Forward Air - 10-Q quarterly report FY

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended June 30, 2008

Commission File No. 000-22490

 

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (423) 636-7000

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value, as of July 25, 2008 was 28,906,031.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 (In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

June 30, 2008

Forward Air Corporation's (the Company) services can be broadly classified into two principal segments:  Forward Air, Inc. (Forward Air) and Forward Air Solutions, Inc. (FASI).  

Through the Forward Air segment, the Company is a leading provider of time-definite transportation and related logistics services to the North American deferred air freight market and its activities can be broadly classified into three categories of service.  Forward Air’s airport-to-airport service operates a comprehensive national network for the time-definite surface transportation of deferred air freight.  The airport-to-airport service offers customers local pick-up and delivery and scheduled surface transportation of cargo as a cost effective, reliable alternative to air transportation.  Forward Air’s logistics services provide expedited truckload brokerage and dedicated fleet services.  Forward Air’s other services include shipment consolidation and deconsolidation, warehousing, customs brokerage, and other handling.  The Forward Air segment primarily provides its transportation services through a network of terminals located at or near airports in the United States and Canada.  

FASI was formed in July 2007 in conjunction with the Company’s acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of USA Carriers, Inc. ("USAC").  FASI provides pool distribution services throughout the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest continental United States.  Pool distribution involves the consolidation and shipment of several smaller less than truckload shipments to a common area or region.  Once at the regional destination, the consolidated loads are then deconsolidated and delivered to their unique destinations.

In connection with the USAC acquisition, the Company reorganized its management reporting structure along these lines of business. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information (“SFAS 131”), the Company has evaluated the segment reporting requirements and determined that it has two reportable segments.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The Company’s operating results are subject to seasonal trends when measured on a quarterly basis, therefore operating results for the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2008. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Forward Air Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

The balance sheet at December 31, 2007 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the financial information and notes required by United States generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company include Forward Air Corporation and its subsidiaries. Significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

During September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements(“SFAS 157”), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with earlier adoption encouraged. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until January 1, 2009.   The Company adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities, but the implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.  The Company has not yet determined the impact the implementation of SFAS 157 will have on the Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities which are not recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis.  However, the Company does not anticipate that the full adoption of SFAS 157 will significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

During February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The Company adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, but the implementation of SFAS 159 did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations(“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 141R on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This statement is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2009. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 160 on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Comprehensive income includes any changes in the equity of the Company from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $12,102 and $22,110, respectively. Comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was $11,475 and $21,768, respectively. In each case, comprehensive income approximated net income.

The Company accounts for its share-based payments using SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”), and elected the modified prospective transition method on January 1, 2006. Under the modified prospective transition method, awards that are granted, modified, repurchased or canceled after the date of adoption are measured and accounted for in accordance with SFAS 123R. Share-based awards that were granted prior to the effective date continue to be valued in accordance with SFAS 123 and stock option expense for unvested options must be recognized in the statement of income. On December 31, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors accelerated the vesting of all outstanding and unvested stock options awarded to employees, officers and non-employee directors under the Company’s stock option award plans. The primary purpose of the accelerated vesting of these options was to eliminate future compensation expense that the Company would otherwise have recognized in its statement of income with respect to these unvested options upon the adoption of SFAS 123R. As a result of the acceleration of the vesting of the Company’s outstanding and unvested options in 2005, there was no additional compensation expense recognized during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 related to options granted prior to January 1, 2006. All share-based compensation expense is recognized in salaries, wages and employee benefits.

 

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Employee Activity

On May 12, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the Company’s Amended and Restated Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “Restated Plan”) which amended the Company’s 1999 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “1999 Plan”).  Among other changes, the Restated Plan increases the remaining shares available for grant by 3,000,000 shares.   

The Company’s general practice has been to make a single annual grant to key employees and to generally make other grants only in connection with new employment or promotions.  During 2006, the Company issued non-vested shares of common stock (“non-vested shares”) to key employees as the form of share-based awards. However, in 2007 and 2008, the Company elected to issue stock options to key employees, as the Company believes stock options more closely link long-term compensation with the Company’s long-term goals. Stock options issued during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 expire seven years from the grant date and vest ratably over a three-year period. The share-based compensation for these stock options will be recognized, net of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the requisite service period, or vesting period. The Company has estimated forfeitures based upon historical experience.

The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the grant-date fair value of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  The weighted-average fair values of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 were $10.76 and $9.17, respectively.  The weighted-average fair values of options granted during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 were $11.01 and $11.19, respectively.  The fair values were estimated using the following weighted-average assumptions:

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, share-based compensation expense for options granted to employees after December 31, 2005 was $962 and $1,888, respectively.   During the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, share-based compensation expense for options granted to employees after December 31, 2005 was $437 and $722, respectively.  The total tax benefit related to the share-based expense for these options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $232 and $475, respectively.  The total tax benefit related to the share-based expense for these options for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was $170 and $277, respectively.  Total compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to the options not yet recognized in earnings was $7,821 at June 30, 2008. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.

The following tables summarize the Company’s employee stock option activity and related information for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008:

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Share-based compensation expense was $342 and $750 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively, for non-vested shares granted to employees during 2006. The total tax benefit related to this share-based expense was $135 and $296 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively. Share-based compensation expense was $325 and $597 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, for non-vested shares granted to employees during 2006. The total tax benefit related to this share-based expense was $126 and $229 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.  Total compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to the non-vested shares not yet recognized in earnings was $841 at June 30, 2008. Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.

Under the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”), which has been approved by shareholders, the Company is authorized to issue up to a remaining 464,370 shares of common stock to employees of the Company. These shares may be issued at a price equal to 90% of the lesser of the market value on the first day or the last day of each six-month purchase period. Common stock purchases are paid for through periodic payroll deductions and/or up to two large lump sum contributions. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, participants under the plan purchased 5,331 shares at an average price of $27.16 per share. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, participants under the plan purchased 5,049 shares at an average price of $27.32 per share. The weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, which is equal to the discount from the market value of the common stock at the end of each six month purchase period, was $7.44 per share.  The weighted-average fair value of each purchase right under the ESPP granted for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, was $6.78 per share. Share-based compensation expense of $39 and $34 was recognized during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The total tax benefit related to the share-based expense was $6 and $13 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

Non-employee Director Activity

During the three months ended June 30, 2008, the Company granted 16,142 shares of non-vested shares to non-employee directors with an average grant price of $34.69 per share.  During the three months ended June 30, 2007, the Company granted 19,024 shares of non-vested shares to non-employee directors with an average grant price of $33.64 per share.  The 2008 and 2007 grants of non-vested shares were issued from the Company’s Amended and Restated Non-Employee Director Stock Plan and vest over a 12 month period.

Share-based compensation expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $242 and $443, respectively, for non-vested shares granted to non-employee directors.  The total tax benefit related to this share-based expense was $95 and $175 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, respectively.  Share-based compensation expense during the three months and six months ended June 30, 2007 was $93 and $128, respectively, for non-vested shares granted to non-employee directors.  The total tax benefit related to this share-based expense was $37 and $50 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.  Total compensation cost, net of estimated forfeitures, related to the non-vested shares granted to non-employee directors not yet recognized in earnings was $623 at June 30, 2008.  Total unrecognized compensation cost will be adjusted for future changes in estimated forfeitures.

 

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

On October 10, 2007, the Company entered into a $100,000 senior credit facility. This facility has a term of five years and includes an accordion feature, which allows for an additional $50,000 in borrowings on such terms and conditions as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The senior credit facility matures on October 10, 2012. The facility replaced the Company's previous $20,000 line of credit. The Company entered into this larger credit facility in order to fund potential acquisitions, the repurchase of its common stock, and for financing other general business purposes.  Interest rates for advances under the facility are at LIBOR plus 0.6% to 0.9% based upon covenants related to total indebtedness to earnings (3.1% at June 30, 2008). The agreement contains certain covenants and restrictions, none of which are expected to significantly affect our operations or ability to pay dividends.  No assets are pledged as collateral against the senior credit facility.  As of June 30, 2008, the Company had $35,000 outstanding under the senior credit facility. At June 30, 2008, the Company had $57,155 of available borrowing capacity outstanding under the senior credit facility, not including the accordion feature, and had utilized $7,845 of availability for outstanding letters of credit.

On March 17, 2008, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Pinch Holdings, Inc. and its related company AFTCO Enterprises, Inc. and certain of their respective wholly owned subsidiaries (Pinch).  Pinch was a privately held provider of pool distribution, airport-to-airport, truckload, custom, and cartage services primarily in the Southwestern continental United States.  Pinch generated approximately $35,000 in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2007.  The acquisition of Pinch’s pool distribution services expands the geographic footprint of the FASI segment in the Southwestern United States.  In addition to providing additional tonnage density to the Forward Air airport-to-airport network, the acquisition of Pinch’s cartage and truckload business provides an opportunity for Forward Air to expand its service options in the Southwestern United States.  The purchased assets and liabilities and the results of operations of Pinch have been included in the consolidated financial statements since March 17, 2008.

The aggregate purchase price was $18,646, paid with the Company’s available cash and borrowings from the Company’s senior credit facility (see note 6).  Under the purchase agreement, $1,825 of the purchase price was paid into an escrow account to protect the Company against potential unknown liabilities.  The amount paid into escrow will be released to the sellers one year after the acquisition date.

The purchase price allocation is preliminary as the Company is still finalizing the valuation of the acquired non-compete agreements and customer relationships. The preliminary purchase price allocation is as follows:

The acquired customer relationships and non-compete agreements are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a weighted average life of 12 and 5 years, respectively.  The Company began amortizing the assets as of the acquisition date and recorded $218 of amortization expense during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  The assumed debt included notes payable on purchased equipment of $350 and capital lease obligations of $238.  The notes payable of $350 were settled on the date of purchase and there are no related amounts outstanding on June 30, 2008.  

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

On July 30, 2007, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of USAC. The purchased assets and liabilities and the results of operations of USAC have been included in the consolidated financial statements, in our FASI segment, since July 30, 2007.  USAC was a well-established transportation service provider with 11 facilities that specialized in pool distribution services throughout the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest continental United States. USAC generated approximately $32,000 in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2006.  In conjunction with the Company’s strategy to expand into new services complimentary to the airport-to-airport business, the acquisition provides the opportunity for the Company to introduce new services to new and existing customers and to drive efficiencies in existing businesses.  The aggregate purchase price was $12,950, paid with the Company’s available cash. Under the purchase agreement, $1,250 of the purchase price was paid into an escrow account to protect the Company against potential unknown liabilities.  The amount paid into escrow will be released to the sellers one year after the acquisition date. 

 

On December 3, 2007, the Company acquired certain assets and liabilities of Black Hawk Freight Services, Inc. ("Black Hawk").  The purchased assets and liabilities and the results of operations of Black Hawk have been included in the consolidated financial statements, in our Forward Air segment, since December 3, 2007.  Black Hawk was a privately held provider of airport-to-airport, truckload, custom, and cartage services that generated approximately $30,000 in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2006.  The acquisition of Black Hawk operations is complimentary to those of the Forward Air segment and will increase the geographic footprint of the segment in the Midwestern United States.  The aggregate purchase price was $35,251, paid with the Company’s available cash and borrowings from the Company’s senior credit facility.  Under the purchase agreement, $3,500 of the purchase price was paid into an escrow account to protect the Company against potential unknown liabilities.  The amount paid into escrow will be released to the sellers one year after the acquisition date. 

Also during 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of two other operations for $681 in cash.  The assets purchased were truckload and cargo handling customer relationships.  These acquisitions were completed to expand existing logistics and other services currently provided.  

Acquired customer relationships and non-compete agreements have weighted-average useful lives of 10.7 and 5.6 years, respectively. Amortization expense on acquired customer relationships and non-compete agreements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 was $1,110 and $2,004, respectively.  Amortization expense on acquired customer relationships and non-compete agreements during the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 was $360 and $679, respectively.

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2008 are as follows:

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income per share:

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The Company or one of its subsidiaries files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, various states and Canada. With a few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local, or Canadian examinations by tax authorities for years before 2003.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109) (“FIN 48”) on January 1, 2007. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized a $1,397 increase in the liability for income tax contingencies, including related interest and penalties, which net of federal benefit of $420 was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings. The liability for income tax contingencies at January 1, 2007, net of federal benefit was $977, which represented tax positions where the realization of the ultimate benefit was uncertain and the disallowance of which would affect the Company’s annual effective income tax rate.

Included in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits at June 30, 2008 are tax positions of $1,185, which represents tax positions where the realization of the ultimate benefit is uncertain and the disallowance of which would affect the Company’s annual effective income tax rate. Approximately $1,004 of the unrecognized tax benefits relate to a contingency involving two of our subsidiaries and related state tax issues.  It is reasonably possible that within the next twelve months the entire accrued amount of $1,004 related to this matter will be settled with the applicable state.

The Company recognizes interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses.

There were no significant changes to the accruals for unrecognized tax benefits and related interest and penalties during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007, the effective income tax rates varied from the statutory federal income tax rate of 35.0%, primarily as a result of the effect of state income taxes, net of the federal benefit and permanent differences between book and tax net income.

 

During the first and second quarters of 2008 and 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.07 per share of common stock.  The Company expects to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each subsequent quarterly dividend is subject to review and approval by the Board of Directors.

On November 17, 2005, the Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for up to three million shares of common stock (the “2005 Repurchase Plan”). In addition, on July 31, 2007, the Company’s Board of Directors approved an additional stock repurchase program for up to two million shares of the Company’s common stock (the “2007 Repurchase Plan”).  No shares were repurchased during the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 737,300 and 979,500 shares of common stock, respectively, under the 2005 Repurchase Plan for $23,682, or $32.12 per share and $31,220, or $31.87 per share, respectively.    As of June 30, 2008, no shares remained eligible for purchase under the 2005 Repurchase Plan and 1,788,827 shares remained eligible for repurchase under the 2007 Repurchase Plan.

 

The primary claims in the Company’s business are workers’ compensation, property damage, vehicle liability and medical benefits.  Most of the Company’s insurance coverage provides for self-insurance levels with primary and excess coverage which management believes is sufficient to adequately protect the Company from catastrophic claims.  In the opinion of management, adequate provision has been made for all incurred claims up to the self-insured limits, including provision for estimated claims incurred but not reported.

The Company estimates its self-insurance loss exposure by evaluating the merits and circumstances surrounding individual known claims and by performing hindsight and actuarial analysis to determine an estimate of probable losses on claims incurred but not reported.  Such losses could be realized immediately as the events underlying the claims have already occurred as of the balance sheet dates.

 

 

Forward Air Corporation

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

Because of the uncertainty of the ultimate resolution of outstanding claims, as well as uncertainty regarding claims incurred but not reported, it is possible that management’s provision for these losses could change materially in the near term.  However, no estimate can currently be made of the range of additional loss that is at least reasonably possible. 

The Company operates in two reportable segments, based on differences in services provided.  Forward Air provides time-definite transportation and logistics services to the deferred air freight market.  FASI provides pool distribution services primarily to regional and national distributors and retailers.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Segment data includes intersegment revenues.  Assets and costs of the corporate headquarters are allocated to the segments based on usage.  The Company evaluates the performance of its segments based on net income.  The Company’s business is conducted principally in the U.S. and Canada.

The following table summarizes segment information about net income and assets used by the chief operating decision maker of the Company in making decisions regarding allocation of assets and resources as of and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2008.   No segment information has been presented for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 as FASI did not exist until July 30, 2007 and all 2007 data would have been solely related to Forward Air.

 

Overview and Executive Summary

Our operations can be broadly classified into two principal segments:  Forward Air, Inc. (Forward Air) and Forward Air Solutions, Inc. (FASI).  

 

Through our Forward Air segment, we are a leading provider of time-definite surface transportation and related logistics services to the North American deferred air freight market. We offer our customers local pick-up and delivery (Forward Air Complete™) and scheduled surface transportation of cargo as a cost-effective, reliable alternative to air transportation. We transport cargo that must be delivered at a specific time, but is less time-sensitive than traditional air freight. This type of cargo is frequently referred to in the transportation industry as deferred air freight. We operate our Forward Air segment through a network of terminals located on or near airports in 83 cities in the United States and Canada, including a central sorting facility in Columbus, Ohio and eleven regional hubs serving key markets.  We also offer our customers an array of logistics and other services including: expedited truckload brokerage (TLX); dedicated fleets; warehousing; customs brokerage; and shipment consolidation, deconsolidation and handling.

On July 30, 2007, through our subsidiary and reporting segment, FASI, and in conjunction with the acquisition of USA Carriers, Inc. (“USAC”), we began providing pool distribution services throughout the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest continental United States.  Pool distribution involves the consolidation and shipment of several smaller less-than-truckload shipments to a common area or region.  Once at the regional destination, the consolidated loads are then deconsolidated and delivered to their unique destinations.  Our primary customers for this product are regional and nationwide distributors and retailers.  We service these customers through a network of thirteen terminals.

Our operations, particularly our network of hubs and terminals, represent substantial fixed costs. Consequently, our continued growth depends in significant part on our ability to increase the amount of freight and the revenue per pound for the freight shipped through our networks and to grow other lines of businesses, such as TLX, which will allow us to maintain revenue growth in challenging shipping environments.

Trends and Developments

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008 we experienced significant revenue growth across all product lines and segments over the same periods in the prior year.  The revenue growth was primarily driven by our 2008 and 2007 acquisition activity, partially offset by challenging economic conditions.  On March 17, 2008, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Pinch Holdings, Inc. and its related company AFTCO Enterprises, Inc. and certain of their respective wholly-owned subsidiaries (“Pinch”).  Pinch was a privately held provider of pool distribution, airport-to-airport, truckload, custom, and cartage services primarily to the Southwestern continental United States.  Pinch generated approximately $35.0 million in revenue during the year ended December 31, 2007.  The acquisition of Pinch’s pool distribution services expands the geographic footprint of the FASI segment in the Southwestern United States.  In addition to providing additional tonnage density to the Forward Air airport-to-airport network, the acquisition of Pinch’s cartage and truckload business provides an opportunity for Forward Air to expand its service options in the Southwestern United States.

Further, on December 3, 2007 we acquired certain assets and liabilities of Black Hawk Freight Services, Inc. (“Black Hawk”) to increase the penetration of our airport-to-airport network in the Midwest, Southwest and West continental United States.  Also, on July 30, 2007, we acquired certain assets and liabilities of USAC.  Through this acquisition we began providing pool distribution services throughout the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest continental United States.  Additionally, the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of USAC provides an important operating platform that will enable further expansion of our Forward Air Complete™ pick-up and delivery product, TLX and value-added handling services.  

Despite providing different benefits, these acquisitions fit into our “Completing the Model” strategic initiative of using acquisitions to grow existing business and to expand into new services and lines of business that will provide for revenue growth in any market conditions.  We will continue to evaluate acquisitions that can increase our penetration of a geographic area, add new customers, increase freight, or enable us to offer additional services. 

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2008, we continued to experience a decrease in our income from operations as a percentage of operating revenue.  The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of operating revenue was driven primarily by changes in our revenue mix and increasing fuel expense.  Revenue increases from our lower margin products have continued to outpace the revenue growth from our higher margin airport-to-airport service resulting in negative pressure on our operating margins.  In addition, revenue growth in airport-to-airport service has been primarily driven by shorter distance lower yielding business.  These changes in revenue mix have been accelerated by our recent acquisitions.  In addition to the revenue mix, the recent acquisitions have increased the number of Company-employed drivers and Company-owned equipment.  These increases have significantly increased our salaries, wage and benefits, fuel and other operating expenses as we, not independent owner-operators, now incur these costs directly.  

 

Segments

Effective July 30, 2007 in conjunction with FASI’s acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of USAC, we began reporting our operations as two segments: Forward Air and FASI.  As the creation of the second segment was the result of our July 2007 acquisition, no reclassification of prior year financial information was necessary.

Our Forward Air segment includes our pre-existing airport-to-airport and TLX services as well as our other accessorial related services such as warehousing; customs brokerage; and value-added handling services.

 

Our FASI segment includes our pool distribution business and the related assets and liabilities purchased from USAC and Pinch.

The following table sets forth our consolidated historical financial data for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

 

The following table sets forth our historical financial data by segment for the three months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

The following table presents the components of the Forward Air segment’s operating revenue and purchased transportation for the three months ended June 30, 2008 (in millions):

Three Months Ended June 30, 2008 compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2007

Revenues

 

Operating revenue increased by $28.5 million, or 30.6%, to $121.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $93.1 million in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Forward Air operating revenue increased $17.8 million, or 19.1%, to $110.9 million from $93.1, accounting for 91.2% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008. Airport-to-airport revenue, which is the largest component of our consolidated operating revenue, increased $12.0 million, or 15.5%, to $89.2 million from $77.2 million, accounting for 80.4% of the segment’s operating revenue during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 82.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  The increase in airport-to-airport revenue was driven by an increase in tonnage and a minor increase in revenue per pound. Our airport-to-airport business is priced on a per pound basis and the average revenue per pound, including the impact of fuel surcharges, increased 1.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 versus the three months ended June 30, 2007. Tonnage that transited our network increased by 13.6% in the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the three months ended June 30, 2007.  The increase in tonnage was primarily driven by the increased activity resulting from our acquisitions of Black Hawk and Pinch in December 2007 and March 2008, respectively.  Average revenue per pound increased due to increased utilization of our Forward Air Complete pick-up and delivery service in addition to increased fuel surcharges to offset rising fuel costs.  These increases were offset by yield decreases resulting from a shift in our revenue mix to shorter distance lower price per pound routes.  This shift was primarily the result of new business obtained with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions as well as increased business from international and domestic airlines.

 

Logistics revenue, which is primarily truckload brokerage (TLX) and priced on a per mile basis, increased $4.8 million, or 44.9%, to $15.5 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $10.7 million in the same period of 2007.  The increase in logistics revenue is the result of new revenue obtained with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions and our continuing efforts as part of our “Completing the Model” strategic initiative to grow TLX. We continue to place emphasis on capturing a larger percentage of truckload opportunities and correspondingly increasing our access to sufficient truckload capacity through the expansion of our owner-operator fleet and the use of third-party transportation providers. Through these efforts we increased the number of miles driven to support our logistics revenue by 24.3% during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The average revenue per mile of our logistics product, including the impact of fuel surcharges, increased 16.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 versus the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in our revenue per mile is mainly attributable to new logistics business obtained through our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  The new business accounted for $1.3 million of the logistics revenue increase and 57.7% of the increase in logistics revenue per mile.  The remaining increase in logistics revenue per mile was from increased fuel surcharges to offset rising fuel costs.

Other revenue, which includes warehousing services and terminal handling, accounts for the final component of Forward Air operating revenue. Other revenue increased $1.0 million to $6.2 million, a 19.2% increase from $5.2 million for the same period in 2007.  The increase was primarily due to increased cartage, handling and storage revenue due to new services offered through our newly expanded facilities.  The increased cartage revenue is also the result of new business obtained in conjunction with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

 

 

FASI

FASI operating revenue of $11.4 million represents revenue earned through our pool distribution service acquired with the USAC and Pinch acquisitions on July 30, 2007 and March 17, 2008, respectively. The pool distribution business is seasonal and operating revenues tend to be higher in the third and fourth quarters than the first and second quarters.  Typically, this pattern is the result of factors such as national holidays, customer demand and economic conditions. Additionally, a significant portion of FASI’s revenue is derived from customers whose business levels are impacted by the economy.

Intercompany Eliminations

Intercompany eliminations of $0.7 million are the result of truckload and airport-to-airport services Forward Air provided to FASI during the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Purchased Transportation

Purchased transportation increased by $8.5 million, or 21.6%, to $47.9 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $39.4 million in the same period of 2007.  As a percentage of total operating revenue, purchased transportation was 39.4% during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 42.3% for the same period in 2007.

Forward Air

Forward Air’s purchased transportation increased by $6.5 million, or 16.5%, to $45.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $39.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in purchased transportation is primarily attributable to an increase of approximately 12.6% in miles in addition to a 3.5% increase in the total cost per mile for the second quarter of 2008 versus the same period in 2007. As a percentage of segment operating revenue, Forward Air purchased transportation was 41.4% during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 42.3% for the same period in 2007.

Purchased transportation costs for our airport-to-airport network increased $3.8 million, or 12.8%, to $33.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $29.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  For the three months ended June 30, 2008, purchased transportation for our airport-to-airport network decreased to 37.6% of airport-to-airport revenue from 38.5% for the same period in 2007.  The 12.8% increase is mainly attributable to a 9.6% increase in miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers plus a 2.8% increase in cost per mile.  Miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers increased to support the increased revenue activity discussed above.  However, the increased activity was offset by efforts to consolidate the number of loads carried, which in turn reduces the number of miles driven to support the airport-to-airport network.  In addition, as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions, we now utilize Company-employed drivers in our airport-to-airport network which shifts a percentage of transportation costs from purchased transportation to salaries, wages and benefits.  The increase in cost per mile is attributable to increased customer utilization of Forward Air Complete, offset by savings obtained from increased utilization of our owner-operator fleet instead of third party transportation providers, whose rate per mile is generally more costly than that of our owner-operator fleet.

Purchased transportation costs related to our logistics revenue increased $2.6 million, or 31.7%, to $10.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $8.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. For the three months ended June 30, 2008, logistics’ purchased transportation costs represented 69.7% of logistics revenue versus 76.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The 31.7% increase is mainly attributable to a 24.3% increase in miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers plus a 6.8% increase in cost per mile.   Miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers increased to support the increased logistics revenue activity discussed above and accounted for $2.0 million of the increase in logistics purchased transportation.  The increase in our purchased transportation cost per mile was attributable to the new logistics business obtained through the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  The transit distances for the new business are shorter than our legacy logistics business and transportation costs for freight traveling shorter distances are generally priced at a higher rate per mile. The decrease in logistics purchased transportation as a percentage of logistics revenue is the result of the new business obtained from Pinch and Black Hawk as well as increased utilization of Company-employed drivers which shifts a percentage of the transportation costs from purchased transportation to salaries, wages and benefits.

Purchased transportation costs related to our other revenue increased $0.1 million, or 6.7%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Other purchased transportation costs as a percentage of other revenue decreased to 25.8% of other revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from 28.8% for the same period in 2007.   The improvement in other purchased transportation costs as a percentage of other revenue is attributable to the use of Company-employed drivers to provide the transportation services associated with new business obtained from the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

 

FASI

FASI purchased transportation of $2.7 million represents costs associated with payment of drivers, including FASI networked owner-operators, owner-operators from the Forward Air network, and third party transportation providers, for the transportation services provided to FASI. FASI purchased transportation was 23.7% of the segment’s operating revenue.  Due to the nature of the services provided FASI purchased transportation is lower as a percentage of revenue than our Forward Air segment as a larger percentage of the transportation services are performed by Company-employed drivers.

Intercompany Eliminations

Intercompany eliminations of $0.7 million are the result of truckload and airport-to-airport services Forward Air provided to FASI during the three months ended June 30, 2008.

Salaries, Wages, and Benefits

Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased by $9.5 million, or 47.7%, to $29.4 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $19.9 million in the same period of 2007.  As a percentage of total operating revenue, salaries, wages and employee benefits was 24.2% during the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 21.4% for the same period in 2007.

Forward Air

Salaries, wages and employee benefits of Forward Air increased by $4.8 million, or 24.1%, to $24.7 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $19.9 million in the same period of 2007.  Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 22.3% of Forward Air’s operating revenue in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 21.4% for the same period of 2007. The increase in salaries, wages and employee benefits as a percentage of revenue was attributable to increased costs for employee incentives and share-based compensation.  Share-based compensation increased $0.7 million, or 0.4% as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue, due to the annual grants of stock options and non-vested shares of common stock to key members of management and non-employee directors from 2006 to the present.  Employee incentives increased $1.3 million, or 1.1% as a percentage of revenue due to increased accruals for quarterly and annual incentives for key employees based on achievement of performance goals.  The remaining increase in total dollars is attributable to the increased headcount of mainly terminal and Company-employed drivers associated with our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.

FASI

FASI salaries, wages and employee benefits of $4.7 million represents costs associated with payment of employees, mainly company drivers and employees located at our terminals since our acquisitions of USAC and Pinch in the third quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008, respectively.  FASI salaries, wages and employee benefits were 41.2% of the segment’s operating revenue.  FASI salary, wages and employee benefits are higher as a percentage of operating revenue than our Forward Air segment, as a larger percentage of the transportation services are performed by Company-employed drivers.

Operating Leases

Operating leases increased by $2.0 million, or 51.3%, to $5.9 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $3.9 million in the same period of 2007.  Operating leases, the largest component of which is facility rent, were 4.8% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 4.2% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Operating leases were 4.2% of Forward Air operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 4.2% in the same period of 2007.  The increase in operating leases in total dollars was attributable to $0.4 million in higher facility rent expense associated with the assumption of additional facilities as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions and the expansion of certain facilities. Operating leases also increased $0.3 million for trailer and tractor leases assumed in conjunction with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.

FASI

FASI operating lease expense of $1.3 million represents $0.7 of facility rent for FASI’s 13 facilities and $0.6 million for operating leases on trailers and tractors assumed in conjunction with the acquisition of Pinch.  FASI does not currently own any of its facilities.  FASI operating leases were 11.4% of the segment’s operating revenue.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $1.5 million, or 60.0%, to $4.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $2.5 million in the same period of 2007.  Depreciation and amortization was 3.3% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 2.7% in the same period of 2007.

 

Forward Air

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue was 3.2% in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 2.7% in the same period of 2007. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets and property and equipment associated with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Amortization expense increased $0.6 million as a result of the non-compete and customer relationships purchased with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Depreciation on tractors and trailers increased $0.2 million due to the purchase of tractors and trailers purchased during the third quarter of 2007 and in conjunction with our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Also, depreciation on other property and equipment increased $0.3 million due to the expansion of our infrastructure as result of our new terminal in Atlanta, Georgia, placed in service in July 2007, and other assets and facilities assumed with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

FASI

FASI depreciation and amortization of $0.4 million represents $0.2 million of depreciation on property and equipment and $0.2 million of amortization on intangible assets acquired with our USAC and Pinch acquisitions in the third quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008, respectively.  FASI depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of the segment’s operating revenue, was 3.5%.

Insurance and Claims

Insurance and claims expense decreased $0.3 million, or 15.8%, to $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from $1.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  Insurance and claims were 1.3% of consolidated operating revenue during 2008 compared with 2.0% in 2007.

Forward Air

Insurance and claims were 1.4% of Forward Air operating revenue in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 1.9% for the same period of 2007.  The $0.3 million, or 15.8% decrease in insurance and claims for the second quarter of 2008 compared to second quarter of 2007 is the result of 2007 including $0.3 million of expense for an adjustment to our vehicle loss reserves due to an actuarial analysis.  An actuarial analysis was performed during the three months ended June 30, 2008 but no additional reserves were required.

FASI

FASI insurance and claims for the three months ended June 30, 2008 was less than $0.1 million due to a reduction of reserves as the result of favorable premium audits offsetting current vehicle and cargo claims.  

Fuel Expense

Fuel expenses increased $3.0 million, to $3.3 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $0.3 million in the same period of 2007.  Fuel expenses were 2.7% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 0.3% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Fuel expenses were 1.6% of Forward Air operating revenue in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 0.3% in the same period of 2007. The $1.5 million increase or the 1.3% increase as a percentage of operating revenue was primarily attributable to the increased number of Company-employed drivers as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions in March 2008 and December 2007, respectively. Also, increasing fuel expense was the significant year over year increase in average diesel fuel prices.  

FASI

Fuel expenses were 13.2% of FASI operating revenue in the second quarter of 2008.  FASI fuel expense is significantly higher as a percentage of operating revenue than Forward Air’s fuel expense, as FASI utilizes a higher ratio of Company-employed drivers and Company-owned vehicles in its operations than Forward Air.  

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses increased $2.3 million, or 33.3%, to $9.2 million in the second quarter of 2008 from $6.9 million in the same period of 2007.  Other operating expenses were 7.6% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 7.4% in the same period of 2007.

 

 

Forward Air

Other operating expenses were 7.2% of Forward Air operating revenue in the second quarter of 2008 compared to 7.4% in the same period of 2007. The 0.2% decrease in other operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue is the result of 2007 including expenses associated with the relocation or expansion of certain terminals and specialized executive training.  In addition, during 2008 we reduced our marketing expenses.  These decreases were offset by increases in other volume related costs as a result of the increased tonnage transiting our system, such as vehicle maintenance.

FASI

FASI other operating expenses of $1.2 million represent costs such as routine vehicle maintenance, utilities for our facilities, and miscellaneous office and administrative expenses incurred since our USAC and Pinch acquisitions in July 2007 and March 2008, respectively.  FASI other operating expenses were 10.5% of the segment’s operating revenue.  Other operating expenses are higher as a percentage of revenue than our Forward Air segment due to the higher utilization of Company-owned equipment.

Income (loss) from operations

Income from operations increased by $2.0 million, or 10.9%, to $20.3 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $18.3 million for the same period in 2007.  Income from operations was 16.7% of consolidated operating revenue for the three months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 19.7% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Income from operations increased by $2.4 million, or 13.1%, to $20.7 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared with $18.3 million for the same period in 2007.   The increase in income from operations was primarily a result of increased revenues mostly offset by increased costs for fuel expense, salaries, wages and benefits, and depreciation and amortization.  Income from operations decreased as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue to 18.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2008 from 19.7% for the same period in 2007.  The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of revenue is a result of the change in our business mix resulting from the largest increases in our revenue continuing to be from services and business that are generally not as profitable as our core airport-to-airport service.

FASI

FASI loss from operations, in the three months ended June 30, 2008 was $0.4 million, or 3.5% of FASI operating revenue.  The FASI loss is mainly driven by integration costs that resulted from the March 17, 2008 acquisition of Pinch. These costs primarily impacted salaries and wages, operating leases and other operating expenses.  

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to $0.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2008.  The increase in interest expense was mostly the result of net borrowings under our line of credit facility used to fund our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk in March 2008 and December 2007, respectively.

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net was less than $0.1 million compared with $0.4 million, for the same period in 2007. The decrease in other income was attributable to the decreased average cash and investment balances as a result of cash used for stock repurchases during 2007, the purchase of real property for regional hubs and terminals, and the acquisitions of USAC and Black Hawk in 2007 and Pinch in 2008.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the second quarter of 2008 was 39.5% compared to a rate of 38.8% for the same period in 2007. Our effective federal and state rate increased to provide for the decrease in tax-exempt interest income as discussed above, disallowance of share-based compensation on qualified stock options, and uncertain tax positions as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109) , (“FIN 48”). 

 

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income increased by $0.6 million, or 5.2%, to $12.1 million for the second quarter of 2008 compared to $11.5 million for the same period in 2007.

 

 

The following table sets forth our historical consolidated financial data for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

 

 

The following table sets forth our historical financial data by segment for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

 

The following table presents the components of the Forward Air segment’s operating revenue and purchased transportation for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

 

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2008 compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2007

 

Revenues

 

Operating revenue increased by $49.0 million, or 27.1%, to $229.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $180.5 million in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Forward Air operating revenue increased $30.7 million, or 17.0%, to $211.2 million from $180.5, accounting for 92.0% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008. Airport-to-airport revenue, which is the largest component of our consolidated operating revenue, increased $19.8 million, or 13.1%, to $171.2 million from $151.4 million, accounting for 81.1% of the segment’s operating revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 83.9% for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The increase in airport-to-airport revenue was driven by an increase in tonnage and a minor increase in revenue per pound. Our airport-to-airport business is priced on a per pound basis and the average revenue per pound, including the impact of fuel surcharges, increased 1.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 versus the six months ended June 30, 2007. Tonnage that transited our network increased by 11.2% in the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with the six months ended June 30, 2007.  The increase in tonnage was primarily driven by the increased activity resulting from our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk in March 2008 and December 2007, respectively.  Average revenue per pound increased due to increased utilization of our Forward Air Complete pick-up and delivery service in addition to increased fuel surcharges to offset rising fuel costs.  These increases were offset by yield decreases resulting from a shift in our revenue mix to shorter distance, lower price per pound routes.  This shift was primarily the result of new business obtained from the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions as well as increased business from international and domestic airlines.

 

Logistics revenue, which is primarily truckload brokerage (TLX) and priced on a per mile basis, increased $9.1 million, or 48.1%, to $28.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $18.9 million in the same period of 2007.  The increase in logistics revenue is the result of new revenue obtained from the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions and our continuing efforts as part of our “Completing the Model” strategic initiative to grow TLX. We continue to place emphasis on capturing a larger percentage of truckload opportunities and correspondingly increasing our access to sufficient truckload capacity through the expansion of our owner-operator fleet and the use of third-party transportation providers. Through these efforts we increased the number of miles driven to support our logistics revenue by 36.9% during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007.  The average revenue per mile of our logistics product, including the impact of fuel surcharges, increased 8.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 versus the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in our revenue per mile is mainly attributable to new logistics business obtained through our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  The new business accounted for $1.7 million of the logistics revenue increase and 78.5% of the increase in logistics revenue per mile.  The remaining increase in logistics revenue per mile was from increased fuel surcharges to offset rising fuel costs.

Other revenue, which includes warehousing services and terminal handling, is the final component of Forward Air operating revenue. Other revenue increased $1.8 million to $12.0 million, a 17.6% increase from $10.2 million for the same period in 2007.  The increase was primarily due to increased cartage, handling and storage revenue due to new services offered through our newly expanded facilities.  The increased cartage revenue is also the result of new business obtained in conjunction with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

 

 

FASI

FASI operating revenue of $19.2 million represents revenue earned through our pool distribution service acquired with the USAC and Pinch acquisitions on July 30, 2007 and March 17, 2008, respectively. The pool distribution business is seasonal and operating revenues tend to be higher in the third and fourth quarters than the first and second quarters.  Typically, this pattern is the result of factors such as national holidays, customer demand and economic conditions. Additionally, a significant portion of FASI’s revenue is derived from customers whose business levels are impacted by the economy.

Intercompany Eliminations

Intercompany eliminations of $0.9 million are the result of truckload and airport-to-airport services Forward Air provided to FASI during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Purchased Transportation

Purchased transportation increased by $14.0 million, or 18.1%, to $91.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $77.4 million in the same period of 2007.  As a percentage of total operating revenue, purchased transportation was 39.8% during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 42.9% for the same period in 2007.

Forward Air

Forward Air purchased transportation increased by $10.8 million, or 14.0%, to $88.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $77.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The increase in purchased transportation is primarily attributable to an increase of approximately 12.2% in miles in addition to a 1.8% increase in the total cost per mile for the six months ended June 30, 2008 versus the same period in 2007. As a percentage of segment operating revenue, Forward Air purchased transportation was 41.8% during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 42.9% for the same period in 2007.

Purchased transportation costs for our airport-to-airport network increased $4.7 million, or 7.8%, to $65.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $60.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  For the six months ended June 30, 2008, purchased transportation for our airport-to-airport network decreased to 38.0% of airport-to-airport revenue from 39.8% for the same period in 2007.  The 7.8% increase is mainly attributable to a 6.8% increase in miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers plus a 1.0% increase in cost per mile.  Miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers increased to support the increased revenue activity discussed above.  However, the increased activity was offset by efforts to consolidate the number of loads carried, which in turn reduces the number of miles driven to support the airport-to-airport network.  In addition, as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions we now utilize Company-employed drivers in our airport-to-airport network which shifts a percentage of transportation costs from purchased transportation to salaries, wages and benefits.  The increase in cost per mile is attributable to increased customer utilization of Forward Air Complete, offset by savings obtained from increased utilization of our owner-operator fleet instead of third party transportation providers, whose rate per mile is generally more costly than that of our owner-operator fleet.

Purchased transportation costs related to our logistics revenue increased $5.7 million, or 39.9%, to $20.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $14.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. For the six months ended June 30, 2008, logistics’ purchased transportation costs represented 71.4% of logistics revenue versus 75.7% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The 39.9% increase is mainly attributable to a 36.9% increase in miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers plus a 2.2% increase in cost per mile.   Miles driven by our network of owner-operators or third party transportation providers increased to support the increased logistics revenue activity discussed above and accounted for $5.3 million of the increase in logistics purchased transportation.  The increase in our purchased transportation cost per mile, which accounted for $0.4 million of the increase in logistics purchased transportation was attributable to the new logistics business obtained through the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk, which due to the new business’ short travel distances, carries a higher cost per mile.  The decrease in logistics purchased transportation as a percentage of logistics revenue is the result of the new business obtained from Pinch and Black Hawk as well as increased utilization of Company-employed drivers which shifts a percentage of the transportation costs from purchased transportation to salaries, wages and benefits.

Purchased transportation costs related to our other revenue increased $0.4 million, or 14.3%, to $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $2.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007. Other purchased transportation costs as a percentage of other revenue decreased to 26.7% of other revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from 27.7% for the same period in 2007.   The improvement in other purchased transportation costs as a percentage of other revenue is attributable to the use of Company-employed drivers to provide the transportation services associated with new business obtained from the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

 

FASI

FASI purchased transportation of $4.1 million represents costs associated with payment of drivers, including FASI networked owner-operators, owner-operators from the Forward Air network, and third party transportation providers, for the transportation services provided to FASI. FASI purchased transportation was 21.4% of the segment’s operating revenue.  Due to the nature of the services provided FASI purchased transportation is lower as a percentage of revenue than our Forward Air segment as a larger percentage of the transportation services are performed by Company-employed drivers.

Intercompany Eliminations

Intercompany eliminations of $0.9 million are the result of truckload and airport-to-airport services Forward Air provided to FASI during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Salaries, Wages, and Benefits

Salaries, wages and employee benefits increased by $17.0 million, or 43.7%, to $55.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $38.9 million in the same period of 2007.  As a percentage of total operating revenue, salaries, wages and employee benefits was 24.3% during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 21.6% for the same period in 2007.

Forward Air

Salaries, wages and employee benefits of Forward Air increased by $8.4 million, or 21.6%, to $47.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $38.9 million in the same period of 2007.  Salaries, wages and employee benefits were 22.4% of Forward Air’s operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 21.6% for the same period of 2007. The increase in salaries, wages and employee benefits as a percentage of revenue was attributable to increased costs for employee incentives and share-based compensation.  Share-based compensation increased $1.6 million, or 0.6% as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue, due to the annual grants of stock options and non-vested shares of common stock to key members of management and non-employee directors from 2006 to the present.  Employee incentives increased $1.2 million, or 0.5% as a percentage of revenue due to increased accruals for quarterly and annual incentives for key employees based on achievement of performance goals.  The remaining increase in total dollars is attributable to the increased headcount of mainly terminal and Company-employed drivers associated with our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.

FASI

FASI salaries, wages and employee benefits of $8.6 million represents costs associated with payment of employees, mainly Company-employed drivers and employees located at our FASI terminals since our acquisitions of USAC and Pinch in the third quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008, respectively.  FASI salaries, wages and employee benefits were 44.8% of the segment’s operating revenue.  FASI salary, wages and employee benefits are higher as a percentage of operating revenue than our Forward Air segment, as a larger percentage of the transportation services are performed by Company-employed drivers.

Operating Leases

Operating leases increased by $3.1 million, or 40.8%, to $10.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $7.6 million in the same period of 2007.  Operating leases, the largest component of which is facility rent, were 4.7% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 4.2% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Operating leases were 4.2% of Forward Air operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 and 2007.  The increase in operating leases in total dollars was attributable to $0.8 million in higher facility rent expense associated with the assumption of additional facilities as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions and the expansion of certain facilities.  Operating leases also increased $0.5 million for trailer and tractor leases assumed in conjunction with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.

FASI

FASI operating lease expense of $1.8 million represents $1.1 of facility rent for FASI’s 13 facilities and $0.7 million for operating leases on trailers and tractors assumed in conjunction with the acquisition of Pinch.  FASI does not currently own any of its facilities.  FASI operating leases were 9.4% of the segment’s operating revenue.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization increased $2.8 million, or 57.1%, to $7.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $4.9 million in the same period of 2007.  Depreciation and amortization was 3.4% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 2.7% in the same period of 2007.

 

Forward Air

Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue was 3.3% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 2.7% in the same period of 2007. The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is primarily due to the amortization of intangible assets and property and equipment associated with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Amortization expense increased $1.1 million as a result of the non-compete and customer relationships purchased with the acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Depreciation on tractors and trailers increased $0.4 million due to tractors and trailers purchased during the third quarter of 2007 and in conjunction with our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk.  Also, depreciation on other property and equipment increased $0.6 million due to the expansion of our infrastructure as a result of our new terminal in Atlanta, Georgia, placed in service in July 2007, and other assets and facilities assumed with the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions.

FASI

FASI depreciation and amortization of $0.7 million represents $0.4 million of depreciation on property and equipment and $0.3 million of amortization on intangible assets acquired with our USAC and Pinch acquisitions in the third quarter of 2007 and first quarter of 2008, respectively.  FASI depreciation and amortization expenses, as a percentage of the segment’s operating revenue, was 3.6%.

Insurance and Claims

Insurance and claims expense increased $0.3 million, or 8.3%, to $3.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $3.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2007.  Insurance and claims were 1.7% of consolidated operating revenue during 2008 compared with 2.0% in 2007.

Forward Air

Insurance and claims were 1.6% of Forward Air operating revenue during the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 2.0% for the same period of 2007.  The $0.2 million, or 5.6% decrease in insurance and claims for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to same period of 2007 is the result of 2007 including $0.3 million of expense for an adjustment to our vehicle loss reserves due to an actuarial analysis.  An actuarial analysis was performed during the six months ended June 30, 2008 but no additional reserves were required.  The decrease in expense related to the adjustment to our vehicle loss reserves was offset by a $0.1 million increase in current year vehicle claims.

FASI

FASI insurance and claims of $0.5 million represents the cost of insurance premiums, accrued vehicle claims and accrued cargo claims since our USAC and Pinch acquisitions in July 2007 and March 2008, respectively.  FASI insurance and claims were 2.6% of the segment’s operating revenue.

Fuel Expense

Fuel expenses increased $4.9 million, to $5.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $0.5 million in the same period of 2007.  Fuel expenses were 2.4% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 0.3% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Fuel expenses were 1.4% of Forward Air operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 0.3% in the same period of 2007. The $2.6 million increase or the 1.1% increase as a percentage of operating revenue was primarily attributable to the increased number of Company-employed drivers as a result of the Pinch and Black Hawk acquisitions in March 2008 and December 2007, respectively. Also increasing fuel expense was the significant year over year increase in average diesel fuel prices.  

FASI

Fuel expenses were 12.0% of FASI operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  FASI fuel expense is significantly higher as a percentage of operating revenue than Forward Air’s fuel expense, as FASI utilizes a higher ratio of Company-employed drivers and Company-owned vehicles in its operations than Forward Air.  

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses increased $4.1 million, or 30.6%, to $17.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from $13.4 million in the same period of 2007.  Other operating expenses were 7.6% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 7.4% in the same period of 2007.

 

Forward Air

Other operating expenses were 7.3% of Forward Air operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to 7.4% in the same period of 2007. The 0.1% decrease in other operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue is the result of 2007 including expenses associated with the relocation or expansion of certain terminals and specialized executive training.  In addition, during 2008 we reduced our marketing expenses.  These decreases were offset by increases in other volume related costs as result of the increased tonnage transiting our system, such as vehicle maintenance.

 

FASI

FASI other operating expenses of $2.1 million represent costs such as routine vehicle maintenance, utilities for our facilities, and miscellaneous office and administrative expenses incurred since our USAC and Pinch acquisitions in July 2007 and March 2008, respectively.  FASI other operating expenses were 10.9% of the segment’s operating revenue.  Other operating expenses are higher as a percentage of revenue than our Forward Air segment due to the higher utilization of Company-owned equipment.

Income (loss) from operations

Income from operations increased by $2.8 million, or 8.2%, to $37.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $34.2 million for the same period in 2007.  Income from operations was 16.1% of consolidated operating revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with 18.9% in the same period of 2007.

Forward Air

Income from operations increased by $3.7 million, or 10.8%, to $37.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with $34.2 million for the same period in 2007.   The increase in income from operations was primarily a result of increased revenues mostly offset by increased costs for fuel expense, salaries, wages and benefits, and depreciation and amortization.  Income from operations decreased as a percentage of Forward Air operating revenue to 18.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2008 from 18.9% for the same period in 2007.  The decrease in income from operations as a percentage of revenue is a result of the change in our business mix resulting from the largest increases in our revenue continuing to be from services and business that are generally not as profitable as our core airport-to-airport service.

FASI

FASI loss from operations, in the six months ended June 30, 2008 was $0.9 million, or 4.7% of FASI operating revenue.  The FASI loss was partially driven by the highly seasonal nature of the pool distribution business.  The first and second quarters are traditionally the weakest, while the third quarter, and most acutely the fourth quarter, are traditionally the strongest quarters. Additionally, integration costs that resulted from the March 17, 2008 acquisition of Pinch Transportation contributed to the loss. 

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased by $0.5 million to $0.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008.  The increase in interest expense was the result of net borrowings under our line of credit facility used to fund our acquisitions of Pinch and Black Hawk in March 2008 and December 2007, respectively.

Other Income, net

 

Other income, net was $0.2 million compared with $1.2 million, for the same period in 2007. The decrease in other income was attributable to the decreased average cash and investment balances as a result of cash used for stock repurchases during 2007, the purchase of real property for regional hubs and terminals, and the acquisitions of USAC and Black Hawk in 2007 and Pinch in 2008.

 

Provision for Income Taxes

The combined federal and state effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2008 was 39.4% compared to a rate of 38.3% for the same period in 2007. Our effective federal and state rate increased to provide for the decrease in tax-exempt interest income as discussed above, disallowance of share-based compensation on qualified stock options, and uncertain tax positions as required by FIN 48. 

Net Income

As a result of the foregoing factors, net income increased by $0.4 million, or 1.8%, to $22.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to $21.8 million for the same period in 2007.

 

 

Critical Accounting Policies

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires our management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying footnotes.  Our estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience and changes in the business environment.  However, actual results may differ from estimates under different conditions, sometimes materially.  Critical accounting policies and estimates are defined as those that are both most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results and require management’s most subjective judgments.  A summary of significant accounting policies is disclosed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our critical accounting policies are further described under the caption “Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Impact of Recent Accounting Pronouncements

During September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements  (“SFAS 157”), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007 with earlier adoption encouraged. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-2,  Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157  which delayed the effective date of SFAS 157 for all non-financial assets and liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis, until January 1, 2009.   We adopted SFAS 157 on January 1, 2008 for all financial assets and liabilities, but the implementation did not have a significant impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.  We have not determined the impact the implementation of SFAS 157 will have on our non-financial assets and liabilities, which are not recognized or disclosed on a recurring basis.  However, we do not anticipate that the full adoption of SFAS 157 will significantly impact our consolidated financial statements.

During February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities—Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective of SFAS 159 is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. We adopted SFAS 159 on January 1, 2008, but the implementation of SFAS 159 did not have a significant impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations(“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R also establishes disclosure requirements to enable the evaluation of the nature and financial effects of the business combination. This statement is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 141R on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51  (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards for ownership interests in subsidiaries held by parties other than the parent, the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest, changes in a parent’s ownership interest, and the valuation of retained noncontrolling equity investments when a subsidiary is deconsolidated. SFAS 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. This statement is effective for us beginning January 1, 2009. We are currently evaluating the potential impact of the adoption of SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have historically financed our working capital needs, including capital purchases, with cash flows from operations and borrowings under our bank lines of credit. Net cash provided by operating activities totaled approximately $17.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to approximately $25.2 million for the same period in 2007. The decrease in cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared to the same period in 2007 is mainly attributable to the $14.0 million decrease in cash from accounts receivable as our revenue is increasing at a faster pace than our collections.  We believe this decrease is mainly a factor of timing and is expected given our significant top line growth, and we do expect to reverse this trend over the last half of 2008.  The decrease in cash from accounts receivable was offset by the $0.4 million increase in net income and the $4.5 million increase in non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization and share-based compensation.   Further offsetting the decrease in cash collected from accounts receivable was a $1.0 million reduction in cash paid for trade accounts payables, prepaid assets and other accrued expenses. The increases in accounts receivable and accounts payable were driven by the increased activity associated with our recent acquisitions.

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $24.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with approximately $12.1 million provided by investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2007. Investing activities during the six months ended June 30, 2008 consisted primarily of the acquisition of certain assets and liabilities of Pinch and miscellaneous capital expenditures. Partially funding these activities were borrowings from our line of credit.  The cash provided by investing activity in 2007 was driven by the liquidation of our short term investments to fund repurchases of our common stock. 

Net cash provided by financing activities totaled approximately $3.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2008 compared with approximately $35.3 million used in financing activities for the same period in 2007. The increase in cash provided by financing activities was primarily attributable to $5.0 million in current year net borrowings under our line of credit and a $31.2 million reduction in share repurchases from the prior year. Current year net borrowings from our line of credit were used to fund the acquisition of Pinch.  

 

On October 10, 2007 we entered into a new $100.0 million senior credit facility.  The new facility has a term of five years and includes an accordion feature, which allows for an additional $50.0 million in borrowings on such terms and conditions as set forth in the credit agreement.  Interest rates for advances under the senior credit facility are at LIBOR plus 0.6% to 0.9% based upon covenants related to total indebtness to earnings.  The facility replaced our previous $20.0 million line of credit.  We entered into this new, larger credit facility in order to fund potential acquisitions, repurchases of our common stock, and for financing other general business purposes.  At June 30, 2008, we had $57.2 million of available borrowing capacity under the senior credit facility, not including the accordion feature, and had utilized $7.8 million of availability for outstanding letters of credit.

On November 17, 2005, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program for up to three million shares of common stock (the “2005 Repurchase Plan”). In addition, on July 31, 2007, our Board of Directors approved an additional stock repurchase program for up to two million shares of our common stock (the “2007 Repurchase Plan”).  No shares were repurchased during the six months ended June 30, 2008.  For the three and six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company repurchased 737,300 and 979,500 shares of common stock, respectively, under the 2005 Repurchase Plan for $23.7 million, or $32.12 per share and $31.2 million, or $31.87 per share, respectively.    As of June 30, 2008, no shares remained eligible for purchase under the 2005 Repurchase Plan and 1,788,827 shares remained eligible for repurchase under the 2007 Repurchase Plan.

During the first and second quarters of 2008 and 2007, cash dividends of $0.07 per share were declared on common stock outstanding. We expect to continue to pay regular quarterly cash dividends, though each subsequent quarterly dividend is subject to review and approval by our Board of Directors.

We believe that our available cash, investments, expected cash generated from future operations and borrowings under the available senior credit facility will be sufficient to satisfy our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains “forward-looking statements,” as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Forward-looking statements are statements other than historical information or statements of current condition and relate to future events or our future financial performance.  Some forward-looking statements may be identified by use of such terms as “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “projects” or “expects.”  Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  The following is a list of factors, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements: economic factors such as recessions, inflation, higher interest rates and downturns in customer business cycles, our inability to maintain our historical growth rate because of a decreased volume of freight moving through our network or decreased average revenue per pound of freight moving through our network, increasing competition and pricing pressure, surplus inventories, loss of a major customer, the creditworthiness of our customers and their ability to pay for services rendered, our ability to secure terminal facilities in desirable locations at reasonable rates, the inability of our information systems to handle an increased volume of freight moving through our network, changes in fuel prices, claims for property damage, personal injuries or workers’ compensation, employment matters including rising health care costs, enforcement of and changes in governmental regulations, environmental and tax matters, the handling of hazardous materials, the availability and compensation of qualified independent owner-operators and freight handlers needed to serve our transportation needs and our inability to successfully integrate acquisitions. As a result of the foregoing, no assurance can be given as to future financial condition, cash flows or results of operations.  We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

 

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain controls and procedures designed to ensure that we are able to collect the information required to be disclosed in the reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), and to process, summarize and disclose this information within the time periods specified in the rules of the SEC. Based on an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report conducted by management, with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer believe that these controls and procedures are effective to ensure that we are able to collect, process and disclose the information we are required to disclose in the reports we file with the SEC within the required time periods.

Changes in Internal Control

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the six months ended June 30, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

From time to time, we are a party to ordinary, routine litigation incidental to and arising in the normal course of our business, most of which involve claims for personal injury and property damage related to the transportation and handling of freight, or workers’ compensation. We do not believe that any of these pending actions, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

A summary of factors which could affect results and cause results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by us, or on our behalf, are further described under the caption “Risk Factors” in the Business portion of our 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes in the nature of these factors since December 31, 2007.

There were no purchases of shares of our common stock during the six months ended June 30, 2008.

Not Applicable.

 

 

The Company’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 12, 2008 for the purposes of (i) electing nine members of the Board of Directors; (ii) ratifying the appointment of the independent registered public accounting firm for 2008; and (iii) approving the Amended and Restated Non-employee Director Stock Plan.