respect thereto); provided , however , that the Defending Party shall obtain the prior written consent of the Claiming Party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) before entering into any settlement, compromise,  admission or acknowledgement of the validity of the Third Party Claim if such resolution would involve anything other than the payment of monetary damages in an amount not in excess of the amount then remaining in the Escrow Account as to which no Outstanding Escrow Claims are pending or if such resolution does not include an unconditional provision whereby the plaintiff or claimant in the matter releases the Claiming Party and all of its Affiliates and representatives from all liability with respect thereto.  If the Defending Party chooses to defend any Third Party Claim, then all the parties hereto shall cooperate in the defense or prosecution of such Third Party Claim, including by retaining and (upon the Defending Party’s request) providing to the Defending Party all records and information which are reasonably relevant to such Third Party Claim, and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information and explanation of any materials provided hereunder; provided , that such cooperation will not unduly disrupt the operations of the business of such Claiming Party or any of its Affiliates or cause such Claiming Party to waive any statutory or common law privileges, breach any confidentiality obligations owed to third parties or otherwise cause any confidential information of such Claiming Party or any of its Affiliates to become public to any greater extent than if the Claiming Party or the R&W Insurer handled such defense (and the parties agree to enter into a customary “common defense” or similar agreement if necessary).  For the avoidance of doubt, if Sellers assume the defense of a Third Party Claim pursuant to this Section  5.05 as the Defending Party, all costs and expenses incurred by Sellers in connection with the defense of such Third Party Claim shall be borne by Sellers and shall not be reimbursed from the Escrow Account.  Whether or not Sellers shall have assumed the defense of a Third Party Claim as the Defending Party, neither Buyer nor any of its Affiliates shall admit any liability with respect to, or settle, compromise or discharge, any Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of Sellers (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except with respect to any Third Party Claim (i) that seeks the issuance of an injunction, the specific election of an obligation or similar remedy, (ii) that seeks damages in excess of the amount then remaining in the Escrow Account as to which no Outstanding Escrow Claims are pending, or (iii) the subject matter of which relates to the ongoing business of the Claiming Party or any of its Affiliates, which Third Party Claim, if decided against such Claiming Party, would materially affect the ongoing business or reputation of such Claiming Party or any of its Affiliates, which Third Party Claims the Claiming Party will be entitled to settle in its sole discretion.
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(c)         In any case in which a Buyer Indemnitee seeks indemnification under this Agreement not arising out of a Third Party Claim, the Buyer Indemnitee shall notify Sellers reasonably promptly in writing of any Losses that such Buyer Indemnitee claims are subject to indemnification under the terms of this Agreement.  The notice shall describe the indemnification sought in reasonable detail to the extent known, and shall indicate the amount (estimated, if necessary, and if then estimable) of the Loss that has been or may be suffered.  Subject to the limitations set forth in Section 5.02(b) and the provisions of this Section 5.05 , the failure of such Buyer Indemnitee to exercise promptness in such notification shall not amount to a waiver of such claim unless and only to the extent that the resulting delay actually materially and adversely prejudices the position of the Sellers with respect to such claim.
5.06    Determination of Loss Amount .  No Person shall be entitled to recover damages or obtain payment, reimbursement, restitution or indemnity hereunder more than once in respect of any one Loss or related group of Losses.
5.07     Resolution of Objections to Claims .
(a)         If Sellers raise bona fide good faith objections in writing to any claim or claims by a Buyer Indemnitee made pursuant to Section 5.05 within 30 days of Sellers’ receipt of notice of such claim, Buyer and Sellers shall attempt in good faith for 30 days after Buyer’s receipt of such written objection to resolve such objection.  If Buyer and Sellers shall so agree and Buyer has elected to collect reimbursement for such claim from the Escrow Account, joint written instructions setting forth such agreement shall be prepared and signed by both parties and delivered to the Escrow Agent.  The Escrow Agent shall be entitled to conclusively rely on any such memorandum and the Escrow Agent shall distribute immediately available funds from the Escrow Account in accordance with the terms of such joint written instructions.
(b)         If no such agreement can be reached during the 30 day period for good faith negotiation, but in any event upon the expiration of such 30 day period, either Buyer or Sellers may bring suit to resolve the matter in accordance with Section 7.12 .
5.08    Sole and Exclusive Remedy. Except as specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement (including in Section 1.02 and Section 4.01 ), this Article 5 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for monetary damages of Buyer under this Agreement, whether arising under or based upon any law or otherwise (including any right to seek indemnification, contribution, cost recovery, damages, or any other recourse or remedy, including as may arise under common law).  Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the liability of any Seller under this Article 5 will be in addition to, and not exclusive of, (a) any other liability that such Person may have at law or equity due to the fraud or willful misconduct of such Person; and (b) any equitable relief to which a Person may be entitled relating to the breach of any covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents.
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ARTICLE 6
DEFINITIONS
6.01            Definitions .
For purposes hereof, the following terms, when used herein with initial capital letters, shall have the following meanings.
(a)            ACA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(e)(iii) .
(b)            Accounts Receivable ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.11 .
(c)            Affiliate ” of any particular Person means any other Person controlling, controlled by or under common control, directly or indirectly, with such particular Person, where control may be by either management authority or equity interest.
(d)            Affiliated Transactions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.22 .
(e)             “ Aggregate Closing Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(a) .
(f)             Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
(g)             “ Anti-Kickback Statutes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.30 .
(h)             Benefit Program or Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(a)(ii) .
(i)              Business ” means (i) any material business conducted by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date (other than as described in clauses (i)-(iii) of Section 4.04(a) ) or in the three years preceding the Closing Date and (ii) expedited team dry van and temperature-controlled truckload, solo dry van truckload, refrigerated truckload, flatbed and heavy haul truckload, truckload and less-than-truckload brokerage, less-than-truckload consolidation, flatbed and heavy haul brokerage, truckload and less-than-truckload receivables factoring, dedicated truckload and dedicated contract carriage, distribution center management, transportation management and brokering, final mile services, third-party logistics services, pop-up dedicated fleets (i.e. owner-operator fleets provided to customers), trucking fuel sales and fuel discount program aggregation, intermodal and brokerage of intermodal (TOFC and COFC), used tractor and trailer sales and new and used tractor and trailer leasing (and active management of tractor and trailer sales and leases of any type), and transportation services to and from any warehouses owned, leased or operated by the Sellers.
(j)             Business Day ” means any day, other than a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which banks located in Chattanooga, Tennessee are closed for business as a result of federal, state or local holiday.
(k)             Business Employees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.24(a) .
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(l)            Buyer ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
(m)          Buyer Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02 .
(n)           Buyer Prepared Returns ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(a) .
(o)           Carrier Selection Requirements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.27(b) .
(p)           Cash on Hand ” means, as of a particular time of determination, the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ cash (but not including cash deposited as collateral for letters of credit, customer or employee deposits or other restricted cash) and cash equivalents reflected on the general ledger of the Company, which will include deposits in transit and the amount of checks received and deposited that have been removed from accounts receivable for which cash has not been credited pending the bank check clearance process, less any bank overdrafts as well as any outstanding checks and ACH and other proper reconciling items, all as determined in accordance with GAAP.
(q)            Claiming Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a) .
(r)             Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03 .
(s)            Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.03 .
(t)            Closing Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(c ) .
(u)            Code ” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(v)            Commonly Controlled Entity ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(c) .
(w)            Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
(x)            Company Group ” means the Company, its Subsidiaries, and each of their respective individual, joint or mutual, past, present and future officers, directors, stockholders, members, managers, joint venturers, partners and employees, and all of the foregoing persons’ predecessors, successors, assigns, agents and representatives (in each case, other than Sellers).
(y)            Company Intellectual Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b) .
(z)              Company Marks ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.06 .
(aa)          Company Services ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c) .
(bb)         Company Software ” means all proprietary computer programs designed, created, developed, or modified by or on behalf of Company or its Subsidiaries, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies (whether in source code, object code or other form), databases, compilations, descriptions, flow-charts and other work product to design, plan,  organize and develop any of the foregoing screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons, and icons, and all documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, related to any of the foregoing.
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(cc)            Company Stock ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
(dd)            Company Subsidiary Organizational Documents ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.08(b) .
(ee)            Computer Systems ” means computers and related equipment including central processing units and other processors (e.g. microprocessors and embedded processors), controllers, modems, communications and telecommunications equipment (e.g. voice, data, video), cables, storage devices, printers, terminals, other peripherals and input and output devices, and other tangible mechanical and electronic equipment intended for the input, output, storage, communication and retrieval of information and data.
(ff)             Contract ” means any written or oral agreement, contract, instrument, commitment, obligation, promise or undertaking of any nature (including leases, licenses, mortgages, notes, guarantees, sublicenses, subcontracts, letters of intent, and purchase orders) that is legally binding, whether express or implied.
(gg)           CSA Scores ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.27(a) .
(hh)           Customer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c) .
(ii)             Customer Contracts ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(c) .
(jj)             Defending Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a) .
(kk)           Disclosure Schedules ” means the disclosure schedules delivered by Sellers concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
(ll)             Electronic Delivery ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.16 .
(mm)         Environmental Claim ” means any claim, order, directive, decree, proceeding, loss, cost, expense, liability, penalty or damage arising, incurred or otherwise asserted pursuant to any Environmental Law.
(nn)          Environmental Indemnity Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(oo)          Environmental Law ” means any and all Legal Requirements pertaining to prevention of pollution, protection of the environment (including natural resources), remediation of contamination or restoration of environmental quality, or workplace health and safety.
(pp)          Environmental Permit ” means any permit, license, registration, approval or other similar form of authorization required pursuant to Environmental Laws.
(qq)          ERISA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(a)(i) .
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(rr)            Escrow Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(b)(i)(B) .
(ss)           Escrow Agent ” means First Tennessee Bank, in its capacity as escrow agent.
(tt)            Escrow Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(b)(i)(B) .
(uu)          Escrow Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.01(b)(i)(B) .
(vv)          Estimated Aggregate Closing Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(b) .
(ww)         Excess R&W Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(xx)            Excess R&W Claim Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(yy)           Excess R&W Claim Collateral ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(zz)            Excess R&W Claim Expiration Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01 .
(aaa)         Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(bbb)        Excluded Liabilities ” means all of the following:
(i)     any amounts required to pay any Indebtedness not paid at or prior to the Closing and not taken into account in determining the amount of Indebtedness in the calculation of Final Aggregate Closing Consideration pursuant to Section  1.02;
(ii)     any and all Seller Taxes (including those that are related to U.S. federal income Taxes or that arise out of the sale of the Company Stock by Sellers pursuant to this Agreement),
(iii)     any Losses arising out of, based upon, incurred in connection with, resulting from or with respect to or by reason of any of the following:
(A)    any fraud or willful breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement;
(B)    any matter related to the Affiliated Transactions (other than post-Closing obligations under the Related Party Leases) to the extent the amount in question does not result in an actual adjustment to Final Aggregate Closing Consideration; and
(C)    any matter set forth on Schedule  5.02(a) -1 .
(ccc)            FCPA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.30(b) .
(ddd)            FHWA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.27 .
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(eee)            Final Aggregate Closing Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(g) .
(fff)              Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a) .
(ggg)           FMCSA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.27 .
(hhh)           Form 8023 ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(j) .
(iii)               Fundamental Representation Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(jjj)               Fundamental Representations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01 .
(kkk)            GAAP ” means accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
(lll)              Governmental Authority ” means any federal, state, tribal, local, municipal or foreign government, political subdivision, legislature, court, agency, department, bureau, commission or other governmental, arbitration or regulatory authority, body or instrumentality.
(mmm)        Gross-Up Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06 .
(nnn)         Hazardous Substance ” means and includes each substance or material defined, designated or classified as a hazardous waste, hazardous substance, hazardous material, solid waste, pollutant, contaminant or toxic substance under any Environmental Law, and any petroleum or petroleum products that have been Released into the environment.
(ooo)            Indebtedness ” means, without duplication, any of the following and whether or not then due and payable:  (i) the unpaid principal amount, together with any related unpaid accrued interest and prepayment premiums or penalties (and other penalties, fees, expenses and breakage costs), of all indebtedness of the Company and its Subsidiaries, whether or not represented by bonds, debentures, notes or other securities, (ii) all deferred obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the payment of the purchase price of property or capital assets purchased, (iii) obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries to pay rent or other payment amounts under a lease of real or personal property which is classified and accounted for as a capital lease in the Company’s historical financial statements, (iv) any outstanding reimbursement obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to letters of credit, bankers’ acceptances or similar facilities issued for the account of the Company or a Subsidiary thereof pursuant to which the applicable bank or similar entity has paid thereunder obligations for which the Company or a Subsidiary thereof is required to repay, (v) any payment obligation of the Company and its Subsidiaries under any currency, commodity or interest rate swap agreement, forward rate agreement, interest rate cap or collar agreement or other financial agreement or arrangement entered into for the purpose of limiting or managing interest rate risks, (vi) all indebtedness secured by any Lien existing on property owned by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, whether or not indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed, (vii) all guaranties, endorsements, assumptions and other contingent obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries in respect of, or to purchase or to otherwise acquire, indebtedness of others the repayment of which is guaranteed by the Company or a Subsidiary thereof, (viii) all other short-term and long-term liabilities of the Company and its Subsidiaries for borrowed money, (ix) all premiums, penalties and change of control or similar payments required to be paid or offered in respect of any of the foregoing as a result of the Transactions, (x) all loans to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries by any member of the Company and (xi) all Transaction Expenses. Anything to the contrary in this Agreement notwithstanding, any lease accounted for as an operating lease in the historical financial statements of the Company shall not be deemed to be Indebtedness for any purpose, regardless of whether such lease should have been accounted for as a capital lease under GAAP.
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(ppp)            Independent Accountants ” means the Nashville office of Deloitte LLP or such other independent accountants as Sellers and Buyer may mutually agree.
(qqq)            “ Insurance Policies ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.19 .
(rrr)               “ Intellectual Property ” means any or all intellectual property arising under the laws of any jurisdiction or international treaty, and all rights arising out of or association therewith, throughout the world, including:  (i) all patents and applications therefor and all reissues, divisions, renewals, extensions, provisional, continuations and continuations-in-part thereof, including any design patents, industrial designs, and equivalent or similar statutory rights in inventions (whether patentable or not), invention disclosures, or improvements; (ii) trade secrets, know-how, and rights in proprietary information including methods, processes, technology, technical data and customer lists; (iii) all copyrights, copyright registrations and applications therefor, database rights and all other rights in works of authorship, including moral rights; and (iv) all trade names, trademarks and service marks, trademark and service mark registrations and applications therefor, trade dress, protectable product configuration, domain names, logos, slogans, and other identifiers of source, whether at common law or statutory, and all goodwill associated with any of the foregoing items.
(sss)            Interim Financial Statements ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a) .
(ttt)              Key Employees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(j) .
(uuu)           Latest Balance Sheet ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.10(a).
(vvv)           Legal Requirements ” means any federal, state, tribal, foreign, local, municipal or other law (including common law), statute, constitution, ordinance, code, edict, decree, rule, regulation, ruling, or requirement issued, enacted, adopted, promulgated, implemented, or otherwise put into effect by or under the authority of any Governmental Authority and any Orders applicable to the Company, its Subsidiaries, or to any of their assets, properties, or businesses.
(www)         Leased Real Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(b) .
(xxx)             Liens ” means any charge, claim, community or other marital property interest, lien, license, option, mortgage, deed of trust, security interest, pledge, right of way, easement, encroachment, servitude, encumbrance, right of first offer or first refusal, buy/sell agreement and any other restriction or covenant with respect to, or condition governing the use, construction, voting (in the case of any security or equity interest), transfer, receipt of income or exercise of any other attribute of ownership.
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(yyy)            Loss ” means any loss, liability, obligation, claim, action, suit, proceeding, hearing, investigation, charge, complaint, demand, Order, ruling, damages (including incidental and consequential damages to the extent they are a reasonably foreseeable result of the underlying breach or other matter), dues, penalty, fine, sanction, costs (including the allocable portion of an indemnitee’s internal costs and investigation, remedial and corrective action costs), Orders, amounts paid in settlement, expense (including costs of investigation and defense and reasonable attorneys’ fees, accountants’ fees and fees of other professional advisors and of expert witnesses), tax or lien whether or not involving a third-party claim; provided , that “Loss” shall not include punitive or exemplary damages except to the extent payable to a third party.
(zzz)             Material Adverse Effect ” means any fact, circumstance, event, change, effect or occurrence that, individually or in the aggregate with all other facts, circumstances, events, changes, effects and occurrences has had, or reasonably would be expected to be materially adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise), prospects, assets (including intangible assets), liabilities (taken together), business or results of operations of such Person and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, but shall exclude any change, effect or occurrence to the extent primarily arising or resulting from any change in general business or economic conditions, or in the industry in which the Company operates, that does not disproportionately affect the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other Persons in such industry, but will exclude any change, effect, or occurrence to the extent arising or resulting from:  (i) national or international political or social conditions, including engagement by the United States in hostilities, whether or not pursuant to a declaration of a national emergency or war, or any escalation thereof, or the occurrence of any military or terrorist attack upon the United States or any of its territories, possessions, or diplomatic or consular offices or upon any military installation, equipment, or personnel of the United States, (ii) changes in GAAP, (iii) changes in financial, banking or securities markets (including any disruption thereof and any decline in the price of any security or any market index), or (iv) changes in Legal Requirements or any interpretation thereof (except, in the case of the foregoing clauses (i) , (ii) , (iii) and (iv) , to the extent there is a disproportionate effect on the Company and its Subsidiaries as compared to comparable Persons in the industry).
(aaaa)            Material Contract ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a) .
(bbbb)           Net Working Capital ” means the amount calculated by subtracting the current liabilities of the Company determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in Schedule 6.01(a) , from the current assets of the Company determined in accordance with the methodology set forth in Schedule 6.01(a) , as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt: (i) current assets shall exclude Cash on Hand, and (ii) current liabilities shall exclude Indebtedness and any negative Cash on Hand.  Net Working Capital will not include any purchase accounting adjustments required under GAAP.  To the extent any Transaction Expenses are incurred or paid by or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries after 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date, such items in the amount incurred or paid by or on behalf of the Company or its Subsidiaries shall be included as Indebtedness as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Closing Date, it being the intent of the parties that no component of Indebtedness or Transaction Expenses be duplicated in the calculation of Aggregate Closing Consideration. Net Working Capital shall be calculated consistent with the methodology set forth in Schedule 6.01(a) and consistent in all material respects with the methodology used in the preparation of the Financial Statements, consistently applied. For the avoidance of doubt, no adjustment described on Schedule 2.10(a)(z) shall be applied in the calculation of Net Working Capital.
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(cccc)            Net Working Capital Deficit Threshold ” means an amount equal to (a) the Net Working Capital Target minus (b) $600,000.
(dddd)           Net Working Capital Surplus Threshold ” means an amount equal to (a) the Net Working Capital Target plus (b) $600,000.
(eeee)            Net Working Capital Target ” means an amount equal to $9,100,000.
(ffff)               Niswonger ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
(gggg)           Notice of Disagreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(d) .
(hhhh)           Offer Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(j) .
(iiii)                Open Source Code ” shall mean free or open source software and includes those components of software which qualify as public domain software or are licensed as Shareable freeware or open source software.  “Shareable freeware” is copyrighted computer software which is made available to the general public for use free of charge, for an unlimited time, without restrictions on field of use or redistribution.  “Open source software” includes software licensed or distributed under a license that, as a condition of use, modification, or distribution of the software:  (i) requires that such software or other software distributed or combined with the software be disclosed or distributed in source code form, licensed for the purpose of making derivative works, or redistributable at no charge, or (ii) otherwise imposes a limitation, restriction, or condition on the right of the Company or its Affiliates to use, modify, or distribute all or part of a proprietary software program or to enforce an Intellectual Property right of the Company or its Affiliates.  Open Source Code includes software code that is licensed under any license that conforms to the Open Source Initiative’s definition of open source software in effect as of the date of this Agreement, and any versions of the GNU General Public License, GNU Lesser General Public License, Mozilla License, Common Public License, Apache License, BSD License, MIT License, Artistic License, Sub Community Source License or similar license.
(jjjj)                Options ” means all options, warrants, or other rights to acquire equity interests of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(kkkk)            Order ” means any award, decision, injunction, judgment, settlement, writ, order, ruling, or verdict entered, issued, made, or rendered by any court, administrative agency or other Governmental Authority or by any arbitrator.
(llll)                Organizational Documents ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.08(a) .
(mmmm)        Outstanding Escrow Claims ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.03(b) .
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(nnnn)            Overpayment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(h) .
(oooo)            Owned Intellectual Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
(pppp)            Payoff Letters ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(f) .
(qqqq)            Permit ” means any permit, license, registration, consent, certification, exemption, variance, filing, approval or other authorization required under any Legal Requirement or issued by any Governmental Authority.
(rrrr)               Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association or a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization and a Governmental Authority.
(ssss)             Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.18(a)(i) .
(tttt)               Pre‑Closing Period ” means any Tax period ending on or before the Closing Date.
(uuuu)           Proceeding ” means any action, suit (whether civil, criminal, administrative, investigative or informal), proceeding, litigation, audit, claim (including cargo claims), complaint, charge, inquiry, hearing, investigation, arbitration, or mediation before or by a Governmental Authority or any arbitrator or arbitration panel or any mediator or mediation panel or otherwise formally made or ongoing.
(vvvv)            Pro Rata Amount ” means, (i) with respect to Niswonger, 50%, and (ii) with respect to Tweed, 50%.
(wwww)         Purchase Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(a) .
(xxxx)              R&W Policy ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07 .
(yyyy)            Real Property Leases ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(b) .
(zzzz)               Registered Intellectual Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a) .
(aaaaa)            Related-Party Leases ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.04(i) .
(bbbbb)           Related-Party Real Property ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.13(d) .
(ccccc)            Release ” means any depositing, spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, placing, emitting, discarding, abandoning, emptying, discharging, migrating, injecting, escaping, leaching, seeping, dumping, or disposing.
(ddddd)            Restricted Business ” means, (i) with respect to Niswonger, the Business, and (ii) with respect to Tweed, the Business and any other business that Tweed leads on behalf of Buyer or any of its Affiliates after the Closing Date.
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(eeeee)        Restricted Period ” means, (i) with respect to Niswonger, five years following the Closing Date, and (ii) with respect to Tweed, the longer of (A) two years following the first date that Tweed is no longer employed by any of the Buyer, the Company, or any of their Affiliates, and (B) five years following the Closing Date.
(fffff)            Restricted Territory ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(a) .
(ggggg)       Rolling Stock ” means all tractors and trailers owned or leased by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries from third-parties for use in the business of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.
(hhhhh)       SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(iiiii)             Section 338(h)(10) Election ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.06 .
(jjjjj)             Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(kkkkk)        Seller ” or “ Sellers ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
(lllll)             Seller Group ” means Sellers and their heirs, executors, administrators and beneficiaries, controlled Affiliates, each of the respective individual, joint or mutual past, present, and future officers, directors, shareholders, members, managers and partners of any of the foregoing persons, and all of the foregoing persons’ predecessors, successors, assigns, agents and representatives.
(mmmmm)      Seller Released Claims ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.03(a) .
(nnnnn)         Seller Taxes ” means any and all Taxes of the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company imposed on Buyer, the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company or for which Buyer, the Company, or any Subsidiary of the Company may otherwise be liable (a) for any Pre-Closing Period and for the portion of any Straddle Period ending on the Closing Date (as determined under Section 4.01 ); (b) resulting from a breach by Sellers of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 2.14 (determined without regard to any materiality or knowledge qualifiers or any scheduled items) or the covenants set forth in Section 4.01 ; (c) of any member of any consolidated group of which the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company (or any predecessor of the Company or Subsidiary) is or was a member on or prior to the Closing Date by reason of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6(a) or any analogous or similar foreign, state, or local Legal Requirements; (d) of any other Person for which the Company or any Subsidiary is or has been liable as a transferee or successor, by contract or otherwise (other than pursuant to customary Tax indemnification provisions in commercial contracts, agreements or arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices that are not primarily related to Taxes), which Taxes relate to an event or transaction occurring prior to the Closing; (e) that are social security, Medicare, unemployment or other employment or withholding Taxes owed as a result of any payments of Specified Employee Payments, or Aggregate Closing Consideration hereunder or distributions made to the Sellers on or prior to the Closing Date; provided , that no such Tax will constitute a Seller Tax to the extent (x) it was paid prior to the Closing, or (y) it was taken into consideration in the calculation of Final Aggregate Closing Consideration and (unless it constituted a working capital liability incurred in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices addressed under Section 1.02 )  resulted in an actual adjustment to Final Aggregate Closing Consideration.
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(ooooo)            Sellers’ Knowledge ” or words of similar import means the actual knowledge, and the knowledge they would reasonably be expected to obtain after diligent inquiry, of each Seller and Brande Tweed.
(ppppp)            Specified Employee Payments ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.05(a)(i) .
(qqqqq)            Specified Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.02(b)(vii) .
(rrrrr)                Straddle Period ” means any Tax period beginning before and ending after the Closing Date.
(sssss)             “ Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity of which (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof, or (ii) if a partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity (other than a corporation), a majority of the partnership or other similar ownership interests thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof.  For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of such partnership’s, limited liability company’s, association’s or other business entity’s gains or losses or shall be or control the managing director, managing member, general partner or other managing Person of such partnership, limited liability company, association or other business entity.  The term “Subsidiary” shall include all Subsidiaries of such Subsidiary.
(ttttt)                 Supplier ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c) .
(uuuuu)            Survival Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.01 .
(vvvvv)            Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means (i)  any taxes, assessments, fees, unclaimed property and escheat obligations and other governmental charges imposed by or under Legal Requirements, including income, profits, gross receipts, net proceeds, alternative or add on minimum, ad valorem, value added, turnover, sales, use, property, personal property (tangible and intangible), environmental, stamp, leasing, lease, user, excise, duty, franchise, capital stock, transfer, registration, license, withholding, social security (or similar), unemployment, disability, payroll, employment, social contributions, fuel, excess profits, occupational, premium, windfall profit, severance, estimated, or other charge of any kind whatsoever, including any interest, penalty or addition thereto; and (ii)  any liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clause (i) as a result of being a member of a consolidated group for any period; and (iii)  any liability for the payment of any amounts of the type described in clauses (i) or (ii) as a result of the operation of law or any express or implied obligation to indemnify any other person.
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(wwwww)         Tax Allocation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(i) .
(xxxxx)                Tax Proceeding ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(f) .
(yyyyy)             Tax Returns ” means any return, declaration, claim for refund, report, information return or other document relating to Taxes (including Form 1099 and Form 1096), including any schedule or attachment thereto, and including any amendment thereof.
(zzzzz)                Technology ” means all the prototypes, devices, drawings, specifications, lab notebooks, manuals, databases, equipment, files, technical memoranda, invention disclosures, patent application files, research studies, testing data, plans, files, formulas, computer programs, data and information, quality control records and procedures, research and development files containing, embodying or revealing trade secrets, know-how or other Intellectual Property.
(aaaaaa)              TEL ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.04(c) .
(bbbbbb)           Third Party Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.05(a) .
(cccccc)             Transaction Documents ” means each of this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, the Offer Letters and each other agreement, certificate, instrument and document referred to herein or therein or delivered pursuant hereto or thereto.
(dddddd)           Transaction Expenses ” means the aggregate fees and expenses incurred by the Company, the Subsidiaries of the Company, and the Sellers in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement, the performance of their obligations hereunder, and the consummation of the Transactions to the extent payable by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and unpaid as of Closing and whether or not accrued before or after Closing, including, without limitation, (i)  all investment banking, financial advisory, legal, accounting, management, consulting and other fees and expenses of third parties, (ii)  all compensation and other payments paid to or for the benefit of any employee or other Person as a result of the Transactions (including the Specified Employee Payments), (iii)   any severance, retention, change in control or similar compensatory payments paid in connection with the Transactions (but not any retention amounts (other than Specified Employee Payments) that may be paid pursuant to programs established and implemented by Buyer at or following the Closing, which shall not be deemed Transaction Expenses and otherwise not be recorded as current liabilities in the determination of Net Working Capital), (iv)  the employer portion of any payroll and employment Taxes associated with payments under clauses (ii) and (iii) above, and (v)  50% of the R&W Policy costs and expenses in accordance with Section 4.07 .
(eeeeee)            Transactions ” means the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(ffffff)                Transfer Taxes ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(h) .
(gggggg)          Tweed ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
(hhhhhh)          Underpayment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 1.02(g) .
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(iiiiii)                   “ USDOT ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.23 .
(jjjjjj)                   Vendor Contracts ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(d) .
6.02            Other Definitional Matters .  All references in this Agreement to Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections and subsections refer to the corresponding Exhibits, Schedules, Articles, Sections and subsections of or to this Agreement, unless expressly provided otherwise.  Titles appearing at the beginning of any Articles, Sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience only, do not constitute any part of this Agreement and shall be disregarded in construing the intent of the parties hereto.  The Schedules to this Agreement are incorporated herein by this reference.  The word “ including ” (in its various forms) means including without limitation.  The word “ or ” is not exclusive and the words “ herein ,” “ hereof ,” “ hereby ,” “ hereto ” and “ hereunde r” refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to the particular provision in which such words appear.  Pronouns in masculine, feminine or neuter genders shall be construed to state and include any other gender, and words, terms and titles (including terms defined herein) in the singular form shall be construed to include the plural and vice versa, unless the context otherwise requires.  References to “ law ”, “ laws ” or to a particular statute or law shall be deemed also to include any and all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder and shall refer to such statute, law, rules and regulations as amended from time to time and includes any successor legislation thereto; provided that, for the purposes of the representations and warranties set forth herein, with respect to any violation or alleged violation of any statute, law, rules and regulations, the reference to such law, rules or regulations means such, law, rules or regulations as in effect at the time of such violation or alleged violation.  References to any Contract, instrument or document means such Contract, instrument or document as amended, supplemented and modified from time to time to the extent permitted by the provisions thereof and not prohibited by this Agreement.  The Schedules and Exhibits referred to herein shall be construed with and as an integral part of this Agreement to the same extent as if they were set forth verbatim herein. Whenever this Agreement indicates that Sellers have or the Company has “made available” any document or other item to Buyer, such statement will mean that such document or other item was made available for viewing in the electronic data room for “Project Checker” as such materials were posted to the electronic data room at least three Business Days prior to the Closing Date and not removed or altered on or prior to the Closing Date.
ARTICLE 7
MISCELLANEOUS
7.01            Press Releases and Announcements .  No public release or announcement concerning the transactions contemplated hereby shall be issued or made by or on behalf of the Company or the Sellers without the prior written consent of Buyer.  Buyer may issue a press release and/or investor presentation in substantially the form previously provided to Sellers.  The Sellers agree to keep the terms of this Agreement confidential, except to the extent required by applicable Legal Requirements or for financial reporting purposes, and to the extent disclosed by Buyer.  For the avoidance of doubt, Buyer or any of its Affiliates may disclose the terms of this transaction, including in any of their Securities Act filings and reports and filings made pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
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7.02            Expenses .  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all costs and expenses, including Transaction Expenses, fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, incurred in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement, the performance of the obligations hereunder and the consummation of the Transactions (whether consummated or not) shall be paid by the party incurring such costs and expenses.  In the event of a dispute between any of the parties hereto in connection with any Transaction Document or the Transactions, each of the parties agrees that the prevailing party shall be entitled to reimbursement by the other party of reasonable legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with any such action or proceeding.
7.03            Notices .  All notices, demands and other communications to be given or delivered under or by reason of the provisions of this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been delivered (a) when personally delivered, (b) when transmitted via telecopy (or other facsimile device) or electronic mail to the number set out below if the sender sends a confirming copy of such notice by a recognized overnight delivery service (charges prepaid), (c) the day following the day (except, if not a Business Day, then the next Business Day) on which the same has been delivered prepaid to a reputable national overnight air courier service for next day delivery, or (d) the fifth Business Day following the day on which the same is sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid.  Notices, demands and communications shall be sent to the applicable address set forth below, unless another address has been previously specified in writing:
Notices to Buyer (and, after the Closing, the Company) :


Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 2297
Chattanooga, TN 37422
Attention:  Richard Cribbs and James Heartfield
Email: rcribbs@covenanttransport.com; jheartfield@covenanttransport.com
with a copy to (which shall not constitute delivery of notice) :


Vinson & Elkins L.L.P.
2001 Ross Avenue, Suite 3700
Dallas, TX 75201
Facsimile:  214-999-7857
Attention:  Alan Bogdanow
Email: abogdanow@velaw.com
Notices to Sellers :


John A. Tweed
129 Glenfield Trail
Greeneville, TN 37745
Email:  jtweed@landair.com

&
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Scott M. Niswonger
1508 Crestwood Dr.
Greeneville, TN 37745
Email:  sniswonger@landair.com

with a copy to (which shall not constitute delivery of notice) :


Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
411 S. 13 th St. #200
Lincoln, NE 68508
Facsimile:  402-435-4239
Attention: Mark Scudder
Email:  mscudder@scudderlaw.com
7.04            Assignment .  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, but with it being understood that neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned or delegated by any party hereto; provided , however , that Buyer may assign any or all of its rights pursuant to this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and any other Transaction Document to one or more of its Affiliates, provided, that Buyer will nonetheless remain liable for all of its obligations hereunder and thereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Buyer may assign any or all of its rights pursuant to this Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and any other Transaction Document to any of its lenders as collateral security without the consent of any of the other parties hereto.
7.05            Severability .  Whenever possible, each provision of this Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable Legal Requirements, but if any provision of this Agreement is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable Legal Requirements, such provision shall be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of such provision or the remaining provisions of this Agreement.  Upon such a determination, Buyer and Sellers shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the Transactions be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.
7.06            Construction and Disclosure .  Buyer and Sellers each acknowledge and agree that they and their respective counsel have reviewed, negotiated and adopted this Agreement as the joint agreement and understanding of the parties hereto, and the language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Person.  The specification of any dollar amount or the inclusion of any item in the representations and warranties contained in this Agreement or the Schedules is not intended to imply that the amounts, or higher or lower amounts, or the items so included, or other items, are or are not required to be disclosed (including whether such amounts or items are required to be disclosed as material or threatened) or are within or outside of the ordinary course of business, and no party shall use the fact of the setting of the amounts or the fact of the inclusion of any item in this Agreement or the Schedules in any dispute or controversy between the parties as to whether any obligation, item or matter not described or included in this Agreement or in any Schedule is or is not required to be disclosed (including whether the amount or items are required to be disclosed as material or threatened) or is within or outside of the ordinary course of business for purposes of this Agreement.  The information contained in this Agreement and in the Disclosure Schedules hereto is disclosed solely for purposes of this Agreement, and no information contained herein or therein shall be deemed to be an admission by any party hereto to any third party of any matter whatsoever (including any violation of Legal Requirements or breach of contract).  Disclosure of an item on one Schedule shall be deemed disclosure on another Schedule if it is reasonably apparent from the fact of such disclosure that the disclosed contract, event, fact, circumstance or other matter relates to the representations or warranties covered by such other Schedule. If there is any inconsistency between the statements in the body of this Agreement and those in the Disclosure Schedules (other than an exception set forth in the Disclosure Schedules and reasonably apparent from its content), the statements in the body of this Agreement will control. The mere listing (or inclusion of a copy) of a document or other item in a Disclosure Schedule will not be deemed adequate to disclose an exception to a representation or warranty made in this Agreement unless (a) the representation or warranty only pertains to the existence of the document or other item itself or (b) the exception would be readily apparent to a reasonable buyer that reviewed the representation or warranty and the referenced document or other item. Capitalized terms used in the Disclosure Schedules and not otherwise defined therein have the meanings given to them in this Agreement.  Time is of the essence in the performance of each of the parties’ respective obligations contained herein.
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7.07            Captions .  The captions used in this Agreement and descriptions of the Disclosure Schedules are for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of this Agreement and shall not be deemed to limit, characterize or in any way affect any provision of this Agreement, and all provisions of this Agreement shall be enforced and construed as if no such caption or description had been used in this Agreement.
7.08            Amendment and Waiver .  This Agreement may be amended only in a writing executed and delivered by each of Buyer and Sellers.  Any provision of this Agreement may be waived only in a writing signed by the party against whom such waiver is to be enforced.  No waiver of any provision hereunder or any breach or default hereunder shall extend to or affect in any way any other provision or prior or subsequent breach or default.
7.09            Complete Agreement .  This Agreement, the Escrow Agreement, the Transaction Documents and any other agreements referred to herein or therein and executed and delivered on or after the date hereof in connection herewith or therewith, contain the complete agreement among the parties hereto and supersede any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between such parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
7.10            Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, any one of which need not contain the signatures of more than one party, but all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
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7.11            Governing Law .  All matters relating to the interpretation, construction, validity and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of Tennessee, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Tennessee or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Tennessee.
7.12            JURISDICTION; VENUE; SERVICE OF PROCESS . SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION  1.02 (WHICH SHALL GOVERN ANY DISPUTE ARISING THEREUNDER), THE PARTIES AGREE THAT JURISDICTION AND VENUE IN ANY SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT BY ANY PARTY SEEKING RELIEF UNDER OR PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL PROPERLY AND EXCLUSIVELY LIE IN ANY FEDERAL COURT (OR, IF SUCH FEDERAL COURT DOES NOT HAVE JURISDICTION OVER SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING, IN A STATE COURT) IN HAMILTON   COUNTY, TENNESSEE.  BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH PARTY IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF SUCH COURTS FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY WITH RESPECT TO SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING.  THE PARTIES IRREVOCABLY AGREE THAT VENUE WOULD BE PROPER IN SUCH COURT, AND HEREBY WAIVE ANY OBJECTION THAT ANY SUCH COURT IS AN IMPROPER OR INCONVENIENT FORUM FOR THE RESOLUTION OF SUCH SUIT, ACTION OR PROCEEDING.  THE PARTIES FURTHER AGREE THAT THE MAILING BY CERTIFIED OR REGISTERED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, OF ANY PROCESS REQUIRED BY ANY SUCH COURT SHALL CONSTITUTE VALID AND LAWFUL SERVICE OF PROCESS AGAINST THEM, WITHOUT NECESSITY FOR SERVICE BY ANY OTHER MEANS PROVIDED BY STATUTE OR RULE OF COURT.
7.13            WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .  EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION (A) ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT OR (B) IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO IN RESPECT OF THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OF THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED HERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER IN CONTRACT, TORT, EQUITY, OR OTHERWISE.  EACH OF THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION, OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY AND THAT THE PARTIES TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OF A COPY OF THIS AGREEMENT WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE PARTIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
7.14            No Third Party Beneficiaries .  Except for the Buyer Indemnities under Article 5, no Person other than the parties hereto shall have any rights, remedies, or benefits under any provision of this Agreement.
7.15            Payments Under Agreement .  Each party agrees that all amounts required to be paid hereunder shall be paid in United States currency and, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement, without discount, rebate or reduction and subject to no counterclaim or offset, on the dates specified herein.
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7.16            Electronic Delivery .  This Agreement and any signed agreement or instrument entered into in connection with this Agreement, and any amendments hereto or thereto, to the extent delivered by means of a facsimile machine or electronic mail (any such delivery, an “ Electronic Delivery ”), shall be treated in all manner and respects as an original agreement or instrument and shall be considered to have the same binding legal effect as if it were the original signed version thereof delivered in person.  At the request of any party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument, each other party hereto or thereto shall re-execute original forms hereof or thereof and deliver them to all other parties.  No party hereto or to any such agreement or instrument shall raise (a) the use of Electronic Delivery to deliver a signature or (b) the fact that any signature or agreement or instrument was transmitted or communicated through the use of Electronic Delivery, as a defense to the formation of a contract, and each such party forever waives any such defense, except to the extent such defense relates to lack of authenticity.
[Signature pages follow]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Purchase Agreement as of the date first written above.
 
BUYER:
   
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
   
   
 
By:
/s/ David R. Parker
 
Name:
David R. Parker
 
Title:
CEO
  
SIGNATURE PAGE TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT

 
SELLERS:
   
  /s/ John A. Tweed
 
John A. Tweed
   
   
  /s/ Scott M. Niswonger
 
Scott M. Niswonger
 
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT


 
COMPANY:
   
 
Landair Holdings, Inc.
   
   
 
By:
/s/ John A. Tweed
 
Name:
John A. Tweed
 
Title:
President
 
SIGNATURE PAGE TO PURCHASE AGREEMENT
 

EXHIBIT A
 
ESCROW AGREEMENT

This Escrow Agreement is made and entered into as of July 3, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”), by and between Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation (“ Buyer ”), Scott M. Niswonger, a resident of the state of Tennessee (“ Niswonger ”), and John A. Tweed, a resident of the state of Tennessee (“ Tweed ”, and each of Niswonger and Tweed individually a “ Seller ”, and collectively the “ Sellers ”), and First Tennessee Bank, N.A., as escrow agent (the “ Escrow Agent ”).  Buyer and Sellers are referred to herein individually as an “ Escrow Party ” and collectively as the “ Escrow Parties .”  The Escrow Parties and the Escrow Agent are referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” and collectively as the “ Parties .”

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , reference is made to that certain Stock Purchase Agreement (the “ Purchase Agreement ”), dated of even date herewith by and among Buyer, Sellers, and certain other parties thereto;
WHEREAS , the Purchase Agreement provides that a portion of the Purchase Price shall be deposited by Buyer into escrow to be held and distributed by the Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Escrow Agreement; and
WHEREAS , the execution and delivery of this Escrow Agreement is a condition to the parties’ obligations under the Purchase Agreement.
NOW, THEREFORE , for good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
 
1.
Defined Terms .  All capitalized terms used in this Escrow Agreement but not otherwise defined herein are given the meaning set forth in the Purchase Agreement, provided, however, that the Escrow Agent will not be responsible to determine or to make inquiry into any term, capitalized or otherwise, not defined herein.

2.
Appointment of the Escrow Agent .  The Escrow Parties hereby appoint, constitute and designate First Tennessee Bank, N.A. as their Escrow Agent for the purposes set forth herein, and the Escrow Agent accepts the agency created under this Escrow Agreement and agrees to perform the obligations imposed hereby.

3.
Deposit to the Escrow Account; Establishment of the Escrow Fund .  Pursuant to the terms of the Purchase Agreement, the Buyer shall deposit on or about the Effective Date $1,000,000 by wire transfer of immediately available funds into an Escrow Account (the “ Escrow Account ”) designated by and maintained under the sole custody and control of the Escrow Agent.  The amount deposited, together with any additional deposits and earned income, shall constitute the “ Escrow Fund ”.  The Escrow Agent makes no representation as to the amount(s) to be deposited hereunder.
 
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4.
Investment of the Escrow Fund .

4.1
The Escrow Agent shall have no investment discretion over the Escrow Account. The Escrow Agent shall invest (and reinvest as appropriate) the Escrow Fund as specifically directed in writing by the Escrow Parties and accepted by the Escrow Agent.

4.2
The Escrow Agent shall have the right to make withdrawals from any deposits or liquidate any investments held to provide funds necessary to make required payments under this Escrow Agreement at such time or times as determined by the Escrow Agent in its sole discretion.  The Escrow Agent shall have no liability for any loss sustained as a result of any investment made pursuant to the instructions of the Escrow Parties or as a result of any liquidation of any investment prior to its maturity, or, except in the event of the Escrow Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith, or willful misconduct, for any investment made by the Escrow Agent in the absence of instructions from the Escrow Parties. Purchases of mutual fund shares and other securities will be made in accordance with the Escrow Agent’s standard procedures in effect from time to time. At any time that the Escrow Fund is invested in a mutual fund, the Escrow Parties hereby instruct Escrow Agent to vote all proxies in accordance with the proxy policy in effect from time to time for the Escrow Agent unless specifically instructed jointly by the Escrow Parties.

4.3
The Escrow Parties agree among themselves that, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes: (a) while the Escrow Fund is held by the Escrow Agent, Buyer will be treated as the owner of the Escrow Fund, and all earnings with respect to the Escrow Account will be treated as earned by Buyer; and (b) upon the release of any amount from the Escrow Account to Sellers, a portion of the amount so released will be treated as a payment of interest to Sellers (and Buyer will be entitled to a corresponding interest deduction), in accordance with the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder.  The Parties agree among themselves that for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, the Parties intend that the Escrow Account will be eligible for the “installment method” under Section 453 of the Code.  The Parties agree among themselves not to take any position for U.S. federal income Tax purposes that is inconsistent with this Section 4.3, except as otherwise required by (i) a final and non-appealable decision or other order by any court of competent jurisdiction, (ii) a final closing agreement or accepted offer in compromise under Section 7121 or 7122 of the Code, or (iii) any change in applicable law after the Closing Date.

5.
Disbursement of the Escrow Fund .  The Escrow Agent shall hold and disburse the Escrow Fund according to the following:
 
2


5.1
If at any time the Escrow Parties give the Escrow Agent joint written instructions (“ Joint Instructions ”) or the Escrow Agent receives from one of the Escrow Parties a final and non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction (“ Final Order ”) as to the disposition of all or a portion of the Escrow Fund, the Escrow Agent will, within two (2) Business Days of receipt, disburse the Escrow Fund (or such portion thereof) in accordance with the Joint Instructions or Final Order.

5.2
No later than two (2) Business Days   prior to the Escrow Distribution Date (as defined below), Buyer may give written notice(s) (the “ Claim Notice ”)   to the Escrow Agent and Sellers with respect to any Outstanding Escrow Claims (as defined in the Purchase Agreement).  The Claim Notice shall (a) explain in reasonable detail the nature of the Outstanding Escrow Claim(s) and the parties known to be involved, and shall specify the amount thereof, if known, and if not known, a good faith estimate of the amount of the Outstanding Escrow Claim(s), and (b) certify that the Outstanding Escrow Claim(s) is pursuant to Article 5 of the Purchase Agreement. On the date that is three (3) Business Days following the date that is eighteen (18) months after the Effective Date (the “ Escrow Distribution Date ”) (i) the Escrow Agent shall promptly disburse the balance of the Escrow Fund less the amount specified in the Claim Notice in respect of any Outstanding Escrow Claims (collectively, the “ Retained Escrow Amount ”) to Sellers in accordance with each Seller’s Pro Rata Amount and (ii) the Escrow Fund shall continue until a determination of liability is made with respect to such Outstanding Escrow Claims, and during such continuance, the Escrow Agent shall continue to hold the Retained Escrow Amount.  The Retained Escrow Amount, or any portion thereof, shall only be distributed by the Escrow Agent pursuant to (x) Joint Instructions or (y) a Final Order.

6.
Escrow Account Statements.

6.1
During the term of this Escrow Agreement, the Escrow Agent shall provide each of the Escrow Parties with monthly statements containing the beginning balance in the Escrow Account as well as all principal and income transactions for the statement period (“ Periodic Account Statements ”).  The Escrow Parties shall be responsible for reconciling the Periodic Account Statements.  In the absence of the Escrow Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct, the Escrow Agent shall be forever released and discharged from all liability with respect to the accuracy of the Periodic Account Statements and the transactions listed therein, except with respect to any such act or transaction as to which any of the Escrow Parties shall, within ninety (90) days after the Escrow Agent makes the Periodic Account Statement available, file written objections with the Escrow Agent.
 
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6.2
The Periodic Account Statements shall include a listing of all securities transactions, receipts and disbursements during the statement period, together with a current listing of the assets held in the Escrow Account.

7.
Rights, Responsibilities and Liabilities of the Escrow Agent .

7.1
The Escrow Agent shall act hereunder as an escrow agent only, and it shall not be responsible or liable in any manner whatever for the sufficiency, correctness, genuineness or validity of any document furnished to the Escrow Agent or any asset deposited with it.

7.2
The Escrow Agent may rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining from acting upon (and shall incur no liability for following the instructions contained therein) any written notice, instruction or request furnished to it hereunder and believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party or parties.  The Escrow Agent shall have no duty to solicit any payments which may be due to be paid into the Escrow Fund by any party.

7.3
The Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or omitted by it unless a court of competent jurisdiction determines that the Escrow Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct was a cause of any loss.  In the administration of the Escrow Fund hereunder, the Escrow Agent may execute any of its powers and perform its duties hereunder directly or through agents or attorneys and may consult with counsel, including in-house counsel, accountants and other skilled persons to be selected and retained by it.

7.4
The Escrow Agent shall not make, be required to make, or be liable in any manner for its failure to make, any determination under any agreement or document any of the Escrow Parties may be parties to or responsible for (except for the Escrow Agreement), even if same is referenced herein, including any determination whether any party thereto has complied with its terms or is entitled to payment or to any other right or remedy thereunder.

7.5
The Escrow Agent is authorized, in its sole discretion, to comply with any order issued or process entered by any court of competent jurisdiction with respect to the Escrow Fund.

7.6
If, at any time, the Escrow Agent is unable to determine, to the Escrow Agent’s sole satisfaction, the proper disposition of all or any portion of the Escrow Fund or the Escrow Agent's proper actions with respect to its obligations hereunder, or should any dispute arise between or involving the Parties, it is understood and agreed that the Escrow Agent may petition (by means of an interpleader or any other appropriate measure) any court of competent jurisdiction for instructions with respect to such uncertainty or dispute. The Escrow Agent shall be entitled to reimbursement for all reasonable attorneys’ fees and court costs incurred pursuant to this Section 7 or Section 8, except in the case of Escrow Agent’s gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct.
 
4


8.
Resignation/Removal of the Escrow Agent .
8.1
The Escrow Agent may resign at any time by giving thirty (30) days written notice of such resignation to the Escrow Parties.  If no successor Escrow Agent has been named by the Escrow Parties at the expiration of the thirty (30) day period, the Escrow Agent shall have no further obligation hereunder except to hold the Escrow Fund as a depository.  Upon notification by the Escrow Parties of the appointment of a successor, the Escrow Agent shall, upon payment of any and all fees and expenses due to Escrow Agent, promptly deliver the Escrow Fund and all materials in its possession relating to the Escrow Fund to such successor, and the duties of the resigning Escrow Agent shall thereupon in all respects terminate, and the resigning Escrow Agent shall be released and discharged from all further obligations hereunder.

8.2
The Escrow Agent may be discharged from its duties as Escrow Agent under this Escrow Agreement upon thirty (30) days written notice from the Escrow Parties and upon payment of any and all fees due to the Escrow Agent.  In such event, the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to rely on Joint Instructions as to the disposition and delivery of the Escrow Fund.

9.
Compensation of the Escrow Agent .  The fees of the Escrow Agent for its services hereunder shall be as set forth on Schedule 1 . Such fees shall be payable 50% by Buyer and 50% by Sellers.

10.
Information to be Provided to the Escrow Agent .  The Escrow Parties shall provide the Escrow Agent with such information as the Escrow Agent shall reasonably require in order to permit the Escrow Agent to comply with its obligations under the USA Patriot Act (the “ Patriot Act ”).

11.
Notices and Phone Calls .
(a)
All notices and communications hereunder shall be (i) given to the Party at the address below, (ii) in writing, and (iii) delivered to the Party by registered mail (return receipt requested), certified mail (postage prepaid), personal delivery, delivery by overnight delivery service (with receipt thereof), facsimile transmission (with evidence of receipt) or electronic mail (with confirmation of receipt).  All notices shall be effective upon receipt; provided, however any instruction, direction, approval, consent, or similar communication from an Escrow Party with respect to the Escrow Account (“ Instruction ”) given to Escrow Agent by facsimile transmission or electronic mail shall not be effective, and the Escrow Agent shall not be obligated to act upon such Instruction, until the Escrow Agent has confirmed to the sending Escrow Party that the Instruction has been received and accepted by the Escrow Agent.  Instructions sent by electronic mail shall be deemed signed by the sending Escrow Party (or a person authorized to act on behalf of such Escrow Party if authorized under this Escrow Agreement) if sent from an e-mail address provided to Escrow Agent by such Escrow Party or authorized person.  Telephone, telephone voice messaging, and other forms of telephonic or oral communication shall not constitute written Instructions.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Escrow Agent may, in its sole discretion, rely and act upon any form of Instruction which it believes in good faith to be genuine.
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(b)
For the purposes of this Escrow Agreement, the Parties’ addresses and other contact information shall be as set forth below, or at such other address or contact information of which each Party shall notify the other Parties in accordance with this Section:
If to Buyer:


Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 2297
Chattanooga, TN 37422
Phone: (423) 463-3331
Attention:  Richard Cribbs and James Heartfield
Email: rcribbs@covenanttransport.com; jheartfield@covenanttransport.com
If to Sellers:


John A. Tweed
129 Glenfield Trail
Greeneville, TN 37745
Phone: (423) 620-9568
Email:  Tweedj5@gmail.com
&
Scott M. Niswonger
1508 Crestwood Dr.
Greeneville, TN 37745
Phone: (423) 620-2017
Email:  sniswonger@niswongerfoundation.org

If to Escrow Agent:

First Tennessee Bank
800 S. Gay St. 5 th Floor
Knoxville, TN 37929
Attention: Amber Young, Vice President & Trust Officer
Phone: (865) 971-2136
Facsimile: (865) 971-2742
E-mail: amyoung@ftb.com
 
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12.
Miscellaneous .

12.1
All signatories to this Escrow Agreement warrant that they have full and complete authority to enter into and sign this Escrow Agreement on behalf of themselves and/or the entity on whose behalf they are signing.

12.2
The rights or interests of any Party in this Escrow Agreement or in the Escrow Fund or any portion thereof, shall not be assignable or transferrable (other than by operation of law) except with the prior written consent of all the Parties.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any entity into which the Escrow Agent may be merged or converted or with which it may be consolidated, or any entity resulting from any merger, conversion or consolidation to which the Escrow Agent shall be a party, or any entity succeeding to all or a substantial portion of the escrow business of the Escrow Agent shall be the successor of the Escrow Agent hereunder without the execution by or filing of any document with any Escrow Party or any further act on the part of any of the Escrow Parties, except where an instrument of transfer or assignment is required by applicable law to effect such succession.

12.3
This Escrow Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the respective heirs, legal representatives, and permitted successors and assigns of the Parties, and nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other person or entity (other than the Buyer Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Escrow Agreement.

12.4
This Escrow Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

12.5
‘Business Day’ shall mean every day other than Saturday, Sunday and any other day on which the Escrow Agent is not open for business for carrying on substantially all of the Escrow Agent’s business functions.  If the date on which any disbursement or notice is to be made under the terms of this Escrow Agreement is not a Business Day, then the disbursement or notice shall be made on the following Business Day.
 
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12.6
This Escrow Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. The exchange of copies of this Escrow Agreement and of signature pages by facsimile or by electronic image scan transmission (such as .pdf format) shall constitute effective execution and delivery of this Escrow Agreement as to the Parties and may be used in lieu of the original Escrow Agreement for all purposes.

12.7
This Escrow Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Escrow Agent and the Escrow Parties relating to the holding, investment and disbursement of the Escrow Fund and sets forth in its entirety the obligations and duties of the Escrow Agent with respect to the Escrow Fund.  This Escrow Agreement may be amended, modified, superseded or canceled, and any of the terms or conditions hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument executed by each Party hereto, or in the case of a waiver, by a Party (for whose benefit compliance is intended) waiving compliance, and any such waiver will be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.

12.8
The headings in this Escrow Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall neither be considered as part of this Escrow Agreement, nor limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

12.9
Each of the Parties hereby waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law any right it may have to a trial by jury with respect to any dispute that arises or is related to the negotiation, execution, performance or non-performance, interpretation, termination or construction of this Escrow Agreement, and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto, and all matters based upon, arising out of or related to the foregoing (whether in contract, tort, equity, law or statute).

[ Signature Page Follows ]

8

IN WITNESS WHEREFORE, this Escrow Agreement has been executed as of the day and year set forth above.



 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
   
   
 
By:
 
Name:
David R. Parker
 
Title:
CEO
     
 
  John A. Tweed
     
 
  Scott M. Niswonger 
     
     
     
  FIRST TENNESSEE BANK, N.A. 
     
     
  By:
  Name: Amber Young
  Title: Vice President & Trust Officer



Schedule 1
Fees
[ See Attached ]
 

FIRST TENNESSEE
 
Escrow Fee Schedule
Effective January 1, 2013
Acceptance Fee
·     $3,000 flat fee due at inception
 
Annual Maintenance Charge
·      25 basis points on the account's market value, to be assessed quarterly, in arrears, with no pro-ration.
 
Minimum Annual Fee
 
·     $3,000, exclusive of the Acceptance Fee.
 
Included in this fee is one disbursement per quarter.  The account will be charged $100 for each additional disbursement.
Federal Express or comparable overnight delivery charges will be assessed to the account at the Escrow Agent’s discounted rate.
Fees will be billed quarterly in arrears to the designated parties.

EXHIBIT B
 
AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE (“Lease”), effective as of July 3, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between (i) SCOTT M. NISWONGER, an individual, and  TWEED ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, DBA WLC PROPERTIES (together, “Landlord”), (ii) LANDAIR TRANSPORT, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Tenant”), and (iii) COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC., a Nevada corporation, in its capacity as guarantor (“CTG”).

WHEREAS, Tenant currently leases from Landlord, and Landlord leases to Tenant, certain real property located in Greeneville, Tennessee, as set forth below, pursuant to that certain Lease Agreement dated December 31, 2017 (the “Original Lease”);

WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant now desire to amend and restate the Original Lease in its entirety to reflect modifications of certain terms thereof, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants contained herein and under the terms and conditions set forth herein, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree that the Original Lease is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

1.            PREMISES .   Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord those certain Premises commonly known as 1 Landair Way, Greeneville, TN 37743 and further described in Exhibit A , which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”).

2.            TERM .   The initial term of this Lease (the “Initial Term”) will be from the Effective Date through and ending at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the day immediately preceding the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date. Tenant has the right, privilege, and option to renew and extend the Initial Term of this Lease (“Renewal Option”) for up to two additional periods of three years each (each, a “Renewal Term”), subject to the provisions and conditions of this Lease. Tenant may exercise a Renewal Option by providing written notice to Landlord of its intent to exercise a Renewal Option no later than nine (9) months prior to the expiration of the then-current term. As used in this Lease, “Term” means both the Initial Term and, to the extent a Renewal Option has been exercised, the applicable Renewal Term(s).

3.            MONTHLY RENT .

3.1.            Initial Term . During the Initial Term, Tenant will pay to the Landlord at Landlord’s address specified in Section 16 below , or at such other place as the Landlord may hereinafter designate in a written notice to Tenant, on or before the first day of each calendar month, without offset or deduction the following amounts as rent for the Premises: Fourteen Thousand Dollars ($14,000) per month.  The prorated first month’s rent will be paid upon execution of this Lease.

3.2.            Renewal Terms . Monthly rent shall be adjusted prior to the start of each year of any Renewal Term.  Such monthly rent for each year of any Renewal Term shall be obtained by multiplying the monthly rent provided for in Section 3.1, by a fraction, the numerator of which is the most recent monthly index number published prior to the start of such year in the Renewal Term in the Consumer Price Index for all Urban Consumers (index base: 1982-1984 = 100,  U.S. City Average) published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor (said table being herein referred to as the “CPI-U”), and the denominator of which is the index number published for the first full month of the Initial Term of this Lease in the CPI-U. Notwithstanding the foregoing calculation, the monthly rent as adjusted each year pursuant to this Section shall in no event be less than the monthly rent payable in the year immediately preceding such adjustment.

4.            QUIET ENJOYMENT Landlord covenants that Tenant, upon paying the basic rent and all other charges herein provided for and observing and keeping all covenants, agreements and conditions of this Lease on its part to be kept, will quietly have and enjoy the Premises during the Term without hindrance by anyone claiming by or through Landlord.
 

5.            UTILITIES .   Tenant will pay promptly when due directly to the applicable utility provider all charges for water, sewer, garbage disposal, telephone, electricity, cable, heat, gas, power, and any other utilities or services and like charges, including any fire protection charge, furnished to or consumed upon the Premises.  Landlord will not be liable for any failure or interruption of utility service to the Premises, unless such failure or interruption results from Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, in which event monthly rent and Tenant’s costs (defined below) shall be abated with respect to the portion of the Premises in which Tenant’s use and enjoyment  is impaired for its normal conduct of business from the date of commencement of such interference until the date Tenant’s use and enjoyment of such portion of the Premises is restored.

6.            TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS .

6.1.            Tenant’s Costs .   In addition to the rent provided in Section 3 above, and commencing on the date of commencement specified in Section 2 above, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord, as additional rent (referred to as “Tenant’s costs”), an amount equal to Landlord’s insurance premiums for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises and, in each instance, that are customarily maintained by owners of similar buildings in the market where the Premises are located.  If Tenant’s costs in any calendar year shall increase more than 5% over Tenant’s costs in the prior calendar year and Tenant is not satisfied with the amount of such increase over 5%, Tenant has the option to procure its own insurance for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises, in each case, upon terms reasonably acceptable to Landlord. Landlord shall notify Tenant as soon as reasonably practicable of any increase in Tenant’s costs prior to renewal of Landlord’s insurance policies in order to afford Tenant a reasonable opportunity to obtain replacement coverage.  If Tenant procures its own insurance, the obligation to pay Tenant’s costs to Landlord shall cease.

6.2.            Billing of Charges .   The Tenant will pay to the Landlord the Tenant’s costs described above within thirty (30) days of billing for said costs by the Landlord.

6.3.            Records .   Landlord or its agents will keep records in reasonable detail showing all expenditures made for the items enumerated in subparagraph 6.1 above, which records will be available for inspection by Tenant at any reasonable time.  If any such inspection reveals that Tenant has been overcharged, Landlord agrees to pay the amount of such overcharge to Tenant within thirty (30) days following delivery of written notice thereof and supporting documentation thereto.

6.4.            Real Estate Taxes . Tenant shall timely pay when due all real estate taxes and assessments accruing against the Premises which become due and payable during the Term or any extension or renewal thereof. Tenant shall either, at Landlord’s discretion, (i) pay such amounts directly to the appropriate taxing authorities and provide proof of payment to Landlord promptly after such payment or (ii) pay such amounts to Landlord within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s written request therefor. Tenant’s portion of such taxes and assessments will be prorated for any partial calendar year of the Term.  For purposes of determining the amount of the taxes and assessments accruing on the Premises, Tenants shall be responsible for 75% of the taxes and assessments levied on the tax parcel that contains the Premises.  In no event will Tenant be responsible for any federal, state, or local income, payroll, gift, transfer, estate, or inheritance taxes of Landlord (collectively, “Excluded Taxes”).

6.5.            Additional Taxes . Should there presently be in effect or should there be enacted during the Term any law, statute, or ordinance levying any tax or assessment (other than any Excluded Tax) directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, upon the Premises, or increasing any tax Tenant is required to pay under Section 6.4, Tenant will reimburse Landlord in twelve (12) monthly installments (or such fewer number of months remaining in the Term), as additional rent, at the same time as monthly rental payments are due hereunder, for the actual amount of all such taxes paid.
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7.
REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND CONDITION OF PREMISES .

7.1.            Condition of Premises .   Tenant accepts the Premises “AS IS” in their current condition.  No warranties or representations concerning the condition or suitability of the Premises for intended uses have been made, except as are expressly set forth herein.

7.2.            Tenant’s Obligation to Repair .   Tenant will, at its own expense, at all times keep the Premises in good repair and adequately maintained, normal wear and tear excepted and damages covered by insurance excepted.  Tenant’s repair and maintenance obligation includes, without limitation, gardening and landscaping; interior and exterior painting; lighting; lamp replacement; window replacement; door repair and/or replacement; routine parking lot maintenance and repair (including, without limitation, sealing, sweeping, patching, and snow removal); routine maintenance and repair of all electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning equipment, telephone and other utility systems and routine roof maintenance and repair, provided however that Tenant shall not be required to make major repairs to Structural Elements (as hereinafter defined).   Landlord and Tenant will cooperate in good faith to determine whether any major repairs or replacements are required to the structural elements of the Premises consisting of the roof structure, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, foundation, parking lot, and load-bearing walls (collectively, the “Structural Elements”), and if the parties determine that such major repairs or replacements are required, then Landlord will make such repairs or replacements at Landlord’s own expense.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs or replacements to Structural Elements that become necessary due to damage caused by Tenant, its employees or agents.  If the Tenant fails to maintain the Premises in accordance with this Section, or fails to make the repairs required by this Section, Landlord may make repairs on fifteen (15) days’ notice to the Tenant, and Tenant will pay the reasonable cost thereof, as additional rent, within thirty (30) days of demand therefor from Landlord.  The right of Landlord to make such repairs will be without prejudice to any rights it may have because of Tenant’s failure to make such repairs.

7.3.            Alterations .   After prior written consent of Landlord, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, may make alterations, additions and improvements in the Premises; provided, that Tenant will not be required to obtain Landlord’s consent for any alterations, additions or improvements that cost less than $100,000 in the aggregate for any project.  In the performance of such work, Tenant will hold Landlord harmless from any damage, loss or expense, and will comply in all material respects with all laws, ordinance, rules and regulations of any public authority, obtaining all necessary permits, approvals or authorizations.  Tenant will not allow any liens to be filed against the Premises; in the event of filing of a lien claim Tenant will promptly take such action as may be required to remove the lien, including, without limitation, obtaining a bond, if required.  All such alterations, additions and improvements to the Premises (except trade fixtures) will be the property of Landlord, and will be surrendered with the Premises upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  Upon demand by Landlord given at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term, Tenant will remove any alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant, designated by Landlord to be removed, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, unless such alterations, additions or improvements had previously been consented to by Landlord.  In such event, Tenant will repair any damage to the Premises caused by such removal, and return the Premises to their condition prior to making of any such alterations, improvements or additions.

At the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, Tenant will have the right to remove all trade fixtures located on the Premises which were installed by the Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.  However, in such event, Tenant will repair all damage caused to the Premises by such installation and removal, returning the Premises to their condition prior to installation of such trade fixtures.

Trade fixtures will not be deemed to include any heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing or electrical equipment, or other fixtures relating primarily to general usage of the building or Premises, as opposed to fixtures specifically used for the operation of the Tenant’s particular type of business or that were installed by Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.
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7.4.            Entry and Inspection .   Tenant will permit Landlord or its agents to enter the Premises at reasonable times and after prior notice of not less than 24 hours (excluding emergencies) to inspect, clean, or repair the Premises, or to show the Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants.

8.            USE OF PREMISES .

8.1.            Permitted Use .   Tenant shall be entitled to use the Premises for general industrial and warehouse uses for the purposes of providing a truck terminal for Tenant’s trucks and drivers and general office use, and for no other purposes except as Landlord may approve in writing.  Without written permission from the Landlord, no industrial, manufacturing, or processing activity may be conducted in the Premises, except as provided in the preceding sentence.

8.2.            Hazardous Substances .   Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all applicable air and water pollution control and prevention laws and regulations, in each case, from and after the Effective Date.  Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding hazardous waste or substances (“Environmental Laws”) from and after the Effective Date.  In the event of any discharge by Tenant or Tenant’s agents of hazardous or toxic substances on or to the Premises on or after the Effective Date in violation of applicable Environmental Laws, Tenant will promptly notify Landlord thereof, and remediate such violation in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.  After the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease for any reason, Tenant will remove from the Premises all hazardous and toxic materials and containers for those materials, in each case, that Tenant brought onto the Premises after the Effective Date.

8.3.            Disposal of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials .   All non-hazardous waste materials will be disposed of by Tenant properly and in accordance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations.

8.4.            Compliance with Law .   Tenant will not use the Premises or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises which will in any material way conflict with any law, statute, zoning restriction, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation or requirements of duly constituted public authorities now in force or which may hereafter be enacted or promulgated.  With respect to its use of the Premises, Tenant will at its sole cost and expense promptly comply in all material respects with all laws, statutes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations or requirements now in force or which may hereafter be in force.

9.            INSURANCE; INDEMNITY .

9.1.            Public Liability Insurance .   Tenant, at its own expense, will procure and maintain in effect commercial general liability insurance coverage with limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) combined single limits, which coverage may be provided by a combination of basic and umbrella policies; insuring against any and all liability of Tenant with regard to the Premises or use or occupancy thereof.  In no event will the limits of said policies be considered as limiting the liabilities of Tenant under this Lease.

9.2.            Casualty Insurance .   Landlord will maintain property insurance on the Premises covering the full replacement cost of the Premises, which such insurance shall not include a deductible more than $5,000, and will charge Tenant for such insurance in accordance with Section 6.1 above.  However, Tenant understands and acknowledges that such insurance does not cover the personal property of Tenant located on the Premises, and may not cover fixtures installed by Tenant.  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain fire and extended coverage insurance covering all inventory, equipment and other personal property located on the Premises, together with trade fixtures and improvements installed in or made by Tenant to the Premises.  Upon request by Landlord, Tenant will provide proof of such insurance.  Landlord will have no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage to property of Tenant, except where such loss or damage was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.
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9.3.            Automobile Liability Insurance Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain a policy of automobile liability insurance, including coverage for owned, non-owned, leased, or hired vehicles providing a minimum limit for bodily injury and property damage of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence per combined single limit of bodily injury and property damage liability each accident

9.4.            Worker’s Compensation Tenant shall maintain employer’s liability insurance and/or worker’s compensation insurance in compliance with applicable law.

9.5.            Umbrella/Excess Liability .  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain umbrella/excess liability insurance on an occurrence basis in excess of the underlying insurance described in Sections 9.1, 9.3, and the employers liability requirement of 9.4. Such insurance will provide coverage of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) per occurrence and in the aggregate.

9.6.            Insurance Policies; Self Insurance .   All insurance policies Tenant is required to maintain under Section 9 will name Landlord as an additional insured, will be with reputable insurance companies doing business in the state where the Premises are located, and will contain loss-payable clauses reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, and copies of policies or certificates evidencing such insurance, including an acknowledgement of waiver of subrogation as required in Section 9.7, will be delivered to Landlord by Tenant.  No such policy will be cancelable or amendable except after thirty (30) days’ written notice to Landlord. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall have the right and option, upon notice to Landlord, to self-insure against the risks described in this Section 9 which are required to be maintained by Tenant, provided that Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of at least the same coverage and benefits to Landlord as the insurance described in Section 9 in the event of any occurrence that would otherwise give rise to a claim under such insurance policies. Tenant’s right to self-insure is personal to Tenant. and any other consolidated subsidiary of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. to which this Lease is transferred in accordance with Section 11, and shall not apply to any other assignee or subtenant hereunder, unless otherwise approved in writing by Landlord, which approval may be withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion.

9.7.            Waiver of Subrogation .   Landlord and Tenant mutually agree to waive their right of recovery against each other, and their respective officers, employees or agents, for losses or damages occurring to the Premises, improvements, contents, other property of the waiving party or under its control, or business interruptions related to the loss or damage to such property.  However, this waiver will not apply to losses which are not covered under reasonable fire and extended coverage insurance acquired by Landlord, or to the extent of reasonable deductibles or co-insurance provisions within Landlord’s policy.  Permission to grant this waiver is to be included in the provisions of the insurance policies now carried by both Landlord and Tenant.  The continuation of this mutual waiver of subrogation is subject to the insurance continuing to grant this option on renewal policies.

9.8.            Indemnification .   From and after the Effective Date, Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Landlord, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officer, agents, and employees from any and all demands, claims, causes of action, fines, penalties, damages (except any consequential, punitive, incidental, special, indirect, or exemplary damages, including loss of future revenue or income, loss of business reputation or opportunity, diminution of value, or any damages based on any type of multiple (except, in each case, to the extent payable in connection with a third-party claim)), liabilities, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and litigation-related expenses (collectively, “Damages”) arising out of (a) any injury or damage, however occurring, on or about the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, except to the extent such claims or expenses are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees, (b) the use or occupancy or manner of use or occupancy of the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant, or (c)  any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant.  From and after the Effective Date, Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tenant, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any and all Damages arising out of (x) any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease by Landlord or any person claiming under Landlord, or (y) any injury or damage to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  If any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord or its employees or agents by reason of any such claims for which Tenant has indemnified Landlord, Tenant, upon written notice from Landlord, shall defend the same at Tenant’s expense with counsel approved by Landlord.  The limits of Tenant’s insurance coverage with respect to the Premises shall in no way imply any limitation to Tenant’s indemnification obligations hereunder.
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9.9.            Waiver and Release .   From and after the Effective Date, Landlord and its employees and agents will not be liable for any loss or injury to persons or damage to property, in or about the Premises, from any cause, which at any time may be suffered by Tenant or by its invitees or employees or agents, except to the extent said damage is caused by or resulting solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees without contributory negligence on the part of Tenant or any other lessees or occupants of the Premises.  Tenant, as a material part of the consideration to Landlord for this Lease, by this Section waives and releases all claims against Landlord, its employees and agents and each of their respective affiliates, with respect to all matters for which such parties have disclaimed liability pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, in each case, to the extent arising from and after the Effective Date.  The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

10.            RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION .

10.1.            Minor Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are damaged by fire or other perils covered by the fire and extended coverage insurance on the Premises, and such damage is not substantial, Landlord will promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense after the application of all insurance proceeds, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect.

10.2.            Substantial Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are destroyed or damaged by fire or other perils covered by the insurance, and if such damage is substantial, or if damaged by an uninsured peril where the estimated cost of repair exceeds six (6) months’ rent, Landlord may at its option either (a) promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense, in which event this Lease will continue in full force and effect, or (b) cancel this Lease as of the date of such damage, by giving Tenant written notice of its election within ten (10) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage.  If Landlord elects option (a), Landlord will include in the notice a good faith estimate of the time Landlord expects to complete such repairs.  If (x) the estimated completion date for the repairs is more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage or (y) the remaining portion of the Premises not destroyed or damaged is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, Tenant will have an option to cancel this Lease by giving Landlord written notice of its election to do so within thirty (30) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work, which cancellation will be effective at such date specified by Tenant, which such date shall be no later than ninety (90) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work.  For purposes of this Section 10, the term “substantial” shall mean damage to the Premises (measured by the estimated cost of restoration) that is (A) greater than 50% of its then replacement cost above the foundation, or (B) more than 25% of the square feet of the Premises and that renders the Premises untenantable for more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of the damage.
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Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 10, if damage to the Premises is caused by the willful misconduct or negligence of Tenant, and such damage is not subject to waiver of subrogation under Section 9.7, then Tenant will be responsible for repair and rent will not abate during the repair period.

10.3.            Abatement of Rent .   If the Premises are destroyed or damaged (including minor damage under Section 10.1 and substantial damage under Section 10.2), the rent payable hereunder for the period during which such damage, repair or restoration continues will be abated in proportion to the proportion of usable Premises space compared to the total Premises space.  Tenant will have no claim against Landlord for any damage suffered by Tenant by reason of such damage, destruction, repair or restoration, unless such damage or destruction is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.

11.            ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING; RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; PURCHASE OPTION; SALE BY LANDLORD .

11.1.            Assignment and Subletting . Except as provided in this Section, Tenant will not be permitted to sublease all or any portion of the Premises or assign this Lease without Landlord’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.  If Tenant is a corporation or association, the sale or assignment of any stock or interest in such corporation or association (for other than security purposes) in the aggregate in excess of fifty percent (50%) in any two-year period, will be deemed an assignment within the meaning and provisions of this Section; provided, this sentence will not apply if Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange or if at least eighty percent (80%) of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is owned by an entity whose stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange.  Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred with the documentation of such assignment or other transfer of this Lease or Tenant’s interest in and to the Premises.  No assignment or sublease by Tenant will serve to relieve Tenant, or any guarantor of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease, from continuing liability under this Lease, unless Landlord expressly releases any such person from liability in writing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the following transfers will not require Landlord’s consent: (a) any transfer to a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, division, or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Tenant or (b) any successor to Tenant as a result of merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests or assets, provided such successor entity has a net worth equal to or greater than Tenant’s as of the date of this Lease.

11.2.            Right of First Refusal Tenant is hereby granted a right of first refusal (“ROFR”) to purchase the Premises for the same price and on substantially the same terms and conditions as Landlord is prepared to accept from a third party at any time during the Term. Landlord will notify Tenant of the receipt of any offer to purchase the Premises (the “Offer”) from any third party during the Term that Landlord is prepared to accept, prior to accepting the same, and Tenant will have twenty (20) days after the receipt thereof to notify Landlord in writing that Tenant elects to exercise its ROFR and purchase the Premises on the terms and conditions contained in the Offer. In the event Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR, or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, Landlord will be permitted to sell the Premises to the third party offeror on the same terms and conditions contained in the Offer. If the sale to such third party offeror is not consummated on the same terms and conditions contained in the offer within nine (9) months after the date on which Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, then Tenant will again have the ROFR with respect to any other Offers received by Landlord during the Term.

11.3.            Option to Pur chase .  Tenant shall have an option to purchase the Premises (the “Purchase Option”) under the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.

11.4.            Sale and Assignment by Landlord . Subject to the ROFR as set forth in Section 11.2 and the Purchase Option set forth in Section 11.3, Landlord shall at all times during the Term have the right to sell, transfer, or convey the Premises and in connection therewith, to assign Landlord's rights and obligations under this Lease to the purchaser or transferee thereof, in Landlord’s sole discretion; provided, any such sale, transfer, or conveyance from any Landlord party to any affiliated company or entity shall not trigger the ROFR. Tenant’s rights under the ROFR shall not be affected by any such transfer to an affiliated company or entity.  The term “Landlord”, as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in question of title to the Premises, and in the event of any transfer or transfers of title to the Premises, Landlord herein named (and in the case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances, the then grantor) shall be automatically freed and relieved of all liability as respects the performance of any covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease to be performed after the date of the transfer.
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12.            CONDEMNATION .

12.1.            Entire or Substantial Taking .   If the entire Premises, or so much thereof as to make the balance not reasonably adequate for the conduct of Tenant’s business (notwithstanding restoration by Landlord as herein provided) will be taken under the power of eminent domain, this Lease will automatically terminate on the date the condemning authority takes possession.

12.2.            Partial Taking .   In the event of any taking under the power of eminent domain which does not so result in a termination of this Lease, the monthly rental payable hereunder will be reduced, effective on the date the condemning authority takes possession, in the same portion as the value of the Premises after the taking relates to the value of the Premises prior to the taking.  Landlord will promptly, at its sole expense, restore the portion of the Premises not taken to as near its former condition as is reasonably possible, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect; provided, that if there is a taking of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the Premises or if the remaining portion of the Premises is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, then Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon notice to Landlord given within thirty (30) days after the date of the vesting of title in the condemning authority, which termination will be effective at such date specified by Tenant within the ninety (90) days after the vesting of title in the condemning authority.

12.3.            Awards .   Any award for taking of all or any part of the Premises under the power of eminent domain will be the property of the Landlord, whether such award will be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold or for taking of the fee.  Nothing herein, however, will be deemed to preclude Tenant from obtaining, or to give Landlord any interest in, any award to Tenant for loss of or damage to or cost of removal of Tenant’s trade fixtures and removable personal property, or for damages for cessation or interruption of Tenant’s business.

13.            LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES .   Except as expressly provided in this Lease, Tenant agrees that it will pay all costs for work done or caused to be done by it on the Premises, and Tenant will keep the Premises free and clear of all mechanic’s and other liens on account of work done for Tenant or persons claiming under Tenant.  Should any claim of lien be filed against the Premises or any action affecting the title to such property be commenced, the party receiving notice of such lien or action will promptly give the other party written notice thereof.  In the event a dispute between Tenant and a third party having lien rights arising from work performed for Tenant results in litigation to enforce such lien right in which Landlord or any party deriving rights from Landlord is named a party defendant, defense of such action will, at Landlord’s option, and using counsel reasonably approved by Landlord, immediately be assumed by Tenant.  Tenant will appear and defend Landlord and any parties deriving interest through Landlord or will pay reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred by Landlord or parties deriving interest through Landlord in respect to their own defenses to such action and will indemnify and hold Landlord and parties deriving interest through Landlord harmless from any judgment arising out of such litigation.

14.            SURRENDER OF PREMISES .

14.1.            Surrender of Premises .   Tenant will promptly surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  The Premises will be surrendered in the same condition as they were at the commencement of the Term, normal wear and tear and damages caused by casualty or condemnation excepted.
 
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14.2.            Holding O ver .   Any holding over by Tenant after the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease will be construed to be a tenancy at will, terminable at any time by Landlord.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the rental amount for the month immediately preceding the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, and in addition thereto, without limiting the liability of Tenant for its unauthorized occupancy of the Premises, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord and any replacement tenant of the Premises for any loss, cost, liability, expenses, or damages suffered by Landlord or the replacement tenant (including reasonable attorneys’ fee) resulting from Tenant’s failure timely to vacate the Premises.  The provisions of this section shall not exclude Landlord’s right of re-entry or any other right hereunder.

14.3.            Sub-Tenancies .   The voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Tenant, or a mutual cancellation thereof, will terminate all and any existing subtenancies, or may, at the option of Landlord, operate as an assignment to it of any and all such subtenancies.

15.            DEFAULT BY TENANT .

15.1.            Default .   The occurrence of any one or more of the following events will constitute breach of this Lease by Tenant:

15.1.1.            Failure to Pay Rent .   The failure by Tenant to make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder, within five (5) business days of receiving written notice from Landlord that the same is past-due; provided, Landlord shall only be required to  give Tenant two (2) such notice and cure periods during any twelve (12) month period, and after two such notices, any subsequent failure by Tenant to timely make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder when due within the following twelve (12) month period shall be a default without notice or cure period.

15.1.2.            Failure to Perform .   The failure by Tenant to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by the Tenant, other than payment of rent, where such failure will continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Landlord to Tenant or, if cure would reasonably require more than thirty (30) days to complete, if Tenant fails to commence performance within the thirty (30) day period and fails to diligently pursue such cure to completion.

15.1.3.            Bankruptcy .   The making by Tenant of any general assignment or general arrangement for the benefit of creditors; or by the filing by or against Tenant of a petition to have Tenant adjudged bankrupt, or a petition or reorganization or arrangement under any law relating to bankruptcy (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Tenant, the same is dismissed within sixty (60) days filing); or the appointment of a trustee or a receiver to take possession of substantially all of Tenant’s assets located at the Premises or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged in thirty (30) days after appointment of said trustee or receiver, or the filing of a petition for the appointment of the same, whichever will first occur.

15.1.4.            Vacating the Premises .   The vacating or abandonment of the Premises by Tenant without the delivery of prior notice thereof to Landlord.  Tenant will be conclusively deemed to have abandoned the Premises upon removal of all or substantially all personal property of Tenant from the Premises (unless prior written notice was given to Landlord explaining the basis for such removal and that occupancy was intended to be re-commenced within thirty (30) days).
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15.2.             Remedies in Default .   In the event of any such default or breach by Tenant, Landlord may at any time thereafter, with or without notice or demand and without limiting Landlord in the exercise of any right or remedy which Landlord may have by reason of such default or breach:

15.2.1 .            Terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease will terminate and Tenant will immediately surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord.  In such event Landlord will be entitled to recover from Tenant all damages incurred by Landlord by reason of Tenant’s default, including but not limited to:

(i)
the out-of-pocket cost of recovering possession of the Premises; and

(ii)
reasonable expenses of reletting the Premises, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises; and

(iii)
reasonable attorneys’ fees, any real estate commission actually paid, and that portion of the leasing commission, if any, paid by Landlord with respect to this Lease, applicable to the unexpired Term; and

(iv)
all unpaid rent due at the time of award by the court having jurisdiction thereof, plus interest as provided below; plus the worth at the time of the award of all unpaid rent and other charges required herein for the balance of the Term after the time of such award, except to the extent that Tenant proves such amount can reasonably be avoided by reletting the Premises; and

(v)
if Landlord has financed any Tenant Improvements and the cost of such improvements is being amortized over a period of time during the Term, Landlord may accelerate and declare the entire unreimbursed balance of financed Tenant improvement costs immediately due and payable.

Unpaid installments of rent or other sums will bear interest from the date due at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum (or the maximum legal rate if lesser and applicable).  In the event Tenant will have abandoned the Premises, Landlord will have the option of (1) retaking possession of the Premises and recovering from Tenant the amount specified in this Section 15.2.1, or (2) proceeding under Section 15.2.2.  As used in this paragraph, “the worth at the time of award” is to be computed by discounting by the amount of the discount rate of seven percent (7%).

15.2.2 .            Maintain Tenant’s right to possession, in which case this Lease will continue in effect whether or not Tenant will have abandoned the Premises.  In such event, Landlord will be entitled to all of Landlord’s rights and remedies under this Lease including the right to recover the rent as it becomes due hereunder.
 
15.2.3 .            Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord under the laws or judicial decisions of the state in which the Premises are located.

15.3.             Late Charges .   In addition to all other remedies available for nonpayment, if the amount due from the Tenant is not received by the Landlord on or before the tenth (10 th ) day following the date upon which such amount is due and payable (beyond any notice and cure period), a late charge of five percent (5%) of said amount owed will become due and payable as additional rent hereunder, which represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the processing and accounting costs that Landlord will incur by reason of such late payment.

15.4.            Mitigation of Damage .  Following a breach of this Lease by Tenant, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate damages to the extent required by applicable law.
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16.            NOTICES .   Any notice, consent, approval or other communication required or permitted pursuant to this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered by hand, (ii) when delivered by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) when delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier with written proof of delivery, in any case addressed to the parties at the address below:

If to Landlord: 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
P.O. Box 2285
 
Greeneville, TN 37744
 
Attn: John Tweed
   
 
and
   
 
Niswonger Foundation
 
P.O. Box 5112
 
Greeneville, TN 37743
 
Attn: Scott Niswonger
   
If to Tenant:
Landair Transport, Inc.
 
P.O. Box 2297
 
Chattanooga, TN 37422
 
Attn: Joey Hogan

Either Landlord or Tenant may change its address for purposes of this provision by giving written notice of such change to the other party in the manner stated herein.

17.            LANDLORD’S FINANCING .   This Lease will automatically be subordinate to any deed of trust, mortgage and other security instruments now existing or hereafter placed on the Premises or any part thereof by the Landlord and all advances made or to be made thereunder.  Within ten (10) days of presentation, Tenant will execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Landlord (i) any commercially reasonable subordination or nondisturbance agreement or other instrument that Landlord may require to carry out the provisions of this Section, provided that such agreement will provide that as long as Tenant is not in default after notice and the expiration of any applicable cure period, the holder of such deed of trust, mortgage or other security instrument will not disturb or impair Tenant’s possession of the Premises and its rights under this Lease and (ii) any estoppel certificate requested by Landlord, with any such mortgagee or beneficiary certifying in writing, if such be true, that Tenant will be in occupancy and that the Lease is in full force and effect, and the dates to which the rent and other charges will have been paid, and that there will be no rental offsets or claims.

18.            SIGNAGE .  Tenant will not place upon or install in windows or other openings or exterior sides of doors or walls of the Premises any symbols, drapes, or other materials, other than those existing as of the Effective Date or replacement thereof in the same location, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Tenant will observe and comply with the requirements of all laws applicable to signage.

19.            MISCELLANEOUS .

19.1.            Waivers .   No waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision hereof or of any subsequent breach by Tenant of the same or any other provision.  Landlord’s consent to or approval of any act by Tenant requiring Landlord’s consent or approval will not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Landlord’s consent to or approval of any subsequent act by Tenant, whether or not similar to the act so consented to or approved.

19.2.            Interest on Past Due Obligations .   Any amount due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder which is not paid when due will bear interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month, or the highest legal rate, if applicable, from the date due until paid, but the payment of such interest will not excuse or cure any default by Tenant.
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19.3.            Construction .

19.3 . 1 .            This Lease will be construed and governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee;

19.3.2 .            The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof will not affect or impair any other provisions hereof;

19.3.3 .            This Lease constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

19.3.4 .            This Lease may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed and acknowledged by both parties;

19.3.5 .            Time is of the essence of this Lease in each and every provision hereof;

19.3.6 .            Nothing contained herein will create the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership or of joint venture between the parties hereto and no provisions contained herein will be deemed to create any relationship other than that of Landlord and Tenant; and

19.3.7 .            Tenant has had the opportunity to have this document reviewed by counsel of its choice.  Tenant agrees that no interpretation or construction will be made with respect to this document based on which party drafted the document.

19.4.             Successor .   Subject to any limitations on assignments herein, all of the provisions of this Lease will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

19.5.            Costs and Attorneys’ Fees .   If by reason of any breach or default on the part of either party hereto it becomes necessary for the other party hereto to employ an attorney, then the non-breaching party will have and recover against the other party in addition to costs allowed by law, reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation-related expenses.  The non-breaching party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses, as provided above, regardless of whether litigation is actually commenced.

19.6.            Jurisdiction and Venue .   The parties hereto do hereby consent to jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Greene County in the State of Tennessee.

19.7.            Counterparts .   This document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

19.8.            Memorandum of Lease . The parties will, upon the request of either party, execute and record a memorandum of this Lease in the records of Greene County in the State of Tennessee, which will include notice of the ROFR and the Purchase Option.

19.9.            Guaranty . CTG hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties the punctual performance of all obligations of Tenant under this Lease.  CTG expressly waives any and all rights, benefits or defenses under (a) any defense to its obligation to provide the foregoing guaranty, other than the defense that Tenant has in fact fully and promptly performed all of its obligations under this Lease, and (b) any claim or circumstance that would legally or equitably discharge a guarantor or surety.



[ Signature page follows. ]


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EXECUTED TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

TENANT:
 
     
 
Landair Transport, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
Richard Cribbs  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

 
I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Richard Cribbs is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Landair Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 




LANDLORD:
 
     
 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
John A. Tweed  
 
Title:
Chief Manager  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that John A. Tweed is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Chief Manager of Tweed Enterprises, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated:  July 3, 2018.
          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 
 

 
Scott M. Niswonger
 
     
     
 
 
 


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Scott M. Niswonger is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated: July 3, 2018.


          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 


CTG:
 
     
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
R.H. Lovin, Jr.  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President of Administration  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that R.H. Lovin, Jr. is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Administration of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc,, a Nevada corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 

     


EXHIBIT A
PREMISES
(Picture)
 

EXHIBIT B
PURCHASE OPTION


1.            Purchase Option .  Tenant shall have the right and option, exercisable by Tenant in its sole discretion by written notice to Landlord at any time during the Term (the “ Option Notice ”), to purchase the Premises from Landlord for a purchase price equal to the Option Price (as hereinafter defined).  Upon the determination of the Option Price, Landlord and Tenant (or an affiliate of Tenant) shall promptly and diligently negotiate and execute a definitive purchase and sale agreement in form and substance mutually acceptable to Landlord and Tenant (a “ Definitive Agreement ”) for the sale of the Premises to Tenant for a purchase price equal to Option Price, and shall thereafter close such sale in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement.  The Definitive Agreement will allocate all closing costs and expenses, including without limitation, escrow costs, title insurance costs and premiums, documentary stamp, deed or transfer taxes, recording fees, and sales commissions, in a manner that is customary for the market in which the Premises are located.
2.            Option Price .  The Option Price shall be equal to (a) the Fair Market Value of the Premises (as defined in Section 5 of this Exhibit), as reduced by   (b) the principal balance of, and any accrued but unpaid interest on, any indebtedness to be assumed by Tenant as part of its acquisition of the Premises.
3.            Continuing Rights . The Purchase Option shall be an ongoing and continuing right and option during the Term, and shall be binding upon any successor Landlord under this Lease.
4.            Termination of the Purchase Option .  The Purchase Option shall automatically expire and be of no further force or effect upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease.
5.            Fair Market Value .  “ Fair Market Value ” means the value of the Premises, as determined in accordance with the following protocols and procedures:
(a)      Landlord and Tenant shall initially attempt to agree upon a mutually-acceptable purchase price for the Premises.  If Landlord and Tenant are able to agree upon a purchase price for the Premises within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s delivery of the Option Notice, such agreed-upon price shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of the Premises for purposes of this Exhibit B .  If, however, Landlord and Tenant are unable to agree upon a purchase price within such 30-day period, the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be determined by the appraisal process described in the remainder of this Section 5.
(b)     If the Fair Market Value of the Premises is to be determined by appraisal, within ten (10) days following the parties' failure to agree upon a purchase price, each of Landlord and Tenant shall select an appraiser who is a member of the Appraisal Institute or its successor (“ MAI ”), and who has at least five (5) years of experience in valuing commercial properties similar to the Premises in the market in which the Premises are located (a “ Qualified Appraiser ”).  If one party fails to name a Qualified Appraiser within such 10-day period, the other party may select a second Qualified Appraiser.  The two Qualified Appraisers so selected shall be instructed to promptly determine, independently of one another, the Fair Market Value of the Premises and provide an oral opinion of Fair Market Value within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report within thirty (30) days, after the appointment of the second Qualified Appraiser. If either Qualified Appraiser fails to deliver a report to the parties containing the Fair Market Value determined by such Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 30-day period, but the other Qualified Appraiser timely delivers his or her report, the determination of Fair Market Value of the Qualified Appraiser who has timely delivered his or her report shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding on both Landlord and Tenant.
 

(c)   If the two Qualified Appraisers have made their determinations of Fair Market Value within the time period set forth in Section 5(b) above, and if the difference between the two amounts so determined is less than or equal to five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be the average of the fair market values determined by each of the two Qualified Appraisers.  If the difference between the two amounts exceeds five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the two Qualified Appraisers shall, within five (5) business days after delivery of the second Qualified Appraiser’s report, select a third Qualified Appraiser.  If the two Qualified Appraisers appointed by the parties are unable to agree upon a third Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 5-business day period, the third Qualified Appraiser shall be selected by the president (or equivalent officer) of the local chapter of the MAI, or his or her designee or, if there is no such organization or if such individual declines to make such appointment, then either Party may request appointment of the third Qualified Appraiser by the American Arbitration Association.  The third Qualified Appraiser shall be instructed to determine the Fair Market Value of the Premises and deliver an oral opinion to the parties within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report to the parties within thirty (30) days, after his or her selection.  Of the three appraisals, the appraisal which differs most in terms of dollar amount from the other two appraisals shall be excluded, and the average of the remaining two appraisals shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding upon both Landlord and Tenant.  Each party shall pay and bear the fees and expenses of the Qualified Appraiser selected by or on behalf of such party, and the parties shall share equally in the fees and expenses of the third Qualified Appraiser.  Each party shall have the right to submit such data and memoranda to each of the Qualified Appraisers in support of its respective positions as it may deem necessary or appropriate.
 
(d)    In determining the Fair Market Value of the Premises, the Qualified Appraisers shall conduct a comprehensive broker cap rate survey in accordance with USPAP standards.  The reports issued by the Qualified Appraisers shall be in full compliance with USPAP and the market standard definition of market value.  The typical standard shall be the definition from the Federal Register, Volume 55, 12 C.F.R. Part 34.42(g), page 34696, August 24, 1990, as amended at Federal Registers, Volume 57 Page 12202, April 9, 1992; Federal Register Volume 59 Page 29499, June 7, 1994.  The definition is:
The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:
(i)     The buyer and seller are typically motivated.
(ii)    Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their own best interests.
(iii)   A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market.
 
(iv)   Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto.
 
(v)   The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
 
 

 
AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE (“Lease”), effective as of July 3, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between (i) SCOTT M. NISWONGER, an individual, and  TWEED ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, DBA WLC PROPERTIES (together, “Landlord”), (ii) LANDAIR LOGISTICS, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Tenant”), and (iii) COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC., a Nevada corporation, in its capacity as guarantor (“CTG”). 
WHEREAS, Tenant currently leases from Landlord, and Landlord leases to Tenant, certain real property located in Greeneville, Tennessee, as set forth below, pursuant to that certain Lease Agreement dated December 31, 2017 (the “Original Lease”);
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant now desire to amend and restate the Original Lease in its entirety to reflect modifications of certain terms thereof, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants contained herein and under the terms and conditions set forth herein, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree that the Original Lease is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
1.            PREMISES .   Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord those certain Premises commonly known as 310 Elmer Cox, Building 2, Greeneville, Tennessee and further described in Exhibit A , which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”).

2.            TERM .   The initial term of this Lease (the “Initial Term”) will be from the Effective Date through and ending at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on April 1, 2022. Thereafter, so long as a Customer Agreement (defined below) is in force and effect as of the date on which Tenant exercises a Renewal Option (defined below), Tenant has the right, privilege and option to renew and extend the Initial Term or any renewal term of this Lease (“Renewal Option”) to expire coterminously with the then-current term of such Customer Agreement (each, a “Renewal Term”), subject to the provisions and conditions of this Lease. Tenant may exercise a Renewal Option by providing written notice to Landlord of its intent to exercise a Renewal Option no later than six (6) months prior to the expiration of the then-current term. As used in this Lease, “Term” means both the Initial Term and, to the extent a Renewal Option has been exercised, the applicable Renewal Term(s).  As used in this Lease, “Customer Agreement” means that certain Warehouse Services Agreement between Tenant and John Deere Horicon Works, as it may be extended or renewed, and as it may be replaced by any other agreement with a customer (including a replacement contract with John Deere Horicon Works.) pursuant to which Tenant or the applicable customer performs or provides services from or at the Premises.

3.            MONTHLY RENT .

3.1.            Initial Term . During the Initial Term, Tenant will pay to the Landlord at Landlord’s address specified in Section 16 below, or at such other place as the Landlord may hereinafter designate in a written notice to Tenant, on or before the first day of each calendar month, without offset or deduction the following amounts as rent for the Premises: Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500) per month.  The prorated first month’s rent will be paid upon execution of this Lease.

3.2.            Renewal Terms . Within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s receipt of a Renewal Notice, Landlord shall notify Tenant of its determination of the fair market rent for such Renewal Term (“FMV Rent”), and Tenant shall advise Landlord of any objection thereto within ten (10) days of receipt of the FMV Rent. Failure to respond within such 10-day period shall constitute Tenant’s acceptance of the FMV Rent for the Renewal Term. If Tenant objects to the FMV Rent, Landlord and Tenant shall commence negotiations to attempt to agree upon the FMV Rent within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s notice of objection. If the parties cannot agree within such thirty (30) day period, each acting in good faith but without any obligation to agree, then the Term shall not be extended and shall terminate on its then scheduled termination date and Tenant shall have no further right hereunder or any remedy by reason of the parties’ failure to agree.
 
 


4.            QUIET ENJOYMENT Landlord covenants that Tenant, upon paying the basic rent and all other charges herein provided for and observing and keeping all covenants, agreements and conditions of this Lease on its part to be kept, will quietly have and enjoy the Premises during the Term without hindrance by anyone claiming by or through Landlord.

5.            UTILITIES .   Tenant will pay promptly when due directly to the applicable utility provider all charges for water, sewer, garbage disposal, telephone, electricity, cable, heat, gas, power, and any other utilities or services and like charges, including any fire protection charge, furnished to or consumed upon the Premises.  Landlord will not be liable for any failure or interruption of utility service to the Premises, unless such failure or interruption results from Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, in which event monthly rent and Tenant’s costs (defined below) shall be abated with respect to the portion of the Premises in which Tenant’s use and enjoyment  is impaired for its normal conduct of business from the date of commencement of such interference until the date Tenant’s use and enjoyment of such portion of the Premises is restored.

6.            TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS .

6.1.            Tenant’s Costs .   In addition to the rent provided in Section 3 above, and commencing on the date of commencement specified in Section 2 above, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord, as additional rent (referred to as “Tenant’s costs”), an amount equal to Landlord’s insurance premiums for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises and, in each instance, that are customarily maintained by owners of similar buildings in the market where the Premises are located.  If Tenant’s costs in any calendar year shall increase more than 5% over Tenant’s costs in the prior calendar year and Tenant is not satisfied with the amount of such increase over 5%, Tenant has the option to procure its own insurance for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises, in each case, upon terms reasonably acceptable to Landlord. Landlord shall notify Tenant as soon as reasonably practicable of any increase in Tenant’s costs prior to renewal of Landlord’s insurance policies in order to afford Tenant a reasonable opportunity to obtain replacement coverage.  If Tenant procures its own insurance, the obligation to pay Tenant’s costs to Landlord shall cease.

6.2.            Billing of Charges .   The Tenant will pay to the Landlord the Tenant’s costs described above within thirty (30) days of billing for said costs by the Landlord.

6.3.            Records .   Landlord or its agents will keep records in reasonable detail showing all expenditures made for the items enumerated in subparagraph 6.1 above, which records will be available for inspection by Tenant at any reasonable time.  If any such inspection reveals that Tenant has been overcharged, Landlord agrees to pay the amount of such overcharge to Tenant within thirty (30) days following delivery of written notice thereof and supporting documentation thereto.

6.4.            Real Estate Taxes . Tenant shall timely pay when due all real estate taxes and assessments accruing against the Premises which become due and payable during the Term or any extension or renewal thereof. Tenant shall either, at Landlord’s discretion, (i) pay such amounts directly to the appropriate taxing authorities and provide proof of payment to Landlord promptly after such payment or (ii) pay such amounts to Landlord within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s written request therefor. Tenant’s portion of such taxes and assessments will be prorated for any partial calendar year of the Term.  In no event will Tenant be responsible for any federal, state, or local income, payroll, gift, transfer, estate, or inheritance taxes of Landlord (collectively, “Excluded Taxes”).
 
2


6.5.            Additional Taxes . Should there presently be in effect or should there be enacted during the Term any law, statute, or ordinance levying any tax or assessment (other than any Excluded Tax) directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, upon the Premises, or increasing any tax Tenant is required to pay under Section 6.4, Tenant will reimburse Landlord in twelve (12) monthly installments (or such fewer number of months remaining in the Term), as additional rent, at the same time as monthly rental payments are due hereunder, for the actual amount of all such taxes paid.

7.
REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND CONDITION OF PREMISES .

7.1.            Condition of Premises .   Tenant accepts the Premises “AS IS” in their current condition.  No warranties or representations concerning the condition or suitability of the Premises for intended uses have been made, except as are expressly set forth herein.

7.2.            Tenant’s Obligation to Repair .   Tenant will, at its own expense, at all times keep the Premises in good repair and adequately maintained, normal wear and tear excepted and damages covered by insurance excepted.  Tenant’s repair and maintenance obligation includes, without limitation, gardening and landscaping; interior and exterior painting; lighting; lamp replacement; window replacement; door repair and/or replacement; routine parking lot maintenance and repair (including, without limitation, sealing, sweeping, patching, and snow removal); routine maintenance and repair of all electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning equipment, telephone and other utility systems and routine roof maintenance and repair, provided however that Tenant shall not be required to make major repairs to Structural Elements (as hereinafter defined).   Landlord and Tenant will cooperate in good faith to determine whether any major repairs or replacements are required to the structural elements of the Premises consisting of the roof structure, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, foundation, parking lot, and load-bearing walls (collectively, the “Structural Elements”), and if the parties determine that such major repairs or replacements are required, then Landlord will make such repairs or replacements at Landlord’s own expense.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs or replacements to Structural Elements that become necessary due to damage caused by Tenant, its employees or agents.  If the Tenant fails to maintain the Premises in accordance with this Section, or fails to make the repairs required by this Section, Landlord may make repairs on fifteen (15) days’ notice to the Tenant, and Tenant will pay the reasonable cost thereof, as additional rent, within thirty (30) days of demand therefor from Landlord.  The right of Landlord to make such repairs will be without prejudice to any rights it may have because of Tenant’s failure to make such repairs.

7.3.            Alterations .   After prior written consent of Landlord, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, may make alterations, additions and improvements in the Premises; provided, that Tenant will not be required to obtain Landlord’s consent for any alterations, additions or improvements that cost less than $100,000 in the aggregate for any project.  In the performance of such work, Tenant will hold Landlord harmless from any damage, loss or expense, and will comply in all material respects with all laws, ordinance, rules and regulations of any public authority, obtaining all necessary permits, approvals or authorizations.  Tenant will not allow any liens to be filed against the Premises; in the event of filing of a lien claim Tenant will promptly take such action as may be required to remove the lien, including, without limitation, obtaining a bond, if required.  All such alterations, additions and improvements to the Premises (except trade fixtures) will be the property of Landlord, and will be surrendered with the Premises upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  Upon demand by Landlord given at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term, Tenant will remove any alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant, designated by Landlord to be removed, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, unless such alterations, additions or improvements had previously been consented to by Landlord.  In such event, Tenant will repair any damage to the Premises caused by such removal, and return the Premises to their condition prior to making of any such alterations, improvements or additions.

At the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, Tenant will have the right to remove all trade fixtures located on the Premises which were installed by the Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.  However, in such event, Tenant will repair all damage caused to the Premises by such installation and removal, returning the Premises to their condition prior to installation of such trade fixtures.
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Trade fixtures will not be deemed to include any heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing or electrical equipment, or other fixtures relating primarily to general usage of the building or Premises, as opposed to fixtures specifically used for the operation of the Tenant’s particular type of business or that were installed by Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.

7.4.            Entry and Inspection .   Tenant will permit Landlord or its agents to enter the Premises at reasonable times and after prior notice of not less than 24 hours (excluding emergencies) to inspect, clean, or repair the Premises, or to show the Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants.

8.            USE OF PREMISES .

8.1.            Permitted Use .   Tenant shall be entitled to use the Premises for general industrial and warehouse uses for the purposes of providing a truck terminal for Tenant’s trucks and drivers and general office use, and for no other purposes except as Landlord may approve in writing.  Without written permission from the Landlord, no industrial, manufacturing, or processing activity may be conducted in the Premises, except as provided in the preceding sentence.

8.2.            Hazardous Substances .   Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all applicable air and water pollution control and prevention laws and regulations, in each case, from and after the Effective Date.  Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding hazardous waste or substances (“Environmental Laws”) from and after the Effective Date.  In the event of any discharge by Tenant or Tenant’s agents of hazardous or toxic substances on or to the Premises on or after the Effective Date in violation of applicable Environmental Laws, Tenant will promptly notify Landlord thereof, and remediate such violation in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.  After the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease for any reason, Tenant will remove from the Premises all hazardous and toxic materials and containers for those materials, in each case, that Tenant brought onto the Premises after the Effective Date.

8.3.            Disposal of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials .   All non-hazardous waste materials will be disposed of by Tenant properly and in accordance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations.

8.4.            Compliance with Law .   Tenant will not use the Premises or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises which will in any material way conflict with any law, statute, zoning restriction, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation or requirements of duly constituted public authorities now in force or which may hereafter be enacted or promulgated.  With respect to its use of the Premises, Tenant will at its sole cost and expense promptly comply in all material respects with all laws, statutes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations or requirements now in force or which may hereafter be in force.

9.            INSURANCE; INDEMNITY .

9.1.            Public Liability Insurance .   Tenant, at its own expense, will procure and maintain in effect commercial general liability insurance coverage with limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) combined single limits, which coverage may be provided by a combination of basic and umbrella policies; insuring against any and all liability of Tenant with regard to the Premises or use or occupancy thereof.  In no event will the limits of said policies be considered as limiting the liabilities of Tenant under this Lease.

9.2.            Casualty Insurance .   Landlord will maintain property insurance on the Premises covering the full replacement cost of the Premises, which such insurance shall not include a deductible more than $5,000, and will charge Tenant for such insurance in accordance with Section 6.1 above.  However, Tenant understands and acknowledges that such insurance does not cover the personal property of Tenant located on the Premises, and may not cover fixtures installed by Tenant.  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain fire and extended coverage insurance covering all inventory, equipment and other personal property located on the Premises, together with trade fixtures and improvements installed in or made by Tenant to the Premises.  Upon request by Landlord, Tenant will provide proof of such insurance.  Landlord will have no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage to property of Tenant, except where such loss or damage was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.
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9.3.            Automobile Liability Insurance Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain a policy of automobile liability insurance, including coverage for owned, non-owned, leased, or hired vehicles providing a minimum limit for bodily injury and property damage of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence per combined single limit of bodily injury and property damage liability each accident

9.4.            Worker’s Compensation Tenant shall maintain employer’s liability insurance and/or worker’s compensation insurance in compliance with applicable law.

9.5.            Umbrella/Excess Liability .  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain umbrella/excess liability insurance on an occurrence basis in excess of the underlying insurance described in Sections 9.1, 9.3, and the employers liability requirement of 9.4. Such insurance will provide coverage of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) per occurrence and in the aggregate.

9.6.            Insurance Policies; Self Insurance .   All insurance policies Tenant is required to maintain under Section 9 will name Landlord as an additional insured, will be with reputable insurance companies doing business in the state where the Premises are located, and will contain loss-payable clauses reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, and copies of policies or certificates evidencing such insurance, including an acknowledgement of waiver of subrogation as required in Section 9.7, will be delivered to Landlord by Tenant.  No such policy will be cancelable or amendable except after thirty (30) days’ written notice to Landlord. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall have the right and option, upon notice to Landlord, to self-insure against the risks described in this Section 9 which are required to be maintained by Tenant, provided that Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of at least the same coverage and benefits to Landlord as the insurance described in Section 9 in the event of any occurrence that would otherwise give rise to a claim under such insurance policies. Tenant’s right to self-insure is personal to Tenant. and any other consolidated subsidiary of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. to which this Lease is transferred in accordance with Section 11, and shall not apply to any other assignee or subtenant hereunder, unless otherwise approved in writing by Landlord, which approval may be withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion.

9.7.            Waiver of Subrogation .   Landlord and Tenant mutually agree to waive their right of recovery against each other, and their respective officers, employees or agents, for losses or damages occurring to the Premises, improvements, contents, other property of the waiving party or under its control, or business interruptions related to the loss or damage to such property.  However, this waiver will not apply to losses which are not covered under reasonable fire and extended coverage insurance acquired by Landlord, or to the extent of reasonable deductibles or co-insurance provisions within Landlord’s policy.  Permission to grant this waiver is to be included in the provisions of the insurance policies now carried by both Landlord and Tenant.  The continuation of this mutual waiver of subrogation is subject to the insurance continuing to grant this option on renewal policies.

9.8.            Indemnification .   From and after the Effective Date, Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Landlord, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officer, agents, and employees from any and all demands, claims, causes of action, fines, penalties, damages (except any consequential, punitive, incidental, special, indirect, or exemplary damages, including loss of future revenue or income, loss of business reputation or opportunity, diminution of value, or any damages based on any type of multiple (except, in each case, to the extent payable in connection with a third-party claim)), liabilities, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and litigation-related expenses (collectively, “Damages”) arising out of (a) any injury or damage, however occurring, on or about the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, except to the extent such claims or expenses are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees, (b) the use or occupancy or manner of use or occupancy of the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant, or (c)  any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant.  From and after the Effective Date, Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tenant, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any and all Damages arising out of (x) any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease by Landlord or any person claiming under Landlord, or (y) any injury or damage to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  If any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord or its employees or agents by reason of any such claims for which Tenant has indemnified Landlord, Tenant, upon written notice from Landlord, shall defend the same at Tenant’s expense with counsel approved by Landlord.  The limits of Tenant’s insurance coverage with respect to the Premises shall in no way imply any limitation to Tenant’s indemnification obligations hereunder.
 
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9.9.            Waiver and Release .   From and after the Effective Date, Landlord and its employees and agents will not be liable for any loss or injury to persons or damage to property, in or about the Premises, from any cause, which at any time may be suffered by Tenant or by its invitees or employees or agents, except to the extent said damage is caused by or resulting solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees without contributory negligence on the part of Tenant or any other lessees or occupants of the Premises.  Tenant, as a material part of the consideration to Landlord for this Lease, by this Section waives and releases all claims against Landlord, its employees and agents and each of their respective affiliates, with respect to all matters for which such parties have disclaimed liability pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, in each case, to the extent arising from and after the Effective Date.  The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

10.            RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION .

10.1.            Minor Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are damaged by fire or other perils covered by the fire and extended coverage insurance on the Premises, and such damage is not substantial, Landlord will promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense after the application of all insurance proceeds, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect.

10.2.            Substantial Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are destroyed or damaged by fire or other perils covered by the insurance, and if such damage is substantial, or if damaged by an uninsured peril where the estimated cost of repair exceeds six (6) months’ rent, Landlord may at its option either (a) promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense, in which event this Lease will continue in full force and effect, or (b) cancel this Lease as of the date of such damage, by giving Tenant written notice of its election within ten (10) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage.  If Landlord elects option (a), Landlord will include in the notice a good faith estimate of the time Landlord expects to complete such repairs.  If (x) the estimated completion date for the repairs is more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage or (y) the remaining portion of the Premises not destroyed or damaged is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, Tenant will have an option to cancel this Lease by giving Landlord written notice of its election to do so within thirty (30) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work, which cancellation will be effective at such date specified by Tenant, which such date shall be no later than ninety (90) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work.  For purposes of this Section 10, the term “substantial” shall mean damage to the Premises that is (A) greater than 50% of its then replacement cost above the foundation (measured by the estimated cost of restoration), or (B) more than 25% of the square feet of the Premises and that renders the Premises untenantable for more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of the damage.
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Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 10, if damage to the Premises is caused by the willful misconduct or negligence of Tenant, and such damage is not subject to waiver of subrogation under Section 9.7, then Tenant will be responsible for repair and rent will not abate during the repair period.

10.3.            Abatement of Rent .   If the Premises are destroyed or damaged (including minor damage under Section 10.1 and substantial damage under Section 10.2), the rent payable hereunder for the period during which such damage, repair or restoration continues will be abated in proportion to the proportion of usable Premises space compared to the total Premises space.  Tenant will have no claim against Landlord for any damage suffered by Tenant by reason of such damage, destruction, repair or restoration, unless such damage or destruction is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.

11.            ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING; RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; PURCHASE OPTION; SALE BY LANDLORD.

11.1.            Assignment and Subletting . Except as provided in this Section, Tenant will not be permitted to sublease all or any portion of the Premises or assign this Lease without Landlord’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.  If Tenant is a corporation or association, the sale or assignment of any stock or interest in such corporation or association (for other than security purposes) in the aggregate in excess of fifty percent (50%) in any two-year period, will be deemed an assignment within the meaning and provisions of this Section; provided, this sentence will not apply if Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange or if at least eighty percent (80%) of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is owned by an entity whose stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange.  Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred with the documentation of such assignment or other transfer of this Lease or Tenant’s interest in and to the Premises.  No assignment or sublease by Tenant will serve to relieve Tenant, or any guarantor of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease, from continuing liability under this Lease, unless Landlord expressly releases any such person from liability in writing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the following transfers will not require Landlord’s consent: (a) any transfer to a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, division, or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Tenant or (b) any successor to Tenant as a result of merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests or assets, provided such successor entity has a net worth equal to or greater than Tenant’s as of the date of this Lease.

11.2.            Right of First Refusal Tenant is hereby granted a right of first refusal (“ROFR”) to purchase the Premises for the same price and on substantially the same terms and conditions as Landlord is prepared to accept from a third party at any time during the Term. Landlord will notify Tenant of the receipt of any offer to purchase the Premises (the “Offer”) from any third party during the Term that Landlord is prepared to accept, prior to accepting the same, and Tenant will have twenty (20) days after the receipt thereof to notify Landlord in writing that Tenant elects to exercise its ROFR and purchase the Premises on the terms and conditions contained in the Offer. In the event Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR, or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, Landlord will be permitted to sell the Premises to the third party offeror on the same terms and conditions contained in the Offer. If the sale to such third party offeror is not consummated on the same terms and conditions contained in the offer within nine (9) months after the date on which Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, then Tenant will again have the ROFR with respect to any other Offers received by Landlord during the Term.

11.3.            Option to Purchase .  Tenant shall have an option to purchase the Premises (the “Purchase Option”) under the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.
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11.4.            Sale and Assignment by Landlord . Subject to the ROFR as set forth in Section 11.2 and the Purchase Option set forth in Section 11.3 , Landlord shall at all times during the Term have the right to sell, transfer, or convey the Premises and in connection therewith, to assign Landlord's rights and obligations under this Lease to the purchaser or transferee thereof, in Landlord’s sole discretion; provided, any such sale, transfer, or conveyance from any Landlord party to any affiliated company or entity shall not trigger the ROFR. Tenant’s rights under the ROFR shall not be affected by any such transfer to an affiliated company or entity.  The term “Landlord”, as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in question of title to the Premises, and in the event of any transfer or transfers of title to the Premises, Landlord herein named (and in the case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances, the then grantor) shall be automatically freed and relieved of all liability as respects the performance of any covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease to be performed after the date of the transfer.

12.            CONDEMNATION .

12.1.            Entire or Substantial Taking .   If the entire Premises, or so much thereof as to make the balance not reasonably adequate for the conduct of Tenant’s business (notwithstanding restoration by Landlord as herein provided) will be taken under the power of eminent domain, this Lease will automatically terminate on the date the condemning authority takes possession.

12.2.            Partial Taking .   In the event of any taking under the power of eminent domain which does not so result in a termination of this Lease, the monthly rental payable hereunder will be reduced, effective on the date the condemning authority takes possession, in the same portion as the value of the Premises after the taking relates to the value of the Premises prior to the taking.  Landlord will promptly, at its sole expense, restore the portion of the Premises not taken to as near its former condition as is reasonably possible, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect; provided, that if there is a taking of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the Premises or if the remaining portion of the Premises is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, then Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon notice to Landlord given within thirty (30) days after the date of the vesting of title in the condemning authority, which termination will be effective at such date specified by Tenant within the ninety (90) days after the vesting of title in the condemning authority.

12.3.            Awards .   Any award for taking of all or any part of the Premises under the power of eminent domain will be the property of the Landlord, whether such award will be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold or for taking of the fee.  Nothing herein, however, will be deemed to preclude Tenant from obtaining, or to give Landlord any interest in, any award to Tenant for loss of or damage to or cost of removal of Tenant’s trade fixtures and removable personal property, or for damages for cessation or interruption of Tenant’s business.

13.            LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES .   Except as expressly provided in this Lease, Tenant agrees that it will pay all costs for work done or caused to be done by it on the Premises, and Tenant will keep the Premises free and clear of all mechanic’s and other liens on account of work done for Tenant or persons claiming under Tenant.  Should any claim of lien be filed against the Premises or any action affecting the title to such property be commenced, the party receiving notice of such lien or action will promptly give the other party written notice thereof.  In the event a dispute between Tenant and a third party having lien rights arising from work performed for Tenant results in litigation to enforce such lien right in which Landlord or any party deriving rights from Landlord is named a party defendant, defense of such action will, at Landlord’s option, and using counsel reasonably approved by Landlord, immediately be assumed by Tenant.  Tenant will appear and defend Landlord and any parties deriving interest through Landlord or will pay reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred by Landlord or parties deriving interest through Landlord in respect to their own defenses to such action and will indemnify and hold Landlord and parties deriving interest through Landlord harmless from any judgment arising out of such litigation.
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14.            SURRENDER OF PREMISES .

14.1.            Surrender of Premises .   Tenant will promptly surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  The Premises will be surrendered in the same condition as they were at the commencement of the Term, normal wear and tear and damages caused by casualty or condemnation excepted.

14.2.            Holding Over .   Any holding over by Tenant after the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease will be construed to be a tenancy at will, terminable at any time by Landlord.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the rental amount for the month immediately preceding the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, and in addition thereto, without limiting the liability of Tenant for its unauthorized occupancy of the Premises, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord and any replacement tenant of the Premises for any loss, cost, liability, expenses, or damages suffered by Landlord or the replacement tenant (including reasonable attorneys’ fee) resulting from Tenant’s failure timely to vacate the Premises.  The provisions of this section shall not exclude Landlord’s right of re-entry or any other right hereunder.

14.3.            Sub-Tenancies .   The voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Tenant, or a mutual cancellation thereof, will terminate all and any existing subtenancies, or may, at the option of Landlord, operate as an assignment to it of any and all such subtenancies.

15.            DEFAULT BY TENANT .

15.1.            Default .   The occurrence of any one or more of the following events will constitute breach of this Lease by Tenant:

15.1.1.            Failure to Pay Rent .   The failure by Tenant to make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder, within five (5) business days of receiving written notice from Landlord that the same is past-due; provided, Landlord shall only be required to  give Tenant two (2) such notice and cure periods during any twelve (12) month period, and after two such notices, any subsequent failure by Tenant to timely make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder when due within the following twelve (12) month period shall be a default without notice or cure period.

15.1.2.            Failure to Perform .   The failure by Tenant to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by the Tenant, other than payment of rent, where such failure will continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Landlord to Tenant or, if cure would reasonably require more than thirty (30) days to complete, if Tenant fails to commence performance within the thirty (30) day period and fails to diligently pursue such cure to completion.

15.1.3.            Bankruptcy .   The making by Tenant of any general assignment or general arrangement for the benefit of creditors; or by the filing by or against Tenant of a petition to have Tenant adjudged bankrupt, or a petition or reorganization or arrangement under any law relating to bankruptcy (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Tenant, the same is dismissed within sixty (60) days filing); or the appointment of a trustee or a receiver to take possession of substantially all of Tenant’s assets located at the Premises or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged in thirty (30) days after appointment of said trustee or receiver, or the filing of a petition for the appointment of the same, whichever will first occur.

15.1.4.            Vacating the Premises .   The vacating or abandonment of the Premises by Tenant without the delivery of prior notice thereof to Landlord.  Tenant will be conclusively deemed to have abandoned the Premises upon removal of all or substantially all personal property of Tenant from the Premises (unless prior written notice was given to Landlord explaining the basis for such removal and that occupancy was intended to be re-commenced within thirty (30) days).
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15.2.             Remedies in Default .   In the event of any such default or breach by Tenant, Landlord may at any time thereafter, with or without notice or demand and without limiting Landlord in the exercise of any right or remedy which Landlord may have by reason of such default or breach:

15.2.1.            Terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease will terminate and Tenant will immediately surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord.  In such event Landlord will be entitled to recover from Tenant all damages incurred by Landlord by reason of Tenant’s default, including but not limited to:

(i)
the out-of-pocket cost of recovering possession of the Premises; and

(ii)
reasonable expenses of reletting the Premises, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises; and

(iii)
reasonable attorneys’ fees, any real estate commission actually paid, and that portion of the leasing commission, if any, paid by Landlord with respect to this Lease, applicable to the unexpired Term; and

(iv)
all unpaid rent due at the time of award by the court having jurisdiction thereof, plus interest as provided below; plus the worth at the time of the award of all unpaid rent and other charges required herein for the balance of the Term after the time of such award, except to the extent that Tenant proves such amount can reasonably be avoided by reletting the Premises; and

(v)
if Landlord has financed any Tenant Improvements and the cost of such improvements is being amortized over a period of time during the Term, Landlord may accelerate and declare the entire unreimbursed balance of financed Tenant improvement costs immediately due and payable.

Unpaid installments of rent or other sums will bear interest from the date due at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum (or the maximum legal rate if lesser and applicable).  In the event Tenant will have abandoned the Premises, Landlord will have the option of (1) retaking possession of the Premises and recovering from Tenant the amount specified in this Section 15.2.1, or (2) proceeding under Section 15.2.2.  As used in this paragraph, “the worth at the time of award” is to be computed by discounting by the amount of the discount rate of seven percent (7%).

15.2.2.            Maintain Tenant’s right to possession, in which case this Lease will continue in effect whether or not Tenant will have abandoned the Premises.  In such event, Landlord will be entitled to all of Landlord’s rights and remedies under this Lease including the right to recover the rent as it becomes due hereunder.
 
15.2.3.            Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord under the laws or judicial decisions of the state in which the Premises are located.

15.3.             Late Charges .   In addition to all other remedies available for nonpayment, if the amount due from the Tenant is not received by the Landlord on or before the tenth (10 th ) day following the date upon which such amount is due and payable (beyond any notice and cure period), a late charge of five percent (5%) of said amount owed will become due and payable as additional rent hereunder, which represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the processing and accounting costs that Landlord will incur by reason of such late payment.

15.4.            Mitigation of Damage .  Following a breach of this Lease by Tenant, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate damages to the extent required by applicable law.
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16.            NOTICES .   Any notice, consent, approval or other communication required or permitted pursuant to this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered by hand, (ii) when delivered by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) when delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier with written proof of delivery, in any case addressed to the parties at the address below:
 
If to Landlord: 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
P.O. Box 2285
 
Greeneville, TN 37744
 
Attn: John Tweed
   
 
and
   
 
Niswonger Foundation
 
P.O. Box 5112
 
Greeneville, TN 37743
 
Attn: Scott Niswonger
   
If to Tenant:
Landair Logistics, Inc.
 
P.O. Box 2297
 
Chattanooga, TN 37422
 
Attn: Joey Hogan

Either Landlord or Tenant may change its address for purposes of this provision by giving written notice of such change to the other party in the manner stated herein.

17.            LANDLORD’S FINANCING .   This Lease will automatically be subordinate to any deed of trust, mortgage and other security instruments now existing or hereafter placed on the Premises or any part thereof by the Landlord and all advances made or to be made thereunder.  Within ten (10) days of presentation, Tenant will execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Landlord (i) any commercially reasonable subordination or nondisturbance agreement or other instrument that Landlord may require to carry out the provisions of this Section, provided that such agreement will provide that as long as Tenant is not in default after notice and the expiration of any applicable cure period, the holder of such deed of trust, mortgage or other security instrument will not disturb or impair Tenant’s possession of the Premises and its rights under this Lease and (ii) any estoppel certificate requested by Landlord, with any such mortgagee or beneficiary certifying in writing, if such be true, that Tenant will be in occupancy and that the Lease is in full force and effect, and the dates to which the rent and other charges will have been paid, and that there will be no rental offsets or claims.

18.            SIGNAGE .  Tenant will not place upon or install in windows or other openings or exterior sides of doors or walls of the Premises any symbols, drapes, or other materials, other than those existing as of the Effective Date or replacement thereof in the same location, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Tenant will observe and comply with the requirements of all laws applicable to signage.

19.            MISCELLANEOUS .

19.1.            Waivers .   No waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision hereof or of any subsequent breach by Tenant of the same or any other provision.  Landlord’s consent to or approval of any act by Tenant requiring Landlord’s consent or approval will not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Landlord’s consent to or approval of any subsequent act by Tenant, whether or not similar to the act so consented to or approved.
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19.2.            Interest on Past Due Obligations .   Any amount due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder which is not paid when due will bear interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month, or the highest legal rate, if applicable, from the date due until paid, but the payment of such interest will not excuse or cure any default by Tenant.

19.3.            Construction .

19.3.1.            This Lease will be construed and governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee;

19.3.2.            The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof will not affect or impair any other provisions hereof;

19.3.3.            This Lease constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

19.3.4.            This Lease may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed and acknowledged by both parties;

19.3.5.            Time is of the essence of this Lease in each and every provision hereof;

19.3.6.            Nothing contained herein will create the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership or of joint venture between the parties hereto and no provisions contained herein will be deemed to create any relationship other than that of Landlord and Tenant; and

19.3.7.            Tenant has had the opportunity to have this document reviewed by counsel of its choice.  Tenant agrees that no interpretation or construction will be made with respect to this document based on which party drafted the document.

19.4.             Successor .   Subject to any limitations on assignments herein, all of the provisions of this Lease will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

19.5.            Costs and Attorneys’ Fees .   If by reason of any breach or default on the part of either party hereto it becomes necessary for the other party hereto to employ an attorney, then the non-breaching party will have and recover against the other party in addition to costs allowed by law, reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation-related expenses.  The non-breaching party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses, as provided above, regardless of whether litigation is actually commenced.

19.6.            Jurisdiction and Venue .   The parties hereto do hereby consent to jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Greene County in the State of Tennessee.

19.7.            Counterparts .   This document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

19.8.            Memorandum of Lease . The parties will, upon the request of either party, execute and record a memorandum of this Lease in the records of Greene County in the State of Tennessee, which will include notice of the ROFR and the Purchase Option.

19.9.            Guaranty . CTG hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties the punctual performance of all obligations of Tenant under this Lease.  CTG expressly waives any and all rights, benefits or defenses under (a) any defense to its obligation to provide the foregoing guaranty, other than the defense that Tenant has in fact fully and promptly performed all of its obligations under this Lease, and (b) any claim or circumstance that would legally or equitably discharge a guarantor or surety.



[ Signature page follows. ]
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EXECUTED TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

 
TENANT:
 
     
 
Landair Logistics, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
Richard Cribbs  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

 
I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Richard Cribbs is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Landair Logistics, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 
 
      



LANDLORD:
 
     
 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
John A. Tweed  
 
Title:
Chief Manager  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that John A. Tweed is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Chief Manager of Tweed Enterprises, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated:  July 3, 2018.
          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 



Scott M. Niswonger
 
     
     
 
 
 


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Scott M. Niswonger is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated: July 3, 2018.


          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 

   


CTG:
 
     
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
R.H. Lovin, Jr.  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President of Administration  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that R.H. Lovin, Jr. is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Administration of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc,, a Nevada corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 

 


EXHIBIT A
PREMISES
 
(Picture)
 

EXHIBIT B
PURCHASE OPTION


1.            Purchase Option .  Tenant shall have the right and option, exercisable by Tenant in its sole discretion by written notice to Landlord at any time during the Term (the “ Option Notice ”), to purchase the Premises from Landlord for a purchase price equal to the Option Price (as hereinafter defined).  Upon the determination of the Option Price, Landlord and Tenant (or an affiliate of Tenant) shall promptly and diligently negotiate and execute a definitive purchase and sale agreement in form and substance mutually acceptable to Landlord and Tenant (a “ Definitive Agreement ”) for the sale of the Premises to Tenant for a purchase price equal to Option Price, and shall thereafter close such sale in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement.  The Definitive Agreement will allocate all closing costs and expenses, including without limitation, escrow costs, title insurance costs and premiums, documentary stamp, deed or transfer taxes, recording fees, and sales commissions, in a manner that is customary for the market in which the Premises are located.
2.            Option Price .  The Option Price shall be equal to (a) the Fair Market Value of the Premises (as defined in Section 5 of this Exhibit), as reduced by   (b) the principal balance of, and any accrued but unpaid interest on, any indebtedness to be assumed by Tenant as part of its acquisition of the Premises.
3.            Continuing Rights . The Purchase Option shall be an ongoing and continuing right and option during the Term, and shall be binding upon any successor Landlord under this Lease.
4.            Termination of the Purchase Option .  The Purchase Option shall automatically expire and be of no further force or effect upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease.
5.            Fair Market Value .  “ Fair Market Value ” means the value of the Premises, as determined in accordance with the following protocols and procedures:
(a)     Landlord and Tenant shall initially attempt to agree upon a mutually-acceptable purchase price for the Premises.  If Landlord and Tenant are able to agree upon a purchase price for the Premises within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s delivery of the Option Notice, such agreed-upon price shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of the Premises for purposes of this Exhibit B .  If, however, Landlord and Tenant are unable to agree upon a purchase price within such 30-day period, the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be determined by the appraisal process described in the remainder of this Section 5.
(b)    If the Fair Market Value of the Premises is to be determined by appraisal, within ten (10) days following the parties' failure to agree upon a purchase price, each of Landlord and Tenant shall select an appraiser who is a member of the Appraisal Institute or its successor (“ MAI ”), and who has at least five (5) years of experience in valuing commercial properties similar to the Premises in the market in which the Premises are located (a “ Qualified Appraiser ”).  If one party fails to name a Qualified Appraiser within such 10-day period, the other party may select a second Qualified Appraiser.  The two Qualified Appraisers so selected shall be instructed to promptly determine, independently of one another, the Fair Market Value of the Premises and provide an oral opinion of Fair Market Value within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report within thirty (30) days, after the appointment of the second Qualified Appraiser. If either Qualified Appraiser fails to deliver a report to the parties containing the Fair Market Value determined by such Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 30-day period, but the other Qualified Appraiser timely delivers his or her report, the determination of Fair Market Value of the Qualified Appraiser who has timely delivered his or her report shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding on both Landlord and Tenant.

(c)    If the two Qualified Appraisers have made their determinations of Fair Market Value within the time period set forth in Section 5(b) above, and if the difference between the two amounts so determined is less than or equal to five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be the average of the fair market values determined by each of the two Qualified Appraisers.  If the difference between the two amounts exceeds five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the two Qualified Appraisers shall, within five (5) business days after delivery of the second Qualified Appraiser’s report, select a third Qualified Appraiser.  If the two Qualified Appraisers appointed by the parties are unable to agree upon a third Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 5-business day period, the third Qualified Appraiser shall be selected by the president (or equivalent officer) of the local chapter of the MAI, or his or her designee or, if there is no such organization or if such individual declines to make such appointment, then either Party may request appointment of the third Qualified Appraiser by the American Arbitration Association.  The third Qualified Appraiser shall be instructed to determine the Fair Market Value of the Premises and deliver an oral opinion to the parties within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report to the parties within thirty (30) days, after his or her selection.  Of the three appraisals, the appraisal which differs most in terms of dollar amount from the other two appraisals shall be excluded, and the average of the remaining two appraisals shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding upon both Landlord and Tenant.  Each party shall pay and bear the fees and expenses of the Qualified Appraiser selected by or on behalf of such party, and the parties shall share equally in the fees and expenses of the third Qualified Appraiser.  Each party shall have the right to submit such data and memoranda to each of the Qualified Appraisers in support of its respective positions as it may deem necessary or appropriate.
(d)      In determining the Fair Market Value of the Premises, the Qualified Appraisers shall conduct a comprehensive broker cap rate survey in accordance with USPAP standards.  The reports issued by the Qualified Appraisers shall be in full compliance with USPAP and the market standard definition of market value.  The typical standard shall be the definition from the Federal Register, Volume 55, 12 C.F.R. Part 34.42(g), page 34696, August 24, 1990, as amended at Federal Registers, Volume 57 Page 12202, April 9, 1992; Federal Register Volume 59 Page 29499, June 7, 1994.  The definition is:
The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:

(i)        The buyer and seller are typically motivated.
(ii)       Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their own best interests.
(iii)      A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market.
(iv)      Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto.
(v)      The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
 

AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED COMMERCIAL LEASE (“Lease”), effective as of July 3, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between (i) SCOTT M. NISWONGER, an individual, and  TWEED ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, DBA WLC PROPERTIES (together, “Landlord”), (ii) LANDAIR LOGISTICS, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Tenant”), and (iii) COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC., a Nevada corporation, in its capacity as guarantor (“CTG”). 
WHEREAS, Tenant currently leases from Landlord, and Landlord leases to Tenant, certain real property located in Greeneville, Tennessee, as set forth below, pursuant to that certain Lease Agreement dated December 31, 2017 (the “Original Lease”);
WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant now desire to amend and restate the Original Lease in its entirety to reflect modifications of certain terms thereof, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the covenants contained herein and under the terms and conditions set forth herein, Landlord and Tenant hereby agree that the Original Lease is hereby amended and restated in its entirety as follows:
1.            PREMISES .   Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord those certain Premises commonly known as 310 Elmer Cox, Building 3, Greeneville, Tennessee and further described in Exhibit A , which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference (the “Premises”).

2.            TERM .   The initial term of this Lease (the “Initial Term”) will be from the Effective Date through and ending at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern Time on May 1, 2022. Thereafter, so long as a Customer Agreement (defined below) is in force and effect as of the date on which Tenant exercises a Renewal Option (defined below), Tenant has the right, privilege and option to renew and extend the Initial Term or any renewal term of this Lease (“Renewal Option”) to expire coterminously with the then-current term of such Customer Agreement (each, a “Renewal Term”), subject to the provisions and conditions of this Lease. Tenant may exercise a Renewal Option by providing written notice to Landlord of its intent to exercise a Renewal Option no later than six (6) months prior to the expiration of the then-current term. As used in this Lease, “Term” means both the Initial Term and, to the extent a Renewal Option has been exercised, the applicable Renewal Term(s).  As used in this Lease, “Customer Agreement” means that certain Logistics Services Agreement between Tenant and Donaldson Company, Inc., as it may be extended or renewed, and as it may be replaced by any other agreement with a customer (including a replacement contract with Donaldson Company, Inc.) pursuant to which Tenant or the applicable customer performs or provides services from or at the Premises.

3.            MONTHLY RENT .

3.1.            Initial Term . During the Initial Term, Tenant will pay to the Landlord at Landlord’s address specified in Section 16 below, or at such other place as the Landlord may hereinafter designate in a written notice to Tenant, on or before the first day of each calendar month, without offset or deduction the following amounts as rent for the Premises: Twenty-Two Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($22,500) per month.  The prorated first month’s rent will be paid upon execution of this Lease.

3.2.            Renewal Terms . Within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s receipt of a Renewal Notice, Landlord shall notify Tenant of its determination of the fair market rent for such Renewal Term (“FMV Rent”), and Tenant shall advise Landlord of any objection thereto within ten (10) days of receipt of the FMV Rent. Failure to respond within such 10-day period shall constitute Tenant’s acceptance of the FMV Rent for the Renewal Term. If Tenant objects to the FMV Rent, Landlord and Tenant shall commence negotiations to attempt to agree upon the FMV Rent within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s receipt of Tenant’s notice of objection. If the parties cannot agree within such thirty (30) day period, each acting in good faith but without any obligation to agree, then the Term shall not be extended and shall terminate on its then scheduled termination date and Tenant shall have no further right hereunder or any remedy by reason of the parties’ failure to agree.
 


4.            QUIET ENJOYMENT Landlord covenants that Tenant, upon paying the basic rent and all other charges herein provided for and observing and keeping all covenants, agreements and conditions of this Lease on its part to be kept, will quietly have and enjoy the Premises during the Term without hindrance by anyone claiming by or through Landlord.

5.            UTILITIES .   Tenant will pay promptly when due directly to the applicable utility provider all charges for water, sewer, garbage disposal, telephone, electricity, cable, heat, gas, power, and any other utilities or services and like charges, including any fire protection charge, furnished to or consumed upon the Premises.  Landlord will not be liable for any failure or interruption of utility service to the Premises, unless such failure or interruption results from Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, in which event monthly rent and Tenant’s costs (defined below) shall be abated with respect to the portion of the Premises in which Tenant’s use and enjoyment  is impaired for its normal conduct of business from the date of commencement of such interference until the date Tenant’s use and enjoyment of such portion of the Premises is restored.

6.            TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS .

6.1.            Tenant’s Costs .   In addition to the rent provided in Section 3 above, and commencing on the date of commencement specified in Section 2 above, Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord, as additional rent (referred to as “Tenant’s costs”), an amount equal to Landlord’s insurance premiums for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises and, in each instance, that are customarily maintained by owners of similar buildings in the market where the Premises are located.  If Tenant’s costs in any calendar year shall increase more than 5% over Tenant’s costs in the prior calendar year and Tenant is not satisfied with the amount of such increase over 5%, Tenant has the option to procure its own insurance for fire, extended coverage, general commercial liability, property and other insurance that Landlord reasonably deems necessary upon the Premises, in each case, upon terms reasonably acceptable to Landlord. Landlord shall notify Tenant as soon as reasonably practicable of any increase in Tenant’s costs prior to renewal of Landlord’s insurance policies in order to afford Tenant a reasonable opportunity to obtain replacement coverage.  If Tenant procures its own insurance, the obligation to pay Tenant’s costs to Landlord shall cease.

6.2.            Billing of Charges .   The Tenant will pay to the Landlord the Tenant’s costs described above within thirty (30) days of billing for said costs by the Landlord.

6.3.            Records .   Landlord or its agents will keep records in reasonable detail showing all expenditures made for the items enumerated in subparagraph 6.1 above, which records will be available for inspection by Tenant at any reasonable time.  If any such inspection reveals that Tenant has been overcharged, Landlord agrees to pay the amount of such overcharge to Tenant within thirty (30) days following delivery of written notice thereof and supporting documentation thereto.

6.4.            Real Estate Taxes . Tenant shall timely pay when due all real estate taxes and assessments accruing against the Premises which become due and payable during the Term or any extension or renewal thereof. Tenant shall either, at Landlord’s discretion, (i) pay such amounts directly to the appropriate taxing authorities and provide proof of payment to Landlord promptly after such payment or (ii) pay such amounts to Landlord within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s written request therefor. Tenant’s portion of such taxes and assessments will be prorated for any partial calendar year of the Term.  In no event will Tenant be responsible for any federal, state, or local income, payroll, gift, transfer, estate, or inheritance taxes of Landlord (collectively, “Excluded Taxes”).
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6.5.            Additional Taxes . Should there presently be in effect or should there be enacted during the Term any law, statute, or ordinance levying any tax or assessment (other than any Excluded Tax) directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, upon the Premises, or increasing any tax Tenant is required to pay under Section 6.4, Tenant will reimburse Landlord in twelve (12) monthly installments (or such fewer number of months remaining in the Term), as additional rent, at the same time as monthly rental payments are due hereunder, for the actual amount of all such taxes paid.

7.
REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE AND CONDITION OF PREMISES .

7.1.            Condition of Premises .   Tenant accepts the Premises “AS IS” in their current condition.  No warranties or representations concerning the condition or suitability of the Premises for intended uses have been made, except as are expressly set forth herein.

7.2.            Tenant’s Obligation to Repair .   Tenant will, at its own expense, at all times keep the Premises in good repair and adequately maintained, normal wear and tear excepted and damages covered by insurance excepted.  Tenant’s repair and maintenance obligation includes, without limitation, gardening and landscaping; interior and exterior painting; lighting; lamp replacement; window replacement; door repair and/or replacement; routine parking lot maintenance and repair (including, without limitation, sealing, sweeping, patching, and snow removal); routine maintenance and repair of all electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning equipment, telephone and other utility systems and routine roof maintenance and repair, provided however that Tenant shall not be required to make major repairs to Structural Elements (as hereinafter defined).   Landlord and Tenant will cooperate in good faith to determine whether any major repairs or replacements are required to the structural elements of the Premises consisting of the roof structure, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, foundation, parking lot, and load-bearing walls (collectively, the “Structural Elements”), and if the parties determine that such major repairs or replacements are required, then Landlord will make such repairs or replacements at Landlord’s own expense.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs or replacements to Structural Elements that become necessary due to damage caused by Tenant, its employees or agents.  If the Tenant fails to maintain the Premises in accordance with this Section, or fails to make the repairs required by this Section, Landlord may make repairs on fifteen (15) days’ notice to the Tenant, and Tenant will pay the reasonable cost thereof, as additional rent, within thirty (30) days of demand therefor from Landlord.  The right of Landlord to make such repairs will be without prejudice to any rights it may have because of Tenant’s failure to make such repairs.

7.3.            Alterations .   After prior written consent of Landlord, Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, may make alterations, additions and improvements in the Premises; provided, that Tenant will not be required to obtain Landlord’s consent for any alterations, additions or improvements that cost less than $100,000 in the aggregate for any project.  In the performance of such work, Tenant will hold Landlord harmless from any damage, loss or expense, and will comply in all material respects with all laws, ordinance, rules and regulations of any public authority, obtaining all necessary permits, approvals or authorizations.  Tenant will not allow any liens to be filed against the Premises; in the event of filing of a lien claim Tenant will promptly take such action as may be required to remove the lien, including, without limitation, obtaining a bond, if required.  All such alterations, additions and improvements to the Premises (except trade fixtures) will be the property of Landlord, and will be surrendered with the Premises upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  Upon demand by Landlord given at least thirty (30) days prior to the end of the Term, Tenant will remove any alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant, designated by Landlord to be removed, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, unless such alterations, additions or improvements had previously been consented to by Landlord.  In such event, Tenant will repair any damage to the Premises caused by such removal, and return the Premises to their condition prior to making of any such alterations, improvements or additions.

At the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, Tenant will have the right to remove all trade fixtures located on the Premises which were installed by the Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.  However, in such event, Tenant will repair all damage caused to the Premises by such installation and removal, returning the Premises to their condition prior to installation of such trade fixtures.
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Trade fixtures will not be deemed to include any heating, air conditioning, ventilation, plumbing or electrical equipment, or other fixtures relating primarily to general usage of the building or Premises, as opposed to fixtures specifically used for the operation of the Tenant’s particular type of business or that were installed by Tenant prior to or after the Effective Date.

7.4.            Entry and Inspection .   Tenant will permit Landlord or its agents to enter the Premises at reasonable times and after prior notice of not less than 24 hours (excluding emergencies) to inspect, clean, or repair the Premises, or to show the Premises to prospective purchasers or tenants.

8.            USE OF PREMISES .

8.1.            Permitted Use .   Tenant shall be entitled to use the Premises for general industrial and warehouse uses for the purposes of providing a truck terminal for Tenant’s trucks and drivers and general office use, and for no other purposes except as Landlord may approve in writing.  Without written permission from the Landlord, no industrial, manufacturing, or processing activity may be conducted in the Premises, except as provided in the preceding sentence.

8.2.            Hazardous Substances .   Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all applicable air and water pollution control and prevention laws and regulations, in each case, from and after the Effective Date.  Tenant agrees to comply in all material respects with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding hazardous waste or substances (“Environmental Laws”) from and after the Effective Date.  In the event of any discharge by Tenant or Tenant’s agents of hazardous or toxic substances on or to the Premises on or after the Effective Date in violation of applicable Environmental Laws, Tenant will promptly notify Landlord thereof, and remediate such violation in accordance with all applicable Environmental Laws.  After the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease for any reason, Tenant will remove from the Premises all hazardous and toxic materials and containers for those materials, in each case, that Tenant brought onto the Premises after the Effective Date.

8.3.            Disposal of Non-Hazardous Waste Materials .   All non-hazardous waste materials will be disposed of by Tenant properly and in accordance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations.

8.4.            Compliance with Law .   Tenant will not use the Premises or permit anything to be done in or about the Premises which will in any material way conflict with any law, statute, zoning restriction, ordinance or governmental rule or regulation or requirements of duly constituted public authorities now in force or which may hereafter be enacted or promulgated.  With respect to its use of the Premises, Tenant will at its sole cost and expense promptly comply in all material respects with all laws, statutes, ordinances and governmental rules, regulations or requirements now in force or which may hereafter be in force.

9.            INSURANCE; INDEMNITY .

9.1.            Public Liability Insurance .   Tenant, at its own expense, will procure and maintain in effect commercial general liability insurance coverage with limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) combined single limits, which coverage may be provided by a combination of basic and umbrella policies; insuring against any and all liability of Tenant with regard to the Premises or use or occupancy thereof.  In no event will the limits of said policies be considered as limiting the liabilities of Tenant under this Lease.

9.2.            Casualty Insurance .   Landlord will maintain property insurance on the Premises covering the full replacement cost of the Premises, which such insurance shall not include a deductible more than $5,000, and will charge Tenant for such insurance in accordance with Section 6.1 above.  However, Tenant understands and acknowledges that such insurance does not cover the personal property of Tenant located on the Premises, and may not cover fixtures installed by Tenant.  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain fire and extended coverage insurance covering all inventory, equipment and other personal property located on the Premises, together with trade fixtures and improvements installed in or made by Tenant to the Premises.  Upon request by Landlord, Tenant will provide proof of such insurance.  Landlord will have no liability whatsoever for any loss or damage to property of Tenant, except where such loss or damage was caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.
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9.3.            Automobile Liability Insurance Tenant, at its expense, shall maintain a policy of automobile liability insurance, including coverage for owned, non-owned, leased, or hired vehicles providing a minimum limit for bodily injury and property damage of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence per combined single limit of bodily injury and property damage liability each accident

9.4.            Worker’s Compensation Tenant shall maintain employer’s liability insurance and/or worker’s compensation insurance in compliance with applicable law.

9.5.            Umbrella/Excess Liability .  Tenant, at its expense, will maintain umbrella/excess liability insurance on an occurrence basis in excess of the underlying insurance described in Sections 9.1, 9.3, and the employers liability requirement of 9.4. Such insurance will provide coverage of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) per occurrence and in the aggregate.

9.6.            Insurance Policies; Self Insurance .   All insurance policies Tenant is required to maintain under Section 9 will name Landlord as an additional insured, will be with reputable insurance companies doing business in the state where the Premises are located, and will contain loss-payable clauses reasonably satisfactory to Landlord, and copies of policies or certificates evidencing such insurance, including an acknowledgement of waiver of subrogation as required in Section 9.7, will be delivered to Landlord by Tenant.  No such policy will be cancelable or amendable except after thirty (30) days’ written notice to Landlord. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Tenant shall have the right and option, upon notice to Landlord, to self-insure against the risks described in this Section 9 which are required to be maintained by Tenant, provided that Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of at least the same coverage and benefits to Landlord as the insurance described in Section 9 in the event of any occurrence that would otherwise give rise to a claim under such insurance policies. Tenant’s right to self-insure is personal to Tenant. and any other consolidated subsidiary of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. to which this Lease is transferred in accordance with Section 11, and shall not apply to any other assignee or subtenant hereunder, unless otherwise approved in writing by Landlord, which approval may be withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion.

9.7.            Waiver of Subrogation .   Landlord and Tenant mutually agree to waive their right of recovery against each other, and their respective officers, employees or agents, for losses or damages occurring to the Premises, improvements, contents, other property of the waiving party or under its control, or business interruptions related to the loss or damage to such property.  However, this waiver will not apply to losses which are not covered under reasonable fire and extended coverage insurance acquired by Landlord, or to the extent of reasonable deductibles or co-insurance provisions within Landlord’s policy.  Permission to grant this waiver is to be included in the provisions of the insurance policies now carried by both Landlord and Tenant.  The continuation of this mutual waiver of subrogation is subject to the insurance continuing to grant this option on renewal policies.

9.8.            Indemnification .   From and after the Effective Date, Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Landlord, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officer, agents, and employees from any and all demands, claims, causes of action, fines, penalties, damages (except any consequential, punitive, incidental, special, indirect, or exemplary damages, including loss of future revenue or income, loss of business reputation or opportunity, diminution of value, or any damages based on any type of multiple (except, in each case, to the extent payable in connection with a third-party claim)), liabilities, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and litigation-related expenses (collectively, “Damages”) arising out of (a) any injury or damage, however occurring, on or about the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, except to the extent such claims or expenses are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees, (b) the use or occupancy or manner of use or occupancy of the Premises, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant, or (c)  any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant.  From and after the Effective Date, Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tenant, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any and all Damages arising out of (x) any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease by Landlord or any person claiming under Landlord, or (y) any injury or damage to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  If any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord or its employees or agents by reason of any such claims for which Tenant has indemnified Landlord, Tenant, upon written notice from Landlord, shall defend the same at Tenant’s expense with counsel approved by Landlord.  The limits of Tenant’s insurance coverage with respect to the Premises shall in no way imply any limitation to Tenant’s indemnification obligations hereunder.
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9.9.            Waiver and Release .   From and after the Effective Date, Landlord and its employees and agents will not be liable for any loss or injury to persons or damage to property, in or about the Premises, from any cause, which at any time may be suffered by Tenant or by its invitees or employees or agents, except to the extent said damage is caused by or resulting solely from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees without contributory negligence on the part of Tenant or any other lessees or occupants of the Premises.  Tenant, as a material part of the consideration to Landlord for this Lease, by this Section waives and releases all claims against Landlord, its employees and agents and each of their respective affiliates, with respect to all matters for which such parties have disclaimed liability pursuant to the provisions of this Lease, in each case, to the extent arising from and after the Effective Date.  The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

10.            RECONSTRUCTION AND RESTORATION .

10.1.            Minor Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are damaged by fire or other perils covered by the fire and extended coverage insurance on the Premises, and such damage is not substantial, Landlord will promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense after the application of all insurance proceeds, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect.

10.2.            Substantial Damage .   If during the Term, the Premises are destroyed or damaged by fire or other perils covered by the insurance, and if such damage is substantial, or if damaged by an uninsured peril where the estimated cost of repair exceeds six (6) months’ rent, Landlord may at its option either (a) promptly repair such damage at Landlord’s expense, in which event this Lease will continue in full force and effect, or (b) cancel this Lease as of the date of such damage, by giving Tenant written notice of its election within ten (10) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage.  If Landlord elects option (a), Landlord will include in the notice a good faith estimate of the time Landlord expects to complete such repairs.  If (x) the estimated completion date for the repairs is more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of such damage or (y) the remaining portion of the Premises not destroyed or damaged is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, Tenant will have an option to cancel this Lease by giving Landlord written notice of its election to do so within thirty (30) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work, which cancellation will be effective at such date specified by Tenant, which such date shall be no later than ninety (90) days after the date Tenant receives the notice from Landlord as to the expected date of completion of the repair work.  For purposes of this Section 10, the term “substantial” shall mean damage to the Premises that is (A) greater than 50% of its then replacement cost above the foundation (measured by the estimated cost of restoration), or (B) more than 25% of the square feet of the Premises and that renders the Premises untenantable for more than one hundred eighty (180) days after the date Tenant notifies Landlord of the damage.
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Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section 10, if damage to the Premises is caused by the willful misconduct or negligence of Tenant, and such damage is not subject to waiver of subrogation under Section 9.7, then Tenant will be responsible for repair and rent will not abate during the repair period.

10.3.            Abatement of Rent .   If the Premises are destroyed or damaged (including minor damage under Section 10.1 and substantial damage under Section 10.2), the rent payable hereunder for the period during which such damage, repair or restoration continues will be abated in proportion to the proportion of usable Premises space compared to the total Premises space.  Tenant will have no claim against Landlord for any damage suffered by Tenant by reason of such damage, destruction, repair or restoration, unless such damage or destruction is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees.

11.            ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING; RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL; PURCHASE OPTION; SALE BY LANDLORD.

11.1.            Assignment and Subletting . Except as provided in this Section, Tenant will not be permitted to sublease all or any portion of the Premises or assign this Lease without Landlord’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.  If Tenant is a corporation or association, the sale or assignment of any stock or interest in such corporation or association (for other than security purposes) in the aggregate in excess of fifty percent (50%) in any two-year period, will be deemed an assignment within the meaning and provisions of this Section; provided, this sentence will not apply if Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange or if at least eighty percent (80%) of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is owned by an entity whose stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange.  Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred with the documentation of such assignment or other transfer of this Lease or Tenant’s interest in and to the Premises.  No assignment or sublease by Tenant will serve to relieve Tenant, or any guarantor of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease, from continuing liability under this Lease, unless Landlord expressly releases any such person from liability in writing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the following transfers will not require Landlord’s consent: (a) any transfer to a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, division, or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Tenant or (b) any successor to Tenant as a result of merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests or assets, provided such successor entity has a net worth equal to or greater than Tenant’s as of the date of this Lease.

11.2.            Right of First Refusal Tenant is hereby granted a right of first refusal (“ROFR”) to purchase the Premises for the same price and on substantially the same terms and conditions as Landlord is prepared to accept from a third party at any time during the Term. Landlord will notify Tenant of the receipt of any offer to purchase the Premises (the “Offer”) from any third party during the Term that Landlord is prepared to accept, prior to accepting the same, and Tenant will have twenty (20) days after the receipt thereof to notify Landlord in writing that Tenant elects to exercise its ROFR and purchase the Premises on the terms and conditions contained in the Offer. In the event Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR, or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, Landlord will be permitted to sell the Premises to the third party offeror on the same terms and conditions contained in the Offer. If the sale to such third party offeror is not consummated on the same terms and conditions contained in the offer within nine (9) months after the date on which Tenant declines to exercise its ROFR or fails to timely deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s election to exercise its ROFR, then Tenant will again have the ROFR with respect to any other Offers received by Landlord during the Term.

11.3.            Option to Purchase .  Tenant shall have an option to purchase the Premises (the “Purchase Option”) under the terms and conditions set forth in Exhibit B attached hereto.
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11.4.            Sale and Assignment by Landlord . Subject to the ROFR as set forth in Section 11.2 and the Purchase Option set forth in Section 11.3 , Landlord shall at all times during the Term have the right to sell, transfer, or convey the Premises and in connection therewith, to assign Landlord's rights and obligations under this Lease to the purchaser or transferee thereof, in Landlord’s sole discretion; provided, any such sale, transfer, or conveyance from any Landlord party to any affiliated company or entity shall not trigger the ROFR. Tenant’s rights under the ROFR shall not be affected by any such transfer to an affiliated company or entity.  The term “Landlord”, as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in question of title to the Premises, and in the event of any transfer or transfers of title to the Premises, Landlord herein named (and in the case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances, the then grantor) shall be automatically freed and relieved of all liability as respects the performance of any covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease to be performed after the date of the transfer.

12.            CONDEMNATION .

12.1.            Entire or Substantial Taking .   If the entire Premises, or so much thereof as to make the balance not reasonably adequate for the conduct of Tenant’s business (notwithstanding restoration by Landlord as herein provided) will be taken under the power of eminent domain, this Lease will automatically terminate on the date the condemning authority takes possession.

12.2.            Partial Taking .   In the event of any taking under the power of eminent domain which does not so result in a termination of this Lease, the monthly rental payable hereunder will be reduced, effective on the date the condemning authority takes possession, in the same portion as the value of the Premises after the taking relates to the value of the Premises prior to the taking.  Landlord will promptly, at its sole expense, restore the portion of the Premises not taken to as near its former condition as is reasonably possible, and this Lease will continue in full force and effect; provided, that if there is a taking of twenty-five percent (25%) or more of the Premises or if the remaining portion of the Premises is of such size or configuration that it is not commercially reasonable for Tenant to conduct its business in the Premises, then Tenant shall have the right to terminate this Lease upon notice to Landlord given within thirty (30) days after the date of the vesting of title in the condemning authority, which termination will be effective at such date specified by Tenant within the ninety (90) days after the vesting of title in the condemning authority.

12.3.            Awards .   Any award for taking of all or any part of the Premises under the power of eminent domain will be the property of the Landlord, whether such award will be made as compensation for diminution in value of the leasehold or for taking of the fee.  Nothing herein, however, will be deemed to preclude Tenant from obtaining, or to give Landlord any interest in, any award to Tenant for loss of or damage to or cost of removal of Tenant’s trade fixtures and removable personal property, or for damages for cessation or interruption of Tenant’s business.

13.            LIENS AND ENCUMBRANCES .   Except as expressly provided in this Lease, Tenant agrees that it will pay all costs for work done or caused to be done by it on the Premises, and Tenant will keep the Premises free and clear of all mechanic’s and other liens on account of work done for Tenant or persons claiming under Tenant.  Should any claim of lien be filed against the Premises or any action affecting the title to such property be commenced, the party receiving notice of such lien or action will promptly give the other party written notice thereof.  In the event a dispute between Tenant and a third party having lien rights arising from work performed for Tenant results in litigation to enforce such lien right in which Landlord or any party deriving rights from Landlord is named a party defendant, defense of such action will, at Landlord’s option, and using counsel reasonably approved by Landlord, immediately be assumed by Tenant.  Tenant will appear and defend Landlord and any parties deriving interest through Landlord or will pay reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred by Landlord or parties deriving interest through Landlord in respect to their own defenses to such action and will indemnify and hold Landlord and parties deriving interest through Landlord harmless from any judgment arising out of such litigation.
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14.            SURRENDER OF PREMISES .

14.1.            Surrender of Premises .   Tenant will promptly surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  The Premises will be surrendered in the same condition as they were at the commencement of the Term, normal wear and tear and damages caused by casualty or condemnation excepted.

14.2.            Holding Over .   Any holding over by Tenant after the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease will be construed to be a tenancy at will, terminable at any time by Landlord.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the rental amount for the month immediately preceding the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease, and in addition thereto, without limiting the liability of Tenant for its unauthorized occupancy of the Premises, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord and any replacement tenant of the Premises for any loss, cost, liability, expenses, or damages suffered by Landlord or the replacement tenant (including reasonable attorneys’ fee) resulting from Tenant’s failure timely to vacate the Premises.  The provisions of this section shall not exclude Landlord’s right of re-entry or any other right hereunder.

14.3.            Sub-Tenancies .   The voluntary or other surrender of this Lease by Tenant, or a mutual cancellation thereof, will terminate all and any existing subtenancies, or may, at the option of Landlord, operate as an assignment to it of any and all such subtenancies.

15.            DEFAULT BY TENANT .

15.1.            Default .   The occurrence of any one or more of the following events will constitute breach of this Lease by Tenant:

15.1.1.            Failure to Pay Rent .   The failure by Tenant to make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder, within five (5) business days of receiving written notice from Landlord that the same is past-due; provided, Landlord shall only be required to  give Tenant two (2) such notice and cure periods during any twelve (12) month period, and after two such notices, any subsequent failure by Tenant to timely make any payment of monthly rent, Tenant’s costs, or any other payment required to be made by Tenant hereunder when due within the following twelve (12) month period shall be a default without notice or cure period.

15.1.2.            Failure to Perform .   The failure by Tenant to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Lease to be observed or performed by the Tenant, other than payment of rent, where such failure will continue for a period of thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by Landlord to Tenant or, if cure would reasonably require more than thirty (30) days to complete, if Tenant fails to commence performance within the thirty (30) day period and fails to diligently pursue such cure to completion.

15.1.3.            Bankruptcy .   The making by Tenant of any general assignment or general arrangement for the benefit of creditors; or by the filing by or against Tenant of a petition to have Tenant adjudged bankrupt, or a petition or reorganization or arrangement under any law relating to bankruptcy (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Tenant, the same is dismissed within sixty (60) days filing); or the appointment of a trustee or a receiver to take possession of substantially all of Tenant’s assets located at the Premises or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, where such seizure is not discharged in thirty (30) days after appointment of said trustee or receiver, or the filing of a petition for the appointment of the same, whichever will first occur.

15.1.4.            Vacating the Premises .   The vacating or abandonment of the Premises by Tenant without the delivery of prior notice thereof to Landlord.  Tenant will be conclusively deemed to have abandoned the Premises upon removal of all or substantially all personal property of Tenant from the Premises (unless prior written notice was given to Landlord explaining the basis for such removal and that occupancy was intended to be re-commenced within thirty (30) days).
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15.2.             Remedies in Default .   In the event of any such default or breach by Tenant, Landlord may at any time thereafter, with or without notice or demand and without limiting Landlord in the exercise of any right or remedy which Landlord may have by reason of such default or breach:

15.2.1.            Terminate Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Lease will terminate and Tenant will immediately surrender possession of the Premises to Landlord.  In such event Landlord will be entitled to recover from Tenant all damages incurred by Landlord by reason of Tenant’s default, including but not limited to:

(i)
the out-of-pocket cost of recovering possession of the Premises; and

(ii)
reasonable expenses of reletting the Premises, including necessary renovation and alteration of the Premises; and

(iii)
reasonable attorneys’ fees, any real estate commission actually paid, and that portion of the leasing commission, if any, paid by Landlord with respect to this Lease, applicable to the unexpired Term; and

(iv)
all unpaid rent due at the time of award by the court having jurisdiction thereof, plus interest as provided below; plus the worth at the time of the award of all unpaid rent and other charges required herein for the balance of the Term after the time of such award, except to the extent that Tenant proves such amount can reasonably be avoided by reletting the Premises; and

(v)
if Landlord has financed any Tenant Improvements and the cost of such improvements is being amortized over a period of time during the Term, Landlord may accelerate and declare the entire unreimbursed balance of financed Tenant improvement costs immediately due and payable.

Unpaid installments of rent or other sums will bear interest from the date due at the rate of seven percent (7%) per annum (or the maximum legal rate if lesser and applicable).  In the event Tenant will have abandoned the Premises, Landlord will have the option of (1) retaking possession of the Premises and recovering from Tenant the amount specified in this Section 15.2.1, or (2) proceeding under Section 15.2.2.  As used in this paragraph, “the worth at the time of award” is to be computed by discounting by the amount of the discount rate of seven percent (7%).

15.2.2.            Maintain Tenant’s right to possession, in which case this Lease will continue in effect whether or not Tenant will have abandoned the Premises.  In such event, Landlord will be entitled to all of Landlord’s rights and remedies under this Lease including the right to recover the rent as it becomes due hereunder.
 
15.2.3.            Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Landlord under the laws or judicial decisions of the state in which the Premises are located.

15.3.             Late Charges .   In addition to all other remedies available for nonpayment, if the amount due from the Tenant is not received by the Landlord on or before the tenth (10 th ) day following the date upon which such amount is due and payable (beyond any notice and cure period), a late charge of five percent (5%) of said amount owed will become due and payable as additional rent hereunder, which represents a fair and reasonable estimate of the processing and accounting costs that Landlord will incur by reason of such late payment.

15.4.            Mitigation of Damage .  Following a breach of this Lease by Tenant, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to mitigate damages to the extent required by applicable law.
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16.            NOTICES .   Any notice, consent, approval or other communication required or permitted pursuant to this Lease shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given (i) when delivered by hand, (ii) when delivered by first class registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, (iii) when delivered by a nationally recognized overnight courier with written proof of delivery, in any case addressed to the parties at the address below:

If to Landlord: 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
P.O. Box 2285
 
Greeneville, TN 37744
 
Attn: John Tweed
   
 
and
   
 
Niswonger Foundation
 
P.O. Box 5112
 
Greeneville, TN 37743
 
Attn: Scott Niswonger
   
If to Tenant:
Landair Logistics, Inc.
 
P.O. Box 2297
 
Chattanooga, TN 37422
 
Attn: Joey Hogan

Either Landlord or Tenant may change its address for purposes of this provision by giving written notice of such change to the other party in the manner stated herein.

17.            LANDLORD’S FINANCING .   This Lease will automatically be subordinate to any deed of trust, mortgage and other security instruments now existing or hereafter placed on the Premises or any part thereof by the Landlord and all advances made or to be made thereunder.  Within ten (10) days of presentation, Tenant will execute, acknowledge, and deliver to Landlord (i) any commercially reasonable subordination or nondisturbance agreement or other instrument that Landlord may require to carry out the provisions of this Section, provided that such agreement will provide that as long as Tenant is not in default after notice and the expiration of any applicable cure period, the holder of such deed of trust, mortgage or other security instrument will not disturb or impair Tenant’s possession of the Premises and its rights under this Lease and (ii) any estoppel certificate requested by Landlord, with any such mortgagee or beneficiary certifying in writing, if such be true, that Tenant will be in occupancy and that the Lease is in full force and effect, and the dates to which the rent and other charges will have been paid, and that there will be no rental offsets or claims.

18.            SIGNAGE .  Tenant will not place upon or install in windows or other openings or exterior sides of doors or walls of the Premises any symbols, drapes, or other materials, other than those existing as of the Effective Date or replacement thereof in the same location, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Tenant will observe and comply with the requirements of all laws applicable to signage.

19.            MISCELLANEOUS .

19.1.            Waivers .   No waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be a waiver of any other provision hereof or of any subsequent breach by Tenant of the same or any other provision.  Landlord’s consent to or approval of any act by Tenant requiring Landlord’s consent or approval will not be deemed to render unnecessary the obtaining of Landlord’s consent to or approval of any subsequent act by Tenant, whether or not similar to the act so consented to or approved.
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19.2.            Interest on Past Due Obligations .   Any amount due from Tenant to Landlord hereunder which is not paid when due will bear interest at the rate of one percent (1%) per month, or the highest legal rate, if applicable, from the date due until paid, but the payment of such interest will not excuse or cure any default by Tenant.

19.3.            Construction .

19.3.1.            This Lease will be construed and governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee;

19.3.2.            The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision hereof will not affect or impair any other provisions hereof;

19.3.3.            This Lease constitutes the entire agreement of the parties and supersedes all prior agreements or understandings between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

19.3.4.            This Lease may not be modified or amended except by written agreement signed and acknowledged by both parties;

19.3.5.            Time is of the essence of this Lease in each and every provision hereof;

19.3.6.            Nothing contained herein will create the relationship of principal and agent or of partnership or of joint venture between the parties hereto and no provisions contained herein will be deemed to create any relationship other than that of Landlord and Tenant; and

19.3.7.            Tenant has had the opportunity to have this document reviewed by counsel of its choice.  Tenant agrees that no interpretation or construction will be made with respect to this document based on which party drafted the document.

19.4.             Successor .   Subject to any limitations on assignments herein, all of the provisions of this Lease will inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

19.5.            Costs and Attorneys’ Fees .   If by reason of any breach or default on the part of either party hereto it becomes necessary for the other party hereto to employ an attorney, then the non-breaching party will have and recover against the other party in addition to costs allowed by law, reasonable attorneys’ fees and litigation-related expenses.  The non-breaching party will be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs and expenses, as provided above, regardless of whether litigation is actually commenced.

19.6.            Jurisdiction and Venue .   The parties hereto do hereby consent to jurisdiction and venue of the courts of Greene County in the State of Tennessee.

19.7.            Counterparts .   This document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and both of which together will constitute one and the same instrument.

19.8.            Memorandum of Lease . The parties will, upon the request of either party, execute and record a memorandum of this Lease in the records of Greene County in the State of Tennessee, which will include notice of the ROFR and the Purchase Option.

19.9.            Guaranty . CTG hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties the punctual performance of all obligations of Tenant under this Lease.  CTG expressly waives any and all rights, benefits or defenses under (a) any defense to its obligation to provide the foregoing guaranty, other than the defense that Tenant has in fact fully and promptly performed all of its obligations under this Lease, and (b) any claim or circumstance that would legally or equitably discharge a guarantor or surety.



[ Signature page follows. ]
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EXECUTED TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

TENANT:
 
     
 
Landair Logistics, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
Richard Cribbs  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

 
I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Richard Cribbs is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Landair Logistics, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 
 
     

LANDLORD:
 
     
 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
John A. Tweed  
 
Title:
Chief Manager  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that John A. Tweed is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Chief Manager of Tweed Enterprises, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated:  July 3, 2018.
          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)


 


Scott M. Niswonger
 
     
     
 
 
 


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Scott M. Niswonger is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated: July 3, 2018.


          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 



CTG:
 
     
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
R.H. Lovin, Jr.  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President of Administration  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that R.H. Lovin, Jr. is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Administration of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc,, a Nevada corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 



EXHIBIT A
PREMISES
 
(Picture)

EXHIBIT B
PURCHASE OPTION


1.            Purchase Option .  Tenant shall have the right and option, exercisable by Tenant in its sole discretion by written notice to Landlord at any time during the Term (the “ Option Notice ”), to purchase the Premises from Landlord for a purchase price equal to the Option Price (as hereinafter defined).  Upon the determination of the Option Price, Landlord and Tenant (or an affiliate of Tenant) shall promptly and diligently negotiate and execute a definitive purchase and sale agreement in form and substance mutually acceptable to Landlord and Tenant (a “ Definitive Agreement ”) for the sale of the Premises to Tenant for a purchase price equal to Option Price, and shall thereafter close such sale in accordance with the terms of the Definitive Agreement.  The Definitive Agreement will allocate all closing costs and expenses, including without limitation, escrow costs, title insurance costs and premiums, documentary stamp, deed or transfer taxes, recording fees, and sales commissions, in a manner that is customary for the market in which the Premises are located.
2.            Option Price .  The Option Price shall be equal to (a) the Fair Market Value of the Premises (as defined in Section 5 of this Exhibit), as reduced by   (b) the principal balance of, and any accrued but unpaid interest on, any indebtedness to be assumed by Tenant as part of its acquisition of the Premises.
3.            Continuing Rights . The Purchase Option shall be an ongoing and continuing right and option during the Term, and shall be binding upon any successor Landlord under this Lease.
4.            Termination of the Purchase Option .  The Purchase Option shall automatically expire and be of no further force or effect upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease.
5.            Fair Market Value .  “ Fair Market Value ” means the value of the Premises, as determined in accordance with the following protocols and procedures:
(a)     Landlord and Tenant shall initially attempt to agree upon a mutually-acceptable purchase price for the Premises.  If Landlord and Tenant are able to agree upon a purchase price for the Premises within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s delivery of the Option Notice, such agreed-upon price shall be deemed to be the Fair Market Value of the Premises for purposes of this Exhibit B .  If, however, Landlord and Tenant are unable to agree upon a purchase price within such 30-day period, the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be determined by the appraisal process described in the remainder of this Section 5.
(b)     If the Fair Market Value of the Premises is to be determined by appraisal, within ten (10) days following the parties' failure to agree upon a purchase price, each of Landlord and Tenant shall select an appraiser who is a member of the Appraisal Institute or its successor (“ MAI ”), and who has at least five (5) years of experience in valuing commercial properties similar to the Premises in the market in which the Premises are located (a “ Qualified Appraiser ”).  If one party fails to name a Qualified Appraiser within such 10-day period, the other party may select a second Qualified Appraiser.  The two Qualified Appraisers so selected shall be instructed to promptly determine, independently of one another, the Fair Market Value of the Premises and provide an oral opinion of Fair Market Value within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report within thirty (30) days, after the appointment of the second Qualified Appraiser. If either Qualified Appraiser fails to deliver a report to the parties containing the Fair Market Value determined by such Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 30-day period, but the other Qualified Appraiser timely delivers his or her report, the determination of Fair Market Value of the Qualified Appraiser who has timely delivered his or her report shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding on both Landlord and Tenant.

 
(c)
If the two Qualified Appraisers have made their determinations of Fair Market Value within the time period set forth in Section 5(b) above, and if the difference between the two amounts so determined is less than or equal to five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the Fair Market Value of the Premises shall be the average of the fair market values determined by each of the two Qualified Appraisers.  If the difference between the two amounts exceeds five percent (5%) of the lesser of such amounts, then the two Qualified Appraisers shall, within five (5) business days after delivery of the second Qualified Appraiser’s report, select a third Qualified Appraiser.  If the two Qualified Appraisers appointed by the parties are unable to agree upon a third Qualified Appraiser within the applicable 5-business day period, the third Qualified Appraiser shall be selected by the president (or equivalent officer) of the local chapter of the MAI, or his or her designee or, if there is no such organization or if such individual declines to make such appointment, then either Party may request appointment of the third Qualified Appraiser by the American Arbitration Association.  The third Qualified Appraiser shall be instructed to determine the Fair Market Value of the Premises and deliver an oral opinion to the parties within twenty (20) days, and an electronic summary appraisal report to the parties within thirty (30) days, after his or her selection.  Of the three appraisals, the appraisal which differs most in terms of dollar amount from the other two appraisals shall be excluded, and the average of the remaining two appraisals shall be determinative of the Fair Market Value of the Premises, and final and binding upon both Landlord and Tenant.  Each party shall pay and bear the fees and expenses of the Qualified Appraiser selected by or on behalf of such party, and the parties shall share equally in the fees and expenses of the third Qualified Appraiser.  Each party shall have the right to submit such data and memoranda to each of the Qualified Appraisers in support of its respective positions as it may deem necessary or appropriate.
(d)    In determining the Fair Market Value of the Premises, the Qualified Appraisers shall conduct a comprehensive broker cap rate survey in accordance with USPAP standards.  The reports issued by the Qualified Appraisers shall be in full compliance with USPAP and the market standard definition of market value.  The typical standard shall be the definition from the Federal Register, Volume 55, 12 C.F.R. Part 34.42(g), page 34696, August 24, 1990, as amended at Federal Registers, Volume 57 Page 12202, April 9, 1992; Federal Register Volume 59 Page 29499, June 7, 1994.  The definition is:
The most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale, the buyer and seller each acting prudently and knowledgeably, and assuming the price is not affected by undue stimulus. Implicit in this definition is the consummation of a sale as of a specified date and the passing of title from seller to buyer under conditions whereby:

(i)        The buyer and seller are typically motivated.
(ii)       Both parties are well informed or well advised, and acting in what they consider their own best interests.
(iii)      A reasonable time is allowed for exposure in the open market.
(iv)      Payment is made in terms of cash in U.S. dollars or in terms of financial arrangements comparable thereto.
(v)       The price represents the normal consideration for the property sold unaffected by special or creative financing or sales concessions granted by anyone associated with the sale.
 
 

Lease Agreement

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (“Lease”), effective as of July 3, 2018 (the “Effective Date”), is by and between (i) SCOTT M. NISWONGER, an individual, and TWEED ENTERPRISES, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company (together, “Landlord”), (ii) LANDAIR TRANSPORT, INC., a Tennessee corporation (“Tenant”), and (iii) COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC., a Nevada corporation, in its capacity as guarantor (“CTG”). 
 
1.            Leased Property .  Landlord agrees to rent to Tenant, and Tenant agrees to rent from Landlord, that certain real property located at 1 Landair Way, Greeneville, TN 37743 and further described in Exhibit A attached hereto (the “Leased Property”).

2.            Lease Duration and Termination .  This Lease shall commence on the Effective Date and shall continue thereafter on a calendar month-to-calendar month basis. This Lease may be terminated at any time by either party upon thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to the other party.

3.            Lease Amount; Taxes; Late Payments .

3.1.            The rent for the Leased Property (“Rent”) will be $2,750 per month and will be payable by Tenant to Landlord on the first day of each month.  Rent for any partial month at commencement will be pro-rated based on a 30-day month schedule. The prorated first month’s Rent will be paid upon execution of this Lease.

3.2.            If any Rent payment is not paid within ten (10) days of its due date, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord an additional late charge of five percent (5%) of the Rent payment due.

3.3.            This is a gross lease. Except as otherwise set forth in this Lease, Landlord shall pay (i) any and all taxes and assessments related to the Leased Property or the rent derived therefrom, (ii) all operating expenses incurred by Landlord to operate and maintain the Leased Property, and (iii) the cost of all insurance covering the Leased Property.

4.
Contact Information and Remittance .

 
4.1
Rent will be received by Landlord at the following address:
     
   
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
   
P.O. Box 2285
   
Greeneville, TN 37744
     
 
4.2
Landlord’s contact information is as follows:
     
   
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
   
P.O. Box 2285
   
Greeneville, TN 37744
   
Attn: John Tweed
     
   
And
     
   
Niswonger Foundation
   
P.O. Box 5112
   
Greeneville, TN 37743
   
Attn: Scott Niswonger

 
4.3
Tenant’s contact information is as follows:
     
   
Landair Transport, Inc.
   
P.O. Box 2297
   
Chattanooga, TN 37422
   
Attn: Joey Hogan

5.            Property Use .  Tenant shall be entitled to use the Leased Property for general warehousing uses, storage of products, and general office use and for no other purposes except as Landlord may approve in writing.  Without written permission from the Landlord, no industrial, manufacturing, or processing activity may be conducted on the Leased Property.

6.            Indemnification .   From and after the Effective Date, Tenant agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Landlord, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officer, agents, and employees from any and all demands, claims, causes of action, fines, penalties, damages (except any consequential, punitive, incidental, special, indirect, or exemplary damages, including loss of future revenue or income, loss of business reputation or opportunity, diminution of value, or any damages based on any type of multiple (except, in each case, to the extent payable in connection with a third-party claim)), liabilities, judgments and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees and costs, and litigation-related expenses (collectively, “Damages”) arising out of (a) any injury or damage, however occurring, on or about the Leased Property, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, except to the extent such claims or expenses are caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees, (b) the use or occupancy or manner of use or occupancy of the Leased Property, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant, or (c)  any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease, attributable to circumstances first existing on or after the Effective Date, by Tenant or any person claiming under Tenant.  From and after the Effective Date, Landlord agrees to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Tenant, its parent companies, and their respective affiliates, officers, agents, and employees from any and all Damages arising out of (x) any breach, violation or non-performance of any provision in this Lease by Landlord or any person claiming under Landlord, or (y) any injury or damage to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord, its agents or employees. The provisions of this Section shall survive the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  If any action or proceeding is brought against Landlord or its employees or agents by reason of any such claims for which Tenant has indemnified Landlord, Tenant, upon written notice from Landlord, shall defend the same at Tenant’s expense with counsel approved by Landlord.  The limits of Tenant’s insurance coverage with respect to the Leased Property shall in no way imply any limitation to Tenant’s indemnification obligations hereunder.

7.            Property Maintenance .

7.1.            Tenant agrees to maintain the Leased Property in a clean and sanitary manner and will not make any alterations to the Leased Property that cost in excess of $50,000 in the aggregate for any project without Landlord’s written consent, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

7.2.            At the termination of this Lease, Tenant agrees to return the Leased Property in substantially the same condition as when it was received, normal wear and tear and damages caused by casualty or condemnation excepted.  All alterations, additions and improvements to the Leased Property (except trade fixtures) will be the property of Landlord, and will be surrendered with the Leased Property upon the expiration, cancellation, or prior termination of this Lease.  Upon demand by Landlord prior to the end of the term of this Lease, Tenant will remove any alterations, additions or improvements made by Tenant, designated by Landlord to be removed, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, unless such alterations, additions or improvements had previously been consented to by Landlord.  In such event, Tenant will repair any damage to the Leased Property caused by such removal, and return the Leased Property to its condition prior to making of any such alterations, improvements or additions.
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7.3.            Landlord will provide and, except where otherwise expressly noted, pay for all maintenance and repair of the Leased Property, including, without limitation, ensuring that all electrical and HVAC systems are in good working order and comply with applicable law.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs or replacements that become necessary due to damage to the extent caused by the willful misconduct or negligence of Tenant, its employees or agents.

8.            Subletting and Assignment .  Except as provided in this Section, Tenant will not be permitted to sublease all or any portion of the Leased Property or assign this Lease without Landlord’s prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.  If Tenant is a corporation or association, the sale or assignment of any stock or interest in such corporation or association (for other than security purposes) in the aggregate in excess of fifty percent (50%) in any two-year period, will be deemed an assignment within the meaning and provisions of this Section; provided, this sentence will not apply if Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange or if at least eighty percent (80%) of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests is owned by an entity whose stock or ownership interests is listed on a recognized securities exchange.  Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s reasonable out-of-pocket costs and attorney’s fees incurred with the documentation of such assignment or other transfer of this Lease or Tenant’s interest in and to the Leased Property.  No assignment or sublease by Tenant will serve to relieve Tenant, or any guarantor of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease, from continuing liability under this Lease, unless Landlord expressly releases any such person from liability in writing. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the following will not require Landlord’s consent: (a) any transfer to a subsidiary, parent, affiliate, division, or entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Tenant, (b) any transfer to a successor to Tenant as a result of merger, consolidation, reorganization, sale of all or substantially all of Tenant’s stock or ownership interests or assets, provided such successor entity has a net worth equal to or greater than Tenant’s as of the date of this Lease or (c) any transfer or sublease to Tenant’s customer with respect to the Leased Property.

9.            Quiet Enjoyment .   Upon Tenant’s payment of Rent and performing all provisions of this Lease, Tenant may peaceably and quietly have, hold and enjoy the Leased Property without any manner of hindrance or disturbance from Landlord or anyone claiming under Landlord.

10.            Insurance .  At all times during the term of this Lease, Tenant, at its own expense, shall maintain the following insurance coverages:

10.1.            Commercial general liability insurance coverage with limits of not less than Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000.00) combined single limits, which coverage may be provided by a combination of basic and umbrella policies; insuring against any and all liability of Tenant with regard to the Leased Property or use or occupancy thereof.

10.2.            Automobile liability insurance, including coverage for owned, non-owned, leased, or hired vehicles providing a minimum limit for bodily injury and property damage of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence per combined single limit of bodily injury and property damage liability each accident.

10.3.            Employer’s liability insurance and/or worker’s compensation insurance in compliance with applicable law.

10.4.            Umbrella/excess liability insurance on an occurrence basis in excess of the underlying insurance described in Sections10.1, 10.2, and the employers liability requirement of 10.3. Such insurance will provide coverage of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) per occurrence and in the aggregate.
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11.            Sale and Assignment by Landlord .  Landlord shall at all times during the term have the right to sell, transfer, or convey the Leased Property and in connection therewith, to assign Landlord's rights and obligations under this Lease to the purchaser or transferee thereof, in Landlord’s sole discretion.  The term “Landlord”, as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners at the time in question of title to the Leased Property, and in the event of any transfer or transfers of title to the Leased Property, Landlord herein named (and in the case of any subsequent transfers or conveyances, the then grantor) shall be automatically freed and relieved of all liability as respects the performance of any covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease to be performed after the date of the transfer.

12.            Entire Agreement .  This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between Landlord and Tenant regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all oral statements and prior writings relating thereto.  Except for those set forth in this Lease, no representations, warranties, or agreements have been made by Landlord or Tenant to the other with respect to this Lease or the obligations of Landlord or Tenant in connection therewith

13.            Governing Law .   This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Leased Property is located.

14.            Guaranty . CTG hereby absolutely, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranties the punctual performance of all obligations of Tenant under this Lease.  CTG expressly waives any and all rights, benefits or defenses under (a) any defense to its obligation to provide the foregoing guaranty, other than the defense that Tenant has in fact fully and promptly performed all of its obligations under this Lease, and (b) any claim or circumstance that would legally or equitably discharge a guarantor or surety.

[Signature Page Follows]
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EXECUTED TO BE EFFECTIVE AS OF THE DATE FIRST WRITTEN ABOVE.

TENANT:
 
     
 
Landair Transport, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
Richard Cribbs  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

 
I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Richard Cribbs is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Landair Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 
 

LANDLORD:
 
     
 
Tweed Enterprises, LLC
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
John A. Tweed  
 
Title:
Chief Manager  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that John A. Tweed is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Chief Manager of Tweed Enterprises, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated:  July 3, 2018.
          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 



Scott M. Niswonger
 
     
     
 
 
 


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF GREENE )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that Scott M. Niswonger is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.

Dated: July 3, 2018.


          
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
William G. Brown  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Greene Co.  
 
My commission expires: 4/26/20
 
 
(SEAL)
 

 

CTG:
 
     
 
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.
 
     
     
 
By:
 
 
Name:
R.H. Lovin, Jr.  
 
Title:
Executive Vice President of Administration  


STATE OF TENNESSEE
)
 
) ss.
COUNTY OF HAMILTON )

I certify that I know or have satisfactory evidence that R.H. Lovin, Jr. is the person who appeared before me, and said person acknowledged that s/he signed this instrument, on oath stated that s/he was authorized to execute the instrument and acknowledged it as the Executive Vice President of Administration of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc,, a Nevada corporation, to be the free and voluntary act of such party for the uses and purposes mentioned in the instrument.
 
Dated: July 3, 2018.
 
 
 
  (Signature)  
 
Name:
Theresa Ives  
  NOTARY PUBLIC in and for the State of  
  Tennessee residing in Hamilton Co.  
 
My commission expires: 5/25/2020
 
 
(SEAL)
 
 
 

 

EXHIBIT A
LEASED PROPERTY
(Picture)
 
Back to Form 10-Q

Exhibit 10.1
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO
THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

This SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT (this “ Amendment ”), dated as of July 3, 2018, is by and among COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (“ CTI ”), CTG LEASING COMPANY , a Nevada corporation (“ CTGL ”), SOUTHERN REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT, INC. , an Arkansas corporation (“ SRT ”), COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC ,   a Nevada limited liability company (“ CAM ”), COVENANT TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS, LLC , a Nevada limited liability company formerly known as Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc. (“ CTS ”), STAR TRANSPORTATION, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (“ Star ”), and COVENANT LOGISTICS, INC. , a Nevada corporation (“ Logistics ”, and together with CTI, CTGL, SRT, CAM, CTS, and Star individually an “ Existing   Borrower ” and collectively, “ Existing   Borrowers ”), LANDAIR TRANSPORT, INC. (“ LA Transport ”), LANDAIR LOGISTICS, INC. (“ LA Logistics ”), and LANDAIR LEASING, INC. (“ LA Leasing ”), each a Tennessee corporation (LA Transport, LA Logistics, and LA Leasing, individually, a “ New Borrower ” and collectively,   New Borrowers ”, and together with the Existing Borrowers, “ Borrowers ”), COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC. , a Nevada corporation and the owner (directly or indirectly) of all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Borrowers (“ Parent ”), DRIVEN ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC , a Nevada limited liability company (“ DAS ”), TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC , a Tennessee limited liability company (“ TMS ” and together with DAS and Parent, individually, an “ Existing   Guarantor ” and collectively, the “ Existing   Guarantors ”), LANDAIR HOLDINGS, INC. , a Tennessee corporation (“ New Guarantor ”, and together with Existing Guarantors, individually, a “ Guarantor ” and collectively, “ Guarantors ”), the Lenders (defined below) party to this Amendment, and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. , a national banking association, as agent for Lenders (in such capacity, “ Agent ”).  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings given to such terms in the Credit Agreement (defined below).
R E C I T A L S :

A.            Existing Borrowers, Parent, the other Existing Guarantors, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “ Lenders ”) and the Agent are parties to that certain Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2008 (as previously amended, and as otherwise amended, restated or modified from time to time, the “ Credit Agreement ”).
B.            Existing Borrowers have advised the Administrative Agent that Parent desires to acquire one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding Equity Interests of LA Holdings, which acquisition would be financed with both the proceeds of Revolver Loans and new Debt to be secured by Liens on certain Revenue Equipment that is not Daimler Revenue Equipment (the “ Contemplated Transaction ”).  LA Holdings is the direct parent of each of LA Transport, LA Logistics, and LA Leasing (LA Holdings, LA Transport, LA Logistics and LA Leasing, collectively, the “ Landair Entities ”).
C.            The Contemplated Transaction, if consummated, would constitute a Restricted Investment not otherwise permitted under Section 10.2.4 the Credit Agreement, the additional Debt to be incurred would not be permitted under Section 10.2.1 of the Credit Agreement, and the Liens granted in connection with such additional Debt would not be permitted under Section 10.2.2 of the Credit Agreement.
D.            Obligors have requested that Agent and Lenders consent to the Contemplated Transaction and make certain other amendments to the Credit Agreement, and Agent and Lenders are willing to do so on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

1.            Recitals .  The foregoing Recitals are accurate and are incorporated herein and made a part hereof for all purposes.
2.            Consent .
(a)    Consent and Acknowledgment .  Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 2(b) hereof, each of the undersigned Agent and Lenders hereby consent to the Contemplated Transaction.
(b)    The effectiveness of Lender’s consent and agreement contained in Section 2(a) hereof is subject to satisfaction of each of the following conditions precedent as determined by Agent:
(i) Agent shall have received one or more counterparts of this Amendment duly executed by each of Borrowers, Guarantors and Lenders;
(ii) At the time of the Contemplated Transaction and immediately after giving effect thereto, no Default or Event of Default exists;
(iii) Borrowers have made available to Agent, (A) prior to the proposed date of consummation of the Contemplated Transaction (the “ Proposed Consummation Date ”), copies of lien search results and organizational documents with respect to each Landair Entity, (B) prior to the Proposed Consummation Date, draft copies of all proposed acquisition agreements and all related transactions documents, together with all schedules thereto (followed by updated drafts as the same are generated), and (C) promptly upon Agent’s request, such other due diligence information as may be reasonably requested by Agent, in each case which Agent shall have reviewed and found acceptable in all respects; and
(iv) Contemporaneous with the consummation of the Contemplated Transaction, Agent shall have received (to the extent not listed in clause (iii) above) each of the documents referenced on the closing checklist attached as Exhibit A hereto .
Notwithstanding the joinder of LA Transport, LA Logistics and LA Leasing (collectively, “ New Borrowers ”) as Borrowers under the Credit Agreement, no Accounts or other Collateral of New Borrowers shall be included in any calculation of the Borrowing Base until completion of all field exams, appraisals, audits and other evaluation of Collateral in a manner and with results acceptable to Agent.
(c)    Limited Consent .  Parent, Borrowers, and the other Guarantors acknowledge that the consents and waivers in this Section 2 are granted by the Agent and the Lenders only for the specific instance and for the limited purpose set forth herein and shall not in any manner create a course of dealing or otherwise impair the future ability of the Agent to declare a Default or Event of Default or otherwise enforce the terms of any Loan Document if any similar or related transactions arise, or otherwise.  Except as expressly set forth herein, each term and provision of the Credit Agreement continues in full force and effect.
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3.          Amendments to Credit Agreement .  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Credit Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
(a)       Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the following new definitions in proper alphabetical sequence:
Citibank Receivables Purchase Agreement : that certain Supplier Agreement between Citibank, N.A., Landair Transport, Inc., and Landair Logistics, Inc., pursuant to which Citibank, N.A. purchases certain Accounts owing to such Borrowers by Mars, Incorporated and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.
Landair Borrower :  each of Landair Transport, Inc., Landair Logistics, Inc., and Landair Leasing, Inc., each a Tennessee corporation.
Landair   Receivable Purchase Program :  each of the following:  (a) the sale of Accounts owing to a Landair Borrower by Mars, Incorporated or its Affiliates pursuant to the Citibank Receivables Purchase Agreement, (b) the sale of Accounts owing to a Landair   Borrower from Sonoco Products Company pursuant to one or more agreements between such Landair   Borrower and Priority Payment Systems, (c) the sale of Accounts owing to a Landair   Borrower from US Foods pursuant to one or more agreements between such Landair   Borrower and US Bank/Syncada, and (d) the sale of Accounts owing to a Landair   Borrower from the United States Marine Corps pursuant to one or more agreements between such Landair   Borrower and US Bank/Syncada.
 (b)        The definition of “ Excluded Assets ” in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting clause (d) thereof and replacing it with the following:
(d) (i) any Daimler Revenue Equipment for so long as it secures the Daimler Credit Facility and (ii) Revenue Equipment and identifiable proceeds thereof in which a Lien is granted by the applicable grantor to secure Debt in an amount not to exceed $55,000,000 to facilitate Parent’s acquisition of one hundred percent (100%) of the outstanding Equity Interests of Landair Holdings, Inc. on or about July 3, 2018, and refinancing Debt in respect thereof that satisfies the Refinancing Conditions.
(c)       The definition of “Eligible Account” in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the “or” immediately preceding clause (p) thereof, and (ii) adding the following new clause (q) immediately after clause (p):

or (q) so long as the Landair   Receivable Purchase Program applicable to Accounts owing by such Account Debtor is in effect, Accounts owing to a Landair   Borrower by (i) Mars, Incorporated or any of its Affiliates, (ii) Sonoco Products Company, (iii) US Foods, or (iv) the United States Marine Corps.

(d)      The definition of “Other Agreements” in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by adding the phrase “the Citibank Intercreditor Agreement;” immediately after the phrase “the Lien Waivers;” contained therein.

(e)      The definition of “Permitted Asset Disposition” in Section 1.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the “or” immediately preceding clause (A)(f) thereof and adding the following new clause (A)(g) immediately after clause (A)(f):
3


any disposition of an Account owing by an Account Debtor pursuant to a Landair   Receivables Purchase Program, so long as (i) the Net Proceeds thereof are remitted to Agent for application against outstanding Obligations, and (ii) for the period beginning September 1, 2018 and thereafter, an intercreditor agreement between Agent and the purchaser of such Accounts, in form and substance acceptable to Agent, is in effect.
(f)       Section 10.2.1 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the “and” at the end of clause (n) thereof, (ii) deleting the “.” At the end of clause (o) and substituting “; and” in lieu thereof, and (iii) adding the following new clause (p) at the end thereof:

(p)     for the period beginning July 3, 2018 and ending no later than the first expiry date to occur thereafter with respect to each thereof, Debt arising under the following letters of credit issued by First Tennessee Bank:

Letter Of Credit
Description
Stated Amount
S133017
MCX Letter of Credit
$     500,000.00
S133041
Great West Letter of Credit
$   1,077,042.00
S173153
Liberty Mutual Work Comp Letter of Credit
$       85,000.00
S273114
Protective Insurance Company
$   1,100,000.00

(g)       Section 10.2.2 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by (i) deleting the “and” at the end of clause (s) thereof, (ii) deleting the “.” At the end of clause (t) and substituting “; and” in lieu thereof, and (iii) adding the following new clause (u) at the end thereof:

(u)    Liens on Accounts that have been sold pursuant to the Citibank Receivables Purchase Agreement.
4.          Additional Covenants .  To induce Agent and Required Lenders to enter into this Amendment, Obligors covenant and agree to deliver to Agent,
(a)    no later than three (3) Business Days after consummation of the Contemplated Transaction, (i) fully executed copies of the definitive purchase agreement and all related transaction documents, together with all schedules thereto, and (ii) the original certificates evidencing the Equity Interests of LA Transport, LA Logistics, and LA Leasing pledged by LA Holdings under the Credit Agreement and Pledge Agreement, together with stock powers with respect thereto executed in blank,
(b)    no later than ten (10) Business Days after consummation of the Contemplated Transaction, the original certificates evidencing the Equity Interests of LA Holdings pledged by Parent under the Credit Agreement and Pledge Agreement, together with stock powers with respect thereto executed in blank,
(b)    on or before July 31, 2018, deliver to Agent satisfactory endorsements showing Agent as lender’s loss payee under the insurance policies insuring the personal property of the Landair Entities and otherwise complying with clauses (ii) and (iii) of Section 8.62(a) of the Credit Agreement,
4

(b)    on or before July 31, 2018, updated schedules to the Credit Agreement to give effect to Parent’s acquisition of the Landair Entities (including a list of any loans made by such Persons to any employee thereof), and
(c)    on or before September 1, 2018, and so long as the Citibank Receivables Purchase Agreement has not been terminated by the applicable Borrowers, the Citibank Intercreditor Agreement signed by Citibank, N.A. and all Borrowers party to the Citibank Receivables Purchase Agreement.
5.         Acknowledgment of the Obligors .  Borrowers and Guarantors, as Obligors, hereby acknowledge and agree that, to the best of their knowledge: (a) none of the Obligors has any defense, offset, or counter-claim with respect to the payment of any sum owed to Lenders or Agent under the Loan Documents, or with respect to the performance or observance of any warranty or covenant contained in the Credit Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents; and (b) Agent and Lenders have performed all obligations and duties owed to the Obligors through the date of this Amendment.
6.         Consent and Reaffirmation of Guaranty Agreements .
(a)     Parent hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the amendments set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects the Parent Guaranty (including without limitation, the continuation of Parent's payment and performance obligations thereunder upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment and the amendments contemplated hereby) and the enforceability of the Parent Guaranty against the Parent in accordance with its terms.

(b)     Each of DAS and TMS hereby consents, acknowledges and agrees to the amendments set forth herein and hereby confirms and ratifies in all respects its Guaranty (including without limitation, the continuation of each of DAS’s and TMS’s payment and performance obligations thereunder upon and after the effectiveness of this Amendment and the amendments contemplated hereby) and the enforceability of its Guaranty against DAS and TMS in accordance with its terms.

7.          Representations and Warranties of the Obligors .  Borrowers and Guarantors, as Obligors, represent and warrant to Agent and Lenders that:
(a)    Compliance with Credit Agreement .  On the date hereof, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing;
(b)    Representations and Warranties .  On the date hereof, the representations and warranties of each Obligor in the Loan Documents are true and correct in all material respects (except to the extent that such representations and warranties specifically refer to an earlier date, in which case they are true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date);
(c)    Power and Authority .  Each Obligor is duly authorized to execute, deliver and perform this Amendment.  The execution, delivery and performance of this Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, have been duly authorized by all necessary action, and do not (i) require any consent or approval of the holders of Equity Interests of the Obligors, other than those already obtained; (ii) contravene the Organic Documents of any Obligor; (iii) violate or cause a default under any Applicable Law, Material Contract or Material License; or (iv) result in or require the imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) on any Property of any Obligor; and
5

(d)    Enforceability .  This Amendment and the Credit Agreement, as amended hereby, are legal, valid and binding obligations of each Obligor, enforceable in accordance with their terms, except as enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or similar laws affecting the enforcement of creditors’ rights generally.
8.         Effect on Credit Agreement .  Except as specifically amended hereby, the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents are, in all other respects, ratified and confirmed and remain in full force and effect.  Except as expressly set forth herein, the amendments provided herein shall not by implication or otherwise limit, constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of Lenders or Agent under the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall they constitute a waiver of any Event of Default, nor shall they alter, modify, amend or in any way affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements contained in the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Each of the amendments provided herein shall apply and be effective only with respect to the provisions of the Credit Agreement specifically referred to by such amendments.  No reference to this Amendment need be made in any notice, writing, or other communication relating to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents, any such reference to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents to be deemed a reference thereto as respectively amended by this Amendment.  All references to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents in any document, instrument, or agreement executed in connection with the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents will be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as respectively amended hereby.
9.       Instrument Pursuant to Credit Agreement .  This Amendment is a Loan Document executed pursuant to the Credit Agreement and shall (unless otherwise expressly indicated herein) be construed, administered and applied in accordance with the terms and provisions of the Credit Agreement.
10.       Further Acts .  Each of the parties to this Amendment agrees that at any time and from time to time upon the written request of any other party, it will execute and deliver such further documents and do such further acts and things as such other party may reasonably request in order to effect the purposes of this Amendment.
11.      Successors .  This Amendment shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of Obligors, Agent, Lenders, and their respective successors and permitted assigns, except that (a) no Obligor shall have the right to assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Amendment or any Loan Documents; and (b) any assignment by a Lender must be made in compliance with Section 13.3 of the Credit Agreement.
12.      Governing Law . THIS AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, WITHOUT GIVING EFFECT TO ANY CONFLICT OF LAW PRINCIPLES (BUT GIVING EFFECT TO FEDERAL LAWS RELATING TO NATIONAL BANKS).
13.      Consent to Forum.   EACH OBLIGOR, HEREBY CONSENTS TO THE NON-EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF ANY FEDERAL OR STATE COURT SITTING IN OR WITH JURISDICTION OVER THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN ANY PROCEEDING OR DISPUTE RELATING IN ANY WAY TO THIS AMENDMENT, AND AGREES THAT ANY SUCH PROCEEDING SHALL BE BROUGHT BY IT SOLELY IN ANY SUCH COURT. EACH OBLIGOR, IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL CLAIMS, OBJECTIONS AND DEFENSES THAT IT MAY HAVE REGARDING SUCH COURT’S PERSONAL OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION, VENUE OR INCONVENIENT FORUM.  EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES IN SECTION 14.3.1 OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT.  Nothing herein shall limit the right of Agent or any Lender to bring proceedings against any Obligor in any other court, nor limit the right of any party to serve process in any other manner permitted by Applicable Law. Nothing in this Amendment shall be deemed to preclude enforcement by Agent of any judgment or order obtained in any forum or jurisdiction. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Section 14.14 of the Credit Agreement is incorporated herein by reference and shall apply to this Amendment.
6

14.    Counterparts .  This Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of a signature page of any Loan Document by telecopy or electronic mail shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of such agreement.
15.    Severability .  Wherever possible, each provision of this Amendment shall be interpreted in such manner as to be valid under Applicable Law. If any provision is found to be invalid under Applicable Law, it shall be ineffective only to the extent of such invalidity and the remaining provisions of this Amendment shall remain in full force and effect.
16.    Entire Agreement . This Amendment, together with all the Loan Documents (collectively, the “ Relevant Documents ”), sets forth the entire understanding and agreement of the parties hereto in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any prior negotiations and agreements among the parties relating to such subject matter.  No promise, condition, representation or warranty, express or implied, not set forth in the Relevant Documents shall bind any party hereto, and no such party has relied on any such promise, condition, representation or warranty.  Each of the parties hereto acknowledges that, except as otherwise expressly stated in the Relevant Documents, no representations, warranties or commitments, express or implied, have been made by any party to the other in relation to the subject matter hereof or thereof.  None of the terms or conditions of this Amendment may be changed, modified, waived or canceled orally or otherwise, except in writing and in accordance with Section 14.1 of the Credit Agreement.
 [Signature Pages Follow]

7

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto has caused a counterpart of this Amendment to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first above written.
BORROWERS:
   
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
CTG LEASING COMPANY
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Vice President
     
     
 
COVENANT ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Vice President
     
     
   COVENANT TRANSPORT SOLUTIONS, LLC 
     
  By:  /s/ Richard B. Cribbs
  Name: Richard B. Cribbs
  Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
SOUTHERN REFRIGERATED TRANSPORT, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
[Signatures continued on next page]

COVENANT TRANSPORT
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

STAR TRANSPORTATION, INC.
   
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
COVENANT LOGISTICS, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ David R. Parker
 
Name:
David R. Parker
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer, President, Secretary and Treasurer
     
     
  LANDAIR TRANSPORT, INC.
     
  By: /s/ David R. Parker
  Name: David R. Parker
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
     
  LANDAIR LOGISTICS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ David R. Parker
  Name: David R. Parker
  Title: Chief Executive Officer
     
     
  LANDAIR LEASING, INC.
     
  By: /s/ David R. Parker
  Name: David R. Parker
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer
 
 
[Signatures continued on next page]
 
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

 
 
 
GUARANTORS:
     
 
COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
     
     
 
DRIVEN ANALYTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC
     
 
By:
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Name:
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Title:
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer
     
     
 
TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT SERVICES, LLC
     
 
By:
/s/ M. Paul Bunn
 
Name:
M. Paul Bunn
 
Title:
Vice President and Treasurer
     
     
  LANDAIR HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By: /s/ David R. Parker
  Name:  David R. Parker
  Title:  Chief Executive Officer
 
[Signatures continued on next page]
 
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT


AGENT AND LENDERS :
   
 
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. ,
as Agent and Lender
   
 
By:
/s/ Douglas Cowan
 
Name:
Douglas Cowan
 
Title:
Senior Vice President
 
[Signatures continued on next page]
 
COVENANT TRANSPORT
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT


JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
     
 
By:
/s/ Angela Leake
 
Name:
Angela Leake
 
Title:
Authorized Officer


COVENANT TRANSPORT
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT

EXHIBIT A

Closing Checklist


See attached.
 
 



INDEX OF CLOSING DOCUMENTS
 
in connection with
 
SIXTEENTH AMENDMENT TO THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT
and
JOINDER OF
LANDAIR TRANSPORT, INC. , LANDAIR LOGISTICS, INC. , and LANDAIR LEASING, INC.,
as New Borrowers,

and
JOINDER OF
LANDAIR HOLDINGS, INC.,
as a New Guarantor,
among

COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.
as Parent,

CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF PARENT,
as Existing Borrowers or Existing Guarantors,

CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS
FROM TIME TO TIME PARTY THERETO,
as Lenders

and

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Agent

Dated as of July 3, 2018

DEFINED TERMS:
Agent:
Bank of America, N.A., a national banking association
Lenders:
Bank of America, N.A.; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Existing Borrowers :
Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; CTG Leasing Company, a Nevada corporation; Covenant Asset Management, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company;   Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., an Arkansas corporation; Covenant Transport Solutions, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; Star Transportation, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; and Covenant Logistics, Inc., a Nevada corporation
Parent:
Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation
Existing Guarantors:
Parent; Driven Analytic Solutions, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company; and Transport Management Services, LLC, a Tennessee limited liability company
New Borrower :
Landair Transport, Inc. (“ LA Transport ”), Landair Logistics, Inc. (“ LA Logistics ”), and Landair Leasing, Inc. (“ LA Leasing ”), each a Tennessee corporation
New Guarantor :
Landair Holdings, Inc. (“ LA Holdings ”), a Tennessee corporation
SLF:
Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O., Counsel to Obligors
MW:
McGuireWoods LLP, counsel to Agent
 


 
 
Document:
Responsible
Party
Comment
1.            Sixteenth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
MW
 
2.            Joinder Agreement
MW
 
3.            Stock Pledge and Security Agreement Supplement , together with updated Schedule I
MW
 
4.             Stock Powers (executed in blank)
   a.  LA Holdings
   b.  LA Transport
   c.  LA Logistics
   d.  LA Leasing
MW
 
5.            Original Stock Certificates
   a.  LA Holdings
   b.  LA Transport
   c.  LA Logistics
   d.  LA Leasing
Borrowers
Borrowers to deliver post- closing
6.            Solvency Certificate
MW
 
7.            Lien Searches
   a.  LA Holdings
   b.  LA Transport
   c.  LA Logistics
   d.  LA Leasing
Borrowers / MW
 
8.            UCC-1 Financing Statements
   a.  LA Holdings
   b.  LA Transport
   c.  LA Logistics
   d.  LA Leasing
MW
 
9.           Secretary’s Certificate (LA Holdings)
Borrowers
 
Ex. A: Certified Articles of Incorporation    
Ex. B:  By-Laws    
Ex. C:  Resolutions    
Ex. D: Good Standing Certificate    
Ex. E:  Incumbency    
10.         Secretary’s Certificate (LA Transport)
Borrowers
 
Ex. A: Certified Articles of Incorporation    
Ex. B:  By-Laws    
Ex. C:  Resolutions    
Ex. D: Good Standing Certificate    
Ex. E:  Incumbency    
11.         Secretary’s Certificate (LA Logistics)
Borrowers
 
Ex. A: Certified Articles of Incorporation    
Ex. B:  By-Laws    
Ex. C:  Resolutions    
Ex. D: Good Standing Certificate    
Ex. E:  Incumbency    
 

 
  Document:
 Responsible
Party
 Comment
12.         Secretary’s Certificate (LA Leasing)
Borrowers
      
Ex. A: Certified Articles of Incorporation
     
Ex. B:  By-Laws
Ex. C:  Resolutions
Ex. D: Good Standing Certificate
Ex. E:  Incumbency
13.         Completed W-9 form for New Guarantor and New Borrowers
Agent/
Borrowers
 
14.        Completed Diligence Questionnaires
 a.  LA Holdings
 b.  LA Transport
 c.  LA Logistics
 d.  LA Leasing
Borrowers
   
 
15.        Insurance Documents
Borrowers
Borrowers to deliver post- closing
  a.     Certificate of Liability Insurance including New Guarantor and New Borrowers
  
  b.     Evidence of Property Insurance including New Guarantor and New Borrowers
16.       Opinion Letter
SLF
 


Back to Form 10-Q

Exhibit 31.1
I, David R. Parker, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer 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:  November 9, 2018
/s/ David R. Parker
 
David R. Parker
 
Principal Executive Officer
 
Back to Form 10-Q

Exhibit 31.2
I, Richard B. Cribbs, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer 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:  November 9, 2018
/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
 
Richard B. Cribbs
Principal Financial Officer
 
Back to Form 10-Q

Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002



In connection with the Quarterly Report of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, David R. Parker, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, hereby certify, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:  November 9, 2018
/s/ David R. Parker
 
David R. Parker
 
Chief Executive Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and will be retained by Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
 
Back to Form 10-Q

 

Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002



In connection with the Quarterly Report of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ending September 30, 2018, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Richard B. Cribbs, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, hereby certify, that to the best of my knowledge:

(1)            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.


Date:  November 9, 2018
/s/   Richard B. Cribbs
 
Richard B. Cribbs
 
Chief Financial Officer

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and will be retained by Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
 
Back to Form 10-Q