PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

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

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

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

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 (Unaudited)

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

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 (Unaudited)

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

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

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

MARTEN TRANSPORT, LTD.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THREESIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,JUNE 30, 2020

(Unaudited)

(1) Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial statements, and therefore do not include all information and disclosures required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, such statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to fairly present our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period do not necessarily indicate the results for the full year. The unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements should be read with reference to the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements in our 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

(2) Earnings per Common Share

Basic and diluted earnings per common share were computed as follows:  

Pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share to show the effect of the 3-for-2 stock split payable on August 13, 2020 (see Note 16) is computed as follows:

Options totaling 196,300187,300 and 274,200200,900 equivalent shares for the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2020, respectively, and 317,800 equivalent shares for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, respectively, were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because including the options in the denominator would be antidilutive, or decrease the number of weighted-average shares, due to their exercise prices exceeding the average market price of the common shares, or because inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation would cause the options to be antidilutive.

Unvested performance unit awards totaling 51,377 and 2,52066,658 equivalent shares for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2020, and 72,796 equivalent shares for each of the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2019, respectively, were considered outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share because inclusion of average unrecognized compensation expense in the calculation would cause the performance units to be antidilutive.

(3) Long-Term Debt

In August 2018, we entered into an amendment to our unsecured committed credit facility which reduces the aggregate principal amount of the facility from $40.0 million to $30.0 million and extends the term of the facility to August 2023. At March 31,June 30, 2020, there was 0 outstanding principal balance on the facility. As of that date, we had outstanding standby letters of credit to guarantee settlement of self-insurance claims of $16.3 million and remaining borrowing availability of $13.7 million. At December 31, 2019, there was also 0 outstanding principal balance on the facility. As of that date, we had outstanding standby letters of credit of $15.7 million on the facility. This facility bears interest at a variable rate based on the London Interbank Offered Rate or the lender’s Prime Rate, in each case plus/minus applicable margins. The interest rate for the facility that would apply to outstanding principal balances was 1.65%0.8% at March 31,June 30, 2020.

Our credit facility prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, stock redemptions and dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year. A waiver allowing stock redemptions and dividends in excess of the 25% limitation in a total amount of up to $65 million in 2019 was obtained from the lender in August 2019. This facility also contains restrictive covenants which, among other matters, require us to maintain compliance with cash flow leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31,June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019.

(4) Related Party Transactions

We purchase fuel and tires and obtain related services from Bauer Built, Inc., or BBI. Jerry M. Bauer, the chairman of the board, chief executive officer and the principal stockholder of BBI, is one of our directors. We paid BBI $90,000$124,000 in the first threesix months of 2020 and $100,000$201,000 in the first threesix months of 2019 for fuel, tires and related services. In addition, we paid $917,000$1.2 million in the first threesix months of 2020 and $155,000$571,000 in the first threesix months of 2019 to tire manufacturers for tires that were provided by BBI. BBI received commissions from the tire manufacturers related to these purchases.

We provided transportation services to MW Logistics, LLC, or MWL, a 45% owned affiliate through October 31, 2019, as described in Note 8.9.

(5) Share Repurchase Program

In 2007, our Board of Directors approved, and we announced a share repurchase program to repurchase up to one million shares of our common stock either through purchases on the open market or through private transactions and in accordance with Rule 10b-18 of the Exchange Act. In 2015, our Board of Directors approved and we announced an increase in the share repurchase program, providing for the repurchase of up to $40 million, or approximately two million shares, of our common stock, which was increased by our Board of Directors to 3.3 million shares in August 2017 to reflect the 5-for-3 stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend on July 7, 2017. In August 2019, our Board of Directors approved and we announced an increase from current availability in our existing share repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $34 million, or approximately 1.8 million shares, of our common stock. The timing and extent to which we repurchase shares depends on market conditions and other corporate considerations. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.

We repurchased and retired 35,376 shares of common stock for $596,000$597,000 in the first quarter of 2020. We did not repurchase any shares in the second quarter of 2020 or in 2019. As of March 31,June 30, 2020, future repurchases of up to $33.4 million, or approximately 1.8 million shares, were available in the share repurchase program.

(6) Dividends

In 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a regular cash dividend program to our stockholders, subject to approval each quarter. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per share of common stock was declared in each of the first quartertwo quarters of 2020 which totaled $2.2$4.4 million. A quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per share of common stock was declared in each of the first quartertwo quarters of 2019 which totaled $1.6$3.3 million.

Our ability to pay cash dividends is currently limited by restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility, which prohibits us from paying, in any fiscal year, stock redemptions and dividends in excess of 25% of our net income from the prior fiscal year. A waiver allowing stock redemptions and dividends in excess of the 25% limitation in a total amount of up to $65 million in 2019 was obtained from the lender in August 2019.

(7) Accounting for Share-based Payment Arrangement Compensation

We account for share-based payment arrangements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC, 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation. During the first threesix months of 2020, there were no significant changes to the structure of our stock-based award plans. Pre-tax compensation expense related to stock options and performance unit awards recorded in the first threesix months of 2020 and 2019 was $246,000$972,000 and $366,000,$1.0 million, respectively.

(8) Termination of Deferred Compensation Plan

On May 5, 2020, our Compensation Committee and Board of Directors approved the termination of our Deferred Compensation Plan. The plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan designed to allow board elected officers and other select members of our management designated by our Compensation Committee to save for retirement on a tax-deferred basis. The termination is effective May 5, 2021.

(9) Equity Investment

We owned a 45% equity interest in MWL, a third-party provider of logistics services to the transportation industry, until October 31, 2019, at which time we sold our entire membership interest for approximately $1.3 million. Prior to the sale of our interest, a non-related party owned the other 55% equity interest in MWL. We accounted for our ownership interest in MWL under the equity method of accounting. We received $585,000$1.2 million of our revenue for loads transported by our tractors and arranged by MWL in the first threesix months of 2019.

(910) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.  

(1011) Commitments and Contingencies

We are committed to new revenue equipment purchases of $82.1$69.0 million through the remainder of 2020. Operating lease obligation expenditures through 2025 total $1.2$1.1 million.

We self-insure, in part, for losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels. We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident and total losses in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review, and reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims.

We are also involved in other legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, based upon present knowledge of the facts, it is remote that the ultimate outcome of any such legal actions will have a material adverse effect upon our long-term financial position or results of operations.

(1112) Revenue and Business Segments

We account for our revenue in accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which we adopted on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. We combine our five current operating segments into four4 reporting segments (Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal and Brokerage) for financial reporting purposes. These 4four reporting segments are also the appropriate categories for the disaggregation of our revenue under FASB ASC 606.

We have strategically transitioned from a refrigerated long-haul carrier to a multifaceted business offering a network of refrigerated and dry truck-based transportation capabilities across our five distinct business platforms – Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage and MRTN de Mexico.

The primary source of our operating revenue is provided by our Truckload segment through a combination of regional short-haul and medium-to-long-haul full-load transportation services. We transport food and other consumer packaged goods that require a temperature-controlled or insulated environment, along with dry freight, across the United States and into and out of Mexico and Canada. Our agreements with customers are typically for one year.

Our Dedicated segment provides customized transportation solutions tailored to meet individual customers’ requirements, utilizing temperature-controlled trailers, dry vans and other specialized equipment within the United States. Our agreements with customers range from three to five years and are subject to annual rate reviews.

Generally, we are paid by the mile for our Truckload and Dedicated services. We also derive Truckload and Dedicated revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other accessorial services. The main factors that affect our Truckload and Dedicated revenue are the rate per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, the number of miles we generate with our equipment and changes in fuel prices. We monitor our revenue production primarily through average Truckload and Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week. We also analyze our average Truckload and Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per total mile, non-revenue miles percentage, the miles per tractor we generate, our fuel surcharge revenue, our accessorial revenue and our other sources of operating revenue.

Our Intermodal segment transports our customers’ freight within the United States utilizing our temperature-controlled trailers and, beginning in September 2019, our refrigerated containers, each on railroad flatcars for portions of trips, with the balance of the trips using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers. The main factors that affect our Intermodal revenue are the rate per mile and other charges we receive from our customers.

Our Brokerage segment develops contractual relationships with and arranges for third-party carriers to transport freight for our customers in temperature-controlled trailers and dry vans within the United States and into and out of Mexico through Marten Transport Logistics, LLC, which was established in 2007 and operates pursuant to brokerage authority granted by the United States Department of Transportation, or DOT. We retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities. The main factors that affect our Brokerage revenue are the rate per mile and other charges that we receive from our customers.

Operating results of our MRTN de Mexico business which offers our customers door-to-door service between the United States and Mexico with our Mexican partner carriers is reported within our Truckload and Brokerage segments.

Our customer agreements are typically for one-year terms except for our Dedicated agreements which range from three to five years with annual rate reviews. Under FASB ASC 606, the contract date for each individual load within each of our four reporting segments is generally the date that each load is tendered to and accepted by us. For each load transported within each of our four reporting segments, the entire amount of revenue to be recognized is a single performance obligation and our agreements with our customers detail the per-mile charges for line haul and fuel surcharges, along with the rates for loading and unloading, stop offs and drops, equipment detention and other accessorial services, which is the transaction price. There are no discounts that would be a material right or consideration payable to a customer. We are required to recognize revenue and related expenses over time, from load pickup to delivery, for each load within each of our four reporting segments. We base our calculation of the amount of revenue to record in each period for individual loads picking up in one period and delivering in the following period using the number of hours estimated to be incurred within each period applied to each estimated transaction price. Contract assets for this estimated revenue which are classified within prepaid expenses and other within our consolidated condensed balance sheet were $2.2$2.1 million and $1.7 million as of March 31,June 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. We had 0 impairment losses on contract assets in the first quartersix months of 2020 or in 2019. We bill our customers for loads after delivery is complete with standard payment terms of 30 days.

We account for revenue of our Intermodal and Brokerage segments and revenue on freight transported by independent contractors within our Truckload and Dedicated segments on a gross basis because we are the principal service provider controlling the promised service before it is transferred to each customer. We are primarily responsible for fulfilling the promise to provide each specified service to each customer. We bear the primary risk of loss in the event of cargo claims by our customers. We also have complete control and discretion in establishing the price for each specified service. Accordingly, all such revenue billed to customers is classified as operating revenue and all corresponding payments to carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with brokerage and intermodal activities and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment are classified as purchased transportation expense within our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated our operating revenue and operating income by segment. We do not prepare separate balance sheets by segment and, as a result, assets are not separately identifiable by segment.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $13.8$14.0 million and $13.1$13.4 million, Dedicated segment depreciation expense was $9.9$10.3 million and $7.8$8.6 million, Intermodal segment depreciation expense was $1.4$1.3 million and $1.3$1.2 million, and Brokerage segment depreciation expense was $362,000$306,000 and $364,000$376,000 in the three-month periods ended March 31,June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Truckload segment depreciation expense was $27.8 million and $26.5 million, Dedicated segment depreciation expense was $20.2 million and $16.3 million, Intermodal segment depreciation expense was $2.7 million and $2.4 million, and Brokerage segment depreciation expense was $667,000 and $740,000 in the six-month periods ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

(1213) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

We adopted FASB Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, as of January 1, 2020. The adoption of this standard was not material to our consolidated condensed balance sheets, statements of operations or statements of cash flows.

(1314) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Reclassifications

Tires in service amortization and operating leases in our consolidated condensed statements of cash flows have been reclassified to be consistent with the current presentation, resulting in an $825,000a $1.6 million reclassification from investing to operating activities for the threesix months ended March 31,June 30, 2019.

(1415) Use of Estimates

We must make estimates and assumptions to prepare the consolidated condensed financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in the consolidated condensed financial statements and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates are primarily related to insurance and claims accruals and depreciation. Ultimate results could differ from these estimates.

(16) Stock Split Subsequent Event

On July 16, 2020, our Board of Directors declared a 3-for-2 stock split of our common stock, $.01 par value. The stock split will be effected in the form of a 50% stock dividend payable on August 13, 2020 to stockholders of record as of July 30, 2020. Holders of our common stock will receive an additional one-half share for each outstanding share of common stock held as of July 30, 2020. The stock split will increase the number of outstanding shares of common stock from approximately 55.1 million to approximately 82.7 million shares.

To show the effect of the stock split, pro forma basic and diluted earnings per common share and dividends declared per common share amounts are disclosed in the consolidated condensed statements of operations, and basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding are disclosed in Note 2.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

              The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the selected consolidated financial data and our consolidated condensed financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those included in our Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A for the year ended December 31, 2019 and in thisour Form 10-Q, Part II, Item 1A for the quarter ended March 31, 2020. We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this report.

Overview

We have strategically transitioned from a refrigerated long-haul carrier to a multifaceted business offering a network of refrigerated and dry truck-based transportation capabilities across our five distinct business platforms – Truckload, Dedicated, Intermodal, Brokerage and MRTN de Mexico.

The primary source of our operating revenue is provided by our Truckload segment through a combination of regional short-haul and medium-to-long-haul full-load transportation services. We transport food and other consumer packaged goods that require a temperature-controlled or insulated environment, along with dry freight, across the United States and into and out of Mexico and Canada. Our agreements with customers are typically for one year.

Our Dedicated segment provides customized transportation solutions tailored to meet individual customers’ requirements, utilizing temperature-controlled trailers, dry vans and other specialized equipment within the United States. Our agreements with customers range from three to five years and are subject to annual rate reviews.

Generally, we are paid by the mile for our Truckload and Dedicated services. We also derive Truckload and Dedicated revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other accessorial services. The main factors that affect our Truckload and Dedicated revenue are the rate per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, the number of miles we generate with our equipment and changes in fuel prices. We monitor our revenue production primarily through average Truckload and Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per tractor per week. We also analyze our average Truckload and Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharges, per total mile, non-revenue miles percentage, the miles per tractor we generate, our fuel surcharge revenue, our accessorial revenue and our other sources of operating revenue.

Our Intermodal segment transports our customers’ freight within the United States utilizing our temperature-controlled trailers and, beginning in September 2019, our refrigerated containers, each on railroad flatcars for portions of trips, with the balance of the trips using our tractors or, to a lesser extent, contracted carriers. The main factors that affect our Intermodal revenue are the rate per mile and other charges we receive from our customers.

Our Brokerage segment develops contractual relationships with and arranges for third-party carriers to transport freight for our customers in temperature-controlled trailers and dry vans within the United States and into and out of Mexico through Marten Transport Logistics, LLC, which was established in 2007 and operates pursuant to brokerage authority granted by the DOT. We retain the billing, collection and customer management responsibilities. The main factors that affect our Brokerage revenue are the rate per mile and other charges that we receive from our customers.

Operating results of our MRTN de Mexico business which offers our customers door-to-door service between the United States and Mexico with our Mexican partner carriers is reported within our Truckload and Brokerage segments.

In addition to the factors discussed above, our operating revenue is also affected by, among other things, the United States economy, inventory levels, the level of truck and rail capacity in the transportation market, a contracting driver market, severe weather conditions and specific customer demand.

Our operating revenue increased $19.6$19.9 million, or 9.9%4.8%, in the first threesix months of 2020 from the first threesix months of 2019. Our operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $18.0$26.6 million, or 10.2%7.4%, compared with the first threesix months of 2019. Truckload segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 4.6%3.9% from the first threesix months of 2019 primarily due to an increase in our average number of tractors. Dedicated segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 31.1%24.9% from the first threesix months of 2019 primarily due to fleet growth driven by an increase in the number of Dedicated contracts we have with our customers. Intermodal segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 4.2%5.0% primarily due to increased load volume. Brokerage segment revenue decreased 6.8% despite an increase14.2% primarily due to a decrease in revenue per load volume in the first threesix months of 2020. Fuel surcharge revenue increaseddecreased to $25.2$43.6 million in the first threesix months of 2020 from $23.6$50.3 million in the first threesix months of 2019.2019 due to significantly lower fuel prices.

Our profitability is impacted by the variable costs of transporting freight for our customers, fixed costs, and expenses containing both fixed and variable components. The variable costs include fuel expense, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and independent contractor costs, which are recorded under purchased transportation. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire expense and our cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a controllable component based on safety, fleet age, efficiency and other factors. Our main fixed costs relate to the acquisition and subsequent depreciation of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and operating terminals. We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment, along with any increases in fleet size. Although certain factors affecting our expenses are beyond our control, we monitor them closely and attempt to anticipate changes in these factors in managing our business. For example, fuel prices have significantly fluctuated over the past several years. We manage our exposure to changes in fuel prices primarily through fuel surcharge programs with our customers, as well as through volume fuel purchasing arrangements with national fuel centers and bulk purchases of fuel at our terminals. To help further reduce fuel expense, we have installed and tightly manage the use of auxiliary power units in our tractors to provide climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine, and also have improved the fuel usage in the temperature-control units on our trailers. For our Intermodal and Brokerage segments, our profitability is impacted by the percentage of revenue which is payable to the providers of the transportation services we arrange. This expense is included within purchased transportation in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Our operating income improved 1.7%14.9% to $18.0$43.3 million in the first threesix months of 2020 from $17.7$37.7 million in the first threesix months of 2019. Our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” increasedimproved to 91.8%90.0% in the first threesix months of 2020 from 91.1%90.8% in the first threesix months of 2019. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 90.7%improved to 88.8% in the first threesix months of 2020 and 89.9%from 89.6% in the first threesix months of 2019. Our net income improved 1.3%10.8% to $13.7$31.9 million, or $0.25$0.58 per diluted share, in the first threesix months of 2020 from $13.5$28.7 million, or $0.25$0.52 per diluted share, in the first threesix months of 2019.

Our business requires substantial, ongoing capital investments, particularly for new tractors and trailers. At March 31,June 30, 2020, we had $36.1$75.3 million of cash and cash equivalents, $609.4$629.4 million in stockholders’ equity and no long-term debt outstanding. In the first threesix months of 2020, net cash flows provided by operating activities of $43.5$104.1 million were primarily used to purchase new revenue equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, in the amount of $34.6$55.7 million, to pay cash dividends of $2.2$4.4 million, and to upgrade regional operating facilities in the amount of $983,000,$2.2 million, resulting in a $4.7$43.9 million increase in cash and cash equivalents. We estimate that capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions, will be approximately $88$71 million for the remainder of 2020. We believe our sources of liquidity are adequate to meet our current and anticipated needs for at least the next twelve months. Based upon anticipated cash flows, existing cash and cash equivalents balances, current borrowing availability and other sources of financing we expect to be available to us, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.

We continue to invest considerable time and capital resources to actively implement and promote long-term environmentally sustainable solutions that drive reductions in our fuel and electricity consumption and decrease our carbon footprint. These initiatives include (i) reducing idle time for our tractors by installing and tightly managing the use of auxiliary power units, which are powered by solar panels and provide climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine, (ii) improving the energy efficiency of our newer, more aerodynamic and well-maintained tractor and trailer fleets by optimizing the equipment’s specifications, weight and tractor speed, equipping our tractors with automatic transmissions, converting the refrigeration units in our refrigerated trailers to the new, more-efficient CARB refrigeration units along with increasing the insulation in the trailer walls and installing trailer skirts, and using ultra-fuel efficient and wide-based tires, and (iii) upgrading all of our facilities to indoor and outdoor LED lighting along with converting all of our facilities to solar power by the end of 2020. Additionally, we are an active participant in the United States EPA SmartWay Transport Partnership, in which freight shippers, carriers, logistics companies and other voluntary stakeholders partner with the EPA to measure, benchmark and improve logistics operations to reduce their environmental footprint.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes discussions of operating revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue; Truckload, Dedicated and Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharge revenue; operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, each net of fuel surcharge revenue; and net fuel expense (fuel and fuel taxes net of fuel surcharge revenue and surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads). We provide these additional disclosures because management believes these measures provide a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period. These financial measures in this report have not been determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Pursuant to Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K, we have included the amounts necessary to reconcile these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures of operating revenue, operating expenses divided by operating revenue, and fuel and fuel taxes.

COVID-19 Update

The North American trucking industry, which provides an essential service, is facing a difficultchallenging period as the decrease in manufacturing and retail activity within the managed economic slowdown in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has lowered overall freight volumes. The demand that our customers have from their customers for the food, beverages and other consumer goods that we transport and distribute varies significantly for each customer across their individual products, by region and in total – with the level of demand by freight lane also continually changing withsubject to significant fluctuations. Our continual redeployment of our drivers to match the changing freight demand by lane while minimizing our empty miles ishas been and will continue to be essential to the utilization of our revenue equipment and our operating revenue.revenue through this environment. While our overall level of customer demand is negatively impacted by the economic slowdown, and may be increasingly impacted in the near-term depending on the extent of the slowdown, our execution of our unique multifaceted business model across our diverse customer base, including our ability to quickly make data-driven decisions and adjustments utilizing our in-house operating technology, has and will continue to be one of our key strengths as we proactively navigate through this fast-changing landscape.

While we will continue to pursue new profitable growth opportunities, we expect to maintain our approximate fleet size in the near-term given the economic slowdown. As a result, we have decreased our estimated net capital expenditures for 2020 from $153 million to $125 million to help preserve our cash position. Based upon anticipated cash flows, existing cash and cash equivalents balances, current borrowing availability and other sources of financing we expect to be available to us, we believe we are well-positioned for the sustainability of our business from a balance sheet perspective.

We fully embrace our responsibility to keep our valued employees safe, healthy and informed and have implemented measures including the following:

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain operating statistics regarding our revenue and operations:

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2020 to Three Months Ended March 31,June 30, 2019

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated our operating revenue, operating income and operating ratio by segment, along with the change for each component:

Our operating revenue increased $19.6 million,$294,000, or 9.9%0.1%, to $218.6$212.4 million in the 2020 period from $199.0$212.1 million in the 2019 period. Our operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $18.0$8.7 million, or 10.2%4.7%, to $193.4$194.0 million in the 2020 period from $175.5$185.4 million in the 2019 period. This increase was due to a $15.2$10.9 million increase in Dedicated revenue, net of fuel surcharges, a $3.7$2.8 million increase in Truckload revenue, net of fuel surcharges, and an $839,000a $1.0 million increase in Intermodal revenue, net of fuel surcharges, partially offset by a $1.8$6.0 million decrease in Brokerage revenue. Fuel surcharge revenue increaseddecreased to $25.2$18.3 million in the 2020 period from $23.6$26.7 million in the 2019 period.period due to significantly lower fuel prices.

Truckload segment revenue increased $3.4decreased $1.8 million, or 3.7%1.9%, to $95.1$94.2 million in the 2020 period from $91.7$96.0 million in the 2019 period. Truckload segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased $3.7$2.8 million, or 4.6%3.3%, to $83.9$86.0 million in the 2020 period from $80.2$83.2 million in the 2019 period, primarily due to an increase in our average number of tractors. The increaseimprovement in the operating ratio in the 2020 period was primarily due to increasesa decrease in salaries, wages and benefits and insurance and claimsnet fuel expense as a percentage of revenue partially offset by a decrease in net fuel expense.along with multiple cost control measures.

Dedicated segment revenue increased $17.3$8.4 million, or 30.0%12.6%, to $75.0$75.4 million in the 2020 period from $57.7$67.0 million in the 2019 period. Dedicated segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 31.1%19.4% primarily due to fleet growth driven by an increase in the number of Dedicated contracts we have with our customers. The improvement in the operating ratio in the 2020 period was primarily due to a decrease in net fuel expense.expense as a percentage of revenue along with multiple cost control measures.

Intermodal segment revenue increased $709,000,decreased $302,000, or 3.1%1.5%, to $23.7$20.3 million in the 2020 period from $23.0$20.6 million in the 2019 period. Intermodal segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, increased 4.2%5.8% from the 2019 period primarily due to an increase in load volume. The increase in the operating ratio in the 2020 period was primarily due to increasesan increase in purchased transportation and salaries and wages as a percentage of revenue.

Brokerage segment revenue decreased $1.8$6.0 million, or 6.8%21.1%, to $24.8$22.5 million in the 2020 period from $26.6$28.5 million in the 2019 period despite an increaseprimarily due to a decrease in revenue per load and in load volume. The increase in the operating ratio in the 2020 period was primarily due to an increase in the amounts payable to carriers for transportation services which we arranged as a percentage of our Brokerage revenue.

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the dollar and percentage increase or decrease of the items in our unaudited consolidated condensed statements of operations, and those items as a percentage of operating revenue:

Salaries, wages and benefits consist of compensation for our employees, including both driver and non-driver employees, employees’ health insurance, 401(k) plan contributions and other fringe benefits. These expenses vary depending upon the size of our Truckload, Dedicated and Intermodal tractor fleets, the ratio of company drivers to independent contractors, our efficiency, our experience with employees’ health insurance claims, changes in health care premiums and other factors. Salaries, wages and benefits expense increased $9.2$4.9 million, or 14.5%7.1%, in the 2020 period from the 2019 period. This increase resulted primarily from additional company driver compensation expense of $6.6$4.3 million and an increase in employees’ health insurance expense of $1.4 million due to an increase in our self-insured medical claims, partially offset by a $1.4 million decrease in bonus compensation expense for our non-driver employees.employees of $1.1 million, partially offset by a $1.6 million decrease in employees’ health insurance expense, due to a decrease in our self-insured medical claims.

Purchased transportation consists of amounts payable to railroads and carriers for transportation services we arrange in connection with Brokerage and Intermodal operations and to independent contractor providers of revenue equipment. This category will vary depending upon the amount and rates, including fuel surcharges, we pay to third-party railroad and motor carriers, the ratio of company drivers versus independent contractors and the amount of fuel surcharges passed through to independent contractors. Purchased transportation expense increased $2.2decreased $2.5 million in total, or 5.7%6.5%, in the 2020 period from the 2019 period. Amounts payable to railroads and drayage carriers for transportation services within our Intermodal segment increased $1.1 milliondecreased to $15.8$13.3 million in the 2020 period from $14.7$13.4 million in the 2019 period, primarily due to increased load volume.period. Amounts payable to carriers for transportation services we arranged in our Brokerage segment decreased $930,000$4.7 million to $21.1$18.7 million in the 2020 period from $22.1$23.4 million in the 2019 period, primarily due to a decrease in revenue.revenue per load and in load volume. The portion of purchased transportation expense related to independent contractors within our Truckload and Dedicated segments, including fuel surcharges, increased $2.1$2.3 million in the 2020 period as the number of independent contractors rose. We expect our purchased transportation expense to increase as we grow our Intermodal and Brokerage segments.

Fuel and fuel taxes increaseddecreased by $620,000,$10.1 million, or 2.2%32.6%, in the 2020 period from the 2019 period.period due to significantly lower fuel prices. Net fuel expense (fuel and fuel taxes net of fuel surcharge revenue and surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads) decreased $649,000,$2.3 million, or 9.3%33.3%, to $6.3$4.7 million in the 2020 period from $7.0 million in the 2019 period. Fuel surcharges passed through to independent contractors, outside drayage carriers and railroads increaseddecreased to $3.2$2.2 million from $2.8 million in the 2019 period. The United States Department of Energy, or DOE, national average cost of fuel decreased to $2.88$2.43 per gallon from $3.02$3.12 per gallon in the 2019 period. Net fuel expense also decreased to 3.7%2.7% of Truckload, Dedicated and Intermodal segment revenue, net of fuel surcharges, from 4.7%4.5% in the 2019 period. This decrease in the percentage of revenue from the 2019 period reduced our net fuel expense by $3.0 million in the 2020 period. We have worked diligently to control fuel usage and costs by improving our volume purchasing arrangements and optimizing our drivers’ fuel purchases with national fuel centers, focusing on shorter lengths of haul, installing and tightly managing the use of auxiliary power units in our tractors to minimize engine idling and improving fuel usage in the temperature-control units on our trailers. Auxiliary power units, which we have installed in our company-owned tractors, provide climate control and electrical power for our drivers without idling the tractor engine.

Supplies and maintenance consist of repairs, maintenance, tires, parts, oil and engine fluids, along with load-specific expenses including loading/unloading, tolls, pallets and trailer hostling. Our supplies and maintenance expense increased $1.1 million, or 10.0%, from the 2019 period primarily due to higher outside repair, parts and tire costs associated, in part, with operating a larger fleet.

Depreciation relates to owned tractors, trailers, containers, auxiliary power units, communication units, terminal facilities and other assets. The $2.9$2.5 million, or 10.7%, increase in depreciation in the 2020 period was primarily due to an increase in the size of our fleet of tractors and trailers.tractors. We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment, which will result in greater depreciation over the useful life.

Insurance and claims consist of the costs of insurance premiums and accruals we make for claims within our self-insured retention amounts, primarily for personal injury, property damage, physical damage to our equipment, cargo claims and workers’ compensation claims. These expenses will vary primarily based upon the frequency and severity of our accident experience, our self-insured retention levels and the market for insurance. The $2.4$1.8 million increase in insurance and claims in the 2020 period was primarily due to an increaseincreases in the cost of physical damage claims related to our tractors and trailers and our self-insured auto liability claims.workers’ compensation claims, along with an increase in our insurance premiums. Our significant self-insured retention exposes us to the possibility of significant fluctuations in claims expense between periods which could materially impact our financial results depending on the frequency, severity and timing of claims.

Gain on disposition of revenue equipment increased to $2.2 million in the 2020 period from $1.2 million in the 2019 period primarily due to an increase in the number of tractors sold. Future gains or losses on dispositions of revenue equipment will be impacted by the market for used revenue equipment, which is beyond our control.

The $1.1 million decrease in other operating expenses in the 2020 period was primarily due to decreased costs associated with travel and entertainment and with recruiting and retaining drivers.

As a result of the foregoing factors, our operating income improved 1.7%26.6% to $18.0$25.3 million in the 2020 period from $17.7$19.9 million in the 2019 period. Our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” increasedimproved to 91.8%88.1% in the 2020 period from 91.1%90.6% in the 2019 period. The operating ratio for our Truckload segment was 92.9%88.3% in the 2020 period and 91.8%91.6% in the 2019 period, for our Dedicated segment was 88.6%84.8% in the 2020 period and 90.4%88.5% in the 2019 period, for our Intermodal segment was 94.5%95.3% in the 2020 period and 89.6%92.5% in the 2019 period, and for our Brokerage segment was 94.3%91.9% in the 2020 period and 91.5%90.6% in the 2019 period. Operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, with both amounts net of fuel surcharges, were 90.7%87.0% in the 2020 period and 89.9%89.2% in the 2019 period.

Our effective income tax rate decreasedincreased to 24.3%28.2% in the 2020 period from 24.8%25.3% in the 2019 period. The 2020 period includes additional income tax expense of $1.1 million to adjust for certain discrete tax benefit reserves, which we evaluate based on the current facts, circumstances and information available.

As a result of the factors described above, net income improved 19.4% to $18.1 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in the 2020 period from $15.2 million, or $0.28 per diluted share, in the 2019 period.

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2019

The following table sets forth for the periods indicated our operating revenue, operating income and operating ratio by segment, along with the change for each component: