ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Certain acronyms and terms used throughout this Annual Report are specific to our Company, commonly used in our industry, or are otherwise frequently used throughout our document. Definitions for these acronyms and terms are provided in the “Glossary of Terms” available at the front of this document. References to “Notes” are to the notes to consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Company Overview
Schneider National, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together “Schneider,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) are among the largest providers of multimodal surface transportation and logistics solutions in North America. We offer a scaled portfolio of services and an array of capabilities and resources that leverage artificial intelligence, data science, and analytics to provide innovative solutions that coordinate the timely, safe, and effective movement of customer products. The Company offers truckload, intermodal, and logistics services to a diverse customer base throughout the continental U.S., Canada, and Mexico. We were founded in 1935 and have been a publicly held holding company since our IPO in 2017. Our stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the ticker symbol “SNDR”.
Our portfolio of complementary service offerings enables us to serve the diverse needs of our customers and to allocate capital in a manner that seeks to maximize returns across all market cycles and economic conditions. Our service offerings include transportation of full-truckload freight, which we directly transport utilizing either our company-owned transportation equipment and company drivers, owner-operators, or third-party carriers under contract with us. We have arrangements with most of the major North American rail carriers to transport freight in containers. We also provide customized freight movement, transportation equipment, labor, systems, and delivery services tailored to meet individual customer requirements, which typically involve long-term contracts. These arrangements are generally referred to as dedicated services and may include multiple pickups and drops, local deliveries, freight handling, specialized equipment, and freight network optimization. In addition, we provide comprehensive logistics services with a network of over 50,000 qualified third-party carriers. We are able to expand capacity through our Power Only offering by leveraging our nationwide trailer pool to match customer demand with third-party carriers. We categorize our operations into the following reportable segments:
•Truckload – Over-the-road freight transportation via dry van, bulk, temperature-controlled, and flat-bed trailers across either network or dedicated configurations. Freight is transported and delivered by our company-employed drivers in company trucks and by owner-operators with company-owned trailers, and executed through long-haul or regional services, including customized solutions for high-value and time-sensitive loads throughout North America.
•Intermodal – Door-to-door container on flat car service through a combination of rail and dray transportation, in association with our rail providers. Our intermodal business uses company-owned containers, chassis, and trucks with primarily company dray drivers, augmented by third-party dray capacity.
•Logistics – Asset-light freight brokerage (including both traditional brokerage and Power Only services which leverage our nationwide company-owned trailer pools to match third-party capacity with customer demand), supply chain (including 3PL), warehousing, and import/export services. Our logistics business provides value-added services using both our assets and third-party capacity, augmented by our trailing assets, to manage and move customers’ freight.
Consistent with the transportation industry, our business can be seasonal across each of our segments, which generally translates to our reported revenues and operating expenses being the lowest in the first quarter and highest in the fourth quarter. Operating expenses tend to be higher in the winter months, primarily due to colder weather, which causes higher maintenance expense and fuel consumption from increased idle time.
For more information on our reportable segments, see Note 14, Segment Reporting.
Additionally, we lease equipment to third parties through our wholly owned subsidiary Schneider Finance, Inc., which is primarily engaged in leasing trucks to owner-operators including, but not limited to, owner-operators with whom we contract, and we provide insurance for both company drivers and owner-operators through our wholly owned insurance subsidiary.
Our Mission and Strategy
We are driven by our uncompromising values to safely deliver goods that enhance the lives of people everywhere. We forge long-term relationships with our customers as an integral partner in, and extension of, their supply chains. Our strategy is based on delivering superior experiences to our customers utilizing an integrated, multimodal approach to provide capacity-oriented solutions centered on delivering customer value and industry-leading service. We believe our operating strategy adds value to customers, fuels our earnings, and generates shareholder returns. We continually analyze opportunities for capital investment and effective capital deployment to provide additional value for our customers and increase returns for our shareholders.
Business Developments
Acquisitions
On August 1, 2023, the Company completed the acquisition of M&M, a privately held truckload carrier based in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts that primarily provides specialty solutions for retail and manufacturing customers. M&M is a dedicated carrier that complements our growing dedicated operations. The operating results of M&M are reported in dedicated operations as part of our Truckload segment beginning in the third quarter of 2023.
Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions, for additional details on our acquisition of M&M and other recent acquisitions.
Industry and Competition
Truckload
The trucking industry plays a vital role in providing both growth and stability in the U.S. economy and moves the vast majority of freight volume in the U.S. It is a highly competitive and fragmented industry, characterized by numerous small to mid-sized carriers. Increased regulations and initiatives to improve the safety and reduce emissions of the U.S. trucking industry have impacted industry dynamics in recent years and are discussed in the Regulation section below. Our Truckload segment competes with thousands of dry van and specialty equipment carriers. While we compete with many smaller carriers on a regional basis, only a limited number of carriers represent competition in all markets across North America.
Intermodal
The domestic intermodal market is highly consolidated amongst three of the largest intermodal providers, including our Intermodal segment. Our Intermodal segment competes with intermodal providers and other transportation service companies, including truckload carriers. We have exclusive agreements with three precision-scheduled Class I railroad providers, which augments our differentiation in the market and allows for increased freight reliability.
Logistics
The logistics industry is a large, fast-growing, and fragmented market that represents an integral part of the economy. Logistics plans, implements, and controls the movement and storage of goods, generally using the assets of others. Our Logistics segment competes with other logistics companies, brokerage businesses, and truckload carriers.
Customers
During the year ended December 31, 2023, we offered our services to approximately 8,400 customers across our portfolio, including nearly 150 Fortune 500 companies, and 24 of our top 25 customers used services from all three of our reportable segments. Our Logistics segment manages over 50,000 qualified carrier relationships and managed approximately $2.4 billion of third-party freight in 2023.
Our revenue is derived from a diverse customer base across a broad end-market footprint, encompassing numerous industries including consumer products, retail, auto, chemicals, electronics and appliances, e-commerce, home improvement, and food and beverage. Our diversified revenue mix and customer base allow for revenue and yield management stability throughout the year, despite the fact that many of our customers are also affected by seasonal fluctuations.
Transportation Equipment
Our company-owned transportation equipment fleet was comprised of the following at December 31, 2023: | | | | | | | | |
Transportation Equipment Type | | Approximate Number of Units |
Over-the-road sleeper cab tractors | | 7,200 |
Day cab tractors | | 3,100 |
Other tractors (yard tractors, straight trucks, and training tractors) | | 300 |
Trailers | | 47,300 |
Containers | | 27,400 |
Chassis | | 23,800 |
Human Capital Management
Schneider is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture that values and respects the varied talents and perspectives of our associates. We recognize the advantage of hiring and retaining associates who contribute to the creation of value for our shareholders.
Associates and Workforce
As of December 31, 2023, we employed approximately 17,300 associates, 68% of whom are drivers with the remaining 32% consisting of mechanics and warehouse personnel, managers, and other corporate office associates. Approximately 15% of our associates are based at our headquarters in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We have not experienced any work stoppages and consider our associate relations to be good. Currently, five of our company drivers are members of an organized labor union, as a result of a commitment we made in the 1980s to allow this group of drivers to finish their careers at Schneider while remaining union members. None of our other associates are represented by a labor union.
We have a highly engaged workforce deployed over a diverse set of positions across our segments, geographies, and businesses. Where consistent with our operational needs, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements to associates, including remote and blended work configurations.
Associate Recruitment, Development, and Retention
•Company drivers - Our drivers play an essential role in the ability to serve our customers, and we remain focused on making our driver experience the best in the industry. We employ measures to improve retention which include offering drivers competitive salaries and benefits, establishing driver pay scales which provide for increasing pay by experience level and performance, offering both live and remote driver training by experienced driving instructors, and maintaining a modern truck fleet with the latest safety technology, all of which focus on improving the overall driver experience.
•Non-driver Company associates - Our mechanics, warehouse personnel, managers, and other corporate office associates help to facilitate and coordinate service to customers, ensure equipment is operational and well-maintained, and generally support our operations. As we strive to offer best-in-class service to our customers, we focus on hiring top talent and providing them with opportunities for development and growth within their roles and throughout the organization. We utilize a performance management system that incorporates goals and development plans that are assessed semiannually to better position associates for future career growth. Succession planning is regularly performed to help identify and develop a pipeline of talent in critical roles within our organization. Additionally, we routinely conduct market analyses to evaluate the competitiveness of our wages and benefits, and we offer associates classroom, virtual, and web-based training options through our comprehensive learning program.
Associate Engagement
We promote associate engagement throughout our organization. We conduct biennial associate surveys to measure associate satisfaction and garner ideas to improve workforce engagement. Survey results are used to implement programs that will enhance associate connectivity with the Company which is believed to lead to increased innovation, productivity, and profitability.
In 2023, we opened The Grove, a state-of-the-art innovation center located on the campus of our headquarters which is a curated, collaborative workspace for associates and customers aimed at driving innovation in transportation and logistics with a focus on technology.
Compensation Structure and Benchmarking
Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package is designed to enable us to attract and retain high quality talent across the wide variety of roles in the Company. We routinely benchmark pay and benefits against peers and companies in jurisdictions where we operate to evaluate whether our total package is fair, competitive, and meets the needs of our associates. Our comprehensive package includes competitive pay, tuition reimbursement, medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, mental health support, 401(k) savings and retirement, work schedule flexibility, paid time off, disability and a wide variety of other voluntary insurance options, recognition programs, and development and career growth opportunities. Some of our driver pay packages include minimum guarantees while providing increasing pay by experience level and incentivizing for performance. Our non-driver pay varies by job, is market competitive, and includes short and long-term incentive programs that motivate associates and reward high performance.
Driver Turnover Rate
As a result of retirements, high turnover rates for new entrants to the driver market, and the challenges of attracting drivers, the industry and the long-haul truckload sector, in particular, have been characterized by persistent shortages of truck drivers. In response to the driver shortage and high driver turnover rate in our industry, we recruit recent driver training school graduates as a source of new drivers or hire driver candidates to participate in our own nationwide network of 19 training academies. These drivers have completed a training program at a private driver training school and hold a CDL. For areas of the country where truck driver jobs are in demand and demographics don’t support many qualified drivers, we have established CAT for candidates with no previous truck driving experience. Our CAT Program enables these candidates to earn their CDL in their first few weeks of training then continue training under the supervision of experienced driver trainers to strengthen and hone their driving skills.
Diversity and Inclusion
We believe diversity fuels innovation, improves strategic thinking, and cultivates leadership. ‘Respect for All’ is one of our four core values. We embrace and seek diversity that is inclusive of thought, race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, experience, and background. Furthering our Company’s diversity and inclusion goals and objectives is incorporated into our hiring, training and development programs, performance management, and community giving programs so that we nurture an environment where associates feel safe, supported, and empowered to share their creativity, experiences, and ideas. Creating communities rooted in a culture of belonging is the ultimate goal of Schneider’s BRGs. We have six BRGs for associates who share identity, life experience or common purpose, and who come together to fulfill both individual and group goals that tie to business strategies and objectives. Finally, we are proud supporters of military veterans and have been recognized as a top military-friendly employer.
Safety
“Safety first and always” is a Schneider core value. We believe we have a responsibility to our associates, customers, and the community to operate safely. Our safety culture is built on five key components:
•Driver hiring and drug testing. We hire both experienced drivers and drivers new to the industry through a comprehensive hiring process. As part of that process, we voluntarily choose to use hair testing in addition to mandated urine-based drug testing. While costing more per driver, hair testing is generally more accurate than urine-based testing.
•Military drivers. We support service members and veterans and employ many drivers with military experience. This experience produces quality truck drivers due to the discipline instilled through military training programs.
•Training. Initial training is complemented by regularly scheduled follow-up training to sustain and enhance basic skills. We operate company-sponsored driver training facilities and have invested in simulators for both initial and sustainment training.
•Equipment and technology. We invest in trucks that are configured with roll stability, collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and forward-facing cameras. Driving behavior is electronically monitored, alerts are provided to the driver situationally, and performance is documented for subsequent coaching. We also employ electronic logging to improve HOS compliance and reduce fatigue occurrences.
•Active management. Driver leaders and safety coordinators have real-time access to activity in the truck, facilitating situational and scheduled coaching. We have invested in predictive analytics that assist in proactively identifying drivers with potential safety issues and recommending a remediation path.
Truckload carriers share safety performance information in monitored peer-to-peer forums. We have always maintained a satisfactory DOT safety rating, which is the highest available rating.
Owner-Operators
In addition to the company drivers we employ, we enter into contracts with independent contractors who work as “owner-operators”. Owner-operators are small business owners who own and maintain their own trucks, may employ drivers they hire, and provide us with services under a contractual arrangement whereby they are generally responsible for the costs of truck ownership and operating expenses. Owner-operators select their own load assignments, have control over their schedule, and are compensated on a per load basis. Owner-operators tend to be experienced drivers and represented approximately 15% of driver capacity as of December 31, 2023.
Environmental, Social, and Governance
We seek to do business responsibly and embrace that we have a role to play in the betterment of society. At Schneider, we define sustainability broadly as safe and responsible practices that strengthen the economy and create a safer world. We seek to accomplish this by maintaining a modern fleet to maximize fuel and energy efficiency, leveraging our intermodal service to convert loads from truck to rail, consolidating freight whenever possible, and continuing to introduce technologies to coordinate the movement of products timely, safely, and efficiently. Additionally, we continue to evaluate alternative fuel vehicles, and our efforts to improve overall fleet fuel efficiency and reduce GHG emissions are ongoing.
During 2023, we added nearly 100 Class 8 BEVs to our Intermodal fleet based out of California to contribute toward the Company’s goal of cutting its CO2 emissions by 7.5% per mile by 2025 and 60% per mile by 2035, and we continue to look for opportunities to expand our battery-electric fleet. As of mid-2023, we were already more than halfway to our goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 7.5% per mile by 2025, as compared to our baseline established in 2020, and expect to fully achieve this goal in 2025. Additionally, in 2023 we delivered over 1 million emission free miles via our BEVs operating in California. This milestone has kept approximately 3.3 million pounds of CO2 emissions out of the environment.
In addition to efforts to make our fleet more efficient and reduce emissions, we are focused on improving sustainability at our operating facilities including upgrading to high-efficiency lighting and enhancing existing programs for recycling motor oil, tires, and batteries. We are an EPA SmartWay® Transport Partner and are proud to be one of only four freight carriers to receive the EPA’s SmartWay® Award of Excellence each year since the award was created. We were the first company to receive the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety Award for two consecutive years. We established GREEN, an internal BRG, which focuses on educating associates on how to enhance sustainability and improve the environmental health of communities where we operate. Finally, we opened The Grove on our main campus in Green Bay, WI. This state of the art facility leverages both geothermal and solar energy to maximize resource efficiency in the facility as part of our commitment to sustainability. As always, we continue to ingrain safety into our corporate culture and strive to conduct all of our operations as safely as possible.
Fuel
We actively manage our fuel purchasing network in an effort to maintain adequate fuel supplies. In 2023, we made 99% of our fuel purchases through negotiated volume purchase discounts. We store fuel in underground storage tanks at five locations and in above-ground storage tanks at eight locations. We believe that we are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws relating to the storage of fuel.
In response to fluctuations in fuel prices, we use surcharge programs to adjust fuel costs charged to our customers. We believe the most cost-effective protection against variability in fuel costs is to continue the fuel surcharge programs and invest in a fuel-efficient fleet; however, fuel surcharges historically have not protected us against the full effect of increases in diesel fuel prices and are not expected to do so in the future. As an additional measure, we leverage fuel consumption metrics in evaluating drivers’ performance, and drivers utilize a fuel optimizer program where they purchase fuel at the most cost-effective locations based on distance to empty and fuel purchase commitments.
We seek to find ways to reduce our CO2 emissions including increasing the fuel efficiency of our current fleet, exploring alternative fuel vehicles, and deploying BEVs. In recent years, we invested in our existing diesel fleet to improve truck aerodynamics, reduce trailer drag, and implement electric-powered heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems, which translates to emissions reductions and fuel savings. We are currently exploring alternative fuel vehicles, including hydrogen vehicles, and have added nearly 100 BEVs to our fleet which replaced existing diesel trucks and helped reduce our diesel fuel usage.
Regulation
Our operations as a for-hire motor carrier are regulated and licensed by various federal, state, and local government agencies in North America, including the U.S. DOT, FMCSA, U.S. DHS, NHTSA, EPA, and OSHA. These regulatory authorities have broad powers over matters relating to authorized motor carrier operations, as well as motor carrier registration, safety and fitness of transportation equipment and drivers, transportation of hazardous materials, certain mergers and acquisitions, and periodic financial reporting. Our driver associates and owner-operators must also comply with carrier qualifications and enacted governmental regulations regarding safety, equipment, and operating methods, including DOT regulation of equipment weight and drug and alcohol testing of our current and prospective driver associates and FMCSA regulation of driver HOS. In addition, we are subject to compliance with cargo-security and transportation regulations issued by the Transportation Security Administration and Customs and Border Protection within the DHS, and our cross-border operations in Canada and Mexico are subject to regulation by each of those countries.
We are also subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with, among other aspects of our operations, the handling of hazardous materials, underground fuel storage tanks at our terminals, emissions from our vehicles and facilities, engine idling, and discharge and retention of storm water.
Additionally, we are subject to a variety of laws and regulations which are targeted at reducing GHG emissions, improving air quality and fuel efficiency at a national level, and accelerating a large-scale transition to medium and heavy-duty ZEVs. Prominent among those regulations are certain environmental regulations in effect in the State of California which have been adopted by CARB, including:
•The Heavy-Duty Vehicle GHG Emission Reduction Regulation which was issued to reduce GHG emissions from certain long-haul tractor-trailers that operate in California by requiring owners of such vehicles or equipment to retrofit their vehicles with aerodynamic elements and accessories and implement technologies that improve fuel efficiency (regardless of where the vehicle is registered);
•CARB’s ACT regulation, as enacted, is intended to accelerate a large-scale transition to medium and heavy-duty ZEVs. The ACT requires OEMs to begin shifting towards greater production of zero-emission heavy-duty tractors beginning in 2024. Under the ACT, every new tractor sold in California will need to be zero-emission by 2045. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the following states have also adopted the ACT regulation: Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington;
•CARB’s ACF regulation is intended to work in conjunction with the ACT regulation to require the deployment of medium and heavy-duty ZEVs in California. Components of the ACF regulation, as adopted by CARB, include the following:
◦Drayage fleets. Beginning January 1, 2024, trucks would be required to be registered in the CARB Online System to conduct drayage activities in California. Any truck that is to conduct drayage activities in California and is added to the California fleet on or after January 1, 2024 will be required to be a ZEV.
◦High priority fleets. High priority fleets (defined by the regulation to include an entity that owns, operates, or directs vehicles in California and has $50 million or more in total gross revenue or a fleet that owns, operates, or directs 50 or more vehicles in its California fleet) would be required to either (i) purchase only ZEVs beginning 2024 and, starting January 1, 2025, remove internal combustion engine vehicles at the end of their maximum useful life as specified in the regulation or (ii) use the ZEV Milestones Option to phase-in ZEVs into their fleets to meet ZEV targets as a percentage of their total California fleet.
Our California fleet consists of both a drayage fleet and a high priority fleet as defined in the ACF regulation as adopted by CARB and therefore, is required to be in compliance according to the following schedule:
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Table A: ZEV Fleet Milestones by Milestone Group and Year |
Milestone Group | | 10% | | 25% | | 50% | | 75% | | 100% |
1: Box trucks, vans, 2-axle buses, yard tractors, light-duty package delivery vehicles | | 2025 | | 2028 | | 2031 | | 2033 | | 2035+ |
2: Work trucks, day cab tractors, 3-axle buses | | 2027 | | 2030 | | 2033 | | 2036 | | 2039+ |
3: Sleeper cab tractors and specialty vehicles | | 2030 | | 2033 | | 2036 | | 2039 | | 2042+ |
On October 16, 2023, the CTA filed a lawsuit in the Eastern District of California challenging the ACF regulation on several grounds including that the ACF is preempted by federal law under the Federal Clean Air Act and the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994. The CTA seeks declaratory relief that the ACF regulation is invalid and unenforceable, as well as preliminary and permanent injunctive relief barring the implementation and enforcement of the ACF regulation. No assurances can be provided regarding the CTA’s litigation challenging the ACF regulation, including the timing of any proceedings relating to the litigation.
Moreover, in 2023, California passed three climate reporting laws which mandate all companies conducting business in California to make climate-related disclosures beginning in 2026. SB 253 requires companies with revenues greater than $1 billion doing business in California to report their emissions comprehensively, including their Scope 1 and 2 beginning in 2026 and Scope 3 beginning in 2027. SB 253 also requires reporting companies to obtain third-party auditor assurance of their reports on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions; for Scope 3 emissions, assurance requirements will be determined by 2027. SB 261 requires large U.S. businesses with annual revenues over $500 million operating in California to bi-annually disclose climate-related financial risks and their mitigation strategies to the public. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, New York and Washington State are also considering mandatory GHG emissions disclosures, while Colorado and Minnesota have introduced new laws focused on the disclosure of climate-related risks. Several business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the California Chamber of Commerce, and the American Farm Federation recently filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn SB 253 and SB 261. As of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, that lawsuit remains pending. Finally, in a
significant step toward implementing transparency in voluntary carbon markets, California enacted AB 1305 - the VCMDA. The VCMDA requires that companies operating in California which market or sell voluntary carbon offsets or make claims regarding the achievement of net zero emissions, carbon neutral status, or significant carbon emissions reductions publicly disclose information documenting how the claim was determined to be accurate or accomplished and the measurement of interim progress. Companies that purchase carbon credits in conjunction with certain climate-related claims are required to publicly disclose information documenting how the claim was determined to be accurate or accomplished and the measurement of interim progress. At times, in conjunction with delivering freight transportation services to certain of its customers, the Company purchases carbon credits or offsets to enable or assist such customers with achieving their carbon reduction targets.
In 2022, the SEC issued a proposed rule, SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, that would enhance and standardize the climate-related disclosures provided by public companies. As proposed, the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule would require public companies to report on the identification and management of climate risks, provide updates on their public climate goals, and annually provide information on their emissions. All companies would be required to disclose their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and large companies would also be required to disclose Scope 3 emissions, which are generated by activities in the company’s broader value chain, if material or as part of a set public goal. There have been repeated delays in finalizing the rule. As a result, we can not predict when, or if, the proposed rule will be finalized or whether the final rule will have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations.
These laws and regulations historically have resulted in increased costs, decreased equipment productivity, risks, and/or liabilities associated with our operations, and have the potential to further increase such costs, risks, and/or liabilities, particularly if costs are not offset by potential fuel savings. We cannot predict the extent to which our operations and productivity will be impacted. We continue to monitor and evaluate the proposed rule makings of the SEC, DOT, FMCSA, NHTSA, EPA, State of California, and other federal and state regulatory agencies to determine the expected impact on our operations.
Technology
Our business is executed through an integrated technology platform that encompasses an end-to-end process design which focuses on information accessibility and connectivity across our value chain. Our platform enables an integrated approach to cash processing including load/order acceptance based on driver and network optimization, vehicle dispatch, continuous quote monitoring, and visibility to loads from pick-up to delivery and customer collection. Proprietary decision support tools are embedded throughout the platform and assist our associates in making the right trade-offs to drivers’ needs for earnings and work-life balance, customers’ needs for reliable capacity and service, and our business and its shareholders’ needs for an adequate return. Decision support tools improve our ability to, among other things, situationally coach drivers, minimize fuel costs, and maintain the fleet in the most cost-effective manner to maximize shareholder value.
Schneider FreightPower® for carriers and shippers digitally connects the benefits of our integrated technology platform with the strength of our trailer network and carrier relationships to service our customers. We continue to expand our business capabilities by extending our foundational integrated technology platform, making advancements to our in-cab technology, and leveraging mobile applications to better connect with company drivers and customers. One example is the rollout of our new global navigation system. This system uses real-time maps to generate driver routes to account for traffic, road closures, and route changes to aid our drivers in taking the best route. Additionally, through our investment in MLSI, in which we are collaborating to develop a TMS using MLSI’s SaaS technology, we aim to further complement our technology platform and enable enhanced decision making, resource allocation, and visibility for our supply chain partners. Our Power Only business was successfully transitioned to MLSI’s TMS in 2022, and we will begin transitioning the remainder of our Logistics business in the near future.
Our in-cab telematics platform delivers on-board technology through our private application store to enable communication, regulatory compliance, and driver productivity. This comprehensive platform includes messaging capabilities, applications that scan and automate paperwork, and customer and location specific step-by-step work assignments. Our telematics platform is fully integrated with our back-office planning and execution systems and delivers real-time data in our business. Trailer and container fleets are equipped with monitoring devices which function both when tethered to a tractor or standing alone. Our tractors are equipped with stability control and collision mitigation technology, lane departure warning, and forward-facing cameras. All tractor technology interfaces with the in-cab device and provides the driver and the driver’s leader with real-time performance data. We are constantly reevaluating our existing technology to find efficiencies and drive innovation, with some of our current efforts focused on exploring autonomous trucking and additional safety technologies.
Available Information
We make a number of reports and other information available free of charge on our website, www.schneider.com, including our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
The “Investors” section of our website contains corporate governance guidelines, our code of ethics, Board committee charters, and other corporate policies. The information on our website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or incorporated into any other filings we make with the SEC.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains certain statements regarding business strategies, market potential, future financial performance, future action, results, and any other statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact which are “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “seek,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “expect,” “objective,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “effort,” “target,” among others, generally identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made.
In particular, information included under the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements.
Readers are cautioned that the matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, or implied in the forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will be achieved or accomplished. Many factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include those matters described under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we may make or persons acting on our behalf may issue.
You should consider each of the following factors, as well as the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our financial statements and the related notes, in evaluating our business and our prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. In general, we are subject to the same general risks and uncertainties that impact many other companies such as general economic, industry, and/or market conditions and growth rates; risks and uncertainties associated with or arising out of possible future pandemics; possible future terrorist threats or armed conflicts and their effect on the worldwide economy; and changes in laws or accounting rules. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks occur, our business and financial results could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.
Risks Related to Our Business, Industry, and Strategy
Our operating results may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.
Our business and results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that impact customer shipping volumes, industry freight demand, industry truck capacity, inflation, and our operating costs. Regarding our operating costs, inflationary pressures persist but are generally expected to decline or stabilize in the U.S. in the near-term due to the stabilization of the recent imbalance between supply and demand for goods and services in the economy. We cannot predict future economic conditions, fuel price fluctuations, transportation equipment resale values, or how consumer confidence could be affected by such conditions. Economic conditions that decrease shipping demand, including but not limited to public health crises, outbreaks of infectious diseases, or excess capacity in the North American transportation and logistics industry, can exert
downward pressure on rates and equipment utilization. In general, significant decreases in shipping volumes within the industry or increases in available truck capacity result in more aggressive freight pricing as carriers compete for loads and truck productivity. Likewise, we are also subject to cost increases outside our control that could materially reduce our profitability if we are unable to offset such increases through rate increases or cost reductions. Such cost increases include, but are not limited to, driver wages, third-party carrier costs, fuel and energy prices, taxes and interest rates, tolls, license and registration fees, insurance premiums, regulatory compliance costs, transportation equipment and related maintenance costs, and healthcare and other employee benefit costs. We cannot predict whether, or in what form, or at what rate any such cost increases could occur. Any such cost increase or event could adversely affect our results of operations or cash flows.
We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry that is characterized by intense price competition which could have a materially adverse effect on our results of operations.
Our operating segments compete with many other truckload carriers, logistics, brokerage, and transportation service providers of varying sizes, and to a lesser extent, LTL carriers, railroads, and other transportation or logistics companies, some of which have larger fleets, greater access to equipment, preferential customer contracts, greater capital resources, or other competitive advantages. Competition for the freight we transport or manage is based primarily on service, efficiency, available capacity, and to some degree, on freight rates alone. Our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially when economic conditions negatively impact customer shipping volumes, truck capacities, or operating costs. Moreover, to limit the number of approved carriers to a manageable number, some of our customers select “core carriers” as approved transportation service providers, and in some instances, we may not be selected. Other of our customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, which also periodically results in the loss of business to competitors. Some of our customers have, and others may in the future, used or expanded their own private fleets rather than outsource loads to us. Further, our industry has experienced market entrance by well-resourced, non-traditional firms or startups who, in some cases, have undercut market prices to capture market share. Finally, our existing competitors, as well as new market entrants, have and continue to introduce new brokerage platforms or technologies, which has increased competition. Although we believe we are well positioned and have adopted technologies, developed strategies, and heavily invested in our own digital service offerings to deter, compete with, or supplant existing competitors and new market entrants, there can be no assurance that our investments, technologies, or strategies will be successful in enabling us to sustain or grow our current market share in each of our segments. These competitive dynamics could have an adverse effect on the number of shipments we transport and the freight rates we receive, which could limit our growth opportunities and reduce our profitability.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from our major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
We strive to maintain a diverse customer base; however, a significant portion of our operating revenues is generated from a number of major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Aside from our dedicated operations and customer relationships where we manage such customers’ supply chains, we generally do not have long-term contractual relationships, rate agreements, or minimum volume guarantees with our customers. Furthermore, certain of the long-term contracts in our dedicated operations are subject to cancellation. There is no assurance any of our customers, including our dedicated customers, will continue to utilize our services, renew our existing contracts, or continue at the same volume levels. Despite the existence of contractual arrangements, certain of our customers may engage in competitive bidding processes that could negatively impact our contractual relationships. In addition, certain of our major customers may increasingly use their own truckload and delivery fleets, which would reduce our freight volumes. A reduction in or termination of our services by one or more of our major customers, including our dedicated customers, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers could materially, adversely affect our profitability and ability to maintain or grow our fleet.
The trucking industry historically has and may continue to experience difficulty attracting and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified drivers, both new and experienced, including owner-operators, and such shortages have and could continue to require us to significantly increase driver compensation, rely more on higher-cost third-party carriers, idle transportation equipment, or dispose of the equipment altogether, any of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability. The challenge with attracting and retaining qualified drivers is driven by several factors including intense market competition for a limited pool of qualified drivers, driver compensation, the preference among drivers to work closer to home and be home most nights, and our highly selective hiring standards.
Our turnover rate requires us to continually recruit a substantial number of company and owner-operator drivers to support our operations. Owner-operator availability is generally affected by operating cost increases (which the owner-operator is responsible for) and economic conditions, which drive overall increases in customer demand, and heightened competition for owner-operators from other carriers. When shortages of owner-operators occur, we may have to increase settlement rates paid to them and increase company driver pay rates to attract and retain a sufficient number of drivers. These increases could negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we would be unable to obtain corresponding freight rate increases.
We recently completed the deployment of a new ERP system, and challenges with the system may adversely impact our business and operations.
In May 2023, we began the implementation of a new ERP system, which was completed in December, to support and streamline our core financial systems. This implementation required the integration of the new system with multiple new and existing information systems and business processes. The new ERP system is designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of data by streamlining data sources, simplifying complex processes, and reducing manual processes. Any remaining open disruptions, deficiencies, or other problems associated with the implementation of our ERP system, such as quality issues, programming errors, or any cost increases could adversely affect our ability to operate our business, produce timely and accurate financial statements, or comply with applicable regulations. This could result in negative impacts on our business, operations, and stock price or could subject us to potential liability or investigation by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the new ERP system involves greater utilization of third-party cloud computing services in connection with our business operations. Problems faced by us or our third-party providers, including technological or business-related disruptions and cybersecurity threats, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition for future periods. Any failures identified within our internal controls as a result of this implementation, even if quickly remediated, or remaining difficulties encountered, may adversely impact our operating results or hinder our ability to report our financial results in a timely and accurate basis.
We face risks associated with unionization.
Although the number of our associates who are currently represented by a labor union is not significant, we face ongoing risks associated with the potential unionization of certain of our associates. Over the last several years we have been the subject of isolated unionization efforts involving a relatively small number of associates, which efforts were, in each case, unsuccessful. Overall, we believe our relations with our associates are good; however, should a significant number of our associates opt to be represented by a labor union, we could experience a significant disruption of, or inefficiencies in, our operations or incur higher labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity.
Additionally, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived and have adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results. These responses could also expose us to legal risk or reputational harm and cause us to incur costs to defend legal and regulatory actions. Moreover, any labor disputes or work stoppages, whether or not our other associates unionize, could disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues.
A subset of our employee population works remotely which may exacerbate the cybersecurity risks to our business, including an increased demand for information technology resources, increased risk of phishing, and other cybersecurity attacks.
We have, and will continue to have, a portion of our workforce that works from home full-time or under flexible work arrangements, and we have provided associates with expanded remote network access options which enable them to work outside of our corporate infrastructure and, in some cases, use their own personal devices, which exposes the Company to additional cybersecurity risks. Specifically, our associates working remotely expose the Company to cybersecurity risks in the following ways: (1) unauthorized access to sensitive information as a result of increased remote access, including associates use of company-owned and personal devices and videoconferencing functions and applications to remotely handle, access, discuss, or transmit confidential financial data, (2) increased exposure to phishing and other scams as cybercriminals manipulate associates through phishing schemes to, among other things, install malicious software on Company systems and equipment and surrender sensitive information, and (3) violation of international, federal, or state-specific privacy laws. We believe that the increased number of associates working remotely has incrementally increased our cyber risk profile, but we are unable to predict the extent or impacts of those risks at this time. A significant disruption of our information technology systems, unauthorized access to or loss of confidential information, or legal claims resulting from our violation of privacy laws could each have a material adverse effect on our business.
The success of our businesses depends on our strong reputation and ability to maintain the Schneider brand value.
Because the transportation and logistics services we offer are primarily marketed under the Schneider brand, the Schneider brand name is our most valuable sales and marketing tool. Press coverage, lawsuits, regulatory investigations, or other adverse publicity that assert some form of wrongdoing or that depict the Company or any of our executives, associates, contractors, or agents in a negative light, regardless of the factual basis of the assertions being made, could negatively impact public or customer perceptions of the Company resulting in a loss of brand equity. If we do not maintain and protect our brand image and reputation, demand for our services could wane and thus have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.
If fuel prices rise or fall significantly, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Our truckload operations are largely dependent on diesel fuel, and accordingly, significant increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our truckload operations, and if we are unable to pass increased costs on to customers through rate increases or fuel surcharges or if shippers opt for intermodal rail over trucking their freight, our results of operations and
financial condition could be adversely affected. Likewise, if diesel fuel prices decrease significantly, the results of our intermodal operations could be adversely affected as shippers shift intermodal freight to over-the-road trucking. Prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, economic, geographic, weather-related, and market factors that are generally outside our control and each of which may lead to fluctuations in the cost of fuel.
Our fuel surcharge program does not protect us against the full effect of increases in diesel fuel prices, and the terms of our fuel surcharge agreements vary by customer. In addition, because our fuel surcharge recovery lags behind changes in diesel fuel prices, our fuel surcharge recovery may not capture the increased costs we pay for fuel, especially when prices are rising. There is variability in the compensatory nature of individual customer fuel surcharge programs that can affect inflationary cost recovery of fuel.
There is no assurance that such fuel surcharges can be maintained indefinitely or will be sufficiently effective. Our results of operations would be negatively affected to the extent we cannot recover higher fuel costs or fail to improve our fuel price protection through our fuel surcharge program. Increases in diesel fuel prices, or a shortage or rationing of diesel fuel, could also materially and adversely affect our results of operations. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations.
We depend on railroads and access to the nation’s ports of call in the operation of our intermodal business, and therefore, our ability to offer intermodal services or our results of operations could be adversely impacted if our rail partners or certain ports of call were to perform poorly or experience service disruptions.
Our Intermodal segment utilizes railroads and, in some cases, third-party drayage carriers to transport freight for our intermodal customers. The majority of these services are provided pursuant to contracts with our service partners which are subject to periodic renewal. While we have had agreements with all of the Class I railroads, our primary contracts for railroad transportation in support of our intermodal operations are currently with CSX Transportation, the Union Pacific Railroad Company, and the Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railroad.
In certain areas of the U.S., rail service is limited to a few railroads, or even a single railroad due to the lack of competition. Our ability to provide intermodal services in certain traffic lanes is, therefore, likely to be adversely affected if any of the Class I railroads were to discontinue service in certain lanes, or if any of our rail partners experience service interruptions, or if the overall quality of their rail service were to deteriorate. In addition, our intermodal business may be adversely affected by declines in service and volume levels provided by the railroads.
All of the Class I railroads in the U.S., including our current rail partners, are unionized and have a recent history of disruption due to labor disputes and collective action, including strikes. While there is currently a contract in place between the Class I Railroads and the unions representing rail workers, underlying labor issues remain including, most prominently, precision-scheduled railroading, the business model adopted in recent years by Class I rail carriers which has been blamed by railroad unions as the reason for a dramatic reduction in the freight rail workforce, increased supply-chain congestion, and deteriorating railroad safety. As a result, we cannot predict whether or when a labor dispute involving our rail partners could occur, the duration of such dispute, and the impact, if any, on our results of operations. Any strike or labor related disruption at any of the Class I railroads can be expected to have an adverse impact on the results of operations of our Intermodal or Truckload segments.
In addition, a portion of the freight we deliver through both our Intermodal and Truckload segments is imported to the U.S. through ports of call where workers are represented by the ILWU, a labor union which primarily represents a significant number of longshore workers at 29 ports across the West Coast, or the International Longshoremen’s Association, the largest union of maritime workers in North America, which represents a larger number of longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, and Eastern Canada. The west and east coast ports have long been the primary gateways for cargo coming into and leaving the U.S. and have a long history of labor and other port disputes, protracted collective bargaining and contract negotiations which, in the past, have involved port disputes and closures, as well as threats of a strike that would have disrupted domestic supply chains. Although, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, there have been no reports or signs of labor strife at the ports on either coast, there can be no guarantee that work stoppages or other disruptions at the west or east coast ports will not occur.
We are making strategic investments in new offerings and technologies and expect to continue to make such investments in the future. These ventures are inherently risky and subject to volatility, and we may never realize any expected benefits from them which could have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.
We engage in strategic transactions and continue to make strategic investments including investments in new technologies and potentially disruptive startup companies which are focused on establishing a competitive advantage in the transportation and logistics services offered by the Company or exploiting new market opportunities including autonomous vehicle technologies, TMS software platforms, telematics, and mobile software applications. Such strategic investments naturally entail risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. For example, we may not be able to derive value from strategic
investments, or we may incur higher than expected costs in realizing a return on such investments or overestimate the benefits that we receive or realize from such investments. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that any of our strategic investments will generate anticipated financial returns. If our strategic investments fail to meet our expectations, our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted.
The market valuation of our strategic investments may experience substantial price volatility which, when accounted for under GAAP, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Refer to Note 5, Investments, to our consolidated financial statements for information on our strategic investments. Those investments can be negatively affected by market and economic factors including liquidity, credit deterioration, financial results, interest rate fluctuations, or other factors. As a result, future fluctuations in their value could result in significant losses and have a material adverse impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.
Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.
Borrowings under our Receivables Purchase Agreement and our revolving credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same. Our net income and cash flows, including our cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease.
We depend on third-party capacity providers, and issues of performance, availability, or pricing with these transportation providers could increase our operating costs, reduce our ability to offer intermodal and logistics services, and limit growth in our brokerage and logistics operations, which could adversely affect our revenue, results of operations, and customer relationships.
Our Logistics segment is highly dependent on the services of third-party capacity providers, such as other truckload carriers, LTL carriers, railroads, ocean carriers, and airlines. Many of those providers face the same economic challenges as we do and, therefore, are actively and competitively soliciting business. These economic conditions may have an adverse effect on the performance, availability, and cost of third-party capacity. If we are unable to secure the services of these third-party capacity providers at reasonable rates, our results of operations could be adversely affected.
Severe weather, climate, and similar events could harm our results of operations or make our results more volatile.
From time to time, we may suffer impacts from severe weather, climate, and similar events, such as tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards, ice storms, floods, fires, earthquakes, and explosions, which may become more severe in the future as a result of climate change. These events may disrupt freight shipments or routes, affect regional economies, destroy our assets, disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs, cause lost revenue and productivity, increase our maintenance costs, or adversely affect the business or financial condition of our customers, any of which could harm our results of operations or make our results of operations more volatile.
Risks Relating to Our Financial Condition, Taxation, and Capital Requirements
Our goodwill, other intangible assets, internal use software, or long-lived assets may become impaired, which could result in a significant charge to earnings.
We hold significant amounts of goodwill and long-lived assets, and the balances of these categories of assets could increase in the future if we acquire other businesses. At December 31, 2023, the balance of our goodwill, other intangible assets, internal use software, and long-lived assets was $3.1 billion, and the total market value of the Company’s outstanding shares was $4.5 billion. Under GAAP, our goodwill, other intangible assets, internal use software, and long-lived assets are subject to an impairment analysis when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. In addition, we test goodwill for impairment annually. Factors that may be considered a change in circumstances indicating that the carrying value of our goodwill, other intangible assets, internal use software, and long-lived assets may not be recoverable include, but are not limited to, a sustained decline in stock price and market capitalization, an increase in interest rates, significant negative variances between actual and expected financial results, reduced future cash flow estimates, adverse changes in applicable laws or regulations or legal proceedings, changes to technology, failure to realize anticipated synergies from acquisitions, and slower growth rates in our industry. We may be required to record a significant charge to earnings in our consolidated financial statements during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill, other intangible assets, internal use software, and long-lived assets is determined to exist, negatively impacting our results of operations. If our market capitalization was to fall below the book value of our total stockholders’ equity for a sustained period, we may conclude that the fair value of certain of our long-lived assets is materially impaired. In this case, we would be required under GAAP to record a noncash charge to our earnings which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our profitability if we either fail or are unable to match the timing of our capital investments with customer demand, or we are otherwise unable to generate sufficient returns on our invested capital.
Our truckload and intermodal operations are capital-intensive, and our strategic decision to invest in newer equipment requires us to expend significant amounts in capital expenditures annually. The amount and timing of such capital expenditures depend on various factors, including anticipated freight demand and the price and availability of new or used tractors. If anticipated freight volume differs materially from our forecasts or customer demand, our truckload operations may have too many or too few assets. During periods of decreased customer demand, our asset utilization is challenged, and we may be forced to sell equipment on the open market in order to right-size our fleet. This could cause us to incur losses on such sales, particularly during times of a softer used equipment market, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability. Our leasing business could also be at risk of inventory impairment if truck deliveries are not aligned with owner-operator demand, which could also have a materially adverse effect on our profitability. Should demand for freight shipments weaken or our margins suffer due to increased competition or general economic conditions, we may have to limit our fleet size or operate our transportation equipment for longer periods, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability.
Our effective tax rate may fluctuate, which would impact our future financial results.
Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by, among other things, changes in the regulations relating to capital expenditure deductions, or changes in tax laws where we operate, including the uncertainty of future tax rates. We cannot give any assurance as to the stability or predictability of our effective tax rate in the future because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax laws and policies of the countries where we operate. For example, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) agreed to enact Pillar Two, which introduces a global minimum effective tax rate whereby certain multinational groups are subject to a 15% minimum tax which will be effective in some countries as early as 2024. While we do not believe Pillar Two will have a material impact on the Company, we continue to monitor the developments to evaluate the impact it could have on our effective tax rate, if any. Further, our tax returns are subject to periodic reviews or audits by domestic and international authorities, and these audits may result in adjustments to our provision for taxes or allocations of income or deductions that result in tax assessments different from amounts that we have estimated. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these audits to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these audits or that our tax provisions will not change materially or be adequate to satisfy any associated tax liability. If our effective tax rates were to increase or if our tax liabilities exceed our estimates and provisions for such taxes, our financial results could be adversely affected.
Insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.
We self-insure, or insure through our wholly-owned captive insurance company, a significant portion of our claims exposure resulting from auto liability, general liability, cargo, and property damage claims, as well as workers’ compensation. In addition to insuring portions of our risk, our captive insurance company provides insurance coverage to our owner-operator drivers. We are also responsible for our legal expenses relating to such claims, which can be significant both on an aggregate and individual claim basis. Although we reserve for anticipated losses and expenses and periodically evaluate and adjust our claims reserves to reflect our experience, estimating the number and severity of claims, as well as related costs to settle or resolve them, is inherently difficult, and such costs could exceed our estimates. Accordingly, our actual losses associated with insured claims may differ materially from our estimates and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in material amounts.
As a supplement to our self-insurance program, we maintain insurance with excess insurance carriers for potential losses, which exceed the amounts we self-insure. Although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic claims amounts, the commercial trucking industry has experienced a wave of blockbuster or so-called “nuclear verdicts,” where juries have awarded tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to accident victims and their families. Given this recent trend, it is possible that one or more claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. If any claim were to exceed our aggregate insurance coverage, we would bear the excess, in addition to our other self-insured amounts.
Given the current claims settlement environment, the amount of coverage available from excess insurance carriers is decreasing, and the premiums for this excess coverage are increasing significantly. For the foregoing reasons, our insurance and claims expenses may increase, or we could increase our self-insured retention as policies are renewed or replaced. In addition, we may assume additional risk within our captive insurance company that we may or may not reinsure. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected if (1) our costs or losses significantly exceed our aggregate coverage limits, (2) we are unable to obtain insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, (3) our insurance carriers fail to pay on our insurance claims, or (4) we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.
Risks Relating to Our Governance Structure
Voting control of the Company is concentrated with a Voting Trust that was established for certain members of the Schneider family, which limits the ability of our other shareholders to influence major corporate transactions.
We currently have a dual class common stock structure consisting of (1) Class A common stock, entitled to ten votes per share and (2) Class B common stock, entitled to one vote per share. The Schneider family, including trusts established for the benefit of certain members of the Schneider family, collectively beneficially own 100% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 40% of our outstanding Class B common stock, representing approximately 94% of the total voting power of all of our outstanding common stock and approximately 68% of our total outstanding common stock.
A Voting Trust holds the shares of Class A common stock that are beneficially owned by the Schneider family. The independent directors who are members of our Corporate Governance Committee serve as trustees of the Voting Trust, and in general, those directors have full power and discretion to vote the Class A shares included in the Voting Trust with two exceptions. First, in the case of any Major Transaction (as defined under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, including, most notably, a transaction resulting in more than 40% of the voting power of our common stock being held outside of the Schneider family), the independent directors of our Corporate Governance Committee must vote the shares of common Class A stock held in the Voting Trust as directed by the trustees of certain trusts which have been established for the benefit of certain Schneider family members. As a result, the outcome of the vote on any Major Transaction is not within the discretion of the Voting Trustees. Second, the independent directors of our Corporate Governance Committee must vote the shares of common Class A stock held in the Voting Trust in accordance with a nomination process agreement pursuant to which two specified Schneider family members will be nominated to serve on our Board on an annual, rotating basis.
As a result of these arrangements, the Voting Trust controls the outcome of major corporate transactions that require or may be accomplished by shareholder approval, and our Class B shareholders would be unable to affect the outcome of such transactions should any be proposed.
We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements relating to our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees. Our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of other companies that are subject to such requirements.
The Voting Trust has more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors. As a result, we qualify as a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules for NYSE-listed companies. As a controlled company, certain exemptions under the NYSE listing standards exempt us from the obligation to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirement that we have a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee that are composed entirely of independent directors.
We have elected to take advantage of this “controlled company” exemption, and therefore, the holders of our Class B common stock may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance rules for NYSE-listed companies. Our status as a controlled company could therefore make our Class B common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise depress our stock price.
The price of our Class B common stock has been and may continue to be volatile and may fluctuate significantly, which may adversely impact investor confidence and increase the likelihood of securities class action litigation.
Our Class B common stock price has experienced volatility in the past and may remain volatile in the future. Volatility in our stock price can be driven by many factors including divergence between our actual or anticipated financial results and published expectations of analysts or the expectations of the market, the gain or loss of customers, announcements that we, our competitors, our customers, or our vendors or other key partners may make regarding their operating results and other factors which are beyond our control such as market conditions in our industry, new market entrants, technological innovations, and economic and political conditions or events. These and other factors may cause the market price and demand for our Class B common stock to fluctuate substantially. During 2023, the closing stock price of our Class B common stock ranged from a low of $21.48 per share to a high of $31.47 per share. Our Class B common stock is also included in certain market indices, and any change in the composition of these indices to exclude our company may adversely affect our stock price. Increased volatility in the financial markets and/or overall economic conditions may reduce the amounts that we realize in the future on our cash equivalents and/or marketable securities and may reduce our earnings as a result of any impairment charges that we record to reduce recorded values of marketable securities to their fair values.
Further, securities class action litigation is often brought against a public company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. Due to changes in our stock price, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial uninsured costs and divert management’s attention and our resources.
Certain provisions in our certificate of incorporation, by-laws, and Wisconsin law may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the trading price of our Class B common stock.
Each of our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws, and Wisconsin law, as currently in effect, contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to a bidder and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board rather than to attempt a hostile takeover. These provisions include, among others:
•a dual class common stock structure, which provides the Voting Trust the ability to control the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval, even if the Voting Trust beneficially owns significantly less than a majority of the shares of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock;
•a requirement that certain transactions be conditioned upon approval by 60% of the voting power of our capital stock, including any transaction which results in the Schneider family holding less than 40% of the voting power of our capital stock, a sale of substantially all of our assets, and a dissolution;
•no provision for cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow holders of less than a majority of stock to elect some directors;
•the inability of shareholders to call a special meeting except when the holders of at least ten percent of all votes entitled to be cast on the proposed issue submit a written demand;
•advance notice procedures for the nomination of candidates for election as directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon at shareholder meetings;
•the ability of our directors, without a stockholder vote, to fill vacancies on our Board (including those resulting from an enlargement of the Board);
•the requirement that both 75% of the directors constituting the full Board and stockholders holding at least 80% of our voting stock are required to amend certain provisions in our certificate of incorporation and our by-laws; and
•the right of our Board to issue preferred stock without stockholder approval.
Our status as a Wisconsin corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of the WBCL may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control even if a change in control would be beneficial to our shareholders by prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with any person that is the beneficial owner of at least 10% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock (an “interested shareholder”) for a period of three years after such person becomes an interested shareholder, unless our Board has approved, before the date on which the shareholder acquired the shares, that a business combination or the purchase of stock made by such interested stockholder on such stock acquisition date. In addition, we may engage in a business combination with an interested shareholder after the expiration of the three-year period with respect to that shareholder only if one or more of the following conditions is satisfied: (1) our Board approved the acquisition of the stock before the date on which the shareholder acquired the shares, (2) the business combination is approved by a majority of our outstanding voting stock not beneficially owned by the interested shareholder, or (3) the consideration to be received by shareholders meets certain fair price requirements of the WBCL with respect to form and amount.
These provisions could have the effect of discouraging, delaying, or preventing a transaction involving a change in control of our company. These provisions could also have the effect of discouraging proxy contests and making it more difficult for our non-controlling shareholders to elect directors of their choosing, causing us to take other corporate actions.
In light of present circumstances, we believe these provisions taken as a whole protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board and by providing our Board with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers or prevent the removal of incumbent directors. However, these provisions could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board determines is not in the best interests of the Company and all of our stockholders.
We may change our dividend policy at any time.
The declaration and amount of any future dividends, including the payment of special dividends, is dependent on multiple factors, including our financial performance and capital needs, and is subject to the discretion of our Board. The Board may, in its discretion, determine to cut, cancel, or eliminate our dividend and, therefore, the declaration of any dividend, at any frequency, as it is not assured. Each quarter, the Board considers whether the declaration of a dividend is in the best interest of our shareholders and in compliance with applicable laws and agreements. Although we expect to continue to pay dividends to holders of our Class A and Class B common stock, we have no obligation to do so, and our dividend policy may change at any time without notice. Future dividends may also be affected by factors that our Board deems relevant, including our potential future capital requirements for investments, legal risks, changes in federal and state income tax laws, or corporate laws and contractual restrictions such as financial or operating covenants in our debt arrangements. As a result, we may not pay dividends at any rate or at all.
Risks Related to Legal Compliance
If the independent contractors with whom we engage under our alternative owner-operator business model are deemed by law to be employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.
Like many of our competitors, in certain of our service offerings we offer an alternative owner-operator business model, which provides opportunities for small business owners and private entrepreneurs who own tractors to selectively contract with us as independent contractors to transport freight, which they choose, at contracted rates. Were such independent contractors subsequently determined to be our employees, we would be liable under various federal and state laws for a variety of taxes, wages, and other compensation and benefits, including for prior periods, which were not timely paid or remitted. In the U.S., the regulatory and statutory landscape relating to the classification status of independent contractors (or workers) who work in temporary or flexible jobs and who are paid by the task or project is evolving. Various federal and state regulatory authorities, as well as independent contractors themselves, have asserted that independent contractor drivers in the trucking industry, such as those operating under our “owner-operator choice model”, are employees rather than independent contractors for a variety of purposes, including income tax withholding, workers’ compensation, wage and hour compensation, unemployment, and other issues. Some state and federal authorities have enacted, or are considering, new laws to make it harder to classify workers as independent contractors and easier for tax and other authorities to reclassify independent contractors as employees.
On January 9, 2024, the DOL released its final rule addressing when employers can classify workers as independent contractors under federal labor law. The new rule replaces the existing standard that was enacted under the Trump Administration. The rule, set to take effect March 11, 2024, directs employers to consider six criteria and employ a “totality of the circumstances” analysis to determine whether a worker is an employee or a contractor, without predetermining whether one criteria outweighs the other. The six factors, which are non-exhaustive, include a worker's opportunity for profit or loss; investments made by the worker and the potential employer; the degree of permanence of the work relationship; and the degree of control an employer has over the work. The factors also include the extent to which work performed is integral to the employer's business, and the use of a worker's skill and initiative. We believe that the final rule, as compared with its Trump Administration predecessor, is a less predictable framework that increases the likelihood of an employee determination and could dramatically limit the circumstances under which we may classify our current independent contractor owner-operators as independent contractors under FLSA. Because the final DOL independent contractor rule has not yet gone into effect, or been tested, we do not have any internal projections of the potential financial or operational impact of the final ruling. Any legislation or regulation, however, which limits our ability to classify owner-operators as independent contractors could result in driver shortages or adversely impact our freight capacity which, in turn, could adversely impact our results of operations.
Additionally, courts in certain jurisdictions have issued decisions that could result in a greater likelihood that independent contractors will be judicially classified as employees. As a result, we are, from time to time, party to administrative proceedings and litigation, including class actions, alleging violations of the FLSA and other state and federal laws which seek retroactive reclassification of certain current and former independent contractors as employees. An adverse decision in such legal proceedings in an amount that materially exceeds our reserves or federal or state legislation in this area which render the owner-operator model either impractical or extinct thereby curtailing our revenue opportunities could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and profitability.
We operate in a regulated industry, and increased direct and indirect costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business.
In the U.S., the DOT, FMCSA, and various state agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing matters including authorization to engage in motor carrier service, equipment operation, safety, financial reporting, and leasing arrangements with independent contractors. We are audited periodically by the DOT to ensure that we are in compliance with various safety, HOS, and other rules and regulations. If we were found to be out of compliance, the DOT could restrict or otherwise impact our operations. We also operate in various Canadian provinces (as granted by the Ministries of Transportation and Communication in such provinces) and contract with third-party carriers to transport freight into Mexico. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws, rules, or regulations to which we are subject, whether actual or alleged, could expose us to fines, penalties, or potential litigation liabilities, including costs, settlements, and judgments. Further, these agencies or governments could institute new laws, rules or regulations, or issue interpretation changes to existing regulations at any time. The short and long-term impacts of changes in legislation or regulations are difficult to predict and could materially and adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.
The EPA and the NHTSA have begun taking coordinated steps in support of a new generation of clean vehicles and engines to reduce GHG emissions. Complying with these and any future GHG regulations enacted by the CARB, EPA, NHTSA, and/or any other state or federal governing body has increased, and will likely continue to increase, the cost of our new tractors, may increase the cost of new trailers, may require us to retrofit certain of our trailers, may increase our maintenance costs, and could impair equipment productivity and increase our operating costs, particularly if such costs are not offset by potential fuel savings. These adverse effects, combined with the uncertainty as to the reliability of the newly designed diesel engines and the
residual values of our equipment, could materially increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations. However, we cannot predict the extent to which our operations and productivity will be impacted. We will continue monitoring our compliance with federal and state GHG regulations.
Federal and state lawmakers are considering a variety of other climate-change proposals related to carbon and GHG emissions. The proposals could potentially limit carbon emissions within certain states and municipalities, which would restrict the location and amount of time that diesel-powered tractors may idle. Such proposals could result in decreased productivity or increased driver turnover. Regulatory requirements and changes in regulatory requirements may affect our business or the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices that could influence the demand for and increase the costs of providing transportation services. If current regulatory requirements become more stringent or new environmental laws and regulations regarding climate change are introduced, we could be required to make significant capital expenditures or discontinue certain activities. Refer to Item 1. Business, for additional details on recent climate-related regulation and laws that impact our operations.
Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.
We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with emissions from our tractor fleet, the handling of hazardous materials, underground fuel storage tanks, and discharge and retention of storm water. We operate in industrial areas where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have occurred. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. Certain of our facilities have waste oil or fuel storage tanks and fueling islands. If a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances occurs, if there are releases of hazardous substances we transport, if soil or groundwater contamination is found at our facilities or results from our operations, or if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, we could be liable for cleanup costs, other damages, fines, or penalties, any of which could be in material amounts or have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results.
Additionally, in 2023, CARB passed ACF, a groundbreaking regulation designed to phase out the sales of medium and heavy-duty internal combustion engine trucks in California. The act aligns with the state’s long-term vision of transitioning the state’s transport system to zero-emissions vehicles by 2045. Other states have followed suit and enacted similar legislation. Despite successfully adding BEVs to our ntermodal fleet in California, the emission targets and timelines established by the ACF will make it more challenging for us to continue our current truckload and other operations in California and we believe will result in increased operating costs for us in California.
We are subject to various regulations which are aimed at reducing GHG emissions and mandating GHG emissions disclosures, which could adversely impact our results of operations.
Currently the long-haul trucking industry in North America is diesel fuel-based, and long-haul trucking operations powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains rather than diesel are not commercially feasible at scale in North America. Significant challenges remain with respect to the economic feasibility of these trucks, and further development of this technology is necessary considering power, torque, range, efficiency and other performance requirements of long-haul trucking operations. Moreover, the extensive nationwide charging/fueling infrastructure and maintenance network that would be necessary to support such operations does not exist. Nevertheless, federal, state, and local governmental agencies continue to engage in efforts to support legislation and regulations mandating the transition of diesel fuel-based commercial motor vehicles, such as Class 8 tractors operated by the Company’s independent owner operators and third-party brokerage carriers, to ZEVs.
In 2022, the SEC proposed the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule that would require dramatic changes in the nature and extent of disclosures by public companies regarding their climate risks, progress on their climate goals and information on their Scope 1, Scope 2 and, as proposed, Scope 3 emissions. According to the SEC, the newly proposed rule would require SEC-registered companies to include detailed climate-related information in registration statements and periodic reports such as 10-K annual reports including: their climate-related risks and actual or likely material impacts on their business, strategy, and outlook; Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, which would require attestation reports for accelerated filers; Scope 3 emissions if either of two conditions are present: 1) if Scope 3 emissions are material to the company or 2) if the company has set an emissions target or goal that includes Scope 3 emissions; and certain climate-related financial statement metrics and related disclosures in a note to audited consolidated financial statements. The proposed SEC Climate Disclosure Rule includes footnote disclosure, which would be subject to the financial statement audit and management’s internal control over financial reporting, as well as disclosures outside the financial statements, including a scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas attestation requirements for accelerated and large accelerated filers. If adopted generally as proposed, we expect that we would need to expand our disclosures, even as the reporting timeline is accelerated. Should the Company fail to implement appropriate policies and procedures to accurately track or report all of the information required under the proposed SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, it could be determined that the Company has weaknesses in its internal controls, the Company would not be able to obtain the
required third-party attestation report or file them timely and could lose customers. Should any of those events occur, the Company would face fines and disciplinary actions by the SEC and the Company’s share price could be negatively impacted.
At the state level, the CARB has adopted new regulations that would mandate the transition of commercial trucking operations in California to ZEVs over time. To the extent that the ACF regulation survives legal challenges and becomes effective, we expect that the ACT will impact the cost and/or supply of traditional diesel tractors. Moreover, despite our limited deployment of BEVs in our intermodal fleet and making adjustments to our operations to comply with the ACT, no assurances can be given with respect to the extent that the Company, its independent owner-operators, or third-party capacity providers will choose to become CARB-compliant by purchasing a ZEV. Accordingly, unless, in addition to its intermodal operations in California, the Company opts to become CARB-compliant in its truckload operations, the Company may not be permitted to haul loads that would require travel within California, which could negatively affect the ability of the Company to service customer freight needs for freight originating from, delivering to, or traveling through California. Furthermore, mandates requiring the transition to ZEVs would create substantial costs for the Company’s third-party capacity providers and, in turn, increase the cost of purchased transportation to the Company. An increase in the costs to purchase, lease, or maintain tractor equipment or in purchased transportation cost caused by existing or new regulations, without a corresponding increase in price to the customer, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Due primarily to the uncertainty of the timing of availability of compliant tractors from OEMs and the timing of the effectiveness of such laws and regulations, we are not currently able to forecast whether such impact will be material.
We, and others, currently do not expect that long-haul trucking operations powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains rather than diesel, will become commercially viable at scale throughout North America in the next five years. However, as various technology alternatives continue to develop and mature and investment in infrastructure continues, local or regional service in certain geographic areas utilizing Class 8 tractors powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains may become commercially viable in such time frame. We continue to actively monitor, evaluate, and test developments in the trucking industry related to the design, manufacture, operation, and support of heavy-duty trucks powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains in order to consider the implementation of initiatives involving those technologies, as those technologies and the related infrastructure needed to support them may mature in the future. An increase in costs to implement these initiatives without a corresponding increase in price to the customer could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
In 2023, California also passed three climate reporting laws, which apply to companies that do business in California, which require such companies to make mandated climate-related disclosures, SB 253 and SB 261. We are monitoring the pending legal challenges to SB 253 and SB 261 and do not currently have internal projections of the potential financial or operational impact these laws or proposed regulations may have on our operations however, an increase in our operating costs to comply with these laws and make the required disclosures without a corresponding increase in our fuel savings or pricing could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
In 2023, in a significant step toward implementing transparency in voluntary carbon markets, California also enacted the VCMDA which requires companies which operate in California and market or sell voluntary carbon offsets, or which make claims regarding the achievement of net zero emissions, carbon neutral status, or significant carbon emissions reductions to publicly disclose information documenting how the claim was determined to be accurate or accomplished and the measurement of interim progress. The VCMDA authorizes California to bring civil actions against subject companies and seek civil penalties for misstatements or other violations of these laws, with a maximum fine of $500,000. From time to time, in conjunction with delivering freight transportation services to certain of its customers, the Company purchases carbon credits or offsets to enable or assist such customers with achieving their carbon reduction targets. Should the Company either fail to achieve its GHG emission reduction goals or California subsequently determines that any of its related green marketing claims are unachievable, inaccurate, or overstated, the Company could be found to be in violation of the VCDMA and be subject to statutory fines or penalties under the VCMDA, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
Refer to Item 1. Business, for additional details on the ACT and ACF Regulations, the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, California SB 253 and SB 261, and the VCMDA.
General Risk Factors
We rely significantly on our information technology systems, a disruption, failure, or security breach of which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We rely on information technology throughout all areas of our business and operations to receive, track, accept, and complete customer orders; process financial and non-financial data; compile results of operations for internal and external reporting; and achieve operating efficiencies and growth. Such data and information remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks, cybersecurity breaches, ransomware attacks, hackers, theft, or other unauthorized disclosure. Like other companies in the transportation industry, we have identified, and expect to continue to identify, attempted cyberattacks and cyber security incidents, but none of
the attempted cyberattacks or cybersecurity incidents identified as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K has had a material impact on us, except as the continued presence of cybersecurity threats has resulted, and is expected to continue to result, in significant investments in cybersecurity risk management programs, processes, and tools. If a cyberattack, cybersecurity breach, ransomware, or other similar attack on us is successful, this could result in the disclosure of confidential customer or commercial data, loss of valuable intellectual property, or system disruptions, and subject us to civil liability and fines or penalties, damage our brand and reputation, or otherwise harm our business, any of which could be material. In addition, delayed sales, lower margins, or lost customers resulting from security breaches or network disruptions could materially reduce our revenues, materially increase our expenses, damage our reputation, and have a material adverse effect on our stock price.
Our information technology systems may also be susceptible to interruptions or failures for a variety of reasons including software or hardware failure, user error, power outages, natural disasters, computer viruses, or other types of interruptions. For example, in 2022 our operations were temporarily disrupted due to a firmware defect (which was not related to a cyber event and did not involve a breach of data) in a third-party vendor’s equipment, which caused certain critical computer applications to not function properly. As a result of this incident, we were required to rely on manual processes to book freight, execute loads, and pay carriers for two business days and otherwise execute our business continuity plans. While this disruption resulted in lost revenue and operating profit, it did not have a material impact on our annual results of operations. However, despite our ability to potentially utilize manual processes, a significant disruption or failure in our computer networks or applications, of any duration, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including operational disruptions, loss of confidential information, external reporting delays or errors, legal claims, or damage to our business reputation.
Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain key employees, and if we are unable to attract and retain such qualified employees, our business and our ability to execute our business strategies may be materially impaired.
Our future success depends largely on the continued service and efforts of our executive officers and other key management and technical personnel and on our ability to continue to identify, attract, retain, and motivate them. Although we believe we have an experienced and highly qualified management team, the loss of the services of these key personnel could have a significant adverse impact on us and our future profitability. Additionally, we must continue to recruit, develop, and retain skilled and experienced operations, technology, and sales managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. Failure to recruit, develop, and retain a core group of service center managers could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
As a result of the nature and scope of our operations, we are subject to various claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect us.
As a result of the nature and scope of our operations, we are involved in various legal proceedings and claims and exposed to a variety of litigation, including those related to accidents involving our trucks and our brokerage operations, cargo claims, commercial disputes, property damage, and environmental liability, which may not be fully covered by our insurance. Such litigation may include claims by current or former employees or third parties, and certain proceedings may be certified or purport to be class actions. In appropriate cases, we have taken and will seek subrogation from third parties who are responsible for losses or damages that we may become legally obligated to pay to claimants.
In particular, the defense of trucking accidents is challenging for a variety of reasons, one of which is the recent rise in “nuclear verdicts” - excessive jury awards that surpass what would generally be regarded as reasonable or rational compensation for the injuries or damages suffered, social inflation, societal perceptions of the trucking industry, and ultimately, litigation financing, where third parties are financing litigation in return for a share of settlement proceeds or awarded damages.
Litigation is inherently uncertain, and the costs of defending litigation, particularly class-action litigation, may be substantial, and in any period, we could experience significant adverse results, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. While we purchase insurance coverage at levels we deem adequate, future litigation may exceed our insurance coverage or may not be covered by insurance. In addition, adverse publicity surrounding an allegation or claim that results in litigation may cause significant reputational harm that could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
Increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders regarding ESG related matters may have a negative impact on our business.
Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders related to ESG matters, including practices and disclosures related to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward us, which could have a negative impact on our stock price and our access to and costs of capital. We have developed certain initiatives and goals relating to ESG matters. Our ability to successfully execute these initiatives and accurately report our progress presents
numerous operational, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks, many of which are outside our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business. Additionally, the implementation of these initiatives imposes additional costs on us. If our ESG initiatives and goals do not meet the expectations of our investors or other stakeholders, which continue to evolve, then our reputation, our attractiveness as an investment and business partner, and our ability to attract or retain employees could be negatively impacted. Similarly, our failure, or perceived failure, to pursue or fulfill our goals, targets, and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards in a timely manner, or at all, could also have similar negative impacts and expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.
Our long-term sustainability and GHG reduction goals are predicated on large scale customer adoption of intermodal services, the operational feasibility and reliability of heavy-duty ZEVs, and the corresponding build out of a national support infrastructure to reasonably and efficiently manufacture, distribute, or store electricity or alternative fuels for ZEVs, none of which can be assured.
A critical component of our multi-pronged plan to reduce our carbon emissions and comply with California’s and other states’ zero or reduced emission requirements is the deployment of ZEVs in significant numbers in these states together with leveraging our intermodal capability. As an early adopter of ZEVs, there can be no assurance that we will be successful deploying ZEVs in our operations in significant numbers, that we will be successful converting more over-the-road freight to intermodal, that the national support infrastructure, including the nation’s electricity grid, for heavy-duty ZEVs will be built-out as expected. Should any of those things fail to occur, we may fail to meet our published sustainability goals, which could result in losing the support of our investors, customers, and other stakeholders; our becoming subject to regulatory enforcement actions; or suffering reputational harm which, in any case, may increase the cost of providing transportation services or adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity.