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

                            FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 X   ANNUAL  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13  OR 15(d) OF THE
- ---  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20072008

                               OR

     TRANSITION  REPORT PURSUANT  TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
- ---  SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ___________ to __________

                 Commission File Number 0-14690

                    WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC.
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

NEBRASKA                                              47-0648386
(State or other jurisdiction of                 (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)               Identification No.)

14507 FRONTIER ROAD                                   68145-0308
POST OFFICE BOX 45308                                 (Zip code)
OMAHA, NEBRASKA
(Address of principal executive offices)

 Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (402) 895-6640

      Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
  Title of Each Class       Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
  -------------------       -----------------------------------------
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value       The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

   Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                         Title of Class
                         --------------
                              NONE

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned
issuer,  as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
YES X NO
   ---  ---

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to  file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
YES   NO X
   ---  ---

Indicate  by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed  all
reports  required  to be filed by Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding  12  months
(or  for such shorter period that the registrant was required  to
file  such  reports),  and (2) has been subject  to  such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.  YES X NO
                                       ---  ---

Indicate  by  check  mark  if  disclosure  of  delinquent  filers
pursuant  to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,
and  will  not  be  contained, to the best  of  the  registrant's
knowledge,   in   definitive  proxy  or  information   statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form  10-K  or  any
amendment to this Form 10-K.  X
                             ---

Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  is  a  large
accelerated  filer,  an accelerated filer, or  a  non-accelerated
filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Large accelerated filer X Accelerated filer   Non-accelerated filer
                       ---                 ---                     ---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell  company
(as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).   YES   NO X
                                            ---  ---
The  aggregate  market value of the common equity  held  by  non-
affiliates  of  the Registrant (assuming for these purposes  that
all  executive  officers and Directors are  "affiliates"  of  the
Registrant)  as of June 29, 2007,30, 2008, the last business  day  of  the
Registrant's  most recently completed second fiscal quarter,  was
approximately  $912$793 million (based on the closing sale  price  of
the  Registrant's  Common  Stock on  that  date  as  reported  by
Nasdaq).

As  of  February 15, 2008,  70,630,51117, 2009, 71,576,367 shares of the  registrant's
common stock were outstanding.

               DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions  of  the Proxy Statement of Registrant  for  the  Annual
Meeting of Stockholders to be held May 13, 2008,12, 2009, are incorporated
in Part III of this report.



                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                            Page
                                                            ----
                             PART I

Item 1.     Business                                          1
Item 1A.    Risk Factors                                      8
Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments                        1112
Item 2.     Properties                                       1112
Item 3.     Legal Proceedings                                1213
Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Stockholders  1314

                             PART II

Item 5.     Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related
            Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of
            Equity Securities                                1415
Item 6.     Selected Financial Data                          1617
Item 7.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of
            Financial Condition and Results of Operations    1718
Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about
            Market Risk                                      3134
Item 8.     Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      3335
Item 9.     Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants
            on Accounting and Financial Disclosure           5154
Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures                          5154
Item 9B.    Other Information                                5356

                            PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate
            Governance                                       5356
Item 11.    Executive Compensation                           5457
Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial
            Owners and Management and Related Stockholder
            Matters                                          5457
Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related
            Transactions, and Director Independence          5457
Item 14.    Principal Accounting Fees and Services           5457

                             PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules       5458




     This  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31,  2008 ("Form 10-K") and the documents incorporated herein  by
reference   contain   forward-looking   statements    based    on
expectations, estimates and projections as of the  date  of  this
filing.    Actual  results  may  differ  materially  from   those
expressed  in  such  forward-looking  statements.   For   further
guidance,  see Item 1A of Part I and Item 7 of Part  II  of  this
Form 10-K.

                             PART I

ITEM 1.   BUSINESS

General

     Werner Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") isWe  are  a  transportation  and  logistics  company  engaged
primarily  in hauling truckload shipments of general  commodities
in  both  interstate and intrastate commerce.   We  also  provide
logistics  services  through  our Value  Added  Services  ("VAS")
division.   We are one of the five largest truckload carriers  in
the  United States (based on total operating revenues),  and  our
headquarters are located in Omaha, Nebraska, near the  geographic
center of our truckload service area.  We were founded in 1956 by
Chairman  Clarence  L. Werner, who started the business with one  truck  at
the  age  of 19.19 and serves as our Chairman.  We were incorporated
in  the State of Nebraska on September 14, 1982.  We1982 and completed our
initial  public offering in June 1986 with a fleet of 632  trucks
as  of February 28, 1986.  At the end of 2007,2008, we had a fleet  of
8,2507,700  trucks, of which 7,4707,000 were owned by us and 780700 were owned
and operated by owner-operators
(independent contractors).independent owner-operator drivers.

     We  have  two reportable segments - Truckload Transportation
Services   ("Truckload")  and  VAS.   You  can   find   financial
information regarding these segments and the geographic areas  in
which  we conduct business in the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements under Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K10-K.

     Our  Truckload  segment is comprised of  the  following  six
operating  fleets: (i) dedicated services ("Dedicated")  provides
truckload services required by a specific customer, generally for
a   distribution  center  or  manufacturing  facility;  (ii)  the
year  ended December 31, 2007regional   short-haul  ("Form 10-K"Regional").  fleet  provides   comparable
truckload  van service within five geographic regions across  the
United  States; (iii) the medium-to-long-haul van  ("Van")  fleet
transports  a variety of consumer nondurable products  and  other
commodities  in truckload quantities over irregular routes  using
dry van trailers; (iv) the expedited ("Expedited") fleet provides
time-sensitive truckload services utilizing driver teams; and the
(v)   flatbed   ("Flatbed")   and   (vi)   temperature-controlled
("Temperature-Controlled") fleets provide truckload services  for
products with specialized trailers.  Our truckloadTruckload fleets operate
throughout  the 48 contiguous U.S. states pursuant  to  operating
authority, both common and contract, granted by the United States
Department  of Transportation ("DOT") and pursuant to  intrastate
authority granted by various U.S. states.  We also have authority
to operate in several provinces of Canada and to provide through-trailerthrough-
trailer  service  in and out of Mexico.  The principal  types  of
freight  we transport include retail store merchandise,  consumer
products, manufactured products and grocery products.   OurWe  focus
is to transporton  transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship more
consistently throughout the year and whose volumes are  generally
more stable during a slowdown in the economy.

     Our  VAS  divisionsegment  is  a non-asset-based transportation  and
logistics  provider.   OurVAS is comprised  of  the  following  four
operating  units  that  provide  non-trucking  services  to   our
customers:  (i)  truck  brokerage  division has("Brokerage");  (ii)   freight
management   (single-source  logistics)  ("Freight  Management");
(iii) intermodal ("Intermodal"); and (iv) Werner Global Logistics
("WGL"    or   "International").    Our   Brokerage   unit    had
transportation services contracts with over 8,5006,400 carriers as  of
December  2007.  VAS  includes
truck  brokerage,  freight  management (single-source logistics),
intermodal  and international freight  forwarding.  In July 2006,
we formed Werner Global Logistics ("WGL"), an operating  division
within  the  VAS   segment  consisting   of  several   subsidiary
companies,  including  a  Wholly  Owned  Foreign  Entity ("WOFE")
headquartered in Shanghai, China.  The31,  2008.   Through our WGL  subsidiaries,  obtained
business  licenses  to  operate  aswe  are  a
licensed U.S. Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier ("NVOCC"), U.S.
Customs Broker, licensedClass A Freight Forwarder in China, licensed  China  NVOCC,
aU.S.   Transportation  Security  Administration  ("TSA") approved-approved
Indirect  Air Carrier and
an International Air Transport Association
("IATA") Accredited Cargo Agent.

                                1


Marketing and Operations

     Our  business  philosophy  is to  provide  superior  on-time
customer  service  to  our customers at a competitive cost.  To accomplish this,  we
operate premium modern tractors and trailers.  This equipment has
a lower frequency of breakdownsfewer  mechanical  and maintenance issues and helps  attract  and
retain   qualified   drivers.   We  have  continually   developed
technology to improve customer service and driver retention.   We
focus  on  shippers  who  value the  broad  geographic  coverage,
diversified  truck  and logistics service  offerings,services,  equipment  capacity,
technology, customized services and flexibility available from  a
large financially-stable carrier.

     These
shippers  are generally less sensitive to rate levels and  prefer
to have their freight handled by core carriers with whom they can
establish service-based, long-term relationships.

     We  operate in the truckload sector of the trucking industry
and  in the logistics sector of the transportation industry.  Our
Truckload  segment  provides specialized  services  to  customers
based  on their  (i) each customer's trailer needs (such as van, flatbed
and   temperature-controlled  trailers),  (ii)  geographic   area
(including  medium-to-long-haul throughout the 48 contiguous  U.S.  states,United
States, Mexico, Canada and regional areas), (iii) time-sensitive  nature

                                1


ofextremely time-
sensitive shipments (expedited shipments)(expedited) or (iv) the conversion  of  their
private  fleet  to  the Company (dedicated services)us (Dedicated).  In 2007,2008,  trucking  revenues
accounted  for  86% of our total revenues, and  non-trucking  and
other  operating revenues (primarily brokerageVAS revenues) accounted  for
14%   of  our  total  revenues.   Our  VAS  segment  manages  the
transportation   and   logistics  requirements   for   individual
customers,   providing  customers  with  additional  sources   of
capacity, and  access to alternative modes of transportation.transportation, a global  delivery
network  and  systems analysis to optimize transportation  needs.
VAS   services   include  (i)  truck  brokerage,   (ii)   freight
management,  (iii)  intermodal (iv)  load/modetransport and network
optimization   and  (v)(iv)  international.
The  VAS  international services include (i) site selection analysis,door-to-door freight
forwarding, (ii) vendor and purchase order management, (iii) full
container  load  consolidation  and  warehousing,  (iv)   door-to-door   freight
forwardingcustoms
brokerage  and  (v) customs brokerage.  Theseair freight services.  Most VAS international
services are provided throughout North America Asia, Europe  and South  America.Asia.  VAS  is
a  non-asset-based business that is highly dependent on qualified
employees,  information  systems and the  services  of  qualified
third-party  capacity  providers.   Compared
to   trucking  operations  that  require  a  significant  capital
equipment investment, VAS' operating income percentage  is  lower
and  its return on assets is substantially higher.  You  can  find  the  revenues
generated  by  services  accounting for  more  than  10%  of  our
consolidated revenues, consisting of Truckload and VAS,  for  the
last three years under Item 7 of this Form 10-K.

     We  have a diversified freight base but are dependent  on  a
small  group  of  customers for a significant portion  of  our  freight.
During  2007,2008,  our  largest 5, 10, 25 and 50 customers  comprised
25%24%, 40%39%, 62%61% and 75% of our revenues, respectively.  Our  largest customer, Dollar General, accounted for  8%  of  our
revenues  in  2007,  of  which  approximately  three-fourths   is
dedicated fleet business and the remainder is primarily VAS.   No
other customer
exceeded 6%10% of revenues in 2007.2008.  By industry group, our top  50
customers  consist  of  46%44%  retail and  consumer  products,  27%28%
grocery  products, 18% manufacturing/industrial and 9%10% logistics
and  other.  Many of our non-dedicated customer contracts may  be
terminated  upon  30  days'  notice, which  is  standard  in  the
trucking industry.  Most dedicated customer contracts are one  to
three  years in length and may be terminated upon 90 days' notice
following the expiration of the contract's first year.

     Virtually all of our company and owner-operator tractors are
equipped  with  satellite communication devices  manufactured  by
QualcommT.QualcommTM.  These devices enable us and our drivers  to  conduct
two-way  communication using standardized and freeform  messages.
This  satellite technology, installed in our trucks beginning  in
1992,  also allows us to plan and monitor shipment progress.   We
obtain  specific data on the location of all trucks in the  fleet
at  least  every  hour of every day.  Using  the  real-time  data
obtained  from the satellite devices, we have developed  advanced
application  systems  to  improve customer  and  driver  service.
Examples of such application systems include: (i) our proprietary
paperless  log  system  used  to electronically  preplanpre-plan  driver
shipment  assignments based on real-time available driving  hours
and to automatically monitor truck movement and drivers' hours of
service; (ii) software which preplansthat pre-plans shipments that drivers can trade
enroute  to meet driver home-time needs without compromising  on-timeon-
time  delivery  schedules; (iii) automated "possible  late  load"
tracking  that  informs  the  operations  department  of   trucks
possibly   operating  behind  schedule,  allowing  us   to   take
preventive measures to avoid late deliveries; and (iv)  automated
engine  diagnostics  that  continually monitor  mechanical  fault
tolerances.   In  June   1998, we began a successful pilot  program  and
subsequently  became  the first and only, trucking company  in  the  United
States  to  receive an exemption from the DOT  to  use  a  global
positioning  system-based paperless log system in place  ofas an  alternative
to  the  paper  logbooks traditionally used by truck  drivers  to
track  their daily work activities.  On September 21,  2004,  the
DOT's
Federal  Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA") agency  of
the  DOT approved the exemption for our paperless log system  and

                                2
moved  this  exemptionprogram  from the FMCSA-approved  pilot  program  to
permanent
status.   The  exemption  is tostatus, requiring that the exemption be renewed  every
two  years.   On  September 7, 2006, the FMCSA announced  in  the
Federal  Register its decision to renew for two additional  years
our  exemption  from  the  FMCSA's requirement  that  drivers  of
commercial  motor  vehicles  operating  in  interstate   commerce
prepare handwritten records of duty status (logs).  In July 2008,
we  again  applied for the two-year renewal of our paperless  log
exemption.   On  January  9, 2009, the  FMCSA  announced  in  the
Federal Register its determination that our paperless log  system
satisfies   the  FMCSA's  Automatic  On-Board  Recording   Device
requirements and that an exemption is no longer required.

Seasonality

     In the trucking industry, revenues generally show a seasonal
patternpattern.   Peak freight demand has historically occurred  in  the
months  of September, October and November; however, we have  not
experienced  this  seasonal increase in demand  during  the  last
three  years.  After the December holiday season and  during  the
remaining winter months, our freight volumes are typically  lower
because  some  customers reduce shipments during and  after
the   winter   holiday  season.shipment levels.   Our  operating
expenses  have historically been higher in the winter months  due
primarily  to 2
decreased fuel efficiency, increased cold  weather-relatedweather-
related  maintenance  costs of revenue  equipment  and  increased
insurance  and claims costs attributed to adverse winter  weather
conditions.   We  attempt to minimize the impact  of  seasonality
through our marketing program by seeking additional freight  from
certain  customers during traditionally slower shipping  periods.
Revenue  can  also be affected by bad weather, holidays  and  the
number of business days during a quarterly period because revenue
is directly related to the available working days of shippers.

Employees and Owner-Operator Drivers

     As  of December  31, 2007,2008, we employed 10,66410,667 qualified  and
student drivers; 912769 mechanics and maintenance personnel; 1,726personnel for  the
trucking  operation;  1,386  office personnel  for  the  trucking
operation;  and 306704 personnel for VAS,  international  and  other
non-
truckingnon-trucking operations.  We also had 780700 service  contracts with
owner-operators who provide both a tractor and a qualified driver
or  drivers.  None of our U.S., Canadian or Chinese employees  areis
represented  by  a collective bargaining unit,  and  we  consider
relations with all of our employees to be good.

     We  recognize  that our professional driver workforce is one
of our most valuable assets.  Most of our driver compensation is
based upon miles driven.drivers are compensated
on a per-mile basis, using a standardized mileage pay scale.  For
most  company-employed  drivers,  the  rate  per  mile  generally
increases with the drivers' length of service.  Drivers may  earn
additional   compensation  through  a   mileage   bonus,   annual
achievement  bonus and for extra work associated with  their  job
(such  as loading and unloading, extra stops and shorter  mileage
trips).

     At  times,  there  are  driver  shortages  in  the  trucking
industry.   In past years, the numberAvailability of qualified drivers has not
kept  pace  with  freight growth because ofcan be affected  by
(i) changes in the demographic composition of the workforce; (ii)
alternative  employment opportunities other  than  truck  driving
that  become  available  in  a  growingthe economy;  and  (iii)  individual
drivers' desire to be home more often. While theThe driver recruiting  and
retention  market remained challenging  in  2007,  it  was  less
difficult than the driver market experiencedhas improved from a year ago.  The weakness  in
the  first half of
2006.  Weakness in the housing marketconstruction  and  the medium-to-long-haul
Vanautomotive industries,  trucking  company
failures  and fleet reduction contributed  favorablyreductions and a rising national unemployment
rate  continue  to positively affect our recruitingdriver availability  and
retention   efforts  for  much   of  2007.selectivity.   In  addition, our strong mileage  utilization  and
financial  strength are attractive to drivers  when  compared  to
other carriers.  We anticipate that availability of drivers  will
remain  high  until  current economic conditions  improve.   When
economic  conditions improve, competition for  qualified  drivers
will  remain highlikely  increase  and we cannot  predict  whether  we  will
experience future driver shortages.  If such a shortage  were  to
occur  and a driver pay rate increase became necessary to attract
and retain drivers, our results of operations would be negatively
impacted  to  the  extent that we could not obtain  corresponding
freight rate increases.

                                3


     We  utilize  student  drivers as a  primary  source  of  new
drivers.  Student drivers have completed a training program at  a
truck  driving school and are further trained by Werner certified
trainer drivers for approximately 300 driving hours prior to that
driver  becoming a solo driver with their own truck.  The student
driver  recruiting  environment  is  currently  good.   The  same
factors  described  above that have aided  our  qualified  driver
recruiting  efforts have also resulted in a plentiful  supply  of
student  drivers.  At the same time, some carriers are decreasing
the number of student drivers they recruit.  The availability  of
student drivers may be negatively impacted in the future  by  the
availability of financing for student loans for driving school, a
potential decrease in the number of driving schools, and proposed
rule  changes  regarding  minimum  requirements  for  entry-level
driver  training.  When  economic conditions improve, competition
for student drivers will likely increase, and we  cannot  predict
whether  we  will experience future shortages in the availability
of  student  drivers.    If such a shortage  were  to  occur  and
additional  driver pay rate increases were necessary  to  attract
student  drivers, our results of operations would  be  negatively
impacted  to the extent that corresponding freight rate increases
were not obtained.

     On  December  26,  2007,  the FMCSA published  a  Notice  of
Proposed  Rulemaking ("NPRM") in the Federal  Register  regarding
minimum  requirements for Entry Level Driver Training.entry level driver training. Under  the
proposed  rule,  a Commercialcommercial driver's license ("CDL")  applicant
would  be required to present a valid driver training certificate
obtained  from an accredited institution or program.  Entry-level
drivers  applying for a Class A CDL would be required to complete
a  minimum  of 120 hours of training, consisting of 76  classroom
hours  and  44  driving  hours. The current  regulations  do  not
require  a  minimum  number of training hours  and  require  only
classroom  education. Drivers who obtain their first  CDL  during
the  three-year period after the FMCSA issues a final rule  would
be  exempt. Comments onThe FMCSA extended the NPRM arecomment period until July
2008.   On  April 9, 2008, the FMCSA published another NPRM  that
(i)  establishes  new minimum standards to be received by March  25,
2008.met  before  states
issue   commercial  learner's  permits;  (ii)  revises  the   CDL
knowledge and skills testing standards; and (iii) improves  anti-
fraud  measures within the CDL program.  If the  NPRMone or both of  these
proposed  rules  is  approved as written, this  rulethe final  rules  could
materially  impact the number of potential new  drivers  entering
the  industry.   As  of  December 31, 2008,  the  FMCSA  has  not
published a final rule.

     We  also  recognize  that  carefully selected   owner-operators  complement  our
company-employed   drivers.   Owner-operators   are   independent
contractors who supply their own tractor and qualified driver and
are  responsible  for their operating expenses.   Because  owner-operatorsowner-
operators  provide their own tractors, less financial capital  is
required  from us. Also, owner-operators provide us with  another
source  of  drivers to support our fleet.  We intend to  maintain
our emphasis on owner-operator recruiting, in addition to company
driver  recruitment.   The Company andWe,  along  with  the  trucking  industry,
however,  continue to experience owner-operator  recruitment  and
retention difficulties that have persisted over the past  several
years.   We attribute  these  difficulties  to
several  factors,Challenging operating conditions, including inflationary
cost  increases  that are the responsibility of  owner-operators,
higher  fuel  prices and tightened equipment financing  standards
rising truck prices, revised hours
of service regulations issued by the FMCSAhave made it difficult to recruit and a  slowing  U.S.
economy in 2007.

                                3
retain owner-operators.

Revenue Equipment

     As of  December 31, 2007,2008, we operated 7,4707,000 company tractors
and had contracts for 780700 tractors owned by owner-operators.  The
company-owned  tractors  were  manufactured  by  Freightliner  a
subsidiary  of  DaimlerChrysler, and by(a
Daimler  company), Peterbilt and Kenworth divisions(divisions  of  PACCAR.  This standardization of our company-owned
tractor fleet decreases downtime by simplifying maintenance.PACCAR)
and   International  (a  Navistar  company).   We  adhere  to   a
comprehensive maintenance program for both company-
ownedcompany-owned tractors
and  trailers.   We  inspect  owner-operator  tractors  prior  to
acceptance  for  compliance with CompanyWerner and DOT  operational  and
safety requirements.  We periodically inspect these tractors,  in
a  manner  similar  to  company tractor inspections,  to  monitor
continued  compliance.  We also regulate  the  vehicle  speed  of
company-owned trucks to a maximum of 65 miles per hour to improve
safety and fuel efficiency.

     The average age of our truck fleet was 1.3 years at December
31,  2006,  2.1  years  at December 31, 2007  and  2.5  years  at
December  31,  2008.  The higher average age of the  truck  fleet
results in more maintenance that is not covered by warranty.  The
average  odometer  miles per truck in our truck  fleet  has  also
increased  from  December 31, 2006 to  December  31,  2008.   The
percentage   increase  in  the  average  miles   per   truck   is
significantly  less than the percentage increase in  the  average

                                4


age  due to the large pre-buy of new trucks in 2006.  The pre-buy
delayed  the purchase of more expensive trucks with 2007 engines.
The  pre-buy trucks were put into service throughout 2007  as  we
sold  our  used  trucks.  Based  on  current  used  truck  market
conditions,  we  may  be  unable  to  sell  enough used trucks to
maintain the current 2.5 year average  age of our company tractor
fleet.

     We  operated  24,85524,940 trailers  at December 31,  2007.2008.   This
total  is  comprised  of  23,10923,316 dry vans;  501473  flatbeds;  1,142
temperature-controlled  trailers;  and  1,245
temperature-controlled9  specialized  trailers.
Most  of  our  trailers  were  manufactured  by  Wabash  National
Corporation.   As  of December 31, 2007,2008, of our dry  van  trailer
fleet,  98% consisted of 53-foot trailers, and 100% was comprised
of  aluminum  plate or composite (DuraPlate) trailers.   We  also
provide  other  trailer  lengths, such  as  48-foot  and  57-foot
trailers, to meet the specialized needs of certain customers.

     Our  wholly-owned subsidiary, Fleet Truck Sales,  sells  our
used trucks and trailers and is believed to be one of the largest
domestic  Class  8  truck sales entities in  the  United  States.
Fleet  Truck Sales has been in business since 1992 and  currently
operates in 16 locations.

     The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") mandated  a
new  set  of  more stringent engine emissionemissions standards  for  all
newly   manufactured  truck  engines.   These  standards   became
effective  in  January  2007.  Compared to  trucks  with  engines
manufactured  before 2007 and not subject to the  new  standards,
the trucks manufactured with the new engines have higher purchase
prices  (approximately $5,000 to $10,000  more  per  truck), and  we  expect
them   to   be  less  fuel-efficient  and  result  in   increased
maintenance  costs..   To
delay  the cost impact of these new emissionemissions standards, in  2005
and  2006  we  purchased significantly more new  trucks  than  we
normally  buy  each year, and we maintained a newer  truck  fleet
at December 31, 2006 relative to historical company and industry standards.  The average age of  our  truck
fleet  as  of  December 31, 2007 is 2.1 years.  Our newer
truck fleet  has allowed us to delay purchases of trucks with the  new
2007-standard engines until 2008.first quarter 2008, when we began  to
take  delivery of trucks with 2007-standard engines.  In  January
2010,  a  final  set  of  more  rigorous  EPA-mandated  emissions
standards  will become effective for all new engines manufactured
after  that  date.   We  are  currently  evaluating  the  options
available to us to prepare for the upcoming 2010 standards.

Fuel

     We   purchase   approximately  95%96%   of  our  fuel  from   a
predetermined network of fuel stops throughout the United States.
We  negotiated  discounted pricing based on  historical  purchase
volumes  with  these  fuel stops.  Bulk  fueling  facilities  are
maintained  at  seven of our terminals and three dedicatedDedicated  fleet
locations.

     Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and rationing of
petroleum  products  can have a material adverse  effect  on  our
operations  and  profitability.   Our  customer  fuel   surcharge
reimbursement  programs have historically enabled us  to  recover
from  our  customers a significant portionmajority, but not all, of the higher  fuel
prices  compared to normalized average fuel prices.   These  fuel
surcharges,  which  automatically adjust depending  on  the  U.S.
Department of Energy ("DOE") weekly retail on-highway diesel fuel
prices, enable us to recoup much of the higher cost of fuel  when
prices  increase.  We do not generally recoup higher  fuel  costs
for miles not billable to customers, out-of-route miles and truck
engine   idling.   During  2007,2008,  our  fuel  expense   and   fuel
reimbursements  to  owner-operators attributed  toincreased by  $117.2  million
because  of  higher fuel prices resulted  in an additional cost of  $23.0  million.   We
collected an additional $14.9 million in fuel surcharge  revenues
in  2007  to  offset mostthe first half  of  the  year,
partially offset by fuel cost increase.savings resulting from 6% fewer company-
owned tractors and the results of our initiatives to improve fuel
efficiency.  We cannot predict whether fuel prices will  increase
or  decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges
will  be  collected from customers.  As of December 31, 2007,2008,  we
had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to
fuel price fluctuations.

     During  fourth  quarter  2006, the trucking  industry  began
using  ultra-low  sulfur diesel ("ULSD")  fuel  and  transitioned
industry diesel fuel consumption from low sulfur diesel to  ULSD.
This  change  stemmed from an EPA-mandated 80% ULSD threshold  by
the  transition date of October 15, 2006.  Since that time,  this
change  resulted in an approximate 2% degradation of  fuel  miles
per  gallon  ("mpg") for all trucks because of the  lower  energy
content  (btu)  of  ULSD.  We believe that  other  factors  which

                                4


impact  mpg,  including increasing the percentage of  aerodynamic
trucks in our company-owned truck fleet, have offset the negative
mpg impact of ULSD in 2007, compared to 2006.

     We  maintain aboveground  and underground fuel storage tanks
at  many of our terminals.  Leakage or damage to these facilities
could  expose us to environmental clean-up costs.  The tanks  are
routinely inspected to help prevent and detect such problems.

                                5
Regulation

     We are a motor carrier regulated by the DOT, the Federalfederal and
Provincialprovincial Transportation Departments in Canada, and the Secretary of
Communication  and  Transportation  ("SCT")  in  Mexico.Mexico  and  the
Ministry  of Transportation in China.  The DOT generally  governs
matters  such as safety requirements, registration to  engage  in
motor  carrier  operations, accounting systems, certain  mergers,
consolidations and acquisitions and periodic financial reporting.
We  currently have a satisfactory DOT safety rating, which is the
highest  available  rating,  and  continually  take  efforts   to
maintain    our   satisfactory   rating.    A   conditional    or
unsatisfactory  DOT  safety  rating  could  adversely  affect  us
because  some  of our customer contracts require  a  satisfactory
rating.   Equipment  weight and dimensions are  also  subject  to
federal, state and international regulations.

     Effective  October  1, 2005, all truckload  carriers  became
subject to revised hours of service ("HOS") regulations issued by
the  FMCSA ("2005 HOS Regulations").  The most significant change
for us from the previous regulations is that now, pursuant to the
2005  HOS regulations, drivers using the sleeper berth provision  must  take
at  least  one  break of eight consecutive hours off-duty  during
their  ten  hours off-duty.  Previously, drivers using a  sleeper
berth were allowed to split their ten-
hourten-hour off-duty time into two
periods,  provided neither period was less than two  hours.   ThisThe
more  restrictive  sleeper berth provision  isregulations are  requiring  some
drivers to plan their time better.  The 2005 HOS Regulations also
had  a  negative impact on our mileage efficiency,  resulting  in
lower mileage productivity for those customers with multiple-stop
shipments or those shipments with pick-up or delivery delays.

     The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association ("OOIDA")
and  Public  Citizen (a consumer safety organization) each  filed
separate  petitions for review of the 2005 HOS  Regulations  with
the  U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia in August
2005  and  February  2006.  The OOIDA petition contested  several
issues  relating  to  the 2005 HOS Regulations,  including  FMCSA
justification  for  the  eight-hour  sleeper  berth  requirements
described above.  The Public Citizen petition disputed an 11-hour
daily  driving  limitation and the 34-hour  restart  rule  (which
permits  drivers  who  are off duty for 34 consecutive  hours  to
reset their eight-day, 70-hour clock to zero hours).

     On  December 4, 2006, a three-judge panel heard arguments on
the petitions for review; and on July 24, 2007, the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the District of Columbia issued its decision  on  the
challenges  made by OOIDA and Public Citizen regarding  the  2005
HOS  Regulations.  The Court rejected the OOIDA claims, including
OOIDA's  opposition to the eight-hour sleeper berth requirements,
but ruled in favor of Public Citizen on the 11-hour daily driving
limit  and  34-hour  restart  rules.   The  Court  described  its
concerns as procedural and vacated only the 11-hour daily driving
limit  and  34-hour restart provisions, leaving the remainder  of
the  2005  HOS  Regulations in place.  On August  31,  2007,  the
American  Trucking  Associations ("ATA")  filed  a  petition  for
Rulemaking before the FMCSA requesting an expedited rulemaking to
preserve the 11-hour driving limit and 34-hour restart rules.  On
September 6, 2007, ATA filed a Motion for Stay of Mandate  asking
the  Court  to  delay the effective date of  its  July  24,  2007
decision.   Subsequently, FMCSA filed a brief in support  of  the
ATA's  motion.  On September 28, 2007, the Court issued a  90-day
stay of the effective date of the Court's decision.

     Effective  December 27, 2007, the FMCSA  issued  an  interim
final  rule  that amended the 2005 HOS regulations to  (i)  allow
drivers  up  to  11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour,  non-extendablenon-
extendable  window  from the start of the workday  (this  driving
time  must follow 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time) and (ii)
restart calculations of the weekly on-duty time limits after  the
driver  has at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.  This interim
rule made essentially no changes to the 11-hour driving limit and
34-
hour34-hour restart rules.  The FMCSA solicited commentsrules that we have been following since the  2005
HOS  Regulations became effective.  In 2006 and  2007,  the  U.S.
Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia also considered the
2005 HOS Regulations and heard arguments on the interim
final  rule until February 15, 2008, and intends to issue a final

                                5


rule  in 2008 that addresses the issues identifiedvarious petitions
for  review,  one  of which was submitted by  the  Court.Public  Citizen  (a
consumer  safety organization).  On January 23, 2008,  the  Court
denied  Public  Citizen's motion to invalidate the interim  final
rule.   The  FMCSA solicited comments on the interim  final  rule
until  February 15, 2008.  On November 19, 2008, the FMCSA issued
a  final  rule  which adopts the provisions of the December  2007
interim final rule.  This rule became effective January 19, 2009.

     On  January  18, 2007, the FMCSA published a  Notice  of
Proposed  Rulemaking  ("NPRM")an  NPRM  in  the
Federal Register on the trucking industry's use of Electronic On-BoardOn-
Board  Recorders ("EOBRs") for compliance with  HOS  rules.   The
intent of this proposed rule is to (i) improve highway safety  by
fostering  development of new EOBR technology for HOS compliance;
(ii) encourage EOBR use by motor carriers through incentives; and
(iii)  require EOBR use by operators with serious and  continuing
HOS  compliance  problems.  Comments  on  the  NPRM  were  to  be
received  by  April  18, 2007.  In 1998, we becameOn January 23,  2009,  the  first,  and
only,  trucking  company inFMCSA
withdrew the United States to  receive  a  DOT
exemption to use a global positioning system-based paperless  log
system as an alternative to the paper logbooks traditionally used
by  truck drivers to track their daily work activities.proposed rule for reconsideration.  While we do  not
believe the rule, as proposed, would have a significant effect on
our  operations  and profitability, we will continue  to  monitor
future developments.

     We  have unlimited authority to carry general commodities in
interstate commerce throughout the 48 contiguous U.S. states.  We
also have authority to carry freight on an intrastate basis in 43
states.  The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of
1994 (the "FAAA Act") amended sections of the Interstate Commerce
Act to prevent states from regulating motor carrier rates, routes
or  service after January 1, 1995.  The FAAA Act did not  address
state   oversight   of   motor  carrier  safety   and   financial
responsibility or state taxation of transportation.  If a carrier
wishes  to  operate in intrastate commerce in a state  where  the
carrier did not previously have intrastate authority, the carrier
must, in most cases, still apply for authority.authority in such state.

     WGL and its subsidiaries have obtained business licenses  to
operate  as  a U.S. NVOCC, U.S. Customs Broker, licensedClass  A  Freight
Forwarder  in  China,  licensed China  NVOCC,  a TSA approvedTSA-approved  Indirect  Air
Carrier and an IATA Accredited Cargo Agent.

                                6


     With  respect  to  our activities in the air  transportation
industry,  we are subject to regulation by the TSA  of  the  U.S.
Department of Homeland Security as an Indirect Air Carrier and by
IATA   as  an  Accredited  Cargo  Agent.   IATA  is  a  voluntary
association  of  airlines  which  prescribes  certain   operating
procedures  for air freight forwarders acting as agents  for  its
members.   We expect that aA  majority of our air freight forwarding business  will beis
conducted with airlines that are IATA members.

     We  are  licensed as a customs broker by Customs and  Border
Protection ("CBP") of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in
each  U.S.  customs district in which we conduct  business.   All
U.S.  customs brokers are required to maintain prescribed records
and   are   subject  to  periodic  audits  by  CBP.    In   other
jurisdictions  in  which we perform clearance  services,  we  are
licensed by the appropriate governmental authority.

     We   are   also   registered  as  an  Ocean   Transportation
Intermediary  by  the  U.S. Federal Maritime Commission  ("FMC").
The  FMC  has  established  certain qualifications  for  shipping
agents,  including surety bonding requirements.  The FMC is  also
responsible  for  the  economic  regulation  of  NVOCC   activity
originating or terminating in the United States.  To comply  with
these  economic  regulations, vessel  operators  and  NVOCCs  are
required  to  electronically  file  tariffs,  and  these  tariffs
establish the rates  to be charged for movement of specified commodities
into  and  out  of the United States.  The FMC may enforce  these
regulations by assessing penalties.

      Our  operations are subject to various federal,  state  and
local  environmental  laws and regulations,  many  of  which  are
implemented  by  the  EPA and similar state regulatory  agencies.
These  laws  and regulations govern the management  of  hazardous
wastes, the discharge of pollutants into the air and surface  and
underground waters and the disposal of certain substances.  We do
not believe that compliance with these regulations has a material
effect  on  our  capital expenditures, earnings  and  competitive
position.

     Several  U.S.  states,  counties  and  cities  have  enacted
legislation or ordinances restricting idling of trucks  to  short
periods of time.  This action is significant when it impacts  the
driver's ability to idle the truck for purposes of operating  air
6
conditioning  and  heating  systems  particularly  while  in  the
sleeper berth.  Many of the statutes or ordinances recognize  the
need of the drivers to have a comfortable environment in which to
sleep and include exceptions for those circumstances.  California
had  such  an  exemption; however, since  January  1,  2008,  the
California  sleeper berth exemption no longer  exists.   We  have
taken  steps  to address this issue in California.California, which  include
driver  training, better scheduling and the installation and  use
of  auxiliary power units ("APUs").  California has also  enacted
restrictions  on  Transport Refrigeration Unittransport refrigeration unit ("TRU")  emissions
that  require companies to operate compliant TRUs in  California.
The   California  regulations  apply  not  only   to   California
intrastate  carriers, but also to carriers outside of  California
who  wish  to enter the state with TRUs.  On January 9, 2009  the
EPA  issued California a waiver from preemption (as published  in
the   Federal  Register  on  January  16,  2009),  which  are scheduledenables
California  to  be phasedphase  in  its  regulations  over  several  years
beginning  year-end  2008.   Although  legal  challenges  may  be
mounted  against California's regulations, ifJuly  17,  2009.   For compliance  purposes,  we  have
started  the TRU emissions
law becomes effective as scheduled, it will require companies  to
operate  only  compliant TRUsregistration process in California.  ThereCalifornia, and  we  are
severalcurrently  evaluating  our options and alternatives  for  meeting
these requirements which   we   are
currently evaluating.in 2009 and over the next several years as the
regulations gradually become effective.

     Various  provisions  of   the   North  American  Free  Trade
Agreement  ("NAFTA")  may alter the competitive  environment  for
shipping  into and out of Mexico.  We believe we are sufficiently
prepared  to  respond  to the potential changes  in  cross-border
trucking  if  there  was an opening ofU.S. regulations on international trade  and  truck
transport  became  less restrictive with respect  to  the  southern  border.border
shared by the United States and Mexico.  We conduct a substantial
amount of business in international freight shipments to and from
the United States and Mexico (see Note 8 "Segment  Information"(Segment Information) in
the  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item  8  of
this Form 10-K) and continue preparing for various scenarios that
may  result.  We believe we are one of the five largest truckload
carriers in terms of the volume of freight shipments to and  from
the United States and Mexico.

                                7
Competition

     The  trucking industry  is highly competitive  and  includes
thousands of trucking companies.  The annual revenue of  domestic
trucking is estimated to be approximately $600 billion per  year.
We  have  a  small share (estimated at approximately 1%)  of  the
markets we target.  We competeOur Truckload segment competes primarily with
other  truckload carriers. Logistics companies, railroads,  less-than-truckloadless-
than-truckload  carriers  and  private  carriers   also   provide
competition but to  a
lesser degree.for both our Truckload and VAS segments.

     Competition  for the freight we transport is based primarily
on  service, and efficiency, available capacity and, to some  degree,
on  freight  rates  alone.  We believe that few  other  truckload
carriers have greater financial resources, own more equipment  or
carry  a larger volume of freight than ours.  We are one  of  the
five  largest  carriers in the truckload transportation  industry
based on total operating revenues.

     The  significant industry-wide accelerated purchase  of  new
trucks in advance of the January 2007 EPA emissions standards for
newly  manufactured trucks contributed to excess truck  capacity.
This  excess capacity partially disrupted the supply  and  demand
balance  for trucks in the second half of 2006 and in 2007.   The recent  softnessweakness in the housing and automotive sectors (not(each of which
is  not  principally served by us) caused carriers  dependent  on
these  freight  markets to aggressively compete in other  freight
markets  that we serve.  Other demand-related factors that may have contributed
to  lower freight demand and flat to lower freight rates in  2006
and  2007  were (i) inventory tightening by some large retailers,
(ii)  some  shippers shifting to more intermodal intact container
shipments  for lower value freight and (iii) moderatingWeaker economic growthconditions in  the  retail sector.  Since April 2007, Class  8  truck
production  declined  dramatically,  andlast
four  months of 2008 resulted in customers shipping less freight,
which we expect  this   will
continuebelieve increased price competition for several more months.  Over time, lower  new  truck
production and inventory depletion of 2006 engine trucks on truck
dealer lots should help to balance the supply of trucks with  the
freight  market.freight.  During
the  same  period  in  which truckload freight  rates  have  been
depressed,  inflationary  and  operational  cost  pressures  have
challenged  truckload  carriers,  particularly  highly  leveraged
private  carriers.  In 2008, the industry experienced the highest
number  of  carrier  failures since 2001, which  we  believe  can
primarily  be attributed to higher diesel fuel prices during  the
first  half  of  2008.  If this   environment
continues,  an  increase  inrecent weaker economic conditions  and
tighter financing market conditions continue, additional trucking
company  failures  isare  more likely, which  could  also  help  to
balance the supply of trucks relative to demand over time.

Internet Website

     We   maintain  an  Internet   website  where  you  can  find
additional  information  regarding our business  and  operations.
The  website address is www.werner.com.  On the website, we  make
certain  investor information available free of charge, including
our  annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form  10-Q,
current  reports  on  Form  8-K, Forms 3, 4 and 5ownership  reports  filed  on behalfunder
Section  16  of  directors  and  executive officersthe Securities Exchange Act of 1934  as  amended
("Exchange  Act")  and any amendments to such  reports  filed  or
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of 7
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act").Act.
This information is included on our website as soon as reasonably
practicable   after  we  electronically  file  or  furnish   such
materials to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
We also provide our corporate governance materials, such as Board
committee  charters  and our Code of Corporate  Conduct,  on  our
website  free  of  charge, and we may occasionally  update  these
materials when necessary to comply with SEC and NASDAQ  rules  or
to promote the effective and efficient governance of our company.

     Information provided  on our website is not incorporated  by
reference into this Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS

     The  following  risks and uncertainties may cause our actual
results,   business,  financial  condition  and  cash  flows   to
materially  differ from those anticipated in the  forward-looking
statements included in this Form 10-K.  Caution should  be  taken
not  to  place undue reliance on forward-looking statements  made
herein  since thebecause such statements speak only as ofto the date they  arewere
made.  We  undertake  no  obligation  to  publicly
release any revisions torevise  or  update  any
forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent
events  or  circumstances  after the date of  this
report or to reflect  the  occurrence  of  unanticipated
events.  Also  refer  to  the Cautionary  Note Regarding Forward-
Looking Statements in Item 7 of Part II of this Form 10-K.

                                8


Our business is subject to overall economic conditions that could
have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
     We  are  sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions
that impact customer shipping volumes.  BeginningIn 2008, the overall U.S.
economy  fluctuated and weakened in 2003the last four months  of  the
year.   We  believe that our customers, and continuing throughout 2005, general economic improvements ledretailers  generally,
responded  to improved  freight demand.  Factorsthese financial market conditions by shipping  less
freight.  We also believe other factors that may have contributed
to  lower  freight  demandcustomer shipping volumes and flat  to  lower  freight
rates  in  the
second half of 2006 and in 2007 were (i) inventory tightening and reductions by  some  large  retailers
and  other  customers,  (ii)  some  shippers  shifting  to  more
intermodal intact container shipments for lower value freightexcess  truck  capacity  and  (iii)
moderating  economic growthweakness in the retail, sector.   The
significanthousing, and manufacturing sectors.  When
shipping   volumes  decline,  pricing  generally   becomes   more
competitive  as  carriers  compete for loads  to  maintain  truck
pre-buy, prompted by changes to the EPA  engine
emission regulations that became effective for newly manufactured
engines  beginning January 2007, added a total  of  approximately
170,000 more trucks (or an estimated 6% more trucks in the  Class
8  for-hire market) in the years 2005 and 2006 than are  normally
produced.productivity.   We may be negatively affected by future  economic
conditions including employment levels, business conditions, fuel
and energy costs, interest rates and tax rates.

Increases  in  fuel  prices and shortages  of  fuel  can  have  a
material  adverse  effect  on  the  results  of  operations   and
profitability.
     Fuel prices climbed steadily through  2007,  averaging  20in 2008 averaged 76 cents per gallon higher than
2006.2007.   Prices  climbed in the first half of the  year  and  fell
during the last half of the year.  When fuel prices rise rapidly,
a  negative  earnings lag occurs because the cost of  fuel  rises
immediately  and  the  market  indexes  used  to  determine  fuel
surcharges increase at a slower pace.  This was the trend  during
the first half of 2008.  In a period of declining fuel prices, we
generally  experience  a  temporary  favorable  earnings   effect
because  fuel  costs  decline at a faster pace  than  the  market
indexes  used to determine fuel surcharge collections.  This  was
the trend during the second half of 2008 as fuel prices decreased
and  resulted  in  temporarily  lower  net  fuel  expense,  which
partially  offset uncompensated fuel costs resulting  from  truck
idling,  empty  miles not billable to customers and  out-of-route
miles.   If fuel prices remain stable or increase in the  future,
we do not expect the temporary favorable trend to continue.  Fuel
shortages,  increases  in  fuel  prices  and  petroleum   product
rationing  can  have a material adverse impact on our  operations
and  profitability.  We cannot predict whether fuel  prices  will
increase  or decrease in the future or the extent to  which  fuel
surcharges will be collected from customers.  To the extent  that
we  cannot recover the higher cost of fuel through customer  fuel
surcharges, our financial results would be negatively impacted.

For the first eight months of 2007, average
fuel prices were nearly the same as during the first eight months
of  2006.  However, during the last four months of 2007,  average
fuel  prices increased to record levels while prices declined  in
the last four months of 2006.  Fuel prices averaged 65 cents more
per gallon in the last four months of 2007 versus the same period
in 2006.

Difficulty  in  recruiting and retaining  qualified  and  student
drivers   and  owner-
operatorsowner-operators  could  impact  our   results   of
operations and limit growth opportunities.
     At  times,  the  trucking  industry has  experienced  driver
shortages.   The market for recruiting and retaining drivers  has
become  more  difficult the last several years  due  toDriver  availability may  be  affected  by  changing
workforce  demographics and alternative employment  opportunities
in an  improvingthe economy.  However, nearrecent weakness in the end  of  2006construction and
continuing  through  2007,automotive  industries,  trucking  company  failures  and   fleet
reductions  and a rising national unemployment rate  continue  to
positively   affect  our  driver  availability  and  selectivity.
Consequently,  the  driver recruiting and  retention  market  was less difficult than the extremely challenging  market
experienced  earlier in 2006 duehas
improved  from  a year ago.  In addition, we believe  our  strong
mileage  utilization  and financial strength  are  attractive  to
the weakness in  the  housing
market  and the medium-to-long-haul Van fleet reduction.   During
the  last  several years, it was more difficultdrivers  when  compared to recruit  and
retain   owner-operator  drivers  due  to  challenging  operating
conditions,  including  high  fuel prices.other carriers.   We  anticipate  that
competition  for company drivers and owner-operatoravailability  of drivers will remain high until current  economic
conditions   improve.    When   economic   conditions    improve,
competition  for qualified drivers will likely increase,  and  we
cannot   predict  whether  we  will  experience   future   driver
shortages.  If such a shortage of company driverswere to occur and owner-operators
occurs,  it  may bedriver pay  rate
increases  were  necessary to increase driver  pay  ratesattract  and  owner-operator  settlement  rates  in  order  to  attract   these

                                8


drivers.   This could negatively affectretain  drivers,  our
results of operations would be negatively impacted to the  extent
that we could not obtain corresponding freight rate increases were not
obtained.increases.

We  operate  in  a highly competitive industry, which  may  limit
growth opportunities and reduce profitability.
     The  trucking  industry is highly competitive  and  includes
thousands  of  trucking companies.  We estimate the  ten  largest
truckload carriers have about 9% of the approximate $180  billion
U.S.  market we target.  This competition could limit our  growth
opportunities and reduce our profitability.  We compete primarily
with   other   truckload  carriers  in  our  Truckload   segment.
Logistics companies, railroads, less-than-truckload carriers  and
private  carriers also provide a lesser degree of competition  in
our   Truckload  segment,  but  such  carriers  are  more  direct
competitors in our VAS segment.  Competition for the  freight  we
transport  or manage is based primarily on service and efficiency
and, to some degree, on freight rates alone.

                                9


We  operate in a highly regulated industry.  Changes in  existing
regulations or violations of existing or future regulations could
adversely affect our operations and profitability.
     We  are  regulated  by the DOT, the Federalfederal  and  Provincialprovincial
Transportation Departments in Canada, and the SCT in Mexico  and  the
Ministry of Transportation in China and may become subject to new
or more comprehensive regulations mandated by these agencies.  We
are  also  regulated by agencies in certain U.S.  states.   These
regulatory  agencies  have  the authority  and  power  to  govern
transportation-related  activities,  such  as  safety,  financial
reporting, authorization to conduct motor carrier operations  and
other matters.  In 2006, we  formedThe subsidiaries of WGL an operating division within the VAS segment consisting  of
several  subsidiary companies, including a WOFE headquartered  in
Shanghai, China.  The WGL subsidiaries obtainedhave business licenses to
operate  as  a U.S. NVOCC, U.S. Customs Broker, licensedClass  A  Freight
Forwarder  in  China,  licensed China  NVOCC,  a TSA approvedTSA-approved  Indirect  Air
Carrier  and an  IATA Accredited Cargo Agent.  The loss  of  any  of
these business licenses could adversely impact the operations  of
WGL.

     On  January  18, 2007, the FMCSA published an  NPRM  in  the
Federal  Register  on the trucking industry's use  of  EOBRs  for
compliance  with  HOS rules.  Comments on the  NPRM  were  to  be
received  by  April  18, 2007.  On January 23,  2009,  the  FMCSA
withdrew  the  proposed  rule  for reconsideration.   We  do  not
believe  the  rule, as proposed, would significantly  affect  our
operations  and  profitability, and we will continue  to  monitor
future developments.

     California  has enacted  restrictions on TRU emissions  that
require  companies to operate compliant TRUs in  California.   On
January  9,  2009  the  EPA  issued  California  a  waiver   from
preemption  (as published in the Federal Register on January  16,
2009), which enables California to phase in its regulations  over
several  years beginning July 17, 2009.  For compliance purposes,
we  have started the TRU registration process in California,  and
we  are  currently  evaluating our options and  alternatives  for
meeting  these  requirements in 2009 and over  the  next  several
years as the regulations gradually become effective.

     As  of  January 2007,  all newly manufactured truck  engines
must  comply  with  the  EPA's  more stringent  engine  emissionemissions
standards.   EnginesTrucks  manufactured with the new  engines  produced
under these 2007 standards have higher purchase prices, and we expect them to beare  less
fuel-efficient  and  result in increased  maintenance  costs.   A
final  set  of more rigorous EPA emissions standards will  become
effective  in  January 2010 and apply to all  new  truck  engines
manufactured after that time.date.  We are evaluating our  options  to
prepare for compliance with the 2010 standards, but we are unable
to predict at this time to what extent such standards will affect
us or what the impact will be.

The  seasonal  pattern  generally  experienced  in  the  trucking
industry  may  affect  our periodic results during  traditionally
slower shipping periods and during the winter months.
     Our  business is modestlyIn the trucking industry, revenues generally show a seasonal
with peakpattern.   Peak freight demand occurring  generallyhas historically occurred  in  the
months  of September, October and November.November; however, we have  not
experienced  this  seasonal increase in demand  during  the  last
three  years.  After the December holiday season and  during  the
remaining winter months, our freight volumes are typically  lower
because  some  customers have  reducedreduce shipment levels.   Our  operating
expenses have historically been higher in winter months primarily
due  to decreased fuel efficiency, increased cold weather-related
maintenance  costs  of revenue equipment and increased  insurance
and  claims  costs due to adverse winter weather conditions.   We
attempt   to  minimize  the  impact  of  seasonality  by  seeking
additional  freight  from certain customers during  traditionally
slower shipping periods.  Bad weather, holidays and the number of
business  days during a quarterly period can also affect  revenue
because revenue is directly related to the available working days
of shippers.

We  depend  on  key customers, the loss or financial  failure  of
which  may  have a material adverse effect on our operations  and
profitability.
     A  significant portion of our revenue is generated from  several  key
customers.  During 2007,2008, our top 5, 10 and 25 customers accounted
for  25%24%,  40%39%  and 62%61% of revenues, respectively.   Our  largestNo  customer
Dollar General,  accounted
for  8%exceeded  10% of our revenues in 2007.2008,  and our largest  customer
accounted  for  6%  of  our  revenues  in  2008.  We  do not have
long-term  contractual  relationships   with  many  of  our   key
non-dedicated customers.  Our contractual relationships with  our
dedicated  customers are  typically one to  three years in length
and  may  be  terminated  upon  90  days'  notice  following  the
expiration  of  the contract's first year.  We cannot provide any
assurance  that key customer  relationships will  continue at the
same levels.  If a significant customer reduced or terminated our
services, it could 9
have a material adverse effect on our business

                                10


and  results of operations.  We  review our  customers' financial
condition  prior
tofor  granting  credit,  monitor  changes in customers'
financial  conditionconditions  on  an  on-goingongoing  basis, review  individual
past-due  balances and  collection concerns  and maintain  credit
insurance  for some customer accounts.  However, a key customer's
financial   failure  may
still   negatively  affect   our  results   of
operations.

We  depend on the services of third-party capacity providers, the
availability  of which could affect our profitability  and  limit
growth in our VAS division.segment.
     Our  VAS  divisionsegment  is  highly  dependent  on the services of
third-party capacity providers, such as other truckload carriers,
less-than-truckload  carriers,   railroads,  ocean  carriers  and
airlines.   Many  of  those  providers  face  the  same  economic
challenges  as  us.  Continued  freight  demand  softness and the
temporary  increase in theincreased  truck supply of trucks  caused by  the industry truck
pre-buy  made  it  somewhat  easier  to  find qualified truckload
capacity  to  meet  customer  freight  needs  for  our  truck  brokerage
operation.Brokerage
operation  in 2007.  A  large number  of carrier failures in 2008
tightened  capacity  in the  first half  of 2008, making  it more
difficult  to  obtain  capacity  at  a comparable margin to prior
quarters.  However, in recent months capacity became more readily
available due to the weakened domestic economy.  If these market conditions change and we are unable
to secure  the services of these  third-party capacity providers,
our results of operations could be adversely affected.

Our  earnings  could be reduced by increases  in  the  number  of
insurance claims, the cost per claim, the costs of insurance premiums  or
the availability of insurance coverage.
     We  self-insureare  self-insured for a significant portion of liability
resulting from bodily injury, property damage, cargo loss  and employee
workers'  compensation.compensation  and  health  benefit  claims.   This   is
supplemented  by premiumpremium-based insurance with licensed and  highly-rated  insurance
companies  above  our  self-insurance  level  for  each  type  of
coverage.  To the extent we experience a significant increase  in
the  number  of  claims,  cost per claim or  costs  of  insurance
premiums  for  coverage in excess of our retention  amounts,  our
operating results would be negatively affected.  A portion of our
insurance  coverage  for the current and prior  policy  years  is
provided by insurance companies that are subsidiaries of American
International   Group,  Inc.  ("AIG").    These   AIG   insurance
subsidiaries   are   regulated   by   various   state   insurance
departments.   We do not currently believe that financial  issues
affecting AIG will impact our current or prior insurance coverage
or our ability to obtain coverage in the future.

Decreased  demand for our used revenue equipment could result  in
lower unit sales, resale values and gains on sales of assets.
     We  are  sensitive to changes in used equipment  prices  and
demand, especially with respect to tractors.  We have been in the
business of selling our company-owned trucks since 1992, when  we
formed our wholly-owned subsidiary Fleet Truck Sales.  We have 1716
Fleet   Truck  Sales  locations  throughout  the  United  States.
DueCarrier failures and company fleet reductions have increased  the
supply  of  used  trucks for sale, while buyer  demand  for  used
trucks  is weak due to the weakersoft freight market and high fuel prices, Fleet Truck  Sales  demand
softened  in  fourth quarter 2007.  This is expected to  continue
for  at  least the first halfa shortage  of
2008, which will likely  have  a
continued  negative impact on the amount of our gains  on  sales.
During  2007,  we continued to sell our oldest van trailers  that
are fully depreciated and replaced them with new trailers, and we
expect  to  continue doing so in 2008.available financing.  Gains on sales of assets are reflected as a
reduction of other operating expenses in our income statement and
amounted to gains of $9.9 million in 2008, $22.9 million in  2007
and $28.4 million in 20062006.  If these market and $11.0 million in 2005.demand conditions
continue  or  deteriorate further, our gains on sales  of  assets
could be negatively affected.

Our  operations  are  subject to various environmental  laws  and
regulations,  the violation of which could result in  substantial
fines or penalties.
     In  addition to  direct regulation by the DOT, EPA and other
agencies,  we  are  subject  to various  environmental  laws  and
regulations  dealing  with the handling of  hazardous  materials,
underground  fuel  storage tanks and discharge and  retention  of
storm-water.   We  operate  in  industrial  areas,  where   truck
terminals  and other industrial activities are located and  where
groundwater  or  other forms of environmental contamination  have
occurred.   Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage  or
seepage, environmental damage and hazardous waste disposal, among
others.   We  also maintain bulk fuel storage at several  of  our
facilities.   If  we  are involved in a spill or  other  accident
involving  hazardous substances, or if we  are  found  to  be  in
violation  of  applicable laws or regulations, it  could  have  a
materiallymaterial adverse effect on our business and operating results. If
we  should  fail to comply with applicable environmental regulations,  we
could  be subject to substantial fines or penalties and to  civil
and criminal liability.

                                11


We rely on the services of key personnel, the loss of which could
impact our future success.
     We  are  highly  dependent on the services of key  personnel
including  Clarence L. Werner, Gary L. Werner, Gregory L.  Werner
and  other  executive officers.  Although we believe we  have  an
experienced  and highly qualified management group, the  loss  of
the  services of these executive officers could have  a  material
adverse impact on us and our future profitability.

                                10


Difficulty  in obtaining goods and services from our vendors  and
suppliers could adversely affect our business.
     We  are  dependent on our vendors and suppliers.  We believe
we  have good vendor relationships and that we are generally able
to  obtain  attractive pricing and other terms from  vendors  and
suppliers.   If  we  fail to maintain satisfactory  relationships
with  our  vendors and suppliers or if our vendors and  suppliers
experience  significant financial problems, we  could  experience
difficulty  in  obtaining needed goods and  services  because  of
production  interruptions  or other reasons.   Consequently,  our
business  could  be adversely affected.  One of  our  large  fuel
vendors declared bankruptcy in December 2008 and is continuing to
operate its fuel stop locations post-bankruptcy.  If this  vendor
were  to  reduce or eliminate truck stop locations in the future,
we  believe we have the ability to obtain fuel from other vendors
at a comparable price.

We   use  our  information  systems  extensively  for  day-to-day
operations, and service disruptions could have an adverse  impact
on our operations.
     The  efficient operation of our business is highly dependent
on  our  information systems.  Much of our software was developed
internally or by adapting purchased software applications to  our
needs.  We purchased redundant computer hardware systems and have
our  own  off-site  disaster recovery facility approximately  ten
miles  from our officesheadquarters for use in the event of a  disaster.
We  took  these  steps to reduce the risk of  disruption  to  our
business operation if a disaster occurred.

ITEM 1B.  UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

     We  have  not received  any written comments from SEC  staff
regarding  our periodic or current reports that were  issued  180
days  or more preceding the end of our 20072008 fiscal year and  that
remain unresolved.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES

     Our headquarters are located on approximately 197 acres near
U.S.  Interstate 80 west of Omaha, Nebraska, on approximately 197107 acres 107  of  which
are  held for future expansion.  Our headquarters office building
includes  a  computer  center, drivers'  lounge areas,lounges,  cafeteria  and
company  store.   The Omaha headquarters also includes  a  driver
training  facility, and   equipment maintenance and  repair  facilities.facilities
and  a  sales office for selling used trucks and trailers.  These
maintenance  facilities contain a central parts warehouse,  frame
straightening  and  alignment machine,  truck  and  trailer  wash
areas,  equipment  safety  lanes, body  shops  for  tractors  and
trailers,  paint  booth  and  reclaim  center.   Our  headquarter
facilities  have suitable space available to accommodate  planned
needs for at least the next three to five years.

                                1112


     We also have several terminals throughout the United States,
consisting of office and/or maintenance facilities.  Our terminal
locations are described below:

Location Owned or Leased Description Segment - ----------------------- --------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- Omaha, Nebraska Owned Corporate headquarters, maintenance Truckload, VAS, Corporate Omaha, Nebraska Owned Disaster recovery, warehouse Corporate Phoenix, Arizona Owned Office, maintenance Truckload Fontana, California Owned Office, maintenance Truckload Denver, Colorado Owned Office, maintenance Truckload Atlanta, Georgia Owned Office, maintenance Truckload, VAS Indianapolis, Indiana Leased Office, maintenance Truckload Springfield, Ohio Owned Office, maintenance Truckload Allentown, Pennsylvania Leased Office, maintenance Truckload Dallas, Texas Owned Office, maintenance Truckload, VAS Laredo, Texas Owned Office, maintenance, transloading Truckload, VAS Lakeland, Florida Leased Office Truckload Portland, Oregon Leased Office, maintenance Truckload El Paso, Texas LeasedOwned Office, maintenance Truckload Ardmore, Oklahoma Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS Indianola, Mississippi Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS Scottsville, Kentucky Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS Fulton, Missouri Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS Tomah, Wisconsin Leased Maintenance Truckload Newbern, Tennessee Leased Maintenance Truckload Chicago, Illinois Leased Maintenance Truckload Alachua, Florida Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS South Boston, Virginia Leased Maintenance Truckload, VAS Garrett, Indiana Leased Maintenance Truckload
We currently lease (i) approximately 60 small sales offices, brokerageBrokerage offices and trailer parking yards in various locations throughout the United States and (ii) office space in Mexico, Canada and China. We own (i) a 96-room motel located near our Omaha headquarters; (ii) a 71-room private driver lodging facility at our Dallas terminal; (iii) four low-income housing apartment complexes in the Omaha area; (iv) a warehouse facility in Omaha; and (v) a terminal facility in Queretaro, Mexico, which we lease to a related party (see Note 7 "Related Party Transactions" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K). We also have 50% ownership in a 125,000 square-foot warehouse located near our headquarters in Omaha. The Fleet Truck Sales network currently has 17 locations. Fleet Truck Sales, a wholly-owned subsidiary, sells16 locations, of which 13 are located in our used trucksterminals listed above and trailers and is believed to be one of the largest domestic Class 8 truck sales entities in the United States.3 are leased. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are a party subject to routine litigation incidental to our business, primarily involving claims for bodily injury, property damage, cargo and workers' compensation incurred in the transportation of freight. We have maintained a self-insurance program with a qualified department of risk management professionals since 1988. These employees manage our bodily injury, property damage, cargo liability and workers' compensation claims. An actuary reviews our self-insurance reserves for bodily injury, and property damage claims and workers' compensation claims every six months. 1213 We were responsible for liability claims up to $500,000, plus administrative expenses, for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage since August 1, 1992. For the policy year beginning August 1, 2004, we increased our self- insured retention ("SIR") and deductible amount to $2.0 million per occurrence. We are also responsible for varying annual aggregate amounts of liability for claims in excess of the SIR/deductible. The following table reflects the SIR/deductible levels and aggregate amounts of liability for bodily injury and property damage claims since August 1, 2004:2005:
Primary Coverage Coverage Period Primary Coverage SIR/Deductible - ------------------------------ ---------------- ---------------- August 1, 2004 - July 31, 2005 $5.0 million $2.0 million (1) August 1, 2005 - July 31, 2006 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2)(1) August 1, 2006 - July 31, 2007 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2)(1) August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2) August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 $5.0 million $2.0 million (3)
(1) Subject to an additional $3.0$2.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $3.0 million layer, no aggregate (meaning that we were fully insured) in the $3.0 to $5.0 million layer, and a $5.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. (2) Subject to an additional $2.0$8.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $3.0 million layer, no aggregate (meaning that we were fully insured) in the $3.0 to $5.0 million layer and a $5.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. (3) Subject to an additional $8.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $5.0 million layer and a $5.0$4.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. We are responsible for workers' compensation up to $1.0 million per claim. Effective April 2007, we were no longer responsible for the additional $1.0 million aggregate for claims between $1.0 million and $2.0 million. For the years 2005 and 2006 we were responsible for a $1.0 million aggregate for claims between $1.0 million and $2.0 million. We also maintain a $25.4$26.3 million bond and have insurance for individual claims above $1.0 million. Our primary insurance covers the range of liability under which we expect most claims to occur. If any liability claims are substantially in excess of coverage amounts listed in the table above, such claims are covered under premium-based policies (issued by financially stable insurance companies) to coverage levels that our management considers adequate. We are also responsible for administrative expenses for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage. See also Note 1 "Insurance and Claims Accruals" and Note 6 "Commitments and Contingencies" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF STOCKHOLDERS During the fourth quarter of 2007,2008, no matters were submitted to a vote of stockholders. 1314 PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Price Range of Common Stock Our Common Stockcommon stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM tier of the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol "WERN". The following table sets forth, for the quarters indicated from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008, (i) the high and low trade prices per share of our Common Stockcommon stock quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM and (ii) our dividends declared per Common share from January 1, 2006, through December 31, 2007.common share.
Dividends Declared Per High Low Common Share -------- --------------- ------- ------------ 2008 Quarter ended: March 31 $ 20.51 $ 15.26 $ .050 June 30 21.12 17.54 .050 September 30 28.78 17.72 .050 December 31 22.34 14.92 2.150
Dividends Declared Per High Low Common Share ------- ------- ------------ 2007 Quarter ended: March 31 $ 20.92 $ 17.58 $.045$ .045 June 30 20.40 17.99 .050 September 30 22.00 16.71 .050 December 31 19.66 16.66 .050
Dividends Declared Per High Low Common Share -------- -------- ------------ 2006 Quarter ended: March 31 $ 21.84 $ 18.16 $.040 June 30 21.01 18.32 .045 September 30 20.89 17.16 .045 December 31 20.76 17.30 .045
As of February 15, 2008,17, 2009, our Common Stockcommon stock was held by 196190 stockholders of record. Because many of our shares of Common Stockcommon stock are held by brokers and other institutions on behalf of stockholders, we are unable to estimate the total number of stockholders represented by these record holders. The high and low trade prices per share of our Common Stockcommon stock in the NASDAQ Global Select MarketSM as of February 15, 200817, 2009 were $18.76$14.85 and $17.85,$14.19, respectively. Dividend Policy We have paid cash dividends on our Common Stockcommon stock following each fiscal quarter since the first payment in July 1987. On December 5, 2008, we also paid a special cash dividend of $2.10 per common share payable to stockholders of record at the close of business on November 21, 2008. As a result of the special dividend, a total of approximately $150.3 million was paid on our 71.6 million common shares outstanding. We currently intend to continue paying dividends on a quarterly basis and do not currently anticipate any restrictions on our future ability to pay such dividends. However, we cannot give any assurance that dividends will be paid in the future because they are dependent on our earnings, our financial condition and other factors. 15 Equity Compensation Plan Information For information on our equity compensation plans, please refer to Item 12 "Security(Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters." 14 Matters). Performance Graph Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return The following graph is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act, of 1934, and the report shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any prior or subsequent filing by us under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 except to the extent we specifically request that such information be incorporated by reference or treated as soliciting material. [PERFORMANCE GRAPH APPEARS HERE]
12/31/02 12/31/03 12/31/04 12/31/05 12/31/06 12/31/07 12/31/08 -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Werner Enterprises, Inc. (WERN) $ 100.00100 $ 113.67117 $ 132.84102 $ 116.5192 $ 104.2990 $ 102.63105 Standard & Poor's 500 $ 100.00100 $ 128.68111 $ 142.69116 $ 149.70135 $ 173.34142 $ 182.8790 NASDAQ Trucking Group (SIC Code 42) $ 100.00100 $ 122.07146 $ 149.61144 $ 137.41135 $ 134.69128 $ 128.71118
Assuming the investment of $100.00 on December 31, 2002,2003 and reinvestment of all dividends, the graph above compares the cumulative total stockholder return on our Common Stockcommon stock for the last five fiscal years with the cumulative total return of Standard & Poor's 500 Market Index and an index of other companies included in the trucking industry (NASDAQ Trucking Group - Standard Industrial Classification Code 42) over the same period. Our stock price was $17.03$17.34 as of December 31, 2007.2008. This amountprice was used for purposes of calculating the total return on our Common Stockcommon stock for the year ended December 31, 2007.2008. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers On October 15, 2007, we announced that on October 11, 2007 our Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of our Common Stockcommon stock that the CompanyWerner Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") is authorized to repurchase. Under this new authorization, the Company is permitted to repurchase an additional 8,000,000 shares. The previous authorization, announced on April 17, 2006, authorized the Company to repurchase 6,000,000 shares and was completed in fourth quarter 2007. As of December 31, 2007,2008, the Company had purchased 791,2001,041,200 shares pursuant to the October 2007this authorization and had 7,208,8006,958,800 shares remaining available for repurchase. The Company may purchase shares from time to time depending on market, economic and other factors. The authorization will continue unless withdrawn by the Board of Directors. 1516 The following table summarizes our Common Stock repurchasesNo shares of common stock were repurchased during the fourth quarter of 2007 made pursuant to the 2006 (708,800 shares) and October 2007 (791,200) authorizations. The Company did not purchase any shares during the fourth quarter of 2007 other than through this program. All stock repurchases were made2008 by either the Company or on its behalf and not by any "affiliated purchaser," as defined by Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Maximum Number (or Approximate Total Number of Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) Shares (or Units) that Total Number of Purchased as Part of May Yet Be Shares Average Price Paid Publicly Announced Purchased Under the Period (or Units) Purchased per Share (or Unit) Plans or Programs Plans or Programs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 1-31, 2007 265,500 $18.21 265,500 8,443,300 November 1-30, 2007 1,234,500 $17.77 1,234,500 7,208,800 December 1-31, 2007 - - - 7,208,800 -------------------- -------------------- Total 1,500,000 $17.85 1,500,000 7,208,800 ==================== ====================
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
(In thousands, except per share amounts) 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating revenues $2,165,599 $2,071,187 $2,080,555 $1,971,847 $1,678,043 $1,457,766 Net income 67,580 75,357 98,643 98,534 87,310 73,727 Diluted earnings per share*share .94 1.02 1.25 1.22 1.08 0.90 Cash dividends declared per share*share 2.300 .195 .175 .155 .130 .090 Return on average stockholders' equity (1) 8.1% 8.8% 11.3% 12.1% 11.9% 10.9% Return on average total assets (2) 5.0% 5.4% 7.1% 7.6% 7.5% 6.7% Operating ratio (consolidated) (3) 94.8% 93.4% 92.1% 91.7% 91.6% 91.9% Book value per share*share (4) 10.42 11.83 11.55 10.86 9.76 8.90 Total assets 1,275,318 1,321,408 1,478,173 1,385,762 1,225,775 1,121,527 Total debt 30,000 - 100,000 60,000 - - Stockholders' equity 745,530 832,788 870,351 862,451 773,169 709,111
*After giving retroactive effect for the September 30, 2003 five- for-four stock split (all years presented). (1) Net income expressed as a percentage of average stockholders' equity. Return on equity is a measure of a corporation's profitability relative to recorded shareholder investment. (2) Net income expressed as a percentage of average total assets. Return on assets is a measure of a corporation's profitability relative to recorded assets. (3) Operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. Operating ratio is a common measure in the trucking industry used to evaluate profitability. (4) Stockholders' equity divided by common shares outstanding as of the end of the period. Book value per share indicates the dollar value remaining for common shareholders if all assets were liquidated at recorded amounts and all debts were paid at the recorded amounts. 1617 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") summarizes the financial statements from management's perspective with respect to our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and other factors that may affect actual results. The MD&A is organized in the following sections: * Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements * Overview * Results of Operations * Liquidity and Capital Resources * Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments * Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements * Critical Accounting Policies * Inflation Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This annual report on Form 10-K contains historical information and forward-looking statements based on information currently available to our management. The forward-looking statements in this report, including those made in this Item 7, "Management's(Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,") are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. These safe harbor provisions encourage reporting companies to provide prospective information to investors. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of certain words, such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "project" and other similar terms and language. We believe the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on currently available information. However, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, whether known or unknown, that could cause our actual results, business, financial condition and cash flows to differ materially from thethose anticipated results expressed in the forward-looking statements. A discussion of important factors relating to forward-looking statements is included in Item 1A, "Risk Factors."(Risk Factors). Readers should not unduly rely on the forward-lookingforward- looking statements included in this Form 10-K because such statements speak only to the date they were made. Unless otherwise required by applicable securities laws, we assumeundertake no obligation or duty to update forward- lookingor revise any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.circumstances or the occurrence of unanticipated events. Overview: We operate in the truckload sectorand logistics sectors of the trucking industry, with atransportation industry. In the truckload sector, we focus on transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship more consistently throughout the year. In the logistics sector, besides managing transportation requirements for individual customers, we provide additional sources of truck capacity, alternative modes of transportation, a global delivery network and systems analysis to optimize transportation needs. Our success depends on our ability to efficiently manage our resources in the delivery of truckload transportation and logistics services to our customers. Resource requirements vary with customer demand, which may be subject to seasonal or general economic conditions. Our ability to adapt to changes in customer transportation requirements is essential to efficiently deploy resources and make capital investments in tractors and trailers (with respect to our Truckload segment) or obtain qualified third-party capacity at a reasonable price (with respect to our VAS segment). Although our business volume is not highly concentrated, we may also be occasionally affected by our customers' financial failures or loss of customer business. Operating revenues consist of (i) trucking revenues generated by the six operating fleets in the Truckload segment (dedicated, medium-to-long-haul van, regional short-haul, expedited, temperature-controlled(Dedicated, Regional, Van, Expedited, Temperature-Controlled and flatbed)Flatbed) and (ii) non- truckingnon-trucking revenues generated primarily by the four operating units within our VAS segment.segment (Brokerage, Freight Management, Intermodal and International). Our Truckload segment also includes a small amount of non-trucking revenues, 18 consisting primarily of the portion of shipments delivered to or from Mexico where the Truckload segment utilizes a third-party capacity provider. Non-trucking revenues reported in the operating statistics table include those revenues generated by the VAS and Truckload segments. Trucking revenues accounted for 86% of total operating revenues in 2007,2008, and non- truckingnon-trucking and other operating revenues accounted for 14%. 17 Trucking services typically generate revenues on a per-mile basis. Other sources of trucking revenues include fuel surcharges and accessorial revenues (such as stop charges, loading/unloading charges and equipment detention charges). Because fuel surcharge revenues fluctuate in response to changes in fuel costs, these revenues are identified separately within the operating statistics table and are excluded from the statistics to provide a more meaningful comparison between periods. The non-trucking revenues in the operating statistics table include such revenues generated by a fleet whose operations fall within the Truckload segment. We do this so that we can calculate the revenue statistics in the operating statistics table using only the revenue generated by company-owned and owner-operator trucks. The key statistics used to evaluate trucking revenues (excluding fuel surcharges) are (i) average revenues per tractor per week, (ii) per-mile rates charged to customers, (iii) average monthly miles generated per tractor, (iv) average percentage of empty miles (miles without trailer cargo), (v) average trip length (in loaded miles) and (vi) average number of tractors in service. General economic conditions, seasonal trucking industry freight patterns in the trucking industry and industry capacity are important factors that impact these statistics. Our most significant resource requirements are company drivers, owner-operators, tractors, trailers and equipment operating costs (such as fuel and related fuel taxes, driver pay, insurance and supplies and maintenance). We have historically been successful mitigatingTo mitigate our risk to fuel price increases, by recoveringwe recover additional fuel surcharges from our customers that recoup a majority, but not all, of the increased fuel costs; however, we cannot assure you that current recovery levels will continue in future periods. Our financial results are also affected by company driver and owner-operator availability and the market for new and used revenue equipment. We are self-insured for a significant portion of bodily injury, property damage and cargo claims, and for workers' compensation benefits and health claims for our employees (supplemented by premium-basedpremium- based insurance coverage above certain dollar levels). For that reason, our financial results may also be affected by driver safety, medical costs, weather, legal and regulatory environments and insurance coverage costs to protect against catastrophic losses. The operating ratio is a common industry measure used to evaluate our profitability and that of our truckingTruckload segment operating fleets. The operating ratio consists of operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. The most significant variable expenses that impact trucking operationsthe Truckload segment are driver salaries and benefits, payments to owner-operators (included in rent and purchased transportation expense), fuel, fuel taxes (included in taxes and licenses expense), payments to owner- operators (included in rent and purchased transportation expense), supplies and maintenance and insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary based on the number of miles generated. As such, weWe also evaluate these costs on a per-mile basis to adjust for the impact on the percentage of total operating revenues caused by changes in fuel surcharge revenues, per-mile rates charged to customers and non-trucking revenues. As discussed further in the comparison of operating results for 20072008 to 2006,2007, several industry-wide issues could cause costs to increase in 2008.2009. These issues include a softer freight market, changing fuel prices, higher new truck purchase prices and fluctuating fuel prices.a weaker used equipment market. Our main fixed costs include depreciation expense for tractors and trailers and equipment licensing fees (included in taxes and licenses expense). Depreciation expense was historically affected by the EPA engine emission standards that became effective in October 2002 and applied to all new trucks purchased after that time, resulting in increased truck purchase costs. Depreciation expense will also be affected in the future because in January 2007 a second set of more strict EPA engine emissions standards became effective for all newly manufactured truck engines. Compared to trucks with engines produced before 2007, the trucks with new engines manufactured under the 2007 standards have higher purchase prices, and we expect them to be less fuel-efficient and result in increased maintenance costs. The trucking operations requireTruckload segment requires substantial cash expenditures for tractor and trailer purchases. In 2005 and 2006, we accelerated our normal three-year replacement cycle for company-owned tractors. We fundedfund these purchases with net cash from operations and financing available under our existing credit facilities, as management deemeddeems necessary. The additional number of new trucks purchased in 2005 and 2006 has allowed us to delay purchases of trucks with the new 2007-standard engines until 2008. The weak freight market is placing increasing pressure on rates during first quarter 2008. Costs for the Truckload segment were much higher in January 2008 compared to January 2007 due to: (i) significantly higher fuel prices, (ii) much higher maintenance due in part to worse than normal winter weather and (iii) higher insurance. Based on January 2008 results, it is 18 likely that our earnings per share for first quarter 2008 will be significantly lower than our earnings per share for first quarter 2007. We provide non-trucking services primarily through the four operating units within our VAS division. These services include truck brokerage, freight management (single-source logistics), intermodal and international.segment. Unlike our trucking operations,Truckload segment, the non-trucking operations areVAS segment is less asset-intensive and areis instead dependent upon qualified employees, information systems and qualified third-party capacity providers. The most significantlargest expense item related to these non-trucking servicesthe VAS segment is the cost of purchased transportation we pay to third-party capacity providers. This expense item is recorded as rent and purchased transportation expense. Other operating expenses include salaries, wages and benefits and computer hardware and software depreciation. We evaluate our non-trucking operationsVAS by reviewing the gross margin percentage (revenues less rent and purchased transportation expenses expressed as a percentage of revenues) and the operating income percentage. The operating income percentage for the non-trucking business is lower than those of the trucking operations, but the return on assets is substantially higher.19 Results of OperationsOperations: The following table sets forth certain industry data regarding our freight revenues and operations for the periods indicated.
2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Trucking revenues, net of fuel surcharge (1) $ 1,430,560 $ 1,483,164 $ 1,502,827 $ 1,493,826 $ 1,378,705 $ 1,286,674 Trucking fuel surcharge revenues (1) 442,614 301,789 286,843 235,690 114,135 61,571 Non-trucking revenues, including VAS (1) 273,896 268,388 277,181 230,863 175,490 100,916 Other operating revenues (1) 18,529 17,846 13,704 11,468 9,713 8,605 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Operating revenues (1) $ 2,165,599 $ 2,071,187 $ 2,080,555 $ 1,971,847 $ 1,678,043 $ 1,457,766 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== Operating ratio (consolidated) (2) 94.8% 93.4% 92.1% 91.7% 91.6% 91.9% Average revenues per tractor per week (3) $ 3,427 $ 3,341 $ 3,300 $ 3,286 $ 3,136 $ 2,988 Average annual miles per tractor 121,974 118,656 117,072 120,912 121,644 121,716 Average annual trips per tractor 197 184 175 187 185 173 Average trip length in miles (loaded) 538 558 581 568 583 627 Total miles (loaded and empty) (1) 979,211 1,012,964 1,025,129 1,057,062 1,028,458 1,008,024 Average revenues per total mile (3) $ 1.461 $ 1.464 $ 1.466 $ 1.413 $ 1.341 $ 1.277 Average revenues per loaded mile (3) $ 1.686 $ 1.692 $ 1.686 $ 1.609 $ 1.511 $ 1.431 Average percentage of empty miles (4) 13.3% 13.5% 13.1% 12.2% 11.3% 10.8% Average tractors in service 8,028 8,537 8,757 8,742 8,455 8,282 Total tractors (at year end): Company 7,000 7,470 8,180 7,920 7,675 7,430 Owner-operator 700 780 820 830 925 920 ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Total tractors 7,700 8,250 9,000 8,750 8,600 8,350 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== Total trailers (truck(Truckload and intermodal,Intermodal, at year end) 24,940 24,855 25,200 25,210 23,540 22,800 =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
(1) Amounts in thousands. (2) Operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues. Operating ratio is a common measure in the trucking industry used to evaluate profitability. (3) Net of fuel surcharge revenues. (4) Miles without trailer cargo. 19 The following table sets forth the revenues, operating expenses and operating income for the Truckload segment. Revenues for the Truckload segment include non-trucking revenues of $8.6 million in 2008, $10.0 million in 2007 and $11.2 million in 2006, and $12.2 million in 2005, as described on page 17.18.
2008 2007 2006 2005 ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Truckload Transportation Services (amounts in 000's) $ % $ % $ % - ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Revenues $ 1,795,227$1,881,803 100.0 $ 1,801,090$1,795,227 100.0 $ 1,741,828$1,801,090 100.0 Operating expenses 1,786,789 95.0 1,673,619 93.2 1,644,581 91.3 1,585,706 91.0 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Operating income $ 95,014 5.0 $ 121,608 6.8 $ 156,509 8.7 $ 156,122 9.0 =========== =========== ===================== ========== ==========
20 Higher fuel prices and higher fuel surcharge collections increase our consolidated operating ratio and the Truckload segment's operating ratio when fuel surcharges are reported on a gross basis as revenues versus netting against fuel expenses. Eliminating fuel surcharge revenues, which are generally a more volatile source of revenue, provides a more consistent basis for comparing the results of operations from period to period. The following table calculates the Truckload segment's operating ratio as if fuel surcharges are excluded from revenue and instead reported as a reduction of operating expenses.
2008 2007 2006 2005 ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Truckload Transportation Services (amounts in 000's) $ % $ % $ % - ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Revenues $ 1,795,227 $ 1,801,090 $ 1,741,828$1,881,803 $1,795,227 $1,801,090 Less: trucking fuel surcharge revenues 442,614 301,789 286,843 235,690 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Revenues, net of fuel surcharges 1,439,189 100.0 1,493,438 100.0 1,514,247 100.0 1,506,138 100.0 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Operating expenses 1,786,789 1,673,619 1,644,581 1,585,706 Less: trucking fuel surcharge revenues 442,614 301,789 286,843 235,690 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Operating expenses, net of fuel surcharges 1,344,175 93.4 1,371,830 91.9 1,357,738 89.7 1,350,016 89.6 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Operating income $ 95,014 6.6 $ 121,608 8.1 $ 156,509 10.3 $ 156,122 10.4 =========== =========== ===================== ========== ==========
The following table sets forth the VAS segment's non- trucking revenues, rent and purchased transportation expense, other operating expenses and operating income. Other operating expenses for the VAS segment primarily consist of salaries, wages and benefits expense. VAS also incurs smaller expense amounts in the supplies and maintenance, depreciation, rent and purchased transportation (excluding third-party transportation costs), insurance, communications and utilities and other operating expense categories.
2008 2007 2006 2005 ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Value Added Services (amounts in 000's) $ % $ % $ % - --------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------------------------- ----------------- ----------------- Revenues $ 265,262 100.0 $ 258,433 100.0 $ 265,968 100.0 $ 218,620 100.0 Rent and purchased transportation expense 225,498 85.0 224,667 86.9 240,800 90.5 196,972 90.1 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Gross margin 39,764 15.0 33,766 13.1 25,168 9.5 21,648 9.9 Other operating expenses 25,194 9.5 21,348 8.3 17,747 6.7 13,203 6.0 ----------- ----------- --------------------- ---------- ---------- Operating income $ 14,570 5.5 $ 12,418 4.8 $ 7,421 2.8 $ 8,445 3.9 =========== =========== ===================== ========== ==========
2008 Compared to 2007 - --------------------- Operating Revenues Operating revenues increased 4.6% in 2008 compared to 2007. Excluding fuel surcharge revenues, trucking revenues decreased 3.5% due primarily to a 6.0% decrease in the average number of tractors in service (as discussed further below), partially offset by a 2.8% increase in average annual miles per tractor. The truckload freight market, as measured by our overall pre-booked percentage of loads to trucks ("pre-books"), was softer during most of 2008 compared to 2007. Freight demand was lower the first five months of 2008 compared to the first five months of 2007. In June 2008, freight volumes improved and exceeded those of June 2007 but were approximately the same in third quarter 2008 compared to third quarter 2007. During fourth quarter 2008, freight volumes declined and were significantly lower than fourth quarter 2007. The industry-wide accelerated purchase of new trucks in advance of the 2007 EPA engine emissions standards contributed to excess truck capacity that partially disrupted the supply and demand balance during early 2008. These excess trucks along with a weakening economy resulted in lower freight volumes during the first five months of 2008 compared to 2007. Fuel prices increased significantly beginning in late February 2008 and peaked in July 2008, contributing to an increase in trucking company failures. We believe these failures resulted in a more even balance of truck supply to freight demand, which caused pre- books in June 2008 to exceed those in June 2007 and pre-books during third quarter 2008 to be flat compared to third quarter 2007. A very weak retail environment combined with extremely 21 soft housing and manufacturing markets resulted in fewer available shipments during fourth quarter 2008 compared to fourth quarter 2007. Fuel prices also decreased significantly during fourth quarter 2008, resulting in fewer trucking company failures during fourth quarter 2008. Freight demand softness caused by the weak economy and excess truck capacity made for a challenging freight market during much of 2008. We believe these factors increased price competition for freight in the spot market as carriers competed for loads to maintain truck productivity. Our Van fleet has the most exposure to the spot freight market and faced the most operational and competitive challenges. As a result, to better match the volume of freight with the number of trucks and improve profitability, we reduced the size of this fleet by 750 trucks in 2008, including a reduction of 500 trucks during fourth quarter 2008. This decrease in the Van fleet was partially offset by an increase in trucks in the more profitable Regional and Expedited fleets, as total trucks decreased by 550 during 2008. As freight demand deteriorated during fourth quarter 2008 and into January 2009, we reduced the Van fleet by an additional 150 trucks in January 2009. Since March 2007, we have reduced the Van fleet from 3,000 trucks to about 1,350 trucks (a reduction of 1,650 trucks). To-date in 2009, the freight market remains very challenging and demand continues to be lower than a year ago. January and February freight demand is very depressed, and we continue to see the freight market weaken, even after considering the significant fleet reduction we implemented in fourth quarter 2008 and January 2009. The average percentage of empty miles decreased to 13.3% in 2008 from 13.5% in 2007. This decrease was the result of a decrease in the average empty miles percentage related to the Dedicated fleets. These fleets generally operate according to arrangements under which we provide trucks and/or trailers for a specific customer's exclusive use. Under nearly all of these arrangements, Dedicated customers pay us on an all-mile basis (regardless of whether trailers are loaded or empty) to obtain guaranteed truck and/or trailer capacity. For freight management and statistical reporting purposes, we classify a mile without cargo in the trailer as an "empty mile" or "deadhead mile." If we excluded the Dedicated fleet, the average empty mile percentage would be 12.4% in 2008 and 11.8% in 2007. This increase resulted from the weaker freight market and more regional shipments with shorter lengths of haul. Fuel surcharge revenues represent collections from customers for the higher cost of fuel. These revenues increased to $442.6 million in 2008 from $301.8 million in 2007 in response to higher average fuel prices in 2008. To lessen the effect of fluctuating fuel prices on our margins, we collect fuel surcharge revenues from our customers. Our fuel surcharge programs are designed to (i) recoup higher fuel costs from customers when fuel prices rise and (ii) provide customers with the benefit of lower fuel costs when fuel prices decline. Our fuel surcharge standard is a one (1.0) cent per mile rate increase for every five (5.0) cent per gallon increase in the DOE weekly retail on-highway diesel prices. This standard is used for many fuel surcharge programs. Some customers also have their own fuel surcharge standard program for carriers. These programs enable us to recover a majority, but not all, of the fuel price increases. The remaining portion is generally not recoverable because of empty miles not billable to customers, out-of-route miles, truck idle time and the volatility of fuel prices when prices change rapidly in short time periods. Also, in a rapidly rising fuel price market, there is generally a several week delay between the payment of higher fuel prices and surcharge recovery. In a rapidly declining fuel price market, the opposite generally occurs, and there is a temporary higher surcharge recovery compared to the price paid for fuel. VAS revenues are generated by its four operating units: Brokerage, Freight Management, Intermodal and International. VAS revenues increased 3% to $265.3 million in 2008 from $258.4 million in 2007 due to an increase in Brokerage, Intermodal and International revenues. This growth was partially offset by a structural change to a customer's continuing third-party carrier arrangement that became effective in July 2007. Consequently, we began reporting VAS revenues for this customer on a net basis (revenues net of purchased transportation expense) rather than on a gross basis. This change affected the reporting of VAS revenues and purchased transportation expenses for this customer in third quarter 2007 and subsequent periods. This reporting change resulted in a reduction in VAS revenues and VAS rent and purchased transportation expense of $36.3 million comparing 2008 to 2007. This reporting change had no impact on the dollar 22 amount of VAS gross margin or operating income. Excluding the affected freight revenues for this customer from 2007 revenues, VAS revenues grew 19% in 2008 compared to 2007. VAS gross margin dollars increased 18% during 2008 compared to 2007 due to an improvement in the gross margin percentage in the Intermodal and International units offset by a decrease in the Brokerage unit gross margin percentage. Brokerage revenues increased 21% in 2008 compared to 2007, but the Brokerage gross margin percentage and operating income percentage declined. These declines were due to (i) fuel price declines during the second half of 2008 and (ii) the tightening of truckload capacity in the first half of 2008 due to increased carrier failures, which made it more challenging for Brokerage to obtain qualified third-party carriers at a comparable margin to 2007. Intermodal revenues increased by 21%, and its operating income percentage also improved. International, formed in July 2006, revenues grew 86%, and it achieved an improved gross margin percentage. Freight Management successfully distributed freight to other operating divisions and continues to secure new customer business awards that generate additional freight opportunities across all company business units. Operating Expenses Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 94.8% in 2008 compared to 93.4% in 2007. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. As explained on page 21, the total company operating ratio for 2008 was 140 basis points higher than 2007 due to the significant increase in fuel expense and recording the related fuel surcharge revenues on a gross basis. The tables on pages 20-21 show the operating ratios and operating margins for our two reportable segments, Truckload and VAS. The following table sets forth the cost per total mile of operating expense items for the Truckload segment for the periods indicated. We evaluate operating costs for this segment on a per-mile basis, which is a better measurement tool for comparing the results of operations from year to year.
Increase (Decrease) 2008 2007 per Mile ---------------------------- Salaries, wages and benefits $.574 $.571 $.003 Fuel .518 .401 .117 Supplies and maintenance .158 .150 .008 Taxes and licenses .112 .115 (.003) Insurance and claims .106 .092 .014 Depreciation .166 .159 .007 Rent and purchased transportation .175 .160 .015 Communications and utilities .020 .020 .000 Other (.004) (.016) .012
Owner-operator costs are included in rent and purchased transportation expense. Owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles were 11.9% in 2008 compared to 12.3% in 2007. Owner- operators are independent contractors who supply their own tractor and driver and are responsible for their operating expenses (including driver pay, fuel, supplies and maintenance and fuel taxes). This decrease in owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles shifted costs from the rent and purchased transportation category to other expense categories. Due to this decrease, we estimate that rent and purchased transportation expense for the Truckload segment was lower by approximately 0.6 cents per total mile, and other expense categories had offsetting increases on a total-mile basis as follows: (i) salaries, wages and benefits, 0.2 cents; (ii) fuel, 0.3 cents; and (iii) depreciation, 0.1 cent. Salaries, wages and benefits in the Truckload segment increased 0.3 cents per mile on a total mile basis in 2008 compared to 2007. This increase is primarily attributed to higher student pay (average active trainer teams increased 13%), higher workers' compensation expense and, as discussed above, the shift from rent and purchased transportation to salaries, wages and benefits because of the decrease in owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles. Within the Truckload segment, these 23 cost increases were offset partially by lower non-driver pay for office and equipment maintenance personnel (due to efficiency and cost control improvements) and lower group health insurance costs. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits increased in the non-trucking VAS segment due to growth in the VAS segment. The qualified and student driver recruiting and retention markets improved in 2008 compared to 2007. The weakness in the construction and automotive industries, trucking company failures and fleet reductions and a rising national unemployment rate continue to positively affect our driver availability and selectivity. In addition, we believe our strong mileage utilization and financial strength are attractive to drivers when compared to other carriers. We anticipate that availability of drivers will remain strong until current economic conditions improve. When economic conditions improve, competition for qualified drivers will likely increase, and we cannot predict whether we will experience future driver shortages. If such a shortage were to occur and driver pay rate increases were necessary to attract and retain drivers, our results of operations would be negatively impacted to the extent that corresponding freight rate increases were not obtained. Fuel increased 11.7 cents per mile for the Truckload segment due primarily to higher average diesel fuel prices offset partially by fuel efficiency improvements. Average fuel prices in 2008 were 76 cents per gallon higher than in 2007, a 34% increase. Average monthly fuel prices in 2008 were higher than those in the comparable months of 2007 for the first ten months, with the amount of change over 2007 increasing steadily through June 2008 ($1.70 per gallon higher than June 2007). Fuel prices began to fall in July 2008 and fell below the 2007 levels in the last two months of 2008 (December 2008 prices were $1.16 per gallon lower than December 2007). Average fuel prices to-date in 2009 have been $1.27 per gallon lower than the same period of 2008. During 2008, we implemented numerous initiatives to improve fuel efficiency and our fuel miles per gallon ("mpg"). These initiatives include (i) reducing truck engine idle time, (ii) lowering non-billable miles, (iii) increasing the percentage of aerodynamic, more fuel efficient trucks in the company truck fleet and (iv) installing APUs in company trucks. Truck engine idle time percentages can be affected by seasonal weather patterns (such as warm summer months and cold winter months) that prompt drivers to idle the engine to provide air conditioning or heating for comfort during non-driving periods. Thus, engine idle time percentages for trucks without APUs may be higher (and fuel mpg may be lower as a result) during the summer and winter months as compared to temperate spring and fall months. APUs provide an alternate source to power heating and air conditioning systems when the main engine is not operating, and APUs consume significantly less diesel fuel than idling the main engine. As of December 31, 2008, we had installed APUs in approximately 50% of the company-owned truck fleet. As a result of these initiatives, we improved our company truck average mpg by 4.3% in 2008 compared to 2007. This mpg improvement resulted in the purchase of 7.0 million fewer gallons of diesel fuel in 2008 than in 2007. This equates to a reduction of approximately 77,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. As we purchase new trucks, we intend to continue installing APUs and taking part in other environmentally conscious initiatives, such as our active participation in the SmartWay Transport Partnership program of the EPA. We have historically been successful recouping a majority, but not all, of fuel cost increases through our fuel surcharge program. The remaining portion not recouped is caused by the impact of operational costs such as truck idling, empty miles, and out-of-route miles for which we are not compensated. Each year in the prior four years, rising fuel costs (net of fuel surcharge collections) had a negative impact on our operating income when compared to the previous year. The total negative impact on our operating income due to fuel expense, net of fuel surcharge collections, during 2004 to 2008 was approximately $72 million. When fuel prices rise rapidly, a negative earnings lag occurs because the cost of fuel rises immediately and the market indexes used to determine fuel surcharges increase at a slower pace. As a result, during these rising fuel price periods, the negative impact of fuel on our financial results is more significant. This was the trend during the first two quarters of 2008. In a period of declining fuel prices, we generally experience a temporary favorable earnings effect because fuel 24 costs decline at a faster pace than the market indexes used to determine fuel surcharge collections. This trend began during third quarter 2008 as fuel prices began to decrease but had a larger impact during fourth quarter 2008 when fuel prices decreased over $1.70 per gallon from the end of third quarter 2008 to the end of fourth quarter 2008. This resulted in temporarily lower net fuel expense that helped to offset uncompensated fuel costs from truck idling, empty miles not billable to customers, and out-of-route miles. If fuel prices stabilize or increase in the future, we do not expect the temporary favorable trend to continue. Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and petroleum product rationing can have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability. We are unable to predict whether fuel price levels will increase or decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges will be collected from customers. As of December 31, 2008, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Supplies and maintenance for the Truckload segment increased 0.8 cents (5%) per total mile in 2008 compared to 2007. An increase in the average age of our company truck fleet from 2.1 years at December 31, 2007 to 2.5 years at December 31, 2008 caused an increase in maintenance cost per mile. The higher average age of the truck fleet results in more maintenance that is not covered by warranty. In addition to the higher average truck age, a higher percentage of the repairs was performed over- the-road as a result of the decrease in our equipment maintenance personnel (see previous discussion of salaries, wages and benefits). Over-the-road vendors also raised their labor and parts rates during 2008, which contributed to the increase in maintenance costs. The prices of some parts purchased from over- the-road vendors, as well as those purchased for use in our shops, increased in 2008 because of higher commodity prices. Taxes and licenses for the Truckload segment decreased 0.3 cents per total mile in 2008 compared to 2007 due to a decrease in fuel taxes per mile resulting from the improvement in the company truck mpg. An improved mpg results in fewer gallons of diesel fuel purchased and consequently less fuel taxes paid. Insurance and claims for the Truckload segment increased from 9.2 cents per total mile in 2007 to 10.6 cents per total mile in 2008 (an increase of 1.4 cents per total mile). Of this increase, 1.2 cents per total mile relates to unfavorable claims development on larger claims that occurred in years prior to 2008 offset partially by lower large claims incurred in 2008. The development of these prior year claims will limit further negative development on other large claims in these same policy years as we have now met our annual aggregates in some of these older policy years. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2008 and continue to be responsible for the first $2.0 million per claim with an annual $8.0 million aggregate for claims between $2.0 million and $5.0 million. The annual aggregate for claims between $5.0 million and $10.0 million was lowered from $5.0 million to $4.0 million effective with the new policy year beginning August 1, 2008. See Item 3 (Legal Proceedings) for information on our bodily injury and property damage coverage levels since August 1, 2005. Our liability insurance premiums for the policy year beginning August 1, 2008 are slightly lower than the previous policy year. Depreciation expense for the Truckload segment increased 0.7 cents per total mile in 2008 compared to 2007. This increase was due primarily to depreciation of the APUs installed on company trucks and, to a lesser extent, to higher costs of tractors purchased during 2008 and a higher ratio of trailers to tractors resulting from the reduction of our fleet. The APU depreciation expense is offset by lower fuel costs because tractors with APUs generally consume less fuel during periods of idle. Higher average miles per tractor during 2008 compared to 2007 has the effect of lowering this fixed cost when evaluated on a per-mile basis and offset a portion of the increases discussed above. Depreciation expense was historically affected by the engine emissions standards imposed by the EPA that became effective in October 2002 and applied to all new trucks purchased after that time, resulting in increased truck purchase costs. Depreciation expense is affected because in January 2007, a second set of more strict EPA engine emissions standards became effective for all newly manufactured truck engines. Compared to trucks with engines produced before 2007, the trucks with new engines manufactured under the 2007 standards have higher purchase prices. We began to take delivery of trucks with these 2007- standard engines in first quarter 2008 to replace older trucks in our fleet. The engines in our fleet of company-owned trucks as of December 31, 2008 consist of 78% Caterpillar, 14% Detroit 25 Diesel, 7% Mercedes Benz and 1% Cummins. In June 2008, Caterpillar announced it will not produce on-highway engines for use in the United States that will comply with new EPA engine emissions standards that become effective in January 2010 but will continue to sell on-highway engines internationally. Caterpillar also announced it is pursuing a strategic alliance with Navistar. Approximately one million trucks in the U.S. domestic market have Caterpillar heavy-duty engines, and Caterpillar has stated it will fully support these engines going forward. Rent and purchased transportation expense consists mainly of payments to third-party capacity providers in the VAS segment and other non-trucking operations and payments to owner-operators in the Truckload segment. These expenses generally vary depending on changes in the volume of services generated by the segment. As a percentage of VAS revenues, VAS rent and purchased transportation expense decreased to 85.0% in 2008 compared to 86.9% in 2007. As discussed on page 22, the VAS segment's rent and purchased transportation expense was affected by a structural change to a large VAS customer's continuing third-party carrier arrangement that became effective in July 2007. That change resulted in a reduction in VAS revenues and VAS rent and purchased transportation expense of $36.3 million from 2007 to 2008. Excluding the rent and purchased transportation expense for this customer, the dollar amount of this expense increased for the VAS segment by 20% compared to an increase in VAS revenues of 19%. Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment increased 1.5 cents per total mile in 2008 due primarily to increased fuel prices that necessitated higher reimbursements to owner-operators for fuel during most of 2008 compared to 2007, offset slightly by a decrease in the percentage of owner-operator truck miles versus company truck miles. Fuel reimbursements to owner-operators amounted to $53.0 million in 2008 compared to $36.0 million in 2007. These higher fuel reimbursements resulted in an increase of 1.7 cents per total mile. Our customer fuel surcharge programs do not differentiate between miles generated by company-owned and owner-operator trucks. Challenging operating conditions continue to make owner-operator recruitment and retention difficult for us. Such conditions include inflationary cost increases that are the responsibility of owner- operators, higher fuel prices and a shortage of financing. We have historically been able to add company-owned tractors and recruit additional company drivers to offset any decrease in the number of owner-operators. If a shortage of owner-operators and company drivers occurs, increases in per mile settlement rates (for owner-operators) and driver pay rates (for company drivers) may become necessary to attract and retain these drivers. This could negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we did not obtain corresponding freight rate increases. Other operating expenses for the Truckload segment increased 1.2 cents per mile in 2008. Gains on sales of assets (primarily trucks and trailers) are reflected as a reduction of other operating expenses and are reported net of sales-related expenses, including costs to prepare the equipment for sale. Gains on sales of assets decreased to $9.9 million in 2008 from $22.9 million in 2007, or a reduction of 1.2 cents per mile. We believe Fleet Truck Sales demand softened during 2008 due to the softer freight market and higher fuel prices. At the same time, carrier failures and company fleet reductions increased the supply of used trucks for sale. We expect this to continue, which will likely have a continued negative impact on the amount of our gains on sales. We continued to sell our oldest van trailers that are fully depreciated and we expect to continue doing so in 2009, although the market for used trailers has also softened. Our wholly-owned subsidiary and used truck retail network, Fleet Truck Sales, is one of the largest Class 8 truck sales entities in the United States. Fleet Truck Sales continues to be our resource for remarketing our used trucks and trailers. Other Expense (Income) We recorded $0.1 million of interest expense in 2008 versus $3.0 million of interest expense in 2007. Our average outstanding debt per month in 2007 was over $45 million, while in 2008 we had no outstanding debt until the end of November 2008. We had $30.0 million of debt outstanding and cash and cash equivalents of $48.6 million at December 31, 2008, for a net cash position of $18.6 million. Our interest income was $4.0 million in 2008 and 2007. Our average cash and cash equivalents balance was higher in 2008 than in 2007, but the average interest rate earned on these funds was lower in 2008. 26 Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 42.3% for 2008 versus 45.1% for 2007. During fourth quarter 2007, we reached a tentative settlement agreement with an Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") appeals officer regarding a significant tax deduction based on a timing difference between financial reporting and tax reporting for our 2000 to 2004 federal income tax returns. During fourth quarter 2007, we accrued the estimated cumulative interest charges, net of income taxes, of $4.0 million for the anticipated settlement of this matter. The IRS finalized the settlement during third quarter 2008, and we paid the IRS the federal accrued interest at the beginning of October 2008. We filed amended state returns reporting the IRS settlement changes to the states where required during fourth quarter 2008. We are now working with those states to settle our state interest liabilities. Our total payments during 2008, before considering the tax benefit from the deductibility of these payments, were $4.9 million for federal and $0.4 million to various states. We expect to pay about $1 million to settle the remaining state liabilities. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties directly related to income taxes as additional income tax expense. See also Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K. 2007 Compared to 2006 - --------------------- Operating Revenues Operating revenues decreased 0.5% in 2007 compared to 2006. Excluding fuel surcharge revenues, trucking revenues decreased 1.3% due primarily to a 2.5% decrease in the average number of tractors in service (as discussed further below), offset partially by a 1.4% increase in average annual miles per tractor. The truckload freight market was softer during most of 2007 compared to 2006. Additionally, the significant industry-wide accelerated purchase of new trucks in advance of the new 2007 EPA engine emissions standards contributed to excess truck capacity that partially disrupted the supply and demand balance during 2007. These combined factors negatively affected revenues per total mile, which decreased 0.1% in 2007 compared to 2006. 20 Freight demand softness and the temporary increase in the supply of trucks caused by the industry truck pre-buy made for challenging freight market conditions during 2007. In mid-March 2007, we began reducing our medium-to-long-haul Van fleet by a total of 250 trucks to better match the volume of freight with the capacity of trucks and to improve profitability. This fleet has the greatest exposure to the spot freight market and faced the most operational and competitive challenges. By the latter part of April 2007, this initial medium-to-long-haul Van fleet reduction goal was achieved, but we had not yet achieved the desired balance of trucks and freight. As a result, we decided to further reduce our medium-to-long-haul Van fleet by an additional 400 trucks, which we completed by the end of June 2007. We were able to transfer a portion of our medium-to-long- haul Van fleet trucks to other more profitable fleets. The net impact to our total fleet was an approximate 500-truck reduction from mid-March 2007 to the end of June 2007. Beginning in the second week of November 2007, we reduced our medium-to-long-haul Van fleet by an additional 100 trucks due to further weakness in the Van market. This resulted in a cumulative 750-truck reduction of our medium-to-long-haul Van fleet from mid-Marchmid- March 2007 to December 2007. After experiencing disappointing load counts during the first three weeks of January 2008, we reduced our medium-to-long-haul Van fleet by another 200 trucks in order to achieve the operational efficiencies and profitability expectations for this fleet. Load volumes were lower for the medium-to-long-haul Van fleet during the first eight weeks of 2008 compared to the same period of 2007. Prebook percentages of loads to trucks for the medium-to-long-haul Van fleet were lower in January 2008 compared to January 2007. After the 200 truck medium-to-long-haul Van fleet reduction in January 2008, prebook percentages of loads to trucks in the first three weeks of February 2008 were still lower than the first three weeks of February 2007. The average percentage of empty miles increased to 13.5% in 2007 from 13.1% in 2006. This increase resulted from the weaker freight market, a higher percentage of dedicatedDedicated trucks in the total fleet and more regional shipments with shorter lengths of haul. Over the past few years, we have grown our dedicated fleets. These fleets generally operate according to arrangements under which we provide trucks and/or trailers for a specific customer's exclusive use. Under nearly all of these arrangements, dedicated customers pay us on an all-mile basis (regardless of whether trailers or trucks are loaded or empty) to obtain guaranteed truck and/or trailer capacity. For freight management and statistical reporting purposes, we classify a mile without cargo in the trailer as an "empty mile" or "deadhead mile." The growth of our dedicated fleet business and the higher percentage of miles without cargo in the trailer attributed to dedicated fleets have each contributed to an increase in our reported average empty miles percentage. If we excluded the dedicatedDedicated fleet, the average empty mile percentage would be 11.8% in 2007 and 10.8% in 2006. Fuel surcharge revenues represent collections from customers for the higher cost of fuel. These revenues increased to $301.8 million in 2007 from $286.8 million in 2006 in response to higher average fuel prices in 2007. To lessen the effect of fluctuating fuel prices on our margins, we collect fuel surcharge revenues from our customers. Our fuel surcharge programs are designed to (i) recoup high fuel costs from customers when fuel prices rise and (ii) provide customers with the benefit of lower costs when fuel prices decline. The Company's fuel surcharge standard is a one (1.0) cent per mile rate increase for every five (5.0) cent per gallon increase in the DOE weekly retail on-highway diesel prices. This standard is used for many fuel surcharge programs. These programs have historically enabled us to recover approximately 70-90% of the fuel price increases. The remaining 10-30% is generally not recoverable because of empty miles not billable to customers, out-of-route miles, truck idle time and the volatility of fuel prices when prices change rapidly in short time periods. Also, in a rapidly rising fuel price market, there is generally a several week delay between the payment of higher fuel prices and surcharge recovery. In a rapidly declining fuel price market, the opposite generally occurs, and there is a temporary higher surcharge recovery compared to the price paid for fuel. VAS revenues decreased 2.8% to $258.4 million in 2007 from $266.0 million in 2006 due to a customer structural change (discussed below),to a customer's continuing third-party carrier arrangement, offset partially by an increase in Brokerage and International revenues. VAS gross margin dollars increased 34.2% for the same period due to an improvement in the gross margin percentage in the Brokerage and 27 Intermodal divisions. VAS revenues are generated by the following VAS operating divisions: Brokerage, Freight Management (single-source logistics), Intermodal and International. Beginning in third quarter 2007, 21 we negotiated with a large VAS customer aThe structural change to their continuing arrangement related to the use of third-party carriers. This change affects the reporting of VAS revenues and purchased transportation expenses for this customer in third quarter 2007 and future periods; and consequently, we began reporting VAS revenues for this customer on a net basis (revenues net of purchased transportation expense) rather than on a gross basis. This reporting change resulted in a reduction in VAS revenues and VAS rent and purchased transportation expense of $38.5 million comparing the second half of 2006 to the second half of 2007. This reporting change had no impact on the dollar amount of VAS gross margin or operating income. Excluding the affected freight revenues for this customer, VAS revenues grew 13% in 2007 compared to 2006. Brokerage continued to produce strong results with 26% revenue growth and improved operating income as a percentage of revenues. Freight Management successfully distributed freight to other operating divisions and continues to secure new customer business awards that generate additional freight opportunities across all company business units. Intermodal revenues declined by design, yet produced significant operating income improvement as we benefited from intermodal strategy changes that management began implementing during the latter part of 2006. Werner Global Logistics ("WGL"), formed in July 2006, is actively assisting customers with innovative global supply chain solutions. Customer development efforts are progressing, and WGL continues to secure several new and meaningful customer business awards. We are, through our subsidiaries and affiliates, a licensed U.S. NVOCC, U.S. Customs Broker, licensed Freight Forwarder in China, licensed China NVOCC, a TSA approved Indirect Air Carrier, and an IATA Accredited Cargo Agent. Operating Expenses Our operating ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of operating revenues) was 93.4% in 2007 compared to 92.1% in 2006. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. As explained on page 20,21, the total company 2007 operating ratio was 110 basis points higher due to the significant increase in fuel expense and recording the related fuel surcharge revenues on a gross basis. The tables on page 20pages 20-21 show the operating ratios and operating margins for our two reportable segments, Truckload and VAS. The following table sets forth the cost per total mile of operating expense items for the Truckload segment for the periodsyears indicated. We evaluate operating costs for this segment on a per-mile basis, which is a better measurement tool for comparing the results of operations from period to period.
Increase (Decrease) 2007 2006 per Mile ---------------------------------------------------------- Salaries, wages and benefits $.571 $.564 $.007 Fuel .401 .377 .024 Supplies and maintenance .150 .145 .005 Taxes and licenses .115 .114 .001 Insurance and claims .092 .090 .002 Depreciation .159 .158 .001 Rent and purchased transportation .160 .150 .010 Communications and utilities .020 .019 .001 Other (.016) (.013) (.003)
Owner-operator costs are included in rent and purchased transportation expense. Owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles were 12.3% in 2007 compared to 11.8% in 2006. Owner- operators are independent contractors who supply their own tractor and driver and are responsible for their operating expenses (including driver pay, fuel, supplies and maintenance and fuel taxes). This increase in owner-operatorowner- operator miles as a percentage of total miles shifted costs to the rent and purchased transportation category from other expense categories. We estimate that rent and purchased transportation expense for the Truckload segment was higher by approximately 0.7 cents per total 22 mile due to this increase, and other expense categories had offsetting decreases on a total-mile basis as follows: (i) salaries, wages and benefits, 0.3 cents; (ii) fuel, 0.2 cents; (iii) taxes and licenses, 0.1 cent; and (iv) depreciation, 0.1 cent. Salaries, wages and benefits for non-drivers increased in 2007 compared to 2006 due to a larger number of employees required to support the growth in the non-trucking VAS segment. Non-driver salaries for the Truckload segment were flat in 2007 compared to 2006. The increase in salaries, wages and benefits per mile of 0.7 cents for the Truckload segment is primarily attributed to (i) an increase in student driver pay as the average number of student trainer teams was higher in 2007 than in 2006; (ii) an increase in the dedicatedDedicated fleet truck percentage as dedicatedDedicated drivers typically earn a higher rate per mile than drivers in our other truck fleets; and (iii) higher group health insurance costs. These cost increases for the Truckload segment were partially offset by a decrease in workers' compensation expense, lower state unemployment tax expense and a decrease in equipment maintenance personnel. The driver recruiting and retention market remains challenging, but was less difficult in 2007 than in the 2006 due to improved driver availability. The weakness in the housing market and the medium-to-long-haul Van fleet reduction contributed favorably to our driver recruiting and retention efforts. We anticipate that competition for qualified drivers will remain high and cannot predict whether we will experience future shortages. If such a shortage did occur and additional driver pay rate increases were necessary to attract and retain drivers, our results of operations would be negatively impacted to the extent that corresponding freight rate increases were not obtained. Fuel increased 2.4 cents per mile for the Truckload segment due primarily to higher average diesel fuel prices. Average fuel prices in 2007 were 20 cents per gallon, or 10%, higher than in 2006. For the first eight months of 2007, average fuel prices were nearly the same as they were during the first eight months of 2006. However, during the last four months of 2007, average fuel prices continued to increase to record levels, while prices declined in the last four months of 2006. Fuel prices averaged 65 cents more per gallon in the last four months of 2007 versus the same period in 2006. Higher net fuel costs had a 9.0nine cent negative impact on earnings per share in 2007 compared to 2006. Fuel prices have remained high to date in 2008. As of today, diesel fuel prices are 98 cents per gallon higher than on the same date a year ago, and average prices to date in 2008 are 88 cents per gallon higher than in the same period of 2007. We include all of the following items when calculating fuel's impact on earnings 28 for both periods: (i) average fuel price per gallon, (ii) fuel reimbursements paid to owner-operator drivers, (iii) miles per gallonmpg and (iv) offsetting fuel surcharge revenues from customers. During third quarter 2006, truckload carriers transitioned a gradually increasing portion of their diesel fuel consumption from low sulfur diesel fuel to ULSDultra-low sulfur diesel ("ULSD") fuel. This transition occurred because fuel refiners were required to meet the EPA- mandatedEPA-mandated 80% ULSD threshold by October 15, 2006. Preliminary estimates indicated that ULSD would result in a 1-3% degradation in mpg for all trucks due to the lower energy content (btu) of ULSD. Since the transition occurred, the result is an approximate 2% degradation of mpg. We believe that other factors which impact mpg, including increasing the percentage of aerodynamic trucks in our company truck fleet, have offset the negative mpg impact of ULSD. We have historically been successful recouping approximately 70-90% of fuel cost increases through our fuel surcharge program. The remaining 10-30% difference is caused by the impact of operational costs such as truck idling, empty miles, out-of-route miles, and the government mandated conversion to ULSD. In the past, we met with our customers to obtain recovery for this shortfall in base rates per mile. However, because of the current softer freight market, we have been unable to recover this shortfall in base rates. As a result, increases in the cost of fuel are expected to continue impacting our earnings per share until freight market conditions may allow us to recover this shortfall from customers. We are continuing to take actions to aggressively manage the controllable aspects of our fuel costs. 23 Shortages of fuel, increases in fuel prices and petroleum product rationing can have a materially adverse effect on our operations and profitability. We are unable to predict whether fuel price levels will increase or decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges will be collected from customers. As of December 31, 2007, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Supplies and maintenance for the Truckload segment increased 0.5 cents (3%) per total mile in 2007 compared to 2006. Higher over-the-road tractor repairs and maintenance were the primary cause of this increase because the increased percentage of dedicatedDedicated fleet trucks requires more repairs to be performed off- site rather than at our terminals. In addition, the average age of our company-owned truck fleet increased to 2.1 years at December 31, 2007 compared to 1.3 years at December 31, 2006. A portion of this increase was offset by lower non-driver salaries, wages and benefits from a decrease in maintenance personnel, as previously noted. Our trailer repair costs were slightly lower in 2007 than in 2006 because our ongoing purchasesthe purchase of new van trailers to replace our oldest van trailers lowered the average age of our trailer fleet. Insurance and claims for the Truckload segment did not change significantly from 2006 to 2007, increasing just 0.2 cents (2%) on a per-mile basis. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2007 and became responsible for an annual $8.0 million aggregate for claims between $2.0 million and $5.0 million. During the policy year that ended July 31, 2007, we were responsible for a lower $2.0 million aggregate for claims between $2.0 million and $3.0 million and no aggregate (meaning that we were fully insured) for claims between $3.0 million and $5.0 million. See Item 3 "Legal Proceedings"(Legal Proceedings) for information on our bodily injury and property damage coverage levels since August 1, 2004.2005. Our liability insurance premiums for the policy year beginning August 1, 2007 are slightly lower than the previous policy year. Rent and purchased transportation expense consists mainly of payments to third-party capacity providers in the VAS segment and other non-trucking operations and payments to owner-operators in the Truckload segment. As discussed on page 21,27, the VAS segment's rent and purchased transportation expense decreased in response to a structural change to a large VAS customer's continuing arrangement.arrangement regarding third-party carriers. That change resulted in a reduction in VAS revenues and VAS rent and purchased transportation expense of (i) $20.0$38.5 million from third quartercomparing the second half of 2006 to third quarter 2007 and (ii) $18.5 million from fourth quarter 2006 to fourth quarterthe second half of 2007. Excluding the rent and purchased transportation expense for this customer, the dollar amount of this expense increased for the VAS segment, similar to VAS revenues. These expenses generally vary depending on changes in the volume of services generated by the segment. As a percentage of VAS revenues, VAS rent and purchased transportation expense decreased to 86.9% in 2007 compared to 90.5% in 2006. Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment increased 1.0 cent per total mile in 2007 due primarily to the increase in the percentage of owner-operator truck miles versus company truck miles. Increased fuel prices also necessitated higher reimbursements to owner-operators for fuel ($36.0 million in 2007 compared to $32.7 million in 2006). These reimbursements resulted in an increase of 0.3 cents per total mile. Our customer fuel surcharge programs do not differentiate between miles generated by company-owned and owner-operator trucks. Rather, we include the increase in owner-operator fuel reimbursements with our fuel expenses in calculating the per- share impact of higher fuel costs on earnings. Challenging operating conditions continue to make owner-operator recruitment and retention difficult for us. Such conditions include inflationary cost increases that are the responsibility of owner- operators. We have historically been able to add company-owned tractors and recruit additional company drivers to offset any owner-operator decreases. If a shortage of owner-operators and company drivers occurs, increases in per mile settlement rates (for owner-operators) and driver pay rates (for company drivers) may become necessary to attract and retain these drivers. This could negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we did not obtain corresponding freight rate increases. Other operating expenses for the Truckload segment decreased 0.3 cents per mile in 2007. Gains on sales of assets (primarily trucks and trailers) are reflected as a reduction of other operating expenses and are reported net of sales-related expenses, including costs to prepare the equipment for sale. Gains on sales of assets decreased to $22.9 million in 2007 from 24 $28.4 million in 2006. Due to the softer freight market and higher fuel prices, Fleet Truck Sales demand softened in fourth quarter 2007. We expect this to continue for at least the first half of 2008, which will likely have a continued negative impact on the amount of our gains on sales. We continued to sell our oldest van trailers that are fully depreciated and replaced them with new trailers, and we expect to continue doing so in 2008. Our wholly-owned used truck retail network, Fleet Truck Sales, is one of the largest Class 8 truck sales entities in the United States. Fleet Truck Sales continues to be our resource for remarketing our used trucks.trailers. Other operating expenses also include bad debt expense. In 2006, we recorded an additional $7.2 million related to the bankruptcy of one of our former customers. 29 Other Expense (Income) We recorded $3.0 million of interest expense in 2007 versus $1.2 million of interest expense in 2006 because our average debt levels were higher in 2007. We had no debt outstanding at December 31, 2007. Our interest income decreased to $4.0 million in 2007 from $4.4 million in 2006. Income Taxes Our effective income tax rate (income taxes expressed as a percentage of income before income taxes) was 45.1% for 2007 versus 41.1% for 2006, as described in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K.2006. During fourth quarter 2007, we reached a tentative settlement agreement with an Internal Revenue ServiceIRS appeals officer regarding a significant timing difference deduction between financial reporting and tax reporting for our 2000 to 2004 federal income tax returns. We accrued the estimated cumulative interest charges, net of income taxes, of $4.0 million for the anticipated settlement of this matter. Our policy is to recognize interest and penalties directly related to income taxes as additional income tax expense. 2006 Compared to 2005 - --------------------- Operating Revenues Operating revenues increased 5.5% in 2006 compared to 2005. Excluding fuel surcharge revenues, trucking revenues increased 0.6% due primarily to a 3.8% increase in average revenues per total mile, excluding fuel surcharges, offset by a 3.2% decrease in average annual miles per tractor. The truckload freight market was sluggish during much of 2006, particularly from mid- August through December when the normal freight volume peak seasonal increase did not occur. Additionally, the significant industry-wide accelerated purchase of new trucks in advance of the new 2007 engine emissions standards contributed to excess truck capacity that partially disrupted the supply and demand balance in the second half of 2006. These combined factors resulted in the decrease in annual miles per tractor andSee also negatively affected revenues per total mile. While revenues per total mile increased 3.8% year-over-year, the percentage increase over the comparable 2005 periods was lower in the last two quarters of 2006 than in the first two quarters of 2006. Most of the revenues per total mile increase is due to base rate increases negotiated with customers, offset by an increase in the empty mile percentage. A substantial portion of our freight base is under contract with customers and provides for annual pricing increases, with much of our non-dedicated contractual business renewing in the latter part of third quarter and fourth quarter. The challenging freight market in the second half of 2006 made it much more difficult for us to obtain base rate increases at levels comparable to the 2005 and 2004 renewal periods. The average percentage of empty miles increased to 13.1% in 2006 from 12.2% in 2005. This increase partially resulted from higher percentages of dedicated trucks in the fleet and regional shipments with a shorter length of haul. If we excluded the dedicated fleet, the average empty mile percentage would be 10.8% in 2006 and 10.0% in 2005. Fuel surcharge revenues increased to $286.8 million in 2006 from $235.7 million in 2005 in response to higher average fuel prices in 2006. 25 VAS revenues increased 21.7% to $266.0 million in 2006 from $218.6 million in 2005, and gross margin increased 16.3% for the same period. Most of the revenue growth came from our Brokerage and Intermodal divisions within VAS. Operating Expenses Our operating ratio was 92.1% in 2006 versus 91.7% in 2005. Expense items that impacted the overall operating ratio are described on the following pages. As explained on page 20, the operating ratio increased due to the significant rise in fuel expense and recording the related fuel surcharge revenues on a gross basis. Because the VAS operating margin is lower than that of the trucking business, the growth in VAS business in 2006 compared to 2005 also increased our overall operating ratio. The tables on page 20 show the operating ratios and operating margins for our two reportable segments, Truckload and VAS. The following table sets forth the cost per total mile of operating expense items for the Truckload segment for the periods indicated. We evaluate operating costs for this segment on a per- mile basis, which is a better measurement tool for comparing the results of operations from period to period.
Increase (Decrease) 2006 2005 per Mile ------------------------------ Salaries, wages and benefits $.564 $.532 $.032 Fuel .377 .321 .056 Supplies and maintenance .145 .143 .002 Taxes and licenses .114 .112 .002 Insurance and claims .090 .083 .007 Depreciation .158 .149 .009 Rent and purchased transportation .150 .149 .001 Communications and utilities .019 .019 .000 Other (.013) (.008) (.005)
Owner-operator miles as a percentage of total miles were 11.8% in 2006 compared to 12.5% in 2005. This decrease in owner- operator miles as a percentage of total miles shifted costs from the rent and purchased transportation category to other expense categories. We estimate that rent and purchased transportation expense for the Truckload segment was lower by approximately 1.0 cent per total mile due to this decrease, and other expense categories had offsetting increases on a total-mile basis, as follows: (i) salaries, wages and benefits, 0.4 cents; (ii) fuel, 0.3 cents; (iii) supplies and maintenance, 0.1 cent; (iv) taxes and licenses, 0.1 cent; and (v) depreciation, 0.1 cent. Salaries, wages and benefits for non-drivers increased in 2006 compared to 2005 due to a larger number of employees required to support the growth in the VAS segment. The increase in salaries, wages and benefits per mile of 3.2 cents for the Truckload segment is primarily attributed to higher driver pay per mile resulting from (i) an increased percentage of company truck miles versus owner-operator miles (see above); (ii) an increase in the dedicated fleet truck percentage; (iii) additional amounts paid to drivers to help offset the impact of lower miles in a sluggish freight market; and (iv) higher group health insurance costs, offset by a decrease in workers' compensation expense. Non-driver salaries, wages and benefits rose due to (i) an increase in equipment maintenance personnel and (ii) $2.3 million of stock compensation expense related to the our adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("No. 123R"), on January 1, 2006. See Note 5 to the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for more explanation of SFAS No. 123R. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123R using a modified version of the prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after January 1, 2006 for (i) the portion of outstanding awards not yet vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123, 26 Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, for either recognition or pro forma disclosures and (ii) all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123R. Stock- based employee compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 was $2.3 million, or 1.7 cents per share net of taxes. There was no cumulative effect of initially adopting SFAS No. 123R. The driver recruiting and retention market remained challenging during 2006. We had two quarters of sequential decreases in the average number of tractors in service during the first half of 2006. Following these decreases, our ongoing focus to lower driver turnover yielded positive results in the second half of the year. The improvements in the latter part of the year offset the decreases experienced during the first half of the year, resulting in essentially no change in average tractors in 2006 compared to 2005. Fuel increased 5.6 cents per mile for the Truckload segment due primarily to higher average diesel fuel prices. Average fuel prices in 2006 were 28 cents per gallon, or 16%, higher than in 2005. Higher net fuel costs had a four (4.0) cent negative impact on earnings per share in 2006 compared to 2005. As of December 31, 2006, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Insurance and claims for the Truckload segment increased 0.7 cents on a per-mile basis. This increase was primarily related to higher negative development on existing liability insurance claims and an increase in larger claims. We renewed our liability insurance policies on August 1, 2006. See Item 3 "Legal Proceedings" for information on our bodily injury and property damage coverage levels since August 1, 2004. Our liability insurance premiums for the policy year beginning August 1, 2006 were slightly higher than the previous policy year. Depreciation expense for the Truckload segment increased 0.9 cents on a per-mile basis in 2006. This increase is mainly due to (i) higher costs of new tractors having post-October 2002 engines, (ii) the impact of fewer average miles per truck and (iii) an increased percentage of company-owned trucks compared to owner-operators. As of December 31, 2006, nearly 100% of the company-owned truck fleet consisted of trucks having post-October 2002 engines, compared to 89% at December 31, 2005. Rent and purchased transportation consists mainly of payments to third-party capacity providers in the VAS and other non-trucking operations and payments to owner-operators in the trucking operations. Rent and purchased transportation expense for the VAS segment increased in response to higher VAS revenues. These expenses generally vary depending on changes in the volume of services generated by the segment. As a percentage of VAS revenues, VAS rent and purchased transportation expense increased to 90.5% in 2006 compared to 90.1% in 2005. Intermodal's gross profits and operating income declined because of the softer freight market and the influence of higher fixed costs and repositioning costs. Rent and purchased transportation for the Truckload segment increased 0.1 cent per total mile in 2006. Higher fuel prices necessitated higher reimbursements to owner-operators for fuel ($32.7 million in 2006 compared to $26.6 million in 2005). These higher owner-operator reimbursements resulted in an increase of 0.7 cents per total mile. We also increased the van and regional over-the-road owner-operators' settlement rate by two (2.0) cents per mile effective May 1, 2006. These increases were offset by the decrease in the number of owner-operator trucks and the corresponding decrease in owner-operator miles. Payments to third-party capacity providers related to the small amount of non-trucking revenues recorded by the Truckload segment also decreased by 0.1 cent per mile, partially offsetting the Truckload segment's overall increase. Other operating expenses for the Truckload segment decreased 0.5 cents per mile in 2006. Gains on sales of assets increased to $28.4 million in 2006 from $11.0 million in 2005. During 2006, we began selling our oldest van trailers that reached the end of their depreciable life, which increased gains in 2006. The number of trucks sold in 2006 and the average gain per truck sold (before costs to prepare the equipment for sale) both decreased slightly in comparison to 2005. We spent less on repairs per truck sold in 2006 as compared to 2005, which also contributed to the improvement in gains on sale. Other operating 27 expenses also include bad debt expense and professional service fees. In first quarter 2006, we recorded an additional $7.2 million related to the bankruptcy of one of our former customers. We recorded $1.2 million of interest expense in 2006 compared to $0.7 million of interest expense in 2005. We had $100 million of debt outstanding at December 31, 2006. This debt was incurred in the second half of 2006 for the purchase of new trucks. In first quarter 2006, we repaid the $60 million of debt that was outstanding at December 31, 2005. Our interest income increased to $4.4 million in 2006 from $3.4 million in 2005 due to improved interest rates, partially offset by a declining cash balance throughout 2006. Our effective income tax rate was 41.1% for 2006 versus 41.0% for 2005, as described in Note 4 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Liquidity and Capital ResourcesResources: During the year ended December 31, 2007,2008, we generated cash flow from operations of $228.0$259.1 million, a 19.7% decrease13.7% increase ($56.131.1 million), in cash flow compared to the year ended December 31, 2006.2007. This decreaseincrease is dueattributed primarily to (i) a $23.2 million change in cash flows related to accounts payable, primarily due to the timing of revenue equipment payments, (ii) a lower accounts receivable balance due primarily to a decrease in the average fuel surcharge billed per trip at the end of 2008 and (iii) the effect of $13.0 million lower gains on disposal of operating equipment, offset by (iv) lower net income of $7.8 million. Cash flow from operations decreased $56.1 million in 2007 compared to 2006, or 19.7%. The decrease in cash flow from operations in 2007 compared to 2006 was due primarily to a $33.8 million change in accounts payable for revenue equipment caused by a $16.1 million increase in accounts payable for revenue equipment from December 2005 to December 2006 (compared to a $17.7 million decrease in accounts payable for revenue equipment from December 2006 to December 2007) as we delayed the purchase of trucks with 2007 engines during 2007 and (ii) lower net income in 2007. These cash flow decreases were offset partially by working capital improvements in accounts receivable. Cash flow from operations increased $111.6 million in 2006 compared to 2005, or 64.7%. The increase in cash flow from operations in 2006 compared to 2005 was due primarily to lower income tax payments during 2006, higher payables for revenue equipment of $17.1 million and improved collections of accounts receivable. In addition, we wrote off a $7.2 million receivable related to the bankruptcy of a former customer during 2006, resulting in a decrease in net accounts receivable. Income taxes paid during 2006 totaled $68.9 million compared to $99.2 million in 2005. The higher tax payments in 2005 were related to tax law changes that resulted in the reversal of certain tax strategies implemented in 2001 and the effect of lower income tax depreciation in 2005 due to the bonus tax depreciation provision that expired on December 31, 2004. We made federal income tax payments of $22.5 million related to the reversal of the tax strategies in second quarter 2005.$23.3 million. We were able to make net capital expenditures, repay debt, repurchase common stock and pay dividends because of the cash flow from operations and existing cash balances, supplemented by net borrowings under our existing credit facilities. Net cash used in investing activities decreased 91.5% ($216.1 million)increased by $89.3 million to $109.4 million in 2008 from $20.1 million in 2007 from $236.2 million in 2006.2007. Net property additions (primarily revenue equipment) were $26.1$115.0 million for the year ended December 31, 20072008 compared to $241.8$26.1 million during the same period of 2006.2007. The decreaseincrease occurred because we began to take delivery of new trucks in 2008, while we took delivery of substantially fewer new trucks during 2007 to delay purchases of more expensive trucks with 2007 engines. The $58.0$216.1 million or 19.7%, decrease in investing cash flows from 2006 to 20052007 was due primarily to (i) the purchase of more tractors in 20052006 as we began to reduce the average age of our truck fleet and (ii) purchasing fewer tractors and selling more trailers in 2006.prior to the 2007 engine change. The average age of our truck fleet is 2.5 years at December 31, 2008 compared to 2.1 years at December 31, 2007 compared toand 1.3 years at December 31, 2006. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we were committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $48.7$46.6 million. We expect our estimated net capital expenditures (primarily revenue equipment) to be in the range of $50.0 million to $125.0 million in 2009. We intend to fund these net capital expenditures through cash flow from operations and financing available under our existing credit facilities, as management deems necessary. Net financing activities used $119.3 million in 2008, $214.4 million in 2007 usedand $52.8 million in 2006 and provided $48.9 million in 2005.2006. The changedecrease from 20062007 to 20072008 included debt repayments (net of borrowings) of $100.0 million in 2007 compared to net borrowings of $30.0 million in 2008. We had net borrowings of $40.0 million in 2006. We borrowed $60.0During first quarter 2009, we repaid the total $30.0 million in 2005.of debt that was outstanding on December 31, 2008. We paid dividends of $164.4 million in 2008, $14.0 million in 2007 and $13.3 million in 2006 and $11.92006. The 2008 dividends included a special dividend of $2.10 per share ($150.3 million total) paid in 2005.December 2008. We increased our regular quarterly dividend rate by $0.005 per share beginning with the dividend paid in July 2007 and the dividend paid in July 2006. Financing activities also included Common Stockcommon stock repurchases of $4.8 million in 2008, $113.8 million in 2007 and $85.1 million in 2006 and $1.6 million in 2005.2006. From time to 28 time, we havethe Company has repurchased, and may continue to repurchase, shares of our Common Stock.the Company's common stock. The timing and amount of 30 such purchases depends on market and other factors. On October 11, 2007, our Board of Directors approved an increase in the number of shares of our Common Stock that the Company is authorized to repurchase. This new authorization permits us to repurchase an additional 8,000,000 shares. As of December 31, 2007,2008, the Company had purchased 791,2001,041,200 shares pursuant to thisour current Board of Directors repurchase authorization and had 7,208,8006,958,800 shares remaining available for repurchase. Management believes our financial position at December 31, 20072008 is strong. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we had $25.1$48.6 million of cash and cash equivalents and $832.8$745.5 million of stockholders' equity. Cash is invested in government portfolio money market funds. We do not hold any investments in auction-rate securities. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we had a total of $225.0 million of credit pursuant to two credit facilities, of which we had no outstanding borrowings.borrowed $30.0 million. The $225.0remaining $195.0 million of credit available under these facilities is further reduced by the $33.6$43.9 million in letters of credit we maintain. These letters of credit are primarily required as security for insurance policies. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we did not have any non-cancelable revenue equipment operating leases and therefore had no off-balanceoff- balance sheet revenue equipment debt. Based on our strong financial position, management does not foresee any significant barriers to obtaining sufficient financing, if necessary. Contractual Obligations and Commercial CommitmentsCommitments: The following tables settable sets forth our contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2007.2008.
Payments Due by Period (in millions) More Less than Overthan 5 Period Total 1 year 1-3 years 4-53-5 years years OtherUnknown - ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Contractual Obligations Unrecognized tax benefitsLong-term debt, including current maturities $ 12.630.0 $ 30.0 $ - $ - $ - $ - $ 12.6Unrecognized tax benefits 7.4 1.4 - - - 6.0 Equipment purchase commitments 48.7 48.746.6 46.6 - - - - -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total contractual cash obligations $ 61.384.0 $ 48.778.0 $ - $ - $ - $ 12.66.0 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Other Commercial Commitments Unused lines of credit $ 191.4151.1 $ -50.0 $ 191.4101.1 $ - $ - $ - Standby letters of credit 33.6 33.643.9 43.9 - - - - -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- Total commercial commitments $ 225.0195.0 $ 33.693.9 $ 191.4101.1 $ - $ - $ - ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== Total obligations $ 286.3279.0 $ 82.3171.9 $ 191.4101.1 $ - $ - $ 12.66.0 ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ========
We have committed credit facilities with two banks totaling $225.0 million, of which we had nohave borrowed $30.0 million at December 31, 2008. During first quarter 2009, we repaid the total $30.0 million of debt that was outstanding borrowings.on December 31, 2008. These credit facilities bear variable interest (2.0% at December 31, 2008) based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). The credit available under these facilities is further reduced by the amount of standby letters of credit under which we are obligated. The unused lines of credit are available to us in the event we need financing for the growthreplacement of our fleet.fleet or for other significant capital expenditures. Given our strong financial position, we expect that we could obtain additional financing, if necessary, at favorable terms.necessary. The standby letters of credit are primarily required for insurance policies. The equipment purchase commitments relate to committed equipment expenditures. On January 1, 2007, we adopted FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 ("FIN 48"), and. As of December 31, 2008, we have recorded $12.6$7.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits. We expect $1.4 million to be settled within the next twelve months and are unable to reasonably determine when these amountsthe $6.0 million categorized as "period unknown" will be settled. 31 Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We doArrangements: In 2008, we did not have any non-cancelable revenue equipment operating leases or other arrangements that meet the definition of an off-balance sheet arrangement. 29 Critical Accounting PoliciesPolicies: We operate in the truckload sector of the trucking industry with aand the logistics sector of the transportation industry. In the truckload sector, we focus on transporting consumer nondurable products that generally ship more consistently throughout the yearyear. In the logistics sector, besides managing transportation requirements for individual customers, we provide additional sources of truck capacity, alternative modes of transportation, a global delivery network and when changes occur in the economy.systems analysis to optimize transportation needs. Our success depends on our ability to efficiently manage our resources in the delivery of truckload transportation and logistics services to our customers. Resource requirements vary with customer demand and may be subject to seasonal or general economic conditions. Our ability to adapt to changes in customer transportation requirements is a key element inessential to efficient resource deployment, and in making capital investments in tractors and trailers.trailers or obtaining qualified third-party carrier capacity at a reasonable price. Although our business volume is not highly concentrated, we may also be occasionally affected by theour customers' financial failure of customersfailures or a loss of a customer'scustomer business. Our most significant resource requirements are qualifiedcompany drivers, owner-operators, tractors, trailers and related equipment operating costs (such as fuel and related fuel taxes, driver pay, insurance and supplies and maintenance). Historically, we have successfully mitigatedTo mitigate our risk to fuel price increases, by recoveringwe recover additional fuel surcharges from our customers additional fuel surcharges that recoup a majority, but not all, of the increased fuel costs; however, we cannot assure that current recovery levels will continue in future periods. Our financial results are also affected by company driver and owner-operatorowner- operator availability and the new and used revenue equipment market. Because we are self-insured for a significant portion of bodily injury, property damage and cargo claims and for workers' compensation benefits and health claims for our employees (supplemented by premium- basedpremium-based insurance coverage above certain dollar levels), financial results may also be affected by driver safety, medical costs, weather, legal and regulatory environments and insurance coverage costs to protect against catastrophic losses. The most significant accounting policies and estimates that affect our financial statements include the following: * Selections of estimated useful lives and salvage values for purposes of depreciating tractors and trailers. Depreciable lives of tractors and trailers range from 5 to 12 years. Estimates of salvage value at the expected date of trade-in or sale (for example, three years for tractors) are based on the expected market values of equipment at the time of disposal. Although our normal replacement cycle for tractors is three years, we calculate depreciation expense for financial reporting purposes using a five-year life and 25% salvage value. Depreciation expense calculated in this manner continues at the same straight-line rate (which approximates the continuing declining market value of the tractors) when a tractor is held beyond the normal three-year age. Calculating depreciation expense using a five-year life and 25% salvage value results in the same annual depreciation rate (15% of cost per year) and the same net book value at the normal three-year replacement date (55% of cost) as using a three-year life and 55% salvage value. We continually monitor the adequacy of the lives and salvage values used in calculating depreciation expense and adjust these assumptions appropriately when warranted. * Impairment of long-lived assets. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long-lived asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, the carrying amount is not recoverable when the carrying value of the long-lived asset exceeds the sum of the 32 future net cash flows. We do not separately identify assets by operating segment because tractors and trailers are routinely transferred from one operating fleet to another. As a result, none of our long-lived assets have identifiable cash flows from use that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Thus, the asset group used to assess impairment would include all of our assets. Long-lived assets classified as "held for sale" are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. * Estimates of accrued liabilities for insurance and claims for liability and physical damage losses and workers' compensation. The insurance and claims accruals (current and noncurrent) are recorded at the estimated ultimate 30 payment amounts and are based upon individual case estimates (including negative development) and estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss development factors based upon past experience. An actuary reviews our self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage claims and workers' compensation claims every six months. * Policies for revenue recognition. Operating revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and related direct costs are recorded when the shipment is delivered. For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including owner-operators under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the service and we (i) are the primary obligor in regard to the shipment delivery, (ii) establish customer pricing separately from carrier rate negotiations, (iii) generally have discretion in carrier selection and/or (iv) have credit risk on the shipment, we record both revenues for the dollar value of services we bill to the customer and rent and purchased transportation expense for transportation costs we pay to the third-party provider upon the shipment's delivery. In the absence of the conditions listed above, we record revenues net of those expenses related to third-party providers. * Accounting for income taxes. Significant management judgment is required to determine (i) the provision for income taxes, to determine(ii) whether deferred income taxes will be realized in full or in part and to determine(iii) the liability for unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with the provisions of FIN 48 (which we adopted January 1, 2007).48. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years when those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. When it is more likely that all or some portion of specific deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of deferred income tax assets that are determined not to be realizable. A valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets has not been deemed to be necessary due to our profitable operations. Accordingly, if facts or financial circumstances changedchange and consequently impactedimpact the likelihood of realizing the deferred income tax assets, we would need to apply management's judgment to determine the amount of valuation allowance required in any given period. * Allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We review the financial condition of customers for granting credit and monitor changes in customers' financial conditions on an ongoing basis. We determine the allowance based on our historical write-off experience and national economic conditions. During 2008, numerous significant events affected the U.S. financial markets and resulted in a significant reduction of credit availability and liquidity. Consequently, we believe some of our customers may be unable to obtain or retain adequate financing to support their businesses in the future. We anticipate that because of these combined factors, some of our customers may also be compelled to restructure their businesses or may be unable to pay amounts owed to us. We have formal policies in place to continually monitor credit extended to customers and to manage our credit risk. We maintain credit insurance for some customer accounts. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly and believe our allowance for doubtful accounts is adequate based on information currently available. Management periodically re-evaluates these estimates as events and circumstances change. Together with the effects of the matters discussed above, these factors may significantly impact our results of operations from period-to-period. Inflationperiod to period. 33 Inflation: Inflation may impact our operating costs. A prolonged inflation period could cause rises in interest rates, fuel, wages and other costs. These inflationary increases could adversely affect our results of operations unless freight rates could be increased correspondingly. However, the effect of inflation has been minimal over the past three years. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates, commodity prices and foreign currency exchange rates. Interest Rate Risk We had no$30.0 million of variable rate debt outstanding at December 31, 2007.2008. Interest rates on the variable rate debt and our unused credit facilities are based on the LIBOR. Increases in interest rates could impact our annual interest expense on future borrowings. Assuming this level of borrowings, a hypothetical one-percentage point increase in the LIBOR interest rate would increase our annual interest expense by $300,000. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we do not have any derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to interest rate increases. 31 Commodity Price Risk The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations attributed to changes in the level of global oil production, refining capacity, seasonality, weather and other market factors. Historically, we have recovered a significant portionmajority, but not all, of fuel price increases from customers in the form of fuel surcharges. We implemented customer fuel surcharge programs with most of our revenue basecustomers to offset much of the higher fuel cost per gallon. However, we do not recover all of the fuel cost increase through these surcharge programs. We cannot predict the extent to which higher fuel price levelsprices will continueincrease or decrease in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges could be collected to offset such increases.collected. As of December 31, 2007,2008, we had no derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations. Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk We conduct business in several foreign countries, including Mexico, Canada and Asia.China. Foreign currency transaction losses were $7.0 million for 2008 and were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts of gains and losses were not material to our results of operations for 2007 and prior years.2006 were not material. To date, most foreign revenues are denominated in U.S. Dollars, and we receive payment for foreign freight services primarily in U.S. Dollars to reduce direct foreign currency risk. Accordingly, weAssets and liabilities maintained by subsidiary companies in the local currency are not currently subject to material risks involving anyforeign exchange gains or losses. The foreign currency transaction losses for 2008 were primarily related to changes in the value of revenue equipment owned by a subsidiary in Mexico, whose functional currency is the Peso. The exchange rate between the Mexico Peso and the effects that such exchange rate movements would have on our future costs or future cash flows. 32U.S. Dollar was 13.54 Pesos to $1.00 at December 31, 2008 compared to 10.87 Pesos to $1.00 at December 31, 2007. 34 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM The Board of Directors and Stockholders Werner Enterprises, Inc.: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007.2008. In connection with our audits of the consolidated financial statements, we have also audited the financial statement schedule for each of the years in the three-yearthree- year period ended December 31, 2007,2008, listed in Item 15(a)(2) of this Form 10- K.10-K. These consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007,2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Werner Enterprises, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 18, 200827, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. KPMG LLP Omaha, Nebraska February 18, 2008 3327, 2009 35 WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating revenues $2,165,599 $2,071,187 $2,080,555 $1,971,847 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating expenses: Salaries, wages and benefits 586,035 598,837 594,783 574,893 Fuel 508,594 408,410 388,710 340,622 Supplies and maintenance 163,524 159,843 155,304 154,719 Taxes and licenses 109,443 117,170 117,570 118,853 Insurance and claims 104,349 93,769 92,580 88,595 Depreciation 167,435 166,994 167,516 162,462 Rent and purchased transportation 397,887 387,564 395,660 354,335 Communications and utilities 19,579 20,098 19,651 20,468 Other (4,182) (18,015) (15,720) (7,711) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total operating expenses 2,052,664 1,934,670 1,916,054 1,807,236 ---------- ---------- ---------- Operating income 112,935 136,517 164,501 164,611 ---------- ---------- ---------- Other expense (income): Interest expense 83 2,977 1,196 672 Interest income (3,972) (3,989) (4,407) (3,381) Other (198) 247 319 261 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total other income (4,087) (765) (2,892) (2,448) ---------- ---------- ---------- Income before income taxes 117,022 137,282 167,393 167,059 Income taxes 49,442 61,925 68,750 68,525 ---------- ---------- ---------- Net income $ 67,580 $ 75,357 $ 98,643 $ 98,534 ========== ========== ========== Earnings per share: Basic $ 0.96 $ 1.03 $ 1.27 $ 1.24 ========== ========== ========== Diluted $ 0.94 $ 1.02 $ 1.25 $ 1.22 ========== ========== ========== Weighted-average common shares outstanding: Basic 70,752 72,858 77,653 79,393 ========== ========== ========== Diluted 71,658 74,114 79,101 80,701 ========== ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3436 WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (In thousands, except share amounts)
December 31, ------------------------ ASSETS 2008 2007 2006 ---------- ---------- Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 25,09048,624 $ 31,61325,090 Accounts receivable, trade, less allowance of $9,555 and $9,765, and $9,417, respectively 185,936 213,496 232,794 Other receivables 18,739 14,587 17,933 Inventories and supplies 10,644 10,747 10,850 Prepaid taxes, licenses, and permits 16,493 17,045 18,457 Current deferred income taxes 30,789 26,702 25,251 Other current assets 20,659 21,500 24,143 ---------- ---------- Total current assets 331,884 329,167 361,041 ---------- ---------- Property and equipment, at cost: Land 28,643 27,947 26,945 Buildings and improvements 125,631 121,788 118,910 Revenue equipment 1,281,688 1,284,418 1,372,768 Service equipment and other 177,140 171,292 168,597 ---------- ---------- Total property and equipment 1,613,102 1,605,445 1,687,220 Less - accumulated depreciation 686,463 633,504 590,880 ---------- ---------- Property and equipment, net 926,639 971,941 1,096,340 ---------- ---------- Other non-current assets 16,795 20,300 20,792 ---------- ---------- $1,275,318 $1,321,408 $1,478,173 ========== ========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 46,684 $ 49,652 $ 75,821Current portion of long-term debt 30,000 - Insurance and claims accruals 79,830 76,189 73,782 Accrued payroll 25,850 21,753 21,344 Other current liabilities 19,006 19,395 19,963 ---------- ---------- Total current liabilities 201,370 166,989 190,910 ---------- ---------- Long-term debt, net of current portion - 100,000 Other long-term liabilities 7,406 14,165 999 Deferred income taxes 200,512 196,966 216,413 Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion 120,500 110,500 99,500 Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' equity: Common stock, $0.01 par value, 200,000,000 shares authorized; 80,533,536 shares issued; 70,373,18971,576,267 and 75,339,29770,373,189 shares outstanding, respectively 805 805 Paid-in capital 93,343 101,024 105,193 Retained earnings 826,511 923,411 862,403 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7,146) (169) (207) Treasury stock, at cost; 10,160,3478,957,269 and 5,194,23910,160,347 shares, respectively (167,983) (192,283) (97,843) ---------- ---------- Total stockholders' equity 745,530 832,788 870,351 ---------- ---------- $1,275,318 $1,321,408 $1,478,173 ========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3537 WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands)
Years Ended December 31, ------------------------------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 67,580 $ 75,357 $ 98,643 $ 98,534 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation 167,435 166,994 167,516 162,462 Deferred income taxes (5,685) (8,571) 2,234 (37,380) Gain on disposal of operating equipment (9,896) (22,915) (28,393) (11,026) Stock based compensation 1,455 1,878 2,258 - Tax benefit from exercise of stock options - - 1,617 Other long-term assets 631 918 (1,878) (795) Insurance and claims accruals, net of current portion 10,000 11,000 4,500 11,000 Other long-term liabilities (194) 571 473 225 Changes in certain working capital items: Accounts receivable, net 27,560 19,298 7,430 (53,453) Prepaid expenses and other current assets (2,656) 7,504 (1,498) (14,207) Accounts payable (2,968) (26,169) 23,434 2,769 Accrued and other current liabilities 5,868 2,120 9,346 12,746 liabilities --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by operating activities 259,130 227,985 284,065 172,492 --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from investing activities: Additions to property and equipment (206,305) (133,124) (400,548) (414,112) Retirements of property and equipment 85,324 107,056 158,727 114,903 Decrease in notes receivable 5,615 5,962 5,574 4,957 --------- --------- --------- Net cash used in investing activities (115,366) (20,106) (236,247) (294,252) --------- --------- --------- Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from issuance of short-term debt 30,000 - - 60,000 Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt - 10,000 100,000 - Repayments of short-term debt - (30,000) (60,000) - Repayments of long-term debt - (80,000) - - Dividends on common stock (164,420) (13,953) (13,287) (11,904) Repurchases of common stock (4,486) (113,821) (85,132) (1,573) Stock options exercised 13,624 8,789 3,377 2,411 Excess tax benefits from exercise of stock options 6,026 4,545 2,202 - --------- --------- --------- Net cash provided by (used in)used in financing activities (119,256) (214,440) (52,840) 48,934 --------- --------- --------- Effect of exchange rate fluctuations on cash (974) 38 52 602 Net decreaseincrease (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 23,534 (6,523) (4,970) (72,224) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 25,090 31,613 36,583 108,807 --------- --------- --------- Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 48,624 $ 25,090 $ 31,613 $ 36,583 ========= ========= ========= Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Cash paid during year for: Interest $ 28 $ 3,717 $ 566 $ 561 Income taxes 53,562 65,111 68,941 99,170 Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities: Notes receivable issued upon sale of revenue equipment $ 2,741 $ 6,388 $ 8,965 $ 8,164
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3638 WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Accumulated Other Total Common Paid-In Retained Comprehensive Treasury Stockholders' Stock Capital Earnings Income (Loss) Stock Equity ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ BALANCE, December 31, 20042005 $805 $106,695 $691,035 $(861)$105,074 $777,260 $ (24,505) $773,169 Purchases of 88,000 shares of common stock - - - - (1,573) (1,573) Dividends on common stock ($.155 per share) - - (12,309) - - (12,309) Exercise of stock options, 310,696 shares, including tax benefits - (1,621) - - 5,649 4,028 Comprehensive income (loss): Net income - - 98,534 - - 98,534 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - 602 - 602 ------- -------- -------- ----- --------- -------- Total comprehensive income (loss) - - 98,534 602 - 99,136 ------- -------- -------- ----- --------- -------- BALANCE, December 31, 2005 805 105,074 777,260 (259) $ (20,429) 862,451$862,451 Purchases of 4,500,000 shares of common stock - - - - (85,132) (85,132) Dividends on common stock ($.175 per share) - - (13,500) - - (13,500) Exercise of stock options, 418,854 shares, including excess tax benefits - (2,139) - - 7,718 5,579 Stock-based compensation expense - 2,258 - - - 2,258 Comprehensive income (loss): Net income - - 98,643 - - 98,643 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - 52 - 52 ------------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- Total comprehensive income (loss) - - 98,643 52 - 98,695 ------------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- BALANCE, December 31, 2006 805 105,193 862,403 (207) (97,843) 870,351 Purchases of 6,000,000 shares of common stock - - - - (113,821) (113,821) Dividends on common stock ($.195 per share) - - (14,081) - - (14,081) Exercise of stock options, 1,033,892 shares, including excess tax benefits - (6,047) - - 19,381 13,334 Stock-based compensation expense - 1,878 - - - 1,878 Adoption of FIN 48 - - (268) - - (268) Comprehensive income (loss): Net income - - 75,357 - - 75,357 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - 38 - 38 ------------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- Total comprehensive income (loss) - - 75,357 38 - 75,395 ------------- -------- -------- ------------ --------- -------- BALANCE, December 31, 2007 805 101,024 923,411 (169) (192,283) 832,788 Purchases of 250,000 shares of common stock - - - - (4,486) (4,486) Dividends on common stock ($2.300 per share) - - (164,480) - - (164,480) Exercise of stock options, 1,453,078 shares, including excess tax benefits - (9,136) - - 28,786 19,650 Stock-based compensation expense - 1,455 - - - 1,455 Comprehensive income (loss): Net income - - 67,580 - - 67,580 Foreign currency translation adjustments - - - (6,977) - (6,977) ------ -------- -------- ------- --------- -------- Total comprehensive income (loss) - - 67,580 (6,977) - 60,603 ------ -------- -------- ------- --------- -------- BALANCE, December 31, 2008 $805 $101,024 $923,411 $(169) $(192,283) $832,788 =======$ 93,343 $826,511 $(7,146) $(167,983) $745,530 ====== ======== ======== ============ ========= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements. 3739 WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Business Werner Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company") is a truckload transportation and logistics company operating under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the federal and provincial Transportation Departments in Canada, the Secretary of Communication and Transportation in Mexico and various U.S. state regulatory commissions. We maintain a diversified freight base and are not dependent on a specific industry for a majority of our freight, which limits concentrations of credit risk. OneNo customer generated approximately 8%more than 10% of total revenues in 2008 and 2007, and one customer generated 11% in 2006 and 10% in 2005.2006. Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and our majority-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions relating to these majority-owned entities have been eliminated. Use of Management Estimates The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the (i) reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and (ii) reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments, purchased with a maturity of three months or less, to be cash equivalents. Trade Accounts Receivable We record trade accounts receivable at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We review the financial condition of customers prior tofor granting credit. Wecredit and determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience and national economic data.conditions. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Past due balances over 90 days and exceeding a specified amount are reviewed individually for collectibility. Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers. Inventories and Supplies Inventories and supplies are stated at the lower of average cost or market and consist primarily of revenue equipment parts, tires, fuel, supplies and company store merchandise. Tires placed on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a part of the equipment cost. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service. 3840 Property, Equipment, and Depreciation Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost, while maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred. Gains and losses on the sale or exchange of equipment are recorded in other operating expenses. Prior to July 1, 2005, if equipment was traded rather than sold and cash involved in the exchange was less than 25% of the exchange's fair value, the cost of new equipment was recorded at an amount equal to the lower of the (i) monetary consideration paid plus the net book value of the traded property or (ii) fair value of the new equipment. Depreciation is calculated based on the cost of the asset, reduced by the asset's estimated salvage value, using the straight-line method. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for income tax purposes. The lives and salvage values assigned to certain assets for financial reporting purposes are different than for income tax purposes. For financial reporting purposes, assets are depreciated using the following estimated useful lives and salvage values:
Lives Salvage Values ----------- ------------------ Building and improvements 30 years 0% Tractors 5 years 25% Trailers 12 years $1,000 Service and other equipment 3-10 years 0%
Although our normal replacement cycle for tractors is three years, we calculate depreciation expense for financial reporting purposes using a five-year life and 25% salvage value. Depreciation expense calculated in this manner continues at the same straight-line rate (which approximates the continuing declining value of the tractors) when a tractor is held beyond the normal three-year age. Calculating depreciation expense using a five-year life and 25% salvage value results in the same annual depreciation rate (15% of cost per year) and the same net book value at the normal three-year replacement date (55% of cost) as using a three-year life and 55% salvage value. As a result, there is no difference in recorded depreciation expense on a quarterly or annual basis with our five-year life and 25% salvage value, as compared to a three-year life and 55% salvage value. Long-Lived Assets We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate the carrying amount of a long- lived asset may not be recoverable. An impairment loss would be recognized if the carrying amount of the long-lived asset is not recoverable and the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. For long-lived assets classified as held and used, the carrying amount is not recoverable when the carrying value of the long- lived asset exceeds the sum of the future net cash flows. We do not separately identify assets by operating segment because tractors and trailers are routinely transferred from one operating fleet to another. As a result, none of our long-lived assets have identifiable cash flows from use that are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. Thus, the asset group used to assess impairment would include all of our assets. Long-lived assets classified as "held for sale" are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. Insurance and Claims Accruals Insurance and claims accruals (both current and noncurrent) reflect the estimated cost (including estimated loss development and loss adjustment expenses) for (i) cargo loss and damage, (ii) bodily injury and property damage, ("BI/PD"), (iii) group health and (iv) workers' compensation claims not covered by insurance. The costs for cargo, bodily injury and BI/PDproperty damage insurance and claims are included in insurance and claims expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income; the costs of group health and workers' compensation claims are included in salaries, wages and benefits expense. The insurance and claims accruals are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts. Such insurance and claims accruals are based upon individual case estimates (including negative development) and estimates of incurred-but-not-reported losses using loss development factors based upon past experience. Actual costs related to insurance and claims have not differed 39 materially from estimated accrued amounts for all years presented. An actuary reviews our self-insurance reserves for bodily injury and property damage claims and workers' compensation claims every six months. We were responsible for liability claims up to $500,000, plus administrative expenses, for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage since August 1, 1992. For the policy year beginning August 1, 2004, we increased our self- 41 insured retention ("SIR") and deductible amount to $2.0 million per occurrence. We are also responsible for varying annual aggregate amounts of liability for claims in excess of the SIR/deductible. The following table reflects the SIR/deductible levels and aggregate amounts of liability for bodily injury and property damage claims since August 1, 2004:2005:
Primary Coverage Coverage Period Primary Coverage SIR/Deductible - -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------------------- ------------------ August 1, 2004 - July 31, 2005 $5.0 million $2.0 million (1) August 1, 2005 - July 31, 2006 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2)(1) August 1, 2006 - July 31, 2007 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2)(1) August 1, 2007 - July 31, 2008 $5.0 million $2.0 million (2) August 1, 2008 - July 31, 2009 $5.0 million $2.0 million (3)
(1) Subject to an additional $3.0$2.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $3.0 million layer, no aggregate (meaning that we were fully insured) in the $3.0 to $5.0 million layer, and a $5.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. (2) Subject to an additional $2.0$8.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $3.0 million layer, no aggregate (meaning that we were fully insured) in the $3.0 to $5.0 million layer and a $5.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. (3) Subject to an additional $8.0 million aggregate in the $2.0 to $5.0 million layer and a $5.0$4.0 million aggregate in the $5.0 to $10.0 million layer. Our primary insurance covers the range of liability under which we expect most claims to occur. If any liability claims are substantially in excess of coverage amounts listed in the table above, such claims are covered under premium-based policies (issued by reputable insurance companies) to coverage levels that our management considers adequate. We are also responsible for administrative expenses for each occurrence involving bodily injury or property damage. We assumed responsibility for workers' compensation up to $1.0 million per claim. Effective April 2007, we were no longer responsible for the additional $1.0 million aggregate for claims between $1.0 million and $2.0 million. For the years 2005 and 2006 we were responsible for a $1.0 million aggregate for claims between $1.0 million and $2.0 million. We also maintain a $25.4$26.3 million bond and obtained insurance for individual claims above $1.0 million. Under these insurance arrangements, we maintain $33.6$43.9 million in letters of credit as of December 31, 2007.2008. Revenue Recognition The Consolidated Statements of Income reflect recognition of operating revenues (including fuel surcharge revenues) and related direct costs when the shipment is delivered. For shipments where a third-party capacity provider (including owner- operators under contract with us) is utilized to provide some or all of the service and we (i) are the primary obligor in regard to the shipment delivery, (ii) establish customer pricing separately from carrier rate negotiations, (iii) generally have discretion in carrier selection and/or (iv) have credit risk on the shipment, we record both revenues for the dollar value of services we bill to the customer and rent and purchased transportation expense for transportation costs we pay to the third-party provider upon the shipment's delivery. In the absence of the conditions listed above, we record revenues net of those expenses related to third-party providers. Foreign Currency Translation Local currencies are generally considered the functional currencies outside the United States. Assets and liabilities are translated at year-end exchange rates for operations in local currency environments. Most foreign revenues are denominated in U.S. Dollars. Expense items are translated at the average rates of exchange prevailing during the year. Foreign currency translation adjustments reflect the changes in foreign currency exchange rates applicable to the net assets of the foreign operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 2006, and 2005. The amounts of such translation adjustments2006. Foreign currency transaction losses were $7.0 million for 2008 and are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss within stockholders' equity in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amounts for 2007 and 2006 were not significant 40material. 42 for all years presented (see the Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income). Income Taxes We use the asset and liability method of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, in accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Common Stock and Earnings Per Share We compute and present earnings per share ("EPS") in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The difference betweenDiluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares plus the effect of dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Dilutive potential common shares include outstanding stock options and stock awards. There are no differences in the numerators of our computations of basic and diluted earnings per share for allany periods presented is due to the Common Stock equivalents that are assumed to be issued upon the exercise of stock options. There are no differences in the numerator of our computations of basic and diluted EPS for any period presented. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is shown below (in thousands, except per share amounts).
Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 -------- -------- -------- Net income $ 67,580 $ 75,357 $ 98,643 $ 98,534 ======== ======== ======== Weighted-averageWeighted average common shares outstanding 70,752 72,858 77,653 79,393 Common stock equivalents 906 1,256 1,448 1,308 -------- -------- -------- Shares used in computing diluted earnings per share 71,658 74,114 79,101 80,701 ======== ======== ======== Basic earnings per share $ .96 $ 1.03 $ 1.27 $ 1.24 ======== ======== ======== Diluted earnings per share $ .94 $ 1.02 $ 1.25 $ 1.22 ======== ======== ========
Options to purchase shares of Common Stockcommon stock that were outstanding during the periods indicated above, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the option purchase price was greater than the average market price of the Commoncommon shares, were:
Years Ended December 31, -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 ------------ ------------ ------------------------- ------------- Number of shares under option 23,600 29,500 24,500 19,500 OptionRanges of option purchase price $19.26-20.36prices $19.84-20.36 $ 19.8419.26-20.36 $ 19.84-20.36
Comprehensive Income Comprehensive income consists of net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to revenues, expenses, gains and losses that are not included in net income, but rather are recorded directly in stockholders' equity. For the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005,2006, comprehensive income consists of net income and foreign currency translation adjustments. 41 Accounting Standards In February 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 155, Accounting for Certain Hybrid Financial Instruments-An Amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140 ("No. 155"). This Statement amends SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities ("No. 133"), and SFAS No. 140, Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities ("No. 140"). SFAS No. 155 eliminates the exemption from applying SFAS No. 133 to interests in securitized financial assets so that similar items are accounted for in the same way. The provisions of SFAS No. 155 were effective for all financial instruments acquired or issued after the beginning of the first fiscal year that began after September 15, 2006. Upon adoption, SFAS No. 155 had no effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In March 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 156, Accounting for Servicing of Financial Assets-An Amendment of FASB Statement No. 140 ("No. 156"). This Statement amends SFAS No. 140 and requires that all separately recognized servicing assets and servicing liabilities be initially measured at fair value, if practicable. The provisions of SFAS No. 156 were effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that began after September 15, 2006. Upon adoption, SFAS No. 156 had no effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In July 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48. This interpretation prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for recording in the financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on the derecognition, classification, accounting in interim periods, and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. We adopted the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007 and as a result, recognized an additional $0.3 million liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction of retained earnings. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements ("No. 157"). This Statementstatement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The provisions of SFAS No. 157 aredoes not require any new fair value measurements but rather eliminates inconsistencies in guidance found in various prior accounting pronouncements and was 43 effective as of the beginning of the firstfor fiscal yearyears beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 157-2 ("FSP No. 157-2"). FSP No. 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually), until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008 and interim periods within those fiscal years. These nonfinancial items include assets and liabilities such as reporting units measured at a fair value in a goodwill impairment test and nonfinancial assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities recognized at fair value on a recurring basis. The partial adoption of SFAS No. 157 for financial assets and liabilities had no effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. As of December 31, 2007,2008, management believes that fully adopting SFAS No. 157 will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In 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 ("No. 159"). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The provisions of SFAS No. 159 arewere effective as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, management believes thatUpon adoption, SFAS No. 159 will not have a materialhad no effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations ("No. 141R"). This statement establishes requirements for (i) recognizing and measuring in an acquiring company's financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizing and measuring the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase and (iii) determining what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. The provisions of SFAS No. 141R are effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As of December 31, 2007,2008, management believes that SFAS No. 141R will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 ("No. 160"). This statement amends ARBAccounting Research Bulletin No. 51 to establish accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. The provisions of SFAS No. 160 42 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. As of December 31, 2007,2008, management believes that SFAS No. 160 will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 ("No. 161"). This statement amends FASB Statement No. 133 to require enhanced disclosures about an entity's derivative and hedging activities. The provisions of SFAS No. 161 are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning on or after November 15, 2008. As of December 31, 2008, management believes that SFAS No. 161 will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("No. 162"). This statement identifies the sources of and framework for selecting the accounting principles to be used in the preparation of financial statements of nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") in the United States ("GAAP hierarchy"). Because the current GAAP hierarchy is set forth in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, it is directed to the auditor rather than to the entity responsible for selecting accounting principles for financial statements presented in conformity with GAAP. Accordingly, the FASB concluded the GAAP hierarchy should reside 44 in the accounting literature established by the FASB and issued this statement to achieve that result. The provisions of SFAS No. 162 became effective on November 15, 2008, which was 60 days following the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. Upon adoption, SFAS No. 162 had no effect on our current accounting practices or on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows. (2) LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31 (in thousands):
2008 2007 2006 ----------------- --------- Notes payable to banks under committed credit facilities $ 30,000 $ - $ 100,000-------- --------- ---------30,000 - 100,000 Less current portion 30,000 - - ----------------- --------- Long-term debt, net $ - $ 100,000 =========- ======== =========
As of December 31, 20072008 we have two committed credit facilities with banks totaling $225.0 million whichthat mature in May 2009 ($50.0 million) and May 2011 ($175.0 million). Borrowings under these credit facilities bear variable interest (2.0% at December 31, 2008) based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). As of December 31, 2007,2008, we had no borrowings outstandingborrowed $30.0 million under these credit facilities with banks. During first quarter 2009, we repaid the total $30.0 million on these notes. The $225.0 million of credit available under these facilities is further reduced by $33.6$43.9 million in letters of credit under which we are obligated. Each of the debt agreements include,includes, among other things, two financial covenants requiring us (i) not to exceed a maximum ratio of total debt to total capitalization and (ii) not to exceed a maximum ratio of total funded debt to earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, amortization and rentals payable (as defined in theeach credit facility). We were in compliance with these covenants at December 31, 2007.2008. The carrying amounts of our long-term debt approximates fair value due to the duration of the notes and the interest rates. (3) NOTES RECEIVABLE Notes receivable are included in other current assets and other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, notes receivable consisted of the following (in thousands):
2008 2007 2006 -------- -------- Owner-operator notes receivable $ 13,1779,392 $ 13,29813,177 TDR Transportes, S.A. de C.V. 3,600 3,600 Other notes receivable 5,046 5,124 4,786 -------- -------- 18,038 21,901 21,684 Less current portion 4,085 5,074 5,283 -------- -------- Notes receivable - non-current $ 16,82713,953 $ 16,40116,827 ======== ========
We provide financing to some independent contractors who want to become owner-operators by purchasing a tractor from us and leasing their truck to us. At December 31, 2008, we had 232 notes receivable from these owner-operators and at December 31, 2007, we had 307 notes receivable totaling $13,177 (in thousands) from these owner-operators. At December 31, 2006, we had 315 such notes receivable that totaled $13,298 (in thousands).receivable. See Note 7 for information regarding notes from related parties. We maintain a firstprimary security interest in the tractor until the owner-operator pays the note balance in full. We also retain recourse exposure related to owner-operators who purchased tractors from us with third-party financing we arranged. 45 During 2002, we loaned $3,600 (in thousands)$3.6 million to TDR Transportes, S.A. de C.V. ("TDR"), a truckload carrier in the Republic of Mexico. The loan has a nine-year term with principal payable at the end of the term. Such loan (i) is subject to acceleration if certain conditions are met, (ii) bears interest at a rate of 5% per annum (which is payable quarterly), (iii) contains certain financial and other covenants and (iv) is collateralized by the assets of TDR. We had a receivable for interest on this note of $31 (in thousands)$31,000 as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006.2007. See Note 7 for information regarding related party transactions. 43 (4) INCOME TAXES Income tax expense consisted of the following (in thousands):
2008 2007 2006 2005 -------- -------- -------- Current: Federal $ 47,575 $ 62,026 $ 59,021 $ 93,715 State 7,552 8,470 7,495 12,190 -------- -------- -------- 55,127 70,496 66,516 105,905 -------- -------- -------- Deferred: Federal (3,735) (6,698) 1,149 (32,910) State (1,950) (1,873) 1,085 (4,470) -------- -------- -------- (5,685) (8,571) 2,234 (37,380) -------- -------- -------- Total income tax expense $ 49,442 $ 61,925 $ 68,750 $ 68,525 ======== ======== ========
The effective income tax rate differs from the federal corporate tax rate of 35% in 2008, 2007 2006 and 20052006 as follows (in thousands):
2008 2007 2006 2005 -------- -------- -------- Tax at statutory rate $ 40,958 $ 48,049 $ 58,588 $ 58,471 State income taxes, net of federal tax benefits 3,641 4,288 5,577 5,018 Non-deductible meals and entertainment 4,158 4,799 4,329 4,340 Anticipated incomeIncome tax settlement - 4,000 - - Income tax credits (752) (790) (740) (895) Other, net 1,437 1,579 996 1,591 -------- -------- -------- $ 49,442 $ 61,925 $ 68,750 $ 68,525 ======== ======== ========
At December 31, deferred tax assets and liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
2008 2007 2006 --------- --------- Deferred tax assets: Insurance and claims accruals $ 73,27678,901 $ 67,43273,276 Allowance for uncollectible accounts 5,175 4,777 4,517 Other 8,280 9,226 4,041 --------- --------- Gross deferred tax assets 92,356 87,279 75,990 --------- --------- Deferred tax liabilities: Property and equipment 252,609 247,133 253,192 Prepaid expenses 7,290 7,693 8,241 Other 2,180 2,717 5,719 --------- --------- Gross deferred tax liabilities 262,079 257,543 267,152 --------- --------- Net deferred tax liability $ 170,264169,723 $ 191,162170,264 ========= =========
46 These amounts (in thousands) are presented in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31 as follows:
2008 2007 2006 --------- --------- Current deferred tax asset $ 26,70230,789 $ 25,25126,702 Noncurrent deferred tax liability 200,512 196,966 216,413 --------- --------- Net deferred tax liability $ 170,264169,723 $ 191,162170,264 ========= =========
We have not recorded a valuation allowance asbecause we believe that all deferred tax assets are more likely than not to be realized as a result of our history ofhistorical profitability, taxable income and reversal of deferred tax liabilities. 44 During first quarter 2006, in connection with an audit of our federal income tax returns for the years 1999 to 2002, we received a notice from the IRSInternal Revenue Service ("IRS") proposing to disallow a significant tax deduction. This deduction was based on a timing difference between financial reporting and tax reporting and would result in interest charges, which we record as a component of income tax expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. This timing difference deduction reversed in our 2004 income tax return. We formally protested this matter in April 2006. During fourth quarter 2007, we reached a tentative settlement agreement with an Internal Revenue ServiceIRS appeals officer. During fourth quarter 2007, we also accrued in income taxestax expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income the estimated cumulative interest charges for the anticipated settlement of this matter, net of income taxes, which amountsamounted to $4.0 million, or $.05$0.05 per share. During second quarter 2008, the appeals officer received the concurrence of the Joint Committee of Taxation with regard to the recommended basis of settlement. The IRS finalized the settlement during third quarter 2008, and we paid the federal accrued interest at the beginning of October 2008. We filed amended state returns reporting the IRS settlement changes to the states where required during fourth quarter 2008. We are now working with those states to settle our state interest liabilities. Our total payments during 2008, before considering the tax benefit from the deductibility of these payments, were $4.9 million for federal and $0.4 million to various states. We expect to pay about $1 million to settle the remaining state liabilities. We 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 adoption of FIN 48, we recognized an additional $0.3 million net liability for unrecognized tax benefits, which was accounted for as a reduction of retained earnings. After recognizing the additional liability, we had a total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $5.3 million as of the adoption date, which iswas included in other long-term liabilities. If recognized, $3.4 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of the adoption date would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $1.4 million has been reflected as a component of the total liability.liability as of the adoption date. It is our policy to recognize as additional income tax expense the items of interest and penalties directly related to income taxes. ForWe recognized a $3.8 million decrease in the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2007, we recognized an additional $4.4 million net liability for unrecognized tax benefits which was accounted for as income tax expensethe year ended December 31, 2008 and which increased our effective tax rate.a $4.4 million increase in the net liability for the year ended December 31, 2007. The amount2008 decrease is due primarily to a tentativethe settlement agreement with the IRS and related payment of interest and taxes for tax years 1999 through 2002, as discussed above. We accrued an interest benefit of $4.9 million during 2008 and interest expense of $7.2 million during 2007. Our total gross liability for unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008 is $7.4 million and at December 31, 2007 iswas $12.6 million. If recognized, $7.8$4.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2008 and $7.8 million as of December 31, 2007 would impact our effective tax rate. Interest of $3.7 million as of December 31, 2008 and $8.6 million as of December 31, 2007 has been reflected as a component of the total liability. We do not expect any other significant increases or decreases for uncertain tax positions during the next twelve months. 47 The reconciliations of beginning and ending gross balances of unrecognized tax benefits for 2008 and 2007 are shown below (in thousands).
2008 2007 -------- -------- Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance $ 12,594 $ 5,338 Gross increases - tax positions in prior period 635 7,256 Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period - - Gross increases - current-period tax positions - - Settlements (5,779) - Lapse of statute of limitations - - -------- -------- Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance $ 7,450 $ 12,594 ======== ========
We file U.S. federal income tax returns, as well as income tax returns in various states and several foreign jurisdictions. The IRS has completed its audits for tax years 2003 through 20072005, and all resulting adjustments as discussed above have been settled. The IRS completed its audit of our 2005 federal income tax return and in 2008, issued a "no change letter" for tax year 2005, under which the IRS did not propose any adjustment to the tax return. The years 2006 through 2008 are subject toopen for examination by the IRS, and various years are subject toopen for examination by state and foreign tax authorities. The reconciliationState and foreign jurisdiction statutes of beginning and ending gross balances of unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2007 is shown below (in thousands).
Unrecognized tax benefits, opening balance $ 5,338 Gross increases - tax positions in prior period 7,256 Gross decreases - tax positions in prior period - Gross increases - current-period tax positions - Settlements - Lapse of statute of limitations - ---------- Unrecognized tax benefits, ending balance $ 12,594 ==========
limitations generally range from three to four years. (5) EQUITY COMPENSATION AND EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Equity Plan Our Equity Plan provides for grants of nonqualified stock options, restricted stock and stock appreciation rights. Options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the Common Stock on the date the option is granted. The Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee willof our Board of Directors determine the terms of each award, including type of award, recipients, number of shares subject to each award and vesting conditions of theeach award. OptionStock option and restricted stock awards currently outstanding become exercisable in installments from eighteen to seventy-two months after the date of grant. The options are exercisable over a period not to exceed ten years and one day from the date of grant.described below. No awards of restricted stock or stock appreciation rights have been issued.issued to date. The maximum number of shares of Common Stockcommon stock that may be awarded under the Equity Plan is 20,000,000 45 shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be awarded to any one person under the Equity Plan is 2,562,500. As of December 31, 2007,2008, there were 8,568,0078,669,682 shares available for granting additional awards. Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment ("No. 123R"), using a modified version of the prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost is recognized on or after January 1, 2006 for (i) the portion of outstanding awards that were not vested as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant-date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (as originally issued), for either recognition or pro forma disclosures and (ii) all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006, based on the grant- date fair value of those awards calculated under SFAS No. 123R. Stock-based employee compensation expense was $1.5 million in 2008, $1.9 million in 2007 and $2.3 million in 2006 and2006. Stock-based employee compensation expense is included in salaries, wages and benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Income. The total income tax benefit recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income for stock-based compensation arrangements was $0.6 million in 2008, $0.8 million in 2007 and $0.9 million in 2006. There was no cumulative effect of initially adopting SFAS No. 123R. As of December 31, 2008, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock-based compensation awards was approximately $2.8 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. We do not a have a formal policy for issuing shares upon exercise of stock options or vesting of restricted stock, so such shares are generally issued from treasury stock. From time to time, we repurchase shares of our common stock, the timing and amount of which depends on market and other factors. Historically, the shares acquired under these regular repurchase programs have provided us with sufficient quantities of stock to issue for stock-based compensation. Based on current treasury 48 stock levels, we do not expect to repurchase additional shares specifically for stock-based compensation during 2009. Stock Options Stock options are granted at prices equal to the market value of the common stock on the date the option award is granted. Option awards currently outstanding become exercisable in installments from twenty-four to seventy-two months after the date of grant. The options are exercisable over a period not to exceed ten years and one day from the date of grant. The following table summarizes Stock Option Planstock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2007:2008:
Weighted Aggregate Number of Weighted Average Aggregate ofIntrinsic Options Average Remaining Intrinsic OptionsValue (in Exercise Contractual Value (in 000's)thousands) Price ($) Term (Years) (in 000's) ----------------------------------------------------thousands) ------------------------------------------------------ Outstanding at beginning of period 4,565 $11.033,854 $12.23 Options granted 330 $17.18- $ - Options exercised (1,034)(1,453) $ 8.509.38 Options forfeited (5) $17.05(132) $17.56 Options expired (2) $ 8.65 --------(5) $17.87 --------- Outstanding at end of period 3,854 $12.23 4.82 $19,594 ========2,264 $13.74 4.65 $8,819 ========= Exercisable at end of period 2,825 $10.28 3.69 $19,499 ========1,562 $12.05 3.49 $8,659 =========
We granted 329,500did not grant any stock options during the year ended December 31, 2007;2008. We granted 329,500 stock options in 2007 and 5,000 in 2006; and 415,500 in 2005.2006. The fair value of granted stock options wasoption grants is estimated using a Black- ScholesBlack-Scholes valuation model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
Years Ended December 31, ---------------------------------------------------------- 2007 2006 2005 -------- -------- -------------------- ------------ Risk-free interest rate 4.3% 4.7% 4.1%4.3 % 4.7 % Expected dividend yield 1.16% 0.88% 0.94%1.16 % 0.88 % Expected volatility 34% 36% 36%34 % 36 % Expected term (in years) 6.5 4.9 4.8 Grant-date fair value $6.44 $7.37 $5.86
The risk-free interest rate assumptions were based on average five-year and ten-year U.S. Treasury note yields. We basedcalculated expected volatility on (i)using historical daily price changes of our common stock since June 2001 for the options granted in 2007period immediately preceding the grant date and 2006 and (ii) historical monthly price changesequivalent to the expected term of ourthe stock since January 1990 for the options granted in 2005.option grant. The expected term was the average number of years we estimated these options will be outstanding. We considered groups of employees having similar historical exercise behavior separately for valuation purposes. The total intrinsic value of sharestock options exercised during 20072008 was $15.8 million, $11.0 million in 2007 and $5.4 million in 20062006. Restricted Stock Restricted stock awards entitle the holder to shares of common stock when the award vests. The value of these shares may fluctuate according to market conditions and $3.9 million in 2005. Asother factors. Restricted stock awards that have not yet vested will vest sixty months from the grant date of the award. The restricted shares do not confer any voting or dividend rights to recipients until such shares fully vest and do not have any post-vesting sales restrictions. 49 The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for year ended December 31, 2007, the total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested2008:
Number of Weighted Restricted Average Shares (in Grant Date thousands) Fair Value($) ---------- ------------- Nonvested at beginning of period - $ - Shares granted 35 $ 22.88 Shares vested - $ - Shares forfeited - $ - ---------- Nonvested at end of period 35 $ 22.88 ==========
We granted 35,000 shares of restricted stock option awards was approximately $3.4 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years. 46 In periods prior to January 1, 2006, we applied the intrinsic value-based method of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, including related accounting interpretations for our Equity Plan. No stock-based employee compensation cost was reflected in net income because all options granted under the Equity Plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying Common Stock on the grant date. Our pro forma net income and earnings per share (in thousands, except per share amounts) would have been as indicated below had the estimated fair value of all option grants on their grant date been charged to salaries, wages and benefits expense in accordance with SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation forduring the year ended December 31, 2005:2008 and did not grant any shares of restricted stock during 2007 and 2006. We estimate the fair value of restricted stock awards based upon the market price of the underlying common stock on the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends because the awards are not entitled to receive dividends prior to vesting. The present value of estimated future dividends was calculated using the following assumptions:
Year Ended December 31, 2008 ------------ Net income, as reported $ 98,534 Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects 1,758 -------- Net income, pro forma $ 96,776 ======== EarningsDividends per share: Basic - as reported $ 1.24 ======== Basic - pro forma $ 1.22 ======== Diluted - as reported $ 1.22 ======== Diluted - pro forma $ 1.20 ========share (quarterly amounts) $0.05 Risk-free interest rate 3.0 %
We do not a have a formal policy for issuing shares upon exercise of stock options, so such shares are generally issued from treasury stock. From time to time, we repurchase shares of our Common Stock, the timing and amount of which depends on market and other factors. Historically, the shares acquired under these regular repurchase programs have provided us with sufficient quantities of stock to issue upon exercises of stock options. Based on current treasury stock levels, we do not expect the need to repurchase additional shares specifically for stock option exercises during 2008. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Employees that meet certain eligibility requirements may participate in our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Purchase Plan"). Eligible participants designate the amount of regular payroll deductions and/or a single annual payment (each subject to a yearly maximum amount) that is used to purchase shares of our Common Stockcommon stock on the over-the-counter market. These purchases are subject to the terms of the Purchase Plan. We contribute an amount equal to 15% of each participant's contributions under the Purchase Plan. Our contributions for the Purchase Plan (in thousands) were $162$139,000 for 2008, $162,000 for 2007 $170and $170,000 for 2006 and $119 for 2005.2006. Interest accrues on Purchase Plan contributions at a rate of 5.25% until the purchase is made. We pay the broker's commissions and administrative charges related to purchases of Common Stockcommon stock under the Purchase Plan. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan We have an Employees' 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (the "401(k)("401(k) Plan"). Employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan if they have been continuously employed with us or one of our subsidiaries for six months or more. We match a portion of each employee's 401(k) Plan elective deferrals. We may, at our discretion, make an additional annual contribution for employees so that our total annual contribution for employees could equal up to 2.5% of net income (exclusive of extraordinary items). Salaries, wages and benefits expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income includes our 401(k) Plan contributions and administrative expenses, (in thousands)which were a total of $1,364of $1,663,000 for 2008, $1,364,000 for 2007 $2,270and $2,270,000 for 2006 and $2,268 for 2005. 47 2006. Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan We have aThe Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan ("Excess Plan") is our nonqualified deferred compensation plan for the benefit of eligible key managerial employees whose 401(k) Plan contributions are limited because of Internal Revenue Service ("IRS")IRS regulations affecting highly compensated employees. Under the terms of the plan,Excess Plan, participants may elect to defer compensation on a pre-tax basis within annual dollar limits we establish. At December 31, 2007,2008, there were 6764 participants in the nonqualified deferred compensation plan. TheExcess Plan. Through December 31, 2008, the current annual limit iswas determined so that a 50 participant's combined deferrals in both the nonqualified deferred compensation planExcess Plan and the 401(k) Plan approximate the maximum annual deferral amount available to non-highly compensated employees in the 401(k) Plan. Beginning January 1, 2009, certain participants will be allowed to defer combined amounts that exceed the maximum 401(k) deferral limits for non-highly compensated employees. Although our current intention is not to do so, we may also make matching credits and/or profit sharing credits to the participants' accounts as we so determine each year. Each participant is fully vested in all deferred compensation and earnings; however, these amounts are subject to general creditor claims until distributed to the participant. Under current federal tax law, we are not allowed a current income tax deduction for the compensation deferred by participants, but we are allowed a tax deduction when a distribution payment is made to a participant from the plan.Excess Plan. The accumulated benefit obligation (in thousands) was $1,270$1,076,000 as of December 31, 20072008 and $698$1,270,000 as of December 31, 2006.2007. This accumulated benefit obligation is included in other long-term liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We purchased life insurance policies to fund the future liability. The life insurance policies had an aggregate market value (in thousands) of $1,223$1,049,000 as of December 31, 20072008 and $688$1,223,000 as of December 31, 2006.2007. These policy amounts are included in other non-current assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. (6) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES We have committed to property and equipment purchases of approximately $48.7$46.6 million. We are involved in certain claims and pending litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management believes the ultimate resolution of these matters will not materially affect our consolidated financial statements. (7) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS The Company leases land from a trust in which the Company's principal stockholder is the sole trustee. The annual rent payments under this lease are $1.00 per year. The Company is responsible for all real estate taxes and maintenance costs related to the property, which were $77,000 in 2008 and are recorded as expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has made leasehold improvements to the land totaling approximately $6.1$6.2 million for facilities used for business meetings and customer promotion. The Company's principal stockholder was the sole trustee of a trust that previously owned a one-third interest in an entity that operates a motel located near one of the Company'sour terminals, and the Company had committed to rent a guaranteed number of rooms from that motel.motel to lodge company drivers. The trust assigned its one- third interest in this entity to the Company at a nominal cost in February 2005. The Company paid (in thousands) $264$264,000 in 2006 and $945 in 2005 for lodging services for company drivers at this motel. On June 30, 2005, the Company sold 0.783 acres of land to this entity for approximately $90 (in thousands), in accordance with a purchase option clause contained in a separate agreement entered into by the Company and the entity in April 2000. The Company realized a gain of approximately $35 (in thousands) on the transaction. On April 10, 2006, the Company purchased the remaining two-thirds interest in the entity from its two owners (who are unrelated to us)the Company) for $3.0 million. The purchase price was based on an appraisal of the property by an independent appraiser. The Company continues to use this property as a private lodging facility for company drivers. The brother and sister-in-law of the Company's principal stockholder own an entity with a fleet of tractors that operates as an owner-operator. The Company paid this owner-operator (in thousands) $7,502$7,601,000 in 2008, $7,502,000 in 2007 $7,271and $7,271,000 in 2006 and $6,291 in 2005. This fleet is compensated using the same owner-operator pay package as the Company's other comparable third-party owner- operators.2006. The Company also sells used revenue equipment to this entity. These sales totaled (in thousands) $622$415,000 in 2008, $622,000 in 2007 $789and $789,000 in 48 2006 and $1,019 in 2005.2006. The Company recognized gains (in thousands) of $88$103,000 in 2008, $88,000 in 2007 $68and $68,000 in 2006 and $130 in 2005.2006. From this entity, the Company also had notes receivable related to the revenue equipment sales (in thousands) totaling (i) $1,374$1,237,000 at December 31, 2008 for 37 such notes and (ii) $1,374,000 at December 31, 2007 for 40 such notesnotes. This fleet is compensated using the same owner- operator pay package as the Company's other comparable third- party owner-operators. The Company believes the terms of the note agreements and (ii) $1,381 at December 31, 2006 for 40 such notes.the tractor sales prices are no less favorable to the Company than those that could be obtained from unrelated third parties, on an arm's length basis. The brother of the Company's principal stockholder had a 50% ownership interest in an entity with a fleet of tractors that operated as an owner-operator. The Company paid this owner- operator (in thousands) $161$161,000 in 2006 and $476 in 2005 for purchased transportation services. This fleet ceased operations during 2006. During 2007, the brother of the Company's principal stockholder formed a new 51 entity (of which he is the sole owner) with a fleet of tractors that operates as an owner-operator. The Company paid this owner-operator (in thousands) $425owner- operator $1,004,000 in 2008 and $425,000 in 2007 for purchased transportation services. The Company also soldsells used revenue equipment to this new entity in 2007.entity. These sales totaled (in thousands) $219,$111,000 in 2008 and the$219,000 in 2007. The Company recognized gains (in thousands) of $23.$19,000 in 2008 and $23,000 in 2007. The Company has no notes receivable related to these revenue equipment sales. These fleets are compensated using the same owner-operator pay package as the Company'sour other comparable third-party owner-operators. The Company believes the tractor sales prices are no less favorable to the Company than those that could be obtained from unrelated third parties, on an arm's length basis. The Company transacts business with TDR for certain purchased transportation needs. The Company recorded operatingtrucking revenues (in thousands) from TDR of approximately $107$134,000 in 2008, $107,000 in 2007 $308and $308,000 in 2006 and $227 in 2005.2006. The Company recorded purchased transportation expense (in thousands) to TDR of approximately $1,052$437,000 in 2008, $1,052,000 in 2007 $870and $870,000 in 2006 and $521 in 2005.2006. In addition, the Company recorded other operating revenues (in thousands) from TDR of approximately $7,768$8,048,000 in 2008, $7,768,000 in 2007 $4,691and $4,691,000 in 2006 and $3,582 in 2005 related primarily to primarily revenue equipment leasing. LeasingThese leasing revenues forinclude $297,000 in 2008 and $274,000 in 2007 include $274 (in thousands) for leasing a terminal building in Queretaro, Mexico. The Company also sells used revenue equipment to this entity. These sales (in thousands) totaled $1,145$1,334,000 in 2008, $1,145,000 in 2007 $3,697and $3,697,000 in 2006, and $358 in 2005, and the Company recognized net gains of $90,000 in 2008, net losses (in thousands) of $28$28,000 in 2007, and net gains (in thousands) of $170$170,000 in 2006 and $19 in 2005.2006. The Company had receivables related to the equipment leases and revenue equipment sales (in thousands) of $5,048$6,791,000 at December 31, 20072008 and $2,853$5,048,000 at December 31, 2006.2007. See Note 3 for information regarding the note receivable from TDR. At December 31, 2007,2008, the Company hashad a 5% ownership interest in Transplace ("TPC"), a logistics joint venture of five large transportation companies. The Company enters into transactions with TPC for certain purchased transportation needs. The Company recorded operating revenue (in thousands) from TPC of approximately $826$1,483,000 in 2008, $826,000 in 2007 $2,300and $2,300,000 in 2006 and $4,800 in 2005.2006. The Company did not record any purchased transportation expense to TPC in 2008, 2007 2006, or 2005.2006. The Company believes these transactions are on terms no less favorable to the Company than those that could be obtained from unrelated third parties on an arm's length basis. (8) SEGMENT INFORMATION We have two reportable segments - Truckload Transportation Services ("Truckload") and Value Added Services ("VAS"). The Truckload segment consists of six operating fleets that are aggregated because they have similar economic characteristics and meet the other aggregation criteria of SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information ("No. 131"). The Dedicated Services fleetsix operating fleets that comprise our Truckload segment are as follows: (i) dedicated services ("Dedicated") provides truckload services required by a specific customer, generally for a distribution center or manufacturing facility. Thefacility; (ii) the regional short-haul ("Regional") fleet provides comparable truckload van service within five geographic regions across the United States; (iii) the medium-to-long-haul Vanvan ("Van") fleet transports a variety of consumer, nondurable products and other commodities in truckload quantities over irregular routes using dry van trailers. The Regional short-haul fleet provides comparable truckload van service within five geographic regions acrosstrailers; (iv) the U.S. The Expeditedexpedited ("Expedited") fleet provides time-sensitive truckload services utilizing driver teams. The Flatbedteams; and Temperature-Controlledthe (v) flatbed ("Flatbed") and (vi) temperature-controlled ("Temperature-Controlled") fleets provide truckload services for products with specialized trailers. Revenues for the Truckload segment include non-trucking revenues of $8.6 million for 2008, $10.0 million for 2007 and $11.2 million for 2006 and $12.2 million for 2005.2006. These revenues consist primarily of the portion of shipments delivered to or from Mexico where we utilize a third-party capacity provider. 49 The VAS segment generates the majority of our non-trucking revenues. Therevenues through four operating units that provide non-trucking services provided by theto our customers. These four VAS segment includeoperating units are (i) truck brokerage ("Brokerage"), (ii) freight management 52 (single-source logistics) ("Freight Management"), (iii) intermodal services ("Intermodal") and (iv) Werner Global Logistics international services.services ("International"). We generate other revenues related to third-party equipment maintenance, equipment leasing and other business activities. None of these operations meetmeets the quantitative threshold reporting requirements of SFAS No. 131. As a result, these operations are grouped in "Other" in the tabletables below. "Corporate" includes revenues and expenses that are incidental to our activities and are not attributable to any of our operating segments. We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment. We have no significant intersegment sales or expense transactions that would require the elimination of revenue between our segments in the tabletables below. The following tables summarize our segment information (in thousands):
Revenues ------------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- ---------- Truckload Transportation Services $1,881,803 $1,795,227 $1,801,090 $1,741,828 Value Added Services 265,262 258,433 265,968 218,620 Other 15,306 15,303 10,536 7,777 Corporate 3,228 2,224 2,961 3,622 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $2,165,599 $2,071,187 $2,080,555 $1,971,847 ========== ========== ==========
Operating Income ------------------------------------ 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- ---------- Truckload Transportation Services $ 95,014 $ 121,608 $ 156,509 $ 156,122 Value Added Services 14,570 12,418 7,421 8,445 Other 2,803 3,644 1,731 2,850 Corporate 548 (1,153) (1,160) (2,806) ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $ 112,935 $ 136,517 $ 164,501 $ 164,611 ========== ========== ==========
Information about the geographic areas in which we conduct business is summarized below (in thousands). Operating revenues for foreign countries include revenues for (i) shipments with an origin or destination in that country and (ii) other services provided in that country. If both the origin and destination are in a foreign country, the revenues are attributed to the country of origin.
Revenues ------------------------ 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- ---------- United States $1,951,222 $1,855,686 $1,872,775 $1,782,501 ---------- ---------- ---------- Foreign countries Mexico 142,860 160,988 168,846 145,678 Other 71,517 54,513 38,934 43,668 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total foreign countries 214,377 215,501 207,780 189,346 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $2,165,599 $2,071,187 $2,080,555 $1,971,847 ========== ========== ==========
Long-lived Assets ----------------- 2008 2007 2006 2005 ---------- ---------- ---------- United States $ 903,506 $ 935,883 $1,067,716 $ 990,439 ---------- ---------- ---------- Foreign countries Mexico 22,853 35,776 28,452 11,867 Other 280 282 172 301 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total foreign countries 23,133 36,058 28,624 12,168 ---------- ---------- ---------- Total $ 926,639 $ 971,941 $1,096,340 $1,002,607 ========== ========== ==========
5053 We generate substantially all of our revenues within the United States or from North American shipments with origins or destinations in the United States. OneNo customer generated approximately 8%more than 10% of our total revenues for 2008 and 2007, approximatelyand one customer generated 11% of total revenues for 2006 and approximately 10% of total revenues for 2005.2006. (9) QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) (In thousands, except per share amounts)
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2008: Operating revenues $ 512,787 $ 578,181 $ 584,057 $ 490,574 Operating income 13,418 30,868 38,022 30,627 Net income 8,375 18,112 22,446 18,647 Basic earnings per share .12 .26 .32 .26 Diluted earnings per share .12 .25 .31 .26
First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter -------------------------------------------------------------- 2007: Operating revenues $ 503,913 $ 531,286 $ 510,260 $ 525,728 Operating income 27,266 38,386 37,064 33,801 Net income 15,668 22,254 21,850 15,585 Basic earnings per share .21 .30 .30 .22 Diluted earnings per share .21 .30 .30 .22 First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter --------------------------------------------------------------- 2006: Operating revenues $ 491,922 $ 528,889 $ 541,297 $ 518,447 Operating income 36,822 46,351 40,686 40,642 Net income 22,029 28,021 24,551 24,042 Basic earnings per share .28 .36 .32 .32 Diluted earnings per share .27 .35 .31 .31
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE No disclosure under this item was required within the two most recent fiscal years ended December 31, 2007,2008, or any subsequent period, involving a change of accountants or disagreements on accounting and financial disclosure. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 15d-15(e). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in enabling us to record, process, summarize and report information required to be included in our periodic filings with the SEC filings within the required time period. We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the internal controls or disclosure procedures and controls will prevent all errors or intentional fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect that resource constraints exist, and the benefits of controls must be relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, misstatements and instances of fraud, if any, have been prevented or detected. 54 Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over our financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Internal control over financial reporting includes (i) maintaining records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect our transactions; (ii) providing reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary for preparation of our financial statements; (iii) providing reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of company assets are made in accordance with management authorization; and 51 (iv) providing reasonable assurance that unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of company assets that could have a material effect on our financial statements would be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because (i) changes in conditions may occur or (ii) the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007.2008. This assessment is based on the criteria for effective internal control described in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on its assessment, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.2008. Management has engaged KPMG LLP ("KPMG"), the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to attest to and report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. KPMG's report is included herein. Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm The Board of Directors and Stockholders Werner Enterprises, Inc.: We have audited Werner Enterprises, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007,2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Werner Enterprises, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with 55 generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 52 Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Werner Enterprises, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20072008 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Werner Enterprises, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20072008 and 2006,2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2007,2008, and our report dated February 18, 2008,27, 2009, expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements. KPMG LLP Omaha, Nebraska February 18, 200827, 2009 Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There wereManagement, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, concluded that no changes in our internal controlscontrol over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2007,2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION During fourth quarter 2007,2008, no information was required to be disclosed in a report on Form 8-K, but not reported. PART III Certain information required by Part III is omitted from this Form 10-K because we will file a definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A ("Proxy Statement") not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K, and certain information included therein is incorporated herein by reference. Only those sections of the Proxy Statement which specifically address the items set forth herein are incorporated by reference. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information required by this Item, with the exception of the Code of Corporate Conduct discussed below, is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement. 56 Code of Corporate Conduct We adopted a code of ethics, our Code of Corporate Conduct, which is our code of ethics, that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer/controller and all other officers, employees and directors. The Code of Corporate Conduct is available on our website, www.werner.com under "Investor Information." We intend to post on our website any amendment to, or waiver from, any provision of our Code of Corporate Conduct (if any) within four business days of any such event. 53 ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information required by this Item, with the exception of the equity compensation plan information presented below, is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement. Equity Compensation Plan Information The following table summarizes, as of December 31, 2007,2008, information about compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance:
Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance under Number of Securities to Weighted-Average Equity Compensation be Issued upon Exercise Exercise Price of Plans (Excluding of Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, Securities Reflected in Warrants and Rights Warrants and Rights Column (a)) Plan Category (a) (b) (c) ------------- ----------------------- -------------------- ----------------------- Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders 3,853,656 $12.23 8,568,0072,298,903 (1) $13.74 (2) 8,669,682
(1) Includes 35,000 shares issuable upon vesting of outstanding restricted stock awards. (2) The weighted-average exercise price does not take into account the shares issuable upon vesting of outstanding stock awards, which have no exercise price. We do not have any equity compensation plans that were not approved by stockholders. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our Proxy Statement. 57 PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES (a) Financial Statements and Schedules. (1) Financial Statements: See Part II, Item 8 hereof. Page ---- Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm 3335 Consolidated Statements of Income 3436 Consolidated Balance Sheets 3537 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 3638 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income 3739 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 38 54 40 (2) Financial Statement Schedules: The consolidated financial statement schedule set forth under the following caption is included herein. The page reference is to the consecutively numbered pages of this report on Form 10-K. Page ---- Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts 5760 Schedules not listed above have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required or the information required to be set forth therein is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes thereto. (3) Exhibits: The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this Form 10-K (see Exhibit Index on page 58)61). 5558 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 25th27th day of February, 2008.2009. WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. By: /s/ Gregory L. Werner ------------------------------ Gregory L. Werner President and Chief Executive Officer By: /s/ John J. Steele ------------------------------ John J. Steele Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer By: /s/ James L. Johnson ------------------------------ James L. Johnson Senior Vice President, Controller and Corporate Secretary Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Position Date --------- -------- ---- /s/ Clarence L. Werner Chairman of the Board February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Clarence L. Werner /s/ Gary L. Werner Vice Chairman and Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Director Gary L. Werner /s/ Gregory L. Werner President, Chief Executive Officer February 27, 2009 - ------------------------- and Director February 25, 2008 - -------------------------- Gregory L. Werner /s/ Gerald H. Timmerman Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Gerald H. Timmerman /s/ Michael L. Steinbach Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Michael L. Steinbach /s/ Kenneth M. Bird Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Kenneth M. Bird /s/ Patrick J. Jung Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Patrick J. Jung /s/ Duane K. Sather Director February 25, 200827, 2009 - --------------------------------------------------- Duane K. Sather /s/ John J. Steele Executive Vice President, February 27, 2009 - ------------------------- Treasurer and Chief Financial John J. Steele Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ James L. Johnson Senior Vice President, Controller February 27, 2009 - ------------------------- and Corporate Secretary (Principal James L. Johnson Accounting Officer)
5659 SCHEDULE II WERNER ENTERPRISES, INC. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (In thousands)
Balance at Charged to Write-off Balance at Beginning of Costs and of Doubtful End of Period Expenses Accounts Period ------------ ---------- ----------- ---------- Year ended December 31, 2008: Allowance for doubtful accounts $9,765 $ 864 $1,074 $9,555 ====== ====== ====== ====== Year ended December 31, 2007: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 9,417$9,417 $ 552 $ 204 $ 9,765 ======= ======= ======= =======$9,765 ====== ====== ====== ====== Year ended December 31, 2006: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,357 $ 8,767 $ 7,707 $ 9,417 ======= ======= ======= ======= Year ended December 31, 2005: Allowance for doubtful accounts $ 8,189 $ 962 $ 794 $ 8,357 ======= ======= ======= =======$8,357 $8,767 $7,707 $9,417 ====== ====== ====== ======
See report of independent registered public accounting firm. 5760 EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit Number Description Page Number or Incorporated by Reference to ------- ----------- ------------------------------------------- 3(i) Restated Articles of Incorporation Exhibit 3(i) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 3(ii) Revised and Restated By-Laws Exhibit 3(ii) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 10.1 Werner Enterprises, Inc. Equity Plan Exhibit 99.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated May 8, 2007 10.2 Non-Employee Director Compensation Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2007 10.3 The Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan Exhibit 10.310.2 to the Company's AnnualQuarterly Report on of Werner Enterprises, Inc., as amended Form 10-K10-Q for the yearquarter ended December 31, 2006September 30, 2008 10.4 Named Executive Officer Compensation Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 and Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 and Item 5.02 of the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 29, 2007Filed herewith 10.5 Lease Agreement, as amended February 8, Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report on 2007, between the Company and Clarence Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 L. Werner, Trustee of the Clarence L. Werner Revocable Trust 10.6 License Agreement, dated February 8, Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on 2007 between the Company and Clarence Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 L. Werner, Trustee of the Clarence L. Werner Revocable Trust 10.7 Form of Notice of Grant of Nonqualified Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Stock Option Form 8-K dated November 29, 2007 10.8 Letter from the Company to Daniel H. Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Cushman, dated January 15, 2008 Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 10.9 Form of Restricted Stock Award Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Agreement for recipients under the Werner Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 Enterprises, Inc. Equity Plan 11 Statement Re: Computation of Per Share See Note 1 "Common(Common Stock and Earnings Per Earnings Share"Share) in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Item 8 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Filed herewith 23.1 Consent of KPMG LLP Filed herewith 31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Filed herewith 31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification Filed herewith 32.1 Section 1350 Certification Filed herewith 32.2 Section 1350 Certification Filed herewith
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