As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 6, 200316, 2018
Registration No. 333-110018333-



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


Amendment No. 2

to
FormFORM S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933


__________________
Covenant Transport,Transportation Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 Nevada88-0320154 
Nevada88-0320154
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)No.)


__________________
400 Birmingham Highway,
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419
(423) 821-1212
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrant’s principal executive offices)


__________________
David R. Parker
Chairman President, and Chief Executive Officer
Covenant Transport,Transportation Group, Inc.
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419
(423) 821-1212
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
__________________


Copies requested to:
Mark Scudder
Heidi Hornung-Scherr
Amber Neubert
Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
411 South 13th Street, Suite 200
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
(402) 435-3223
Thomas E. Constance
Thomas E. Molner
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(212) 715-9100


Mark A. Scudder, Esq.
Heidi Hornung-Scherr, Esq.
Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
411 South 13th Street, Suite 200
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
(402) 435-3223
__________________

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: As soon as practical From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement becomes effective.

Registration Statement.


If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box.    o

box:  ☐


If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, check the following box.    o

box: ☒ 

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

offering:  ☐


If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

offering: ☐


If delivery ofthis Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.D. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the prospectus is expected to be madeCommission pursuant to Rule 434, please462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o

box:  ☐


If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.D. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box:  ☐

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

Large Accelerated Filer ☐Accelerated Filer ☒
Non-Accelerated Filer ☐Smaller Reporting Company ☐
Emerging Growth Company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of Securities Act: ☐

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 Title of Each Class of Securities
To Be Registered
Amount to be Registered
Proposed Maximum Offering Price
Per Share
Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price
Amount of Registration Fee
Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share(1)(2)(1)(2)(1)(2)(3) 
Preferred Stock(1)(2)(1)(2)(1)(2)(3) 
Debt Securities(1)(2)(1)(2)(1)(2)(3) 
Rights(1)(2)(1)(2)(1)(2)(3) 
Warrants(1)(2)(1)(2)(1)(2)(3) 
Total  $150,000,000$18,180(3)(4)(5)

(1)  Not specified as to each class of securities to be registered pursuant to General Instruction II.D of Form S-3.

(2)  An indeterminate aggregate initial offering price or number of securities of each identified class is being registered as may be issued at indeterminate prices from time to time.  The aggregate maximum offering price of all securities issued pursuant to this Registration Statement shall not exceed $150,000,000.  The securities registered include unspecified amounts and numbers of securities that may be issued upon conversion of or exchange for securities that provide for conversion or exchange or pursuant to the anti-dilution provisions of any such securities.  Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities issuable upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities.  In addition, pursuant to Rule 416(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), the securities being registered hereunder include such indeterminate number of shares of Class A common stock as may be issuable with respect to the registered securities as a result of stock splits, stock dividends, recapitalizations, or similar transactions.

(3)  Pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act, which permits the registration fee to be calculated on the basis of the maximum offering price, the table does not specify the amount to be registered or the proposed maximum offering price per share.

(4)  Estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act.

(5)  The registrant filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-198975), which was initially filed on September 26, 2014 and was declared effective on November 13, 2014, and paid a filing fee of $12,880 (the "Prior Registration Statement"). The registrant sold $66,792,000 of the aggregate of $100,000,000 of securities pursuant to the Prior Registration Statement. Pursuant to Rule 457(p) under the Securities Act, the registrant hereby applies the unused portion of the previously paid filing fee, $4,277.19, against amounts due herewith. Due to the application of the unused portion of the previously paid filing fee, the filing fee due under this registration statement is $13,902.81.

__________________

The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, or until thisthe registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said section 8(a), may determine.





The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed.  We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission declares our registration statementis effective.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

PROSPECTUS
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED NOVEMBER 6, 2003
16, 2018
Prospectus

2,000,000 shares

(COVENANT TRANSPORT LOGO)


COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.

Class A Common Stock

Of

Preferred Stock
Debt Securities
Rights
Warrants

_____________________________

We may offer and sell any combination of the 2,000,000 sharessecurities described in this prospectus on a delayed or continuous basis at indeterminate prices from time to time.  The maximum aggregate offering price that we may issue under this prospectus will not exceed $150,000,000.

We will provide the specific terms and offering price of the securities we offer in supplements to this prospectus to the extent those terms are not described in this prospectus or are different from the terms described in this prospectus.  The prospectus supplements also may add to, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.  In addition, we may supplement, update, or change any of the information contained in this prospectus by incorporating information by reference in this prospectus.

You should read this prospectus, the supplements to this prospectus, and any incorporated documents carefully before you invest in any of our Class A common stocksecurities.  This prospectus is not an offer to sell our securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy our securities in this offering, 1,000,000 are offered by David R. and Jacqueline F. Parker, who areany state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

We may offer our principal stockholders. Mr. Parker is our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The additional 1,000,000 shares are offered bysecurities directly to investors, through agents, underwriters, or dealers on a delayed or continued basis.  Each prospectus supplement will provide the Estate of Clyde M. Fuller, who was Mr. Parker’s stepfather and a significant stockholder. The selling stockholders will receive allterms of the net proceeds from this offering.plan of distribution relating to our securities.

Our Class A common stock is listed on the Nasdaq NationalNASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “CVTI.”  The last reported sale price on November 5, 2003, was $20.20 per share.

Investing inOther than for shares of our Class A common stock, there is no market for the securities we may offer.

_____________________________

Investing in our securities involves risks. Seea high degree of risk.  Before buying any of our securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors described in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5.

Per ShareTotal
Public offering price$$
Underwriting discounts and commissions$$
Proceeds to the selling stockholders$$

    David R. and Jacqueline F. Parker have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 300,000 shares5 of Class A common stock to cover any over-allotments.

    Delivery of the shares of Class A common stock will be made on or about                     , 2003.

this prospectus.

_____________________________

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacydetermined if this prospectus is truthful or accuracy of this prospectus.complete.  Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

Stephens Inc.
BB&T Capital Markets_____________________________


The date of this prospectus is                  ,       2003.

.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROSPECTUS SUMMARYDescriptionPage
ii
1
2
5
5
5
5
6
6
10
19
19
20
21
21
Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP21


i


ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS


This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) utilizing a “shelf” registration process.  Under this shelf process, we may from time to time sell our securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings.

This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities that we may offer.  Each time we sell our securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering.  The prospectus supplement may also add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.  If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, you should rely on the information in the applicable prospectus supplement.  You should read both this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement, together with additional information described under the heading “WHERE YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.”

You should rely only on the information contained inor incorporated by reference into this documentprospectus, a prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus, or to which we have referred you.any amendment filed with the Commission.  We have not and the underwriters have not, authorized anyoneany other person to provide you with information that is different.different information.  If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it.  We are not, and the underwriters are not, making an offerThis prospectus may be used only where it is legal to sell these securities.  We are offering to sell, and seeking offers to buy, only the securities covered by this prospectus, and only under the circumstances and in the jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so.  The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of the time of delivery of this prospectus or of any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.of our securities.  You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus, or amendment and the documents incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this prospectus.prospectus, any prospectus supplement, free writing prospectus, or amendment or the respective document incorporated by reference, as the case may be.  Our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects may have changed since that date.

those dates.


Unless the context requires otherwise, references in this prospectus to “Covenant,” “Covenant Transportation,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

You should read carefully the entire prospectus, as well as the documents incorporated by reference into the prospectus, before making an investment decision.


TABLE OF CONTENTSii
Page

Prospectus Summary1
Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data3
Risk Factors5
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements12
Dividend Policy12
Business13
Management17
Principal and Selling Stockholders19
Underwriting21
Where You Can Obtain Additional Information23
Incorporation of Documents by Reference24
Legal Matters24
Experts24

i


SUMMARY

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY


This summary highlights certainselected information contained elsewhere or incorporated by reference in this prospectus. This summary is not completeprospectus and does not contain all of the information that may be important to you.  This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer.  Each time we offer to sell securities, we will provide you with a prospectus supplement that will describe the specific amounts, prices, and other terms of the securities being offered.  The prospectus supplement and the documents incorporated by reference herein also may add, update, or change information contained in this prospectus.  To understand the terms of our securities, you should considercarefully read this document with the applicable prospectus supplement, as well as the section entitled “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5 of this prospectus, before investingmaking a decision to invest in our Class A common stock.securities.  Together, these documents will give the specific terms of the securities we may offer.  You should also read the entiredocuments we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus carefully, especially the risks of investing in our Class A common stock discusseddescribed above under “Risk Factors.“Where You Can Obtain Additional Information. The terms “Company,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and similar terms refer to

Covenant Transport, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.

General

Transportation Group


We are one of the tennation's twenty-five largest truckload carriers based on 2017 revenue according to Transport Topics.  We generated approximately $705.0 million in total revenue and approximately $28.2 million in operating income in 2017.  At September 30, 2018, we operated approximately 3,077 tractors, including 315 independent contractor tractors, and 6,849 trailers.

Generally, we transport full trailer loads of freight from origin to destination without intermediate stops or handling.  We provide truckload transportation services throughout the continental United States measured by revenue.and into and out of Mexico and into and out of portions of Canada. Our truckload freight services include expedited dry-vanutilize equipment we own or lease or equipment owned by independent contractors for the pick-up and delivery of freight.  In most of our truckload business, we transport freight over nonroutine routes.  Our dedicated freight service dedicated fleets,offering provides similar transportation services, but does so pursuant to agreements whereby we make our equipment available to a specific customer for shipments over particular routes at specified times.  To complement our truckload operations, we provide freight brokerage, logistics, and temperature-controlled truckload service. accounts receivable factoring services.  Through our asset based and non-asset based capabilities, we transport many types of freight for a diverse customer base.

We focus on targeted markets throughout the United States where we believe our service standards can provide a competitive advantage.  In each of the past eight years, we have provided 99% on-time performance to our customers. By targeting premium service freight, we seek to obtain higher rates, build long-term service-based customer relationships, and avoid competition from railroad, intermodal, and trucking companies that compete primarily on the basis of price. We are a major carrier for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers and retailers, as well as for transportation companies such as freight forwarders, less-than-truckload carriers, and third-party logistics providers that require a high level of service to support their businesses.

    Inbusinesses, as well as for traditional truckload customers such as manufacturers, retailers, and food and beverage shippers.


We have two reportable segments, our coretruckload services ("Truckload") and freight brokerage and logistics services (“Managed Freight”).

The Truckload segment consists of four operating fleets.  The four operating fleets that comprise our Truckload segment are as follows: (i) Covenant Transport, our historical flagship operation, which provides expedited long haul, dedicated, temperature-controlled, and regional solo-driver service; (ii) SRT, which provides primarily long-haul, dry-van business, we useregional, and dedicated service; (iii) Star Transportation, Inc., which provides regional solo-driver and dedicated services, primarily in the industry’s largest fleetsoutheastern United States; and (iv) the trucking operations of tractors operatedLandair Holdings Inc., which was acquired by the Company in July 2018 and  provides primarily dedicated service.

Managed Freight is comprised primarily of freight brokerage, logistics, and transportation management services. Also included in Managed Freight are our accounts receivable factoring and warehousing businesses.

Other Information

We were founded in 1986 as a provider of expedited long haul freight transportation, primarily using two-person driver teams in transcontinental lanes.  Since that time, we have grown from 25 tractors to provide expedited transportation, generally over distances3,000 tractors and expanded our services from 1,500predominantly long haul dry van to 2,500 miles. In this area,include refrigerated, dedicated, cross-border, regional, brokerage, logistics, and other offerings.  As of November 13, 2018, we offer greater speed and reliability than railroads or single-driver trucks at a lower cost than air freight. We also operate a single driver fleet that concentrates on expedited dry-van movements with a short-to-medium average lengthhad approximately 73 stockholders of haul. We expanded this portionrecord of our business over the past several years in response to customer demand forClass A common stock; however, we estimate that our high quality service over more lanes andactual number of stockholders is much higher because a broader geographic area. In addition, we offer expedited temperature-controlled movements with a medium-to-long average length of haul. In both our single-driver and team-driver operations we have dedicated fleets, which operate for the benefit of a single customer or on a defined route. This partsubstantial number of our business has grown as we have expanded our participationshares are held of record by brokers or dealers for their customers in the design, development, and execution of supply chain solutions for our traditional truckload customers.

    From 1991 to 2000, we grew rapidly to achieve the operating scale necessary to serve national customers, participate in competitive bids, and develop a significant dedicated fleet business. More recently, we have stabilized the size of our revenue equipment fleet and implemented several initiatives that were designed to improve our profitability. These initiatives included replacing less profitable freight with more profitable lanes and loads, implementing selective rate increases, improving our equipment utilization, and reinforcing our cost control efforts. We believe that a combination of these initiatives and an improved freight environment have contributed to meaningful improvements in our profitability and positioned us for additional improvement. For the year ended December 31, 2002, our net income improved to $8.3 million, or $0.57 per diluted share, from a net loss of $6.7 million, or ($0.48) per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2001. In addition, for the nine months ended September 30, 2003, our net income improved to $8.1 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, from $4.9 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the same period in 2002.

    During the second quarter of 2003 we began implementing another initiative to improve our profitability. We are undertaking an intense evaluation of the freight in what we call “in-between” movements. In-between movements generally have lengths of haul between 510 and 800 miles. They are longer than one-day regional moves but not long enough for expedited team service or two full days with a single driver. In many instances, the revenue we have generated from in-between movements has been insufficient to generate the profitability we desire based on the amount of time the tractor and driver are committed to the load. Accordingly, we are examining each in-between movement and are negotiating with customers to raise rates, obtain more favorable loads, or cease hauling the in-between loads. During our most recent quarter, these in-between movements represented approximately one quarter of our total loads, and we believe they have been significantly less profitable than our longer lengths of haul. Based on the initial results of these efforts, we believe that we have significant opportunities to improve our profitability as we continue to focus on our in-between movements.

street names.

1


Company Information

     We are incorporated in Nevada.

Our principal executive offices areheadquarters is located at 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419, and our37419.  Our telephone number is (423) 821-1212.  Our website address is http://www.covenanttransport.com. Informationlocated at www.covenanttransport.com.  The information contained in or available through our website is not incorporated by reference into, this prospectus, and you should not consider information contained in our website asbe considered part of, this prospectus.

The Offering1

The selling stockholders are offering for sale 2,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock owned by them. We will not receive


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus, any proceeds from this offering.
Class A common stock offered by the selling stockholders2,000,000shares
Common stock to be outstanding before and after this offering:
Class A common stock(1)12,244,331shares
Class B common stock(2) 2,350,000shares

Total(1)(2)14,594,331shares
Nasdaq National Market symbol“CVTI”

    Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus we have presented the information in this prospectus on the assumption that the underwriters will not exercise their over-allotment option. If the over-allotment option is exercised in full, David R. and Jacqueline F. Parker will sell an additional 300,000 shares of Class A common stock in this offering.                             


(1) Excludes approximately 2.5 million shares of our Class A common stock available for issuance under our incentive stock plans, approximately 1.3 million shares of which were issuable upon exercise of outstanding stock options as of September 30, 2003.
(2) All shares are owned by David R. and Jacqueline F. Parker. The Class B common stock is convertible into Class A common stock at any time and converts automatically if beneficially owned by anyone other than the Parkers and their children. The Class B common stock has two votes per share, but otherwise is substantially identical to the Class A common stock, which has one vote per share.

Risk Factors

     An investment in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. Potential investors should carefully consider the risk factors set forth under “Risk Factors” beginning on page 5supplement, and the other information contained in this prospectus before investing in our Class A common stock.

2


SUMMARY HISTORICAL FINANCIAL AND OPERATING DATA

Our summary financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, under the captions “Statement of Operations Data,” “Other Financial Data,” and “Balance Sheet Data” are derived from our consolidated audited financial statements, which were audited by KPMG LLP, independent auditors, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2001, and 2002, and by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, in the prior years. The reports thereon aredocuments incorporated herein by reference elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary financial data presented below for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2002, and 2003, and as of September 30, 2003, have been derived from our unaudited consolidated financialcontain certain statements incorporated by reference elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which we consider necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and our results of operations for these periods. This data should be read in conjunction with our financial statements, related notes, and other financial information included or incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

                             
Nine Months Ended
Year Ended December 31,September 30,


1998199920002001200220022003







(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data, operating data, and percentages)
Statement of Operations Data:
                            
Freight revenue $370,546  $472,741  $552,429  $547,028  $541,830  $403,135  $403,708 
Fuel and accessorial surcharges $3,315  $6,626  $31,561  $26,593  $22,588  $14,619  $26,592 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Total revenue $373,861  $479,367  $583,990  $573,621  $564,418  $417,754  $430,300 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Operating income (loss)(1) $35,697  $42,690  $28,780  $(63) $24,974  $17,195  $19,449 
Net income (loss)(1) $18,283  $22,277  $11,875  $(6,662) $8,274  $4,924  $8,052 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Basic earnings (loss) per share(1) $1.27  $1.49  $0.82  $(0.48) $0.58  $0.35  $0.56 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Diluted earnings (loss) per share(1) $1.27  $1.48  $0.82  $(0.48) $0.57  $0.34  $0.55 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
Weighted average shares outstanding  14,393   14,912   14,404   13,987   14,223   14,171   14,413 
Weighted average shares outstanding adjusted for assumed conversions  14,440   15,028   14,533   13,987   14,519   14,465   14,652 
Other Financial Data:
                            
Net margin(2)  4.9%  4.7%  2.1%  (1.2)%  1.5%  1.2%  2.0%
Capital expenditures, net $52,543  $55,021  $20,319  $30,761  $56,351  $33,377  $11,307 
Total debt, including current portion(3) $86,274  $144,715  $142,800  $97,280  $83,530  $73,130  $44,653 
Operating Data:
                            
Average revenue per loaded mile $1.18  $1.20  $1.23  $1.21  $1.22  $1.21  $1.24 
Average revenue per total mile $1.10  $1.11  $1.13  $1.12  $1.13  $1.12  $1.14 
Average miles per tractor per period  144,000   144,601   128,754   127,714   129,906   97,106   96,444 
Average revenue per tractor per week $3,045  $3,078  $2,790  $2,738  $2,812  $2,796  $2,817 
Weighted average tractors per period  2,333   2,929   3,759   3,791   3,680   3,679   3,665 
Team-driven tractors as percentage of fleet  49%  40%  40%  35%  29%  32%  35%
     
September 30, 2003

(unaudited)
Balance Sheet Data:
    
Total assets $339,590 
Total debt, including current portion(3) $44,653 
Total stockholders’ equity $186,805 

3



(1) Includes non-cash impairment charges of $15.4 million pretax ($9.6 million after-tax) in the fourth quarter of 2001 and $3.3 million pretax ($1.9 million after-tax) in the first quarter of 2002, relating to the reduced market value of our tractors, as well as a loss of $1.4 million ($890,000 after-tax) in the first quarter of 2002, relating to early extinguishment of debt.
(2) Net income as a percentage of freight revenue. We evaluate our results of operations as a percentage of freight revenue because we believe excluding sometimes volatile fuel surcharge and accessorial revenue affords a more consistent basis for comparing our results of operations from period to period. Based on total revenue, our net margin would have been 4.9% in 1998, 4.6% in 1999, 2.0% in 2000, (1.2%) in 2001, 1.5% in 2002, and 1.2% and 1.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2002, and 2003, respectively.
(3) Includes proceeds drawn under our accounts receivable securitization facility.

4


RISK FACTORS

Any investment in our Class A common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below and other information included in this prospectus before purchasing our Class A common stock. If any of the events described below occur, our business and financial results could be adversely affected in a material way. This could cause the trading price of our Class A common stock to decline, perhaps significantly, and you therefore may lose all or part of your investment.

Our business is subject to general economic and business factors that are largely out of our control, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our operating results.

     Our business is affected by a number of factors that may have a materially adverse effect on the results of our operations, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:

• Significant increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel price and the prices and volumes of our fuel hedging and volume purchase requirements, if any.
• Excess tractor and trailer capacity in the trucking industry.
• Declines in the resale value of used equipment.
• Strikes or other work stoppages.
• Increases in interest rates, fuel taxes, and license and registration fees.
• Rising costs of healthcare.
• Increases in insurance costs, liability claims, and self-insurance levels.
• Difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, including independent contractors.
• Regulatory changes, including the new hours-of-service requirements for drivers that become effective in January 2004.

    We also are affected by recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles, particularly in market segments and industries, such as retail and manufacturing, where we have a significant concentration of customers, and regions of the country, such as California, Texas, and the Southeast, where we have a significant amount of business. Economic conditions may adversely affect our customers and their ability to pay for our services. Customers encountering adverse economic conditions represent a greater potential for loss and we may be required to increase our allowance for doubtful accounts.

    In addition, it is not possible to predict the effects of actual or threatened terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against any foreign state, heightened security requirements, or other related events. Such events, however, could negatively impact the economy and consumer confidence in the United States. Such events could also have a materially adverse effect on our future results of operations. Moreover, our results of operations may be affected by seasonal factors. Customers tend to reduce shipments after the winter holiday season and our operating expenses tend to be higher in the winter months primarily due to colder weather, which causes higher fuel consumption from increased idle time and higher repairs and maintenance costs.

We self-insure for a significant portion of our claims exposure, which could significantly reduce our earnings.

     Our future insurance and claims expense could reduce our earnings. We currently self-insure for a portion of our claims exposure and accrue amounts for liabilities based on our assessment of claims that arise and our insurance coverage for the periods in which the claims arise. Our current insurance policy generally provides that we are self-insured for personal injury and property damage claims for amounts up to $2.0 million per occurrence for the first $5.0 million of exposure. However, the policy also provides for an additional $2.0 million self-insured aggregate amount, with a limit of $1.0 million per occurrence until the $2.0 million aggregate threshold is reached. For example, if we were to experience during the policy year three separate personal injury and property damage claims each resulting in exposure of $4.0 million, we would be self-insured for $3.0 million with respect to each of the first two claims, and for $2.0 million with respect to the third claim and any subsequent claims during the policy year. In addition to amounts for which we are self-insured in the primary $5.0 million layer, we self-insure for the first $2.0 million in the layer from $5.0 million to $20.0 million, which is our excess coverage limit. We are responsible for a pro rata portion of legal expenses relating to such claims. We also are self-insured for cargo loss

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and damage claims for amounts up to $1.0 million per occurrence. We maintain a workers’ compensation plan and group medical plan for our employees with a deductible amount of $1.0 million for each workers’ compensation claim and a deductible amount of $250,000 for each group medical claim. Because of our significant self-insured retention amounts, we have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims. If there is an increase in the frequency and severity of claims, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts if the claims prove to be more severe than originally assessed, our profitability would be adversely affected.

    We maintain insurance above the amounts for which we self-insure with licensed insurance carriers. Since 2001, insurance carriers have been raising premiums for many businesses, including trucking companies. As a result, our insurance and claims expense could increase when our current primary casualty and workers’ compensation coverages expire in March 2004, or we could raise our self-insured retention. If these expenses increase, our earnings could be materially and adversely affected.

    Our current aggregate primary and excess casualty insurance provides coverage up to a maximum per claim amount of $20.0 million. We do not maintain directors and officers insurance coverage, although we are obligated to indemnify them against certain liabilities they may incur while serving in such capacities. If any claim were to exceed our coverage, we would bear the excess, in addition to our other self-insured amounts. Any such claim could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Ongoing insurance requirements could constrain our borrowing capacity.

     The increase in our self-insured retention has caused our outstanding undrawn letters of credit in favor of insurance companies to increase. At September 30, 2003, our revolving line of credit had a maximum borrowing limit of $100.0 million, outstanding borrowings of $2.0 million, and outstanding letters of credit of $41.6 million. We expect outstanding letters of credit to increase in the future. Outstanding letters of credit reduce the available borrowings under our credit agreement, which could negatively affect our liquidity should we need to increase our borrowings in the future.

Our casualty insurance coverage may have been limited to $2.0 million between July and November 2002; accordingly, a significant claim relating to that period could adversely affect our profitability.

     On July 15, 2002, we received a binder for $48.0 million of excess insurance coverage over our $2.0 million primary layer of accident insurance. Subsequently, we were forced to seek replacement coverage after the insurance agent retained the premium and failed to produce proof of insurance coverage. In November 2002, we obtained replacement coverage of $4.0 million in primary coverage with a $1.0 million self-insured retention and $16.0 million in excess coverage with a $3.0 million self-insured retention. In March 2003, we obtained our current program, which has an aggregate $20.0 million in coverage per occurrence, subject to applicable deductibles. We recognized the premium expense in 2002 and have filed a lawsuit to recover our premiums paid and to seek coverage from the insurance agency and its errors and omissions policy on any claims that may exceed $2.0 million in exposure for the July through November period. Currently, we are not aware of any claims that are expected to exceed either $2.0 million during the July through November period or $4.0 million during the November through March period. If one or more claims from these periods were to exceed the then-effective coverage limits, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

We operate in a highly competitive and fragmented industry, and numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to maintain or improve our current profitability.

     These factors include:

• We compete with many other truckload carriers of varying sizes and, to a lesser extent, with less-than-truckload carriers, railroads, and other transportation companies, many of which have more equipment and greater capital resources than we do.
• Many of our competitors periodically reduce their freight rates to gain business, especially during times of reduced growth rates in the economy, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase freight rates or maintain significant growth in our business.
• Many of our customers are other transportation companies, and they may decide to transport their own freight.

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• Many customers reduce the number of carriers they use by selecting so-called “core carriers” as approved service providers, and in some instances we may not be selected.

• Many customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, and this process may depress freight rates or result in the loss of some business to competitors.
• The trend toward consolidation in the trucking industry may create other large carriers with greater financial resources and other competitive advantages relating to their size.
• Advances in technology require increased investments to remain competitive, and our customers may not be willing to accept higher freight rates to cover the cost of these investments.
• Competition from non-asset-based logistics and freight brokerage companies may adversely affect our customer relationships and freight rates.
• Economies of scale that may be passed on to smaller carriers by procurement aggregation providers may improve their ability to compete with us.

We derive a significant portion of our revenue from our major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

     A significant portion of our revenue is generated from our major customers. For 2002, our top 25 customers, based on revenue, accounted for approximately 43% of our revenue; our top 10 customers, approximately 31% of our revenue; and our top 5 customers, approximately 25% of our revenue. In the aggregate, subsidiaries of CNF, Inc. accounted for approximately 11% of our revenue in 2002. We do not expect these percentages to change materially for 2003. Generally, we do not have long term contractual relationships with our major customers, and we cannot assure you that our customers will continue to use our services or that they will continue at the same levels. For some of our customers, we have entered into multi-year contracts and we cannot assure you that the rates will remain advantageous. A reduction in or termination of our services by one or more of our major customers could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results.

Increases in compensation or difficulty in attracting drivers could affect our profitability and ability to grow.

Periodically, the trucking industry experiences substantial difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers, including independent contractors. Our ability to attract and retain drivers could be adversely affected by increased availability of alternative employment opportunities in an economic expansion and by the potential need for more drivers due to more restrictive driver hours-of-service requirements imposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation effective January 4, 2004. If we are unable to continue to attract drivers and contract with independent contractors, we could be required to adjust our driver compensation package, let trucks sit idle, or operate with fewer independent contractors and face difficulty meeting shipper demands, all of which could adversely affect our growth and profitability.

We may not be successful in improving our profitability.

     From 1994 through 1999, we achieved an average annual net margin of 4.8%. In 2000, our net margin declined to 2.1%, and in 2001, we experienced a net loss of $6.7 million, including a $9.5 million after-tax impairment charge relating to the value of our tractors. We have implemented certain initiatives designed to improve our profitability, and in 2002, our net margin improved. However, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in continuing to improve our profitability. If we fail to sustain or improve our profitability, our stock price could decline.

Our growth may not return to historical rates, which could adversely affect our stock price.

     We experienced significant growth in revenue between our founding in 1986 and 1999. Since 2000, however, our revenue base has remained relatively constant. There can be no assurance that our revenue growth rate will return to historical levels or that we can effectively adapt our management, administrative, and operational systems to respond to any future growth. We can provide no assurance that our operating margins will not be adversely affected by future changes in and expansion of our business or by changes in economic conditions. Slower or less profitable growth could adversely affect our stock price.

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The Department of Transportation adopted revised hours-of-service regulations that could reduce the amount of allowable driving time, and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, these and other regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business.

     The United States Department of Transportation (“DOT”) and various state and local agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing such activities as authorization to engage in motor carrier operations, safety, and insurance requirements. The DOT adopted revised hours-of-service regulations on April 28, 2003. Although the regulations have been adopted, carriers are not required to comply until January 4, 2004. This change could reduce the potential or practical amount of time that drivers can spend driving, if we are unable to limit their other on-duty activities. These changes could adversely affect our profitability if shippers are unwilling to assist in managing the drivers’ non-driving activities, such as loading, unloading, and waiting. If these changes increase our costs and we cannot pass the additional costs through to shippers, our operating results could be materially and adversely affected. We also may become subject to new or more restrictive regulations relating to matters such as fuel emissions and ergonomics. Our company drivers and independent contractors also must comply with the safety and fitness regulations promulgated by the DOT, including those relating to drug and alcohol testing. Additional changes in the laws and regulations governing our industry could affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices or by influencing the demand for, and the costs of providing, services to shippers.

The IRS is auditing our 2001 and 2002 tax returns and reviewing certain of our tax planning structures, which, if successfully challenged, would subject us to increased tax payments.

     Federal, state, and local taxes comprise a significant part of our expenses. As such, we actively manage these expenses when executing our business strategy, and we use a number of structures to permanently decrease our overall tax liability, or to defer cash tax payments when we believe it is appropriate. We have disclosed to the IRS the basic elements of two transactions related to taxes that were implemented in 2001, which we understand are of a type that have been subject to heightened IRS scrutiny. In the first of these structures, we formed a contested liability trust to fund the payment of certain contested third-party claims. We deduct on our federal income tax return the contributions to the trust in the form of our right to receive payment on certain notes issued by our subsidiaries. We intend to make further deductions if we make future contributions in respect of additional third-party claims. In the second of these structures, we changed our 401(k) plan year to end on December 29, and as a result deducted our 2002 plan year contribution on our 2001 federal income tax return. Both of these structures were designed to accelerate deductions to an earlier date than when they otherwise would be available. We estimate that the combined deductions from these two structures generated combined cash federal and state tax deferrals to us of approximately $3.9 million for 2001 and 2002. The tax deferrals did not affect our marginal tax rate for financial reporting purposes.

    As part of its ongoing audit of our 2001 and 2002 tax returns, the IRS has proposed the disallowance of the deductions relating to the 401(k) plan structure, and we anticipate that the IRS will propose the disallowance of the deductions relating to the contested liability trust as well. We are prepared to defend these challenges. The IRS also is reviewing a captive insurance company that we established in 2002 and that also was disclosed. If the IRS successfully challenges the 401(k) plan and contested liability trust structures, we estimate that we would have to repay the net federal and state tax deferrals of approximately $3.9 million, plus tax deductible interest. The potential $3.9 million liability has been provided for in deferred tax liabilities on our balance sheet. We would, however, be able to deduct the payments to satisfy third-party claims as they become fixed and the 401(k) contributions at a later date. Because we did not change our marginal tax rate for financial reporting purposes when we took the deductions, we do not believe our marginal tax rate will be affected if the structures are disallowed. In the event of a successful challenge, we also could owe penalties if our disclosures were deemed inadequate. Likewise, if the IRS were to successfully challenge other structures we have utilized or may utilize or expand the scope of the audit of our 2002 tax returns, we also could have to make additional tax payments and perhaps payments of penalties or interest.

If we are unable to retain our key employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be harmed.

     We are highly dependent upon the services of the following key employees: David R. Parker, our Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer; Michael W. Miller, our Executive Vice President and Chief

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Operating Officer; Joey B. Hogan, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; L.D. “Micky” Miller, III, our Executive Vice President — Sales and Marketing; and R.H. Lovin, Jr., our Senior Vice President — Administration and Secretary. We do not have employment agreements with any of these persons. The loss of any of their services could have a materially adverse effect on our operations and future profitability. We must continue to develop and retain a core group of managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. We cannot assure you that we will be able to do so.

The Parker family will continue to control a large portion of our stock and will continue to have substantial control over us following this offering, which could limit your ability to influence the outcome of key transactions, including changes of control.

     David R. Parker and Jacqueline F. Parker beneficially own approximately 45% of our outstanding common stock before this offering, which comprises approximately 53% of the outstanding votes, and will continue to beneficially own approximately 38% of our outstanding common stock after this offering, which will comprise approximately 47% of the outstanding votes. On all matters with respect to which our stockholders have a right to vote, including the election of directors, each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote, while each share of Class B common stock is entitled to two votes. All outstanding shares of Class B common stock are owned by the Parkers and are convertible to Class A common stock on a share-for-share basis at the election of the Parkers or upon transfer. In addition, the Estate of Clyde M. Fuller beneficially owns approximately 9% of our outstanding common stock before this offering, which comprises approximately 7% of the outstanding votes, and will continue to beneficially own approximately 2% of our outstanding common stock after this offering, which will comprise approximately 1% of the outstanding votes. Mr. Fuller was the stepfather of Mr. Parker. Elizabeth Fuller, Mr. Fuller’s wife and Mr. Parker’s mother, is the administrator of the estate and the sole beneficiary. Accordingly, the Parker family will continue to be able to influence decisions requiring stockholder approval, including election of our board of directors, the adoption or extension of anti-takeover provisions, mergers, and other business combinations. This concentration of ownership may allow the Parker family to prevent or delay a change of control of the Company, which other stockholders may favor.

We have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our profitability if we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on favorable terms.

     The truckload industry is capital intensive. Historically, we have depended on cash from operations and our credit facility to expand the size of our fleet and maintain modern revenue equipment. We review our tractor and trailer trade cycle from time-to-time. In 2001, we extended our trade cycle for tractors from three years to four years because of a depressed market for used equipment. We are in the process of returning to a tractor trade cycle of approximately three years. In addition, we are increasing the ratio of trailers to tractors in our fleet and are replacing many of our older trailers with new ones. These changes will increase our capital expenditures and borrowing requirements, or, depending on the method of financing, our leasing requirements. Our budget for capital expenditures, net of any offsets from sales or trades of equipment, is $40.0 million to $45.0 million in 2003, exclusive of acquisitions, of which approximately $11.0 million has been expended at September 30, 2003. We expect to pay for the projected capital expenditures with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our line of credit, and proceeds under the securitization facility. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash from operations and obtain financing on favorable terms in the future, we may have to limit our growth, enter into less favorable financing arrangements, or operate our revenue equipment for longer periods, any of which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability.

Increased prices for new revenue equipment and low values for used revenue equipment, or the inability to take advantage of guaranteed trade-in arrangements, may adversely affect our earnings and cash flows.

Our cost of acquiring and financing 2003 and newer model year tractors is expected to increase because of higher initial prices, lower anticipated disposal values for used equipment, and increased depreciation or lease expense during our period of ownership. This cost has been increasing since 2001, and we expect that it will continue to increase at least through 2004. In addition, we entered into a sale-leaseback transaction involving 1,266 trailers, a sale transaction involving 2,585 trailers, and a lease involving 3,600 new trailers. The net result of these transactions will increase our expense relating to trailers in future periods.

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    The expenses discussed above may be reflected in depreciation and interest, if the equipment is owned or acquired under capitalized leases, or in revenue equipment rentals and purchased transportation if the equipment is leased under operating leases. Our expenses may fluctuate among those items depending upon changes in the percentage of our equipment obtained under operating leases versus owned and under capitalized leases.

    We currently have trade-in or fixed residual agreements with certain equipment suppliers concerning the substantial majority of our tractor fleet. If the suppliers refuse or are unable to meet their financial obligations under these agreements, or if we decline to purchase the relevant number of replacement units from the suppliers, we may suffer a financial loss upon the disposition of our equipment.

Fluctuations in the price or availability of fuel, as well as hedging activities, surcharge collection, and the volume and terms of diesel fuel purchase commitments, may increase our cost of operation, which could materially and adversely affect our profitability.

     Fuel is one of our largest operating expenses. Diesel fuel prices fluctuate greatly due to economic, political, and other factors beyond our control. For example, our average price for diesel fuel was $1.43 per gallon in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, as compared to $1.22 per gallon in the nine months ended September 30, 2002. From time-to-time we have used fuel surcharges, hedging contracts, and volume purchase arrangements to attempt to limit the effect of price fluctuations. We impose fuel surcharges on substantially all accounts. These arrangements may not fully protect us from fuel price increases and also may result in us not receiving the full benefit of any fuel price decreases. We currently do not have any fuel hedging contracts in place. If we do hedge, we may be forced to make cash payments under the hedging arrangements. A small portion of our fuel requirements for the remainder of 2003 and for 2004 are covered by volume purchase commitments. Based on current market conditions, we have decided to limit our hedging and purchase commitments, but we continue to evaluate such measures. The absence of meaningful fuel price protection through these measures could adversely affect our profitability.

    We require large amounts of diesel fuel, particularly on the West Coast and in Texas. Fluctuations in fuel prices, or a shortage of diesel fuel, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

We may not make acquisitions in the future, or if we do, we may not be successful in our acquisition strategy.

     We made nine acquisitions between 1996 and 2000, including four between September 1999 and August 2000. Accordingly, acquisitions have provided a substantial portion of our growth. There is no assurance that we will be successful in identifying, negotiating, or consummating any future acquisitions. If we fail to make any future acquisitions, our growth rate could be materially and adversely affected.

    Any acquisitions we undertake could involve the dilutive issuance of equity securities and/or incurring indebtedness. In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in assimilating the acquired company’s operations, the diversion of our management’s attention from other business concerns, risks of entering into markets in which we have had no or only limited direct experience, and the potential loss of customers, key employees, and drivers of the acquired company, all of which could have a materially adverse effect on our business and operating results. If we make acquisitions in the future, we cannot assure you that we will be able to successfully integrate the acquired companies or assets into our business.

Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties.

     We are subject to various environmental laws and regulations dealing with the hauling and handling of hazardous materials, fuel storage tanks, air emissions from our vehicles and facilities, and discharge and retention of stormwater. 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 above-ground bulk fuel storage tanks and fueling islands at two of our facilities. A small percentage of our freight consists of low-grade hazardous substances, which subjects us to a wide array of regulations. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, if there are releases of hazardous substances we transport, or

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if we are found to be in violation of applicable laws or regulations, we could be subject to liabilities that could have a materially 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.

The engines used in our newer tractors are subject to new emissions control regulations, which may substantially increase our operating expense.

     The Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) recently adopted new emissions control regulations, which require progressive reductions in exhaust emissions from diesel engines through 2007, for engines manufactured in October 2002, and thereafter. The new regulations decrease the amount of emissions that can be released by truck engines and affect tractors produced after the effective date of the regulations. Compliance with such regulations has increased the cost of our new tractors and could substantially impair equipment productivity, lower fuel mileage, and increase our operating expenses. Some manufacturers have significantly increased new equipment prices, in part to meet new engine design requirements, and have eliminated or sharply reduced the price of repurchase commitments. These adverse effects combined with the uncertainty as to the reliability of the vehicles equipped with the newly designed diesel engines and the residual values that will be realized from the disposition of these vehicles could increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations.

Our stock price is volatile, which could cause you to lose a significant portion of your investment.

     The market price of our Class A common stock could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to certain factors, such as variations in our anticipated or actual results of operations, the operating results of other companies in the transportation industry, changes in conditions affecting the economy generally, including incidents of armed conflict or terrorism, analyst reports, general trends in the industry, sales of Class A common stock by insiders, as well as other factors unrelated to our operating results. Volatility in the market price of our Class A common stock may prevent you from being able to sell your shares at or above the price you paid for your shares.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     The Securities and Exchange Commission encourages companies to discloseconsidered forward-looking information so that investors can better understand a company’s future prospects and make informed investment decisions. This prospectus contains these types of statements which are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We make these statements directly in this prospectus and in the documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission that are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.

    Words such as “anticipates,” “estimates,” “expects,” “projects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” and words or terms of similar substance used in connection with any discussion of future operating results or financial performance identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements reflect our management’s present expectation of future events and are subject to a number of important factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The factors listed in the “Risk Factors” section of this prospectus, any cautionary language in this prospectus, and the following provide examples of these risks and uncertainties: excess tractor and trailer capacity in the trucking industry; decreased demand for our services or loss of one or more or our major customers; surplus inventories; recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers’ business cycles; strikes, work slow downs, or work stoppages at our facilities, or at customer, port, or other shipping related facilities; increases or rapid fluctuations in fuel prices, as well as fluctuations in hedging activities and surcharge collection, the volume and terms of diesel purchase commitments, interest rates, fuel taxes, tolls, and license and registration fees; increases in the prices paid for new revenue equipment; the resale value of our used equipment and the price of new equipment; increases in compensation for and difficulty in attracting and retaining qualified drivers and independent contractors; high insurance premiums and deductible amounts; elevated experience in the frequency or severity of claims relating to accident, cargo, workers’ compensation, health, and other matters; seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions that increase operating costs; competition from trucking, rail, and intermodal competitors; regulatory requirements that increase costs or decrease efficiency, including revised hours-of-service requirements for drivers; our ability to successfully execute our initiative of improving the profitability of medium length of haul, or “in-between,” movements; and the ability to identify acceptable acquisition candidates, consummate acquisitions, and integrate acquired operations.

    You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this prospectus or the date of a document incorporated by reference in this prospectus. We are under no obligation, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such statements are subject to the safe harbor created by those sections and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended.  Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as “expects,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “intends,” and similar terms and phrases.  Forward-looking statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of our management and are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified, which could cause future events and actual results to differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.  In this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the documents incorporated herein by reference, the statements relating to the following, among others, are forward looking statements:


·any projections of earnings, revenues, capital expenditures, sources or adequacy of capital and liquidity, or other financial items;
·plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations, including proposed new services or developments, tractor and trailer count;
·future economic conditions, trucking capacity, freight demand and volumes, rates, and prices;
·
future costs, such as driver compensation, equipment costs, fuel prices and hedging, insurance, taxes and other government impositions;
·the impact of actual or proposed governmental regulation;
·
the value of leased equipment versus the present value of such lease obligations;
·
improved customer service and enhanced decision making relating to enterprise management software; and
·the competitive environment in which we operate.
All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends and data, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions.  Our expectations, beliefs, and projections are expressed in good faith and we believe there is a reasonable basis for them.  However, we cannot assure you that management’s expectations, beliefs, and projections will be achieved.  There are a number of risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the documents incorporated herein by reference.  Such risks, uncertainties, and other important factors, which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those suggested by our forward-looking statements are set forth in our reports incorporated by reference into this prospectus and include, among other things, the following:

·any future recessionary economic cycles and downturns in customers' business cycles or other events that decrease customer demand, particularly in market segments and industries in which we have a significant concentration of customers;

·increased costs and other challenges related to driver recruitment and retention;

·agreements with independent contractors, including those related to equipment financing and fuel reimbursement and the potential impact of more stringent federal leasing regulations;

·independent contractors, whom we contract with to supply one or more tractors and drivers for our use, being deemed to be our employees;

·our ability to maintain profitability and to successfully achieve our business strategies;

·pricing and other competitive pressures;
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·potential volatility or decrease in the amount of earnings as a result of increasing collateral requirements of our insurance programs or our retention of high deductibles on our claims exposure, including through our captive insurance company, which is subject to substantial regulation;

·increases in new equipment prices or replacement costs, design changes of new engines, decreases in availability of new equipment and volatility in the used equipment market;

·the absence of financing for new equipment or the failure of equipment investments and upgrades to increase profitability, generate cost savings or match customer demand;

·difficulties in obtaining good and services from our vendors and suppliers;

·potential cybersecurity breaches or failures of our systems, networks and other information technology assets;
·limitations resulting from our existing or future indebtedness;

·any weakening in the credit markets or economy;

·our ability to obtain financing on favorable terms, or at all, and the potential dilution of existing stockholders;

·volatility in the price or availability of fuel;

·the regulatory environment in which we operate, including increased direct and indirect costs of compliance with, or liability for violations of, existing regulations and changes in existing regulations, including those related to CSA, DOT safety ratings, hours-of-service and environmental regulations;

·our ability to successfully defend litigation proceedings, including class action lawsuits that have been increasing recently in the industry;

·our ability to retain or replace key personnel and develop a core group of managers;

·a significant reduction in, or termination of, our services by one or more major customers;

·service instability or pricing increases from third-party providers utilized in our Managed Freight segment;

·our ability to make and integrate future acquisitions successfully, or at all;

·compliance with international laws, changes in trade policies, renewal of certifications, and other risks associated with our operations in Mexico;

·our ability to protect our brand name or proprietary and other intellectual property rights;

·legislation affecting our relationship with or the classification of our employees or the attempted organization of a labor union by our employees;

·seasonal factors such as harsh weather conditions and holiday shipping patterns that may increase operating costs and decrease revenues and the impact of catastrophic events;

·impairments of goodwill and other intangibles;

·the impact of recent U.S. federal income tax reform;

·the volatility of our stock price;

·stock price declines if securities or industry analysts cease publishing research reports about our business or publish negative reports;
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·future sales or the perception of future sales of our Class A common stock could lead to stock price reductions;

·future issuance of stock-based compensation could dilute stockholders' value and cause the stock price reductions;

·our ability to retain or replace key personnel and conflicts of interest related to ownership interests of our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, David Parker, and his wife, Jacqueline Parker;

·our ability to establish and maintain effective internal controls;

·our charter documents or Nevada law may inhibit a takeover; and

·other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in this prospectus, including those set forth under "Risk Factors."

Readers should review and consider these factors along with the various disclosures by us in our press releases, stockholder reports, and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  We disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results or changes in the factors affecting the forward-looking information.
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RISK FACTORS

An investment in our securities involves significant risks.  The trading price or value of our securities could decline due to any of these risks, and you may lose all or part of your investment.  Before you make an investment decision regarding the securities, you should carefully consider the risk factors described under “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, in any updates to those Risk Factors in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and in other documents incorporated by reference into this prospectus (which risk factors are incorporated by reference herein), as well as other information contained in or incorporated by reference into this prospectus or any prospectus supplement hereto before making a decision to invest in our securities.  See “WHERE YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION” and “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” above.  The prospectus supplement applicable to each series of securities we may offer may contain a discussion of additional risks applicable to an investment in us and the securities we are offering under that prospectus supplement.

USE OF PROCEEDS

To the extent we sell securities, we intend to use the net proceeds from such sales as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

The following table sets forth our historical ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated.

 Nine Months Ended September 30, Year Ended December 31,
 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges4.6x 3.4x 3.8x 6.0x 3.1x 2.0x
   The information set forth in the table above and the accompanying narrative that follows should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes incorporated by reference in this prospectus. For the purpose of calculating our ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent operating income, plus fixed charges and distributed income of equity investee, less capitalized interest. Fixed charges represent interest expense, plus interest capitalized, capitalized expenses related to indebtedness, and a portion of rental expense estimated to be representative of the interest factor.

We do not calculate a ratio of earnings to preferred stock dividends as we do not and did not during the periods presented above have preferred stock issued and outstanding.  If we offer shares of preferred stock under this prospectus we will, at that time, provide a ratio of earnings to preferred stock dividends in the applicable prospectus supplement.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

  We may sell the securities described in this prospectus from time to time in one or more of the following ways:

·to or through underwriters or dealers;
·directly to one or more purchasers;
·through agents; or
·through a combination of any of such methods of sale.
  The prospectus supplement with respect to the offered securities will describe the terms of the offering, including:

·the name or names of any agents or underwriters;
·the purchase price of such securities and the proceeds to us from such sale;
·any underwriting discounts and other items constituting underwriters’ or agents’ compensation;
·any public offering price; and
·any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers.
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DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES WE MAY OFFER

This prospectus contains summary descriptions of our common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, rights, and warrants that we may offer from time to time.  These summary descriptions are not meant to be complete descriptions of each security.  The particular terms of any security will be described in the accompanying prospectus supplement and other offering material.  The accompanying prospectus supplement may add, update, or change the terms and conditions of the securities as described in this prospectus.

The description in the applicable prospectus supplement and other offering material of any securities we offer will not necessarily be complete and will be qualified in its entirety by reference to any applicable agreements, which will be filed with the Commission if we offer such securities.  For more information on how you can obtain copies of any applicable agreements if we offer our securities, see “Incorporation of Documents by Reference,” and “Where You Can Obtain Additional Information.”  We urge you to read any applicable agreements and the applicable prospectus supplement and any other offering material in their entirety.

When we use the terms “security” or “securities” in this prospectus, we mean any of the securities we may offer with this prospectus, unless we say otherwise.  When we use the terms “Board” or “Board of Directors” in this prospectus, we mean our board of directors, unless we say otherwise.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Authorized Capital Stock

Under our Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (the “Exchange Act”“Articles of Incorporation”), our authorized capital stock consists of 20,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value one cent ($.01) per share, 5,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value one cent ($.01) per share, and 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, the rights and preferences of which may be designated by the Board of Directors.  As of November 13, 2018, 15,996,066 shares of our Class A common stock were issued and outstanding, 2,350,000 shares of our Class B common stock were issued and outstanding, and no shares of our preferred stock were issued and outstanding.  The discussion below describes the most important terms of our capital stock, Articles of Incorporation, and our Second Amended and Restated Bylaws (the “Bylaws”).  Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you.  For a complete description, refer to our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, copies of which have been filed as exhibits to our Report on Form 8-K, filed May 29, 2007, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed May 13, 2011, respectively, and to the applicable provisions of Chapters 78 and 92A of the Nevada Revised Statutes (the “Nevada Statutes”).

Class A and Class B Common Stock

Our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, under the symbol “CVTI.”  Any additional Class A common stock we issue will also be listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.  Our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, David Parker, and his wife, Jacqueline Parker, beneficially own 100% of our Class B common stock.

Voting.   Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share.  Holders of Class B common stock are entitled to two votes per share.  All actions submitted to a vote of stockholders are voted on by holders of Class A and Class B common stock voting together as a single class, except as otherwise required by law.  Holders of our common stock are not entitled to cumulative voting in the election of directors.  Because shares of Class B common stock are entitled to two votes per share, the holders of shares of Class B common stock are able to exert a greater degree of control over us (including, without limitation, with respect to the election of directors) than they otherwise would if such holders held an equivalent number of shares of Class A common stock.  As a result, the double-voting nature of our Class B common stock may have an effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control or other extraordinary corporate transaction involving us, including a merger, reorganization, tender offer, sale or transfer of substantially all of our assets, or a liquidation.  No shares of Class B common stock are being registered or offered for sale pursuant to this prospectus.

DIVIDEND POLICYConversion.

   Class A common stock has no conversion rights.  A holder of Class B common stock may convert its Class B common stock into Class A common stock at any time at the ratio of one share of Class A common stock for each share of Class B common stock.  Class B common stock immediately and automatically converts into an equal number of shares of Class A common stock if any person other than David R. Parker, Jacqueline F. Parker, or certain members of their family (or trusts for the benefit of any of them or entities wholly owned by any of them), obtains beneficial ownership of such shares.

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Dividends.   Holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are entitled to receive dividends payable in cash or property other than common stock on an equal basis, if and when such dividends are declared by the Board of Directors from funds legally available, subject to any preference in favor of outstanding preferred shares, if any.  In the case of any dividend payable in common stock, the holders of Class B common stock may receive Class A or Class B common stock shares, as determined by the Board of Directors when declaring such dividend.

We have never declared and paid a cash dividend on our Class A or Class B common stock.  We currently intendIt is the current intention of our Board of Directors to continue to retain earnings to finance the growth of our business and reduce our indebtedness rather than to pay dividends. Our ability to pay cash dividends is currently limited by restrictions contained in our revolving credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. Future payments of cash dividends will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, capital commitments, restrictions under then-existing agreements, and other factors our board of directors deems relevant.

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BUSINESSLiquidation

General

     We are one of the ten largest truckload carriers in the United States measured by revenue. We focus on longer lengths of haul in targeted markets to enhance our asset utilization, improve our operating efficiency, and deliver the equipment availability demanded by major shippers. Within our targeted markets, we use the industry’s largest fleet of tractors operated by two-person driver teams to offer time-definite and expedited long-haul service, including the ground delivery of air freight. We also offer rapidly growing dedicated services that operate for the benefit of a single customer or on a defined route, and we participate in the design, development, and execution of supply chain solutions for our customers. By providing 99% on-time service in each of the past eight years, we have become a major carrier for customers that require premium service, such as manufacturers, retailers, and other transportation companies.

    Between 1991 and 1999, we grew our revenue before fuel and other surcharges from $41.2 million to $472.7 million, a compounded annual growth rate of 36%, through internal growth and acquisitions. Over the same period, we grew net income from $823,000, or $.08 per diluted share, to $22.3 million, or $1.48 per diluted share, a compounded annual earnings per share growth rate of 44%. We believe this rapid growth was strategically important, as we gained the size and equipment capacity to cover additional traffic lanes and geographic areas for customers, participate in competitive bids to transport freight for major shippers and develop a substantial dedicated service business.

    Beginning in 2000, the combination of softening freight demand and our rapid expansion affected our profitability, as we were unable to obtain the freight rates and levels of asset utilization we expected. At the same time, rising insurance premiums and depressed used truck prices increased our operating costs. As a result, our annual freight revenue declined slightly, from $552.4 million in 2000 to $541.4 million in 2002. Our net income declined to $11.9 million in 2000, and we experienced a net loss of $6.7 million in 2001, including a $15.4 million pre-tax impairment charge relating to the reduced market value of our used tractors.

    Although setbacks in 2000 led to slowed revenue growth in 2001, we adopted several initiatives in 2001 that were designed to improve our profitability and particularly, our average revenue per tractor, our chief measure of asset utilization. The most significant of these initiatives were constraining the size of our tractor and trailer fleets until profit margins justify expansion, increasing freight volumes within our existing traffic lanes, replacing lower yielding freight, implementing selective rate increases, and reinforcing our cost control efforts. We believe that a combination of these initiatives and an improved freight environment contributed to substantial improvement in our operating performance between 2001 and 2002.

    During the second quarter of 2003 we began implementing another initiative to improve our profitability. We are undertaking an intense evaluation of the freight in what we call “in-between” movements. In-between movements generally have lengths of haul between 510 and 800 miles. They are longer than one-day regional moves but not long enough for expedited team service or two full days with a single driver. In many instances, the revenue we have generated from in-between movements has been insufficient to generate the profitability we desire based on the amount of time the tractor and driver are committed to the load. Accordingly, we are examining each in-between movement and are negotiating with customers to raise rates, obtain more favorable loads, or cease hauling the in-between loads. During our most recent quarter, these in-between movements represented approximately one quarter of our total loads, and we believe they have been significantly less profitable than our longer lengths of haul. Based on the initial results of these efforts, we believe that we have significant opportunities to improve our profitability as we continue to focus on our in-between movements.

Business Strategy

     The key elements of our business strategy are:

• Offer premium service. We offer just-in-time, transcontinental express, and other premium services to shippers with exacting transportation requirements. Our service standards include transporting loads coast-to-coast in 72 hours, meeting schedules with delivery windows as narrow as 15 minutes, and delivering 99% of all loads on-time which we have accomplished in each of the last eight years. We target such premium service freight to obtain higher rates, build long-term, service-based customer relationships, and avoid competition from railroad, intermodal, and trucking companies that compete primarily on the basis of price.

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• Operate in targeted markets. We operate in targeted markets where our service can provide a competitive advantage. Our primary market historically has been expedited long-haul freight transportation predominantly using two-person driver teams. Our industry-leading 1,200 driver teams can provide significantly faster, more predictable service than railroad, intermodal, or single-driver service over long lengths of haul at a fraction of the cost of air freight. In addition, we offer dedicated fleets, which operate for the benefit of a single customer or on a defined route. This part of our business has grown as we have expanded our participation in the design, development, and execution of supply chain solutions for customers. We also offer medium-to-long-haul temperature-controlled service. We believe that our ability to offer service over shorter and longer lengths of haul and our large capacity of driver teams differentiate us from competitors.

• Focus on asset productivity. Our primary productivity measure is revenue per tractor. Within revenue per tractor, we examine freight rates, non-revenue miles, and miles per tractor. We are in the process of analyzing all of our customers and freight movements, particularly those involving shipments of approximately 510 to 800 miles, to enhance the revenue production of our tractors. We also attempt to concentrate our equipment in defined operating lanes or regions to create more predictable movements, reduce empty miles, and shorten turn times between loads.
• Seek partnerships with other transportation companies. A significant portion of our business focuses on providing services to other transportation companies that require a high level of service to support their operations. In 2002 and the nine months ended September 30, 2003, transportation providers, such as logistics companies, freight forwarders, less-than-truckload companies, and deferred air freight providers, comprised approximately 35% of our revenue. We seek to grow by continuing to serve as a partner, rather than a competitor, to other transportation providers.
• Use technology to enhance operating efficiency. We have made significant investments in technologies that reduce costs, afford a competitive advantage with service-sensitive customers, and promote economies of scale. Examples of these technologies are freight optimization software that allows us to more accurately analyze the profitability of each customer, route, and load, satellite-based tracking and communication systems, document imaging, fuel routing software, and electronic access to customer load information and electronic transmission of shipping instructions.

Customers and Operations

We operate throughout the United States and in parts of Canada and Mexico, with substantially all of our revenue generated from within the United States. All of our assets are domiciled in the United States, and for the past five years less than one percent of our revenue has been generated in Canada and Mexico. The largest part of our business is expedited dry-van truckload service with a medium-to-long average length of haul that we provide by using single drivers and two-person driver teams. In addition, our dedicated fleets, which serve a defined customer or route, comprised 15% of our 2002 revenue and 16% of our revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. We also operate an expedited medium-to-long-haul temperature-controlled business, and this portion of our business comprised 15% of our 2002 revenue and 15% of our revenue in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. Part of this business is operated by our subsidiary, Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., under its own tradename.

    Our primary customers include manufacturers and retailers, as well as other transportation companies such as less-than-truckload carriers, air freight companies, third-party freight consolidators, and freight forwarders. In 2002, our five largest customers were Con-Way Transportation, Eagle Global Logistics, Emery Air Freight, Shaw Industries, and Target Corporation.   In the aggregate, subsidiariesevent of CNF, Inc. accounted for approximately 11%liquidation, dissolution, or winding up, holders of our revenue in 2002, and in the nine months ended September 30, 2003.

    We approach our operations as an integrated effort involving marketing, customer service, and fleet management functions. Our customer service and marketing personnel emphasize both new account development and expanded service for current customers. Customer service representatives provide day-to-day contact with customers, while the sales force targets driver-friendly freight that will increase lane density. Fleet managers at each operations center plan load coverage according to customer requirements and relay pick-up, delivery, routing, and

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fueling instructions to our drivers. The fleet managers attempt to route most of our trucks over selected operating lanes. We believe this assists us in balancing traffic between eastbound and westbound movements, reducing empty miles, and improving the reliability of delivery schedules.

    We use proven technology, including freight optimization software that permits us to perform sophisticated analyses of profitability and other factors on each customer, route, and load. We equip our tractors with a satellite-based tracking and communications system that permits direct communication between drivers and fleet managers. We believe that this system enhances our operating efficiency and improves customer service and fleet management. This system also updates the tractor’s position every 30 minutes, which allows us and our customers to locate freight and accurately estimate pick-up and delivery times. We also use the system to monitor engine idling time, speed, performance, and other factors that affect operating efficiency.

    As an additional service to customers, we offer electronic data interchange and Internet-based communication for customer usage in tendering loads and accessing information such as cargo position, delivery times, and billing information. These services allow us to communicate electronically with our customers, permitting real-time information flow, reductions or eliminations in paperwork, and the employment of fewer clerical personnel. Since 1997, we have used a document imaging system to reduce paperwork and enhance access to important information.

    Our operations generally follow the seasonal norm for the trucking industry. Equipment utilization is usually at its highest from May to August, maintains high levels through October, and generally decreases during the winter holiday season and as inclement weather impedes operations.

Revenue Equipment

     We believe that operating high quality, late-model equipment contributes to operating efficiency, helps us recruit and retain drivers, and is an important part of providing excellent service to customers. Our historical policy has been to operate our tractors while under warranty to minimize repair and maintenance cost and reduce service interruptions caused by breakdowns. We also order most of our equipment with uniform specifications to reduce our parts inventory and facilitate maintenance. At September 30, 2003, our 3,586 tractors had an average age of 24.5 months and our 8,165 trailers had an average age of 49.3 months. Approximately 82% of these trailers were dry vans and the remainder were temperature-controlled vans.

    Our 2003 and 2004 model year Freightliner tractors are covered by tradeback agreements that guarantee us a defined trade-in value if we purchase a replacement tractor from Freightliner. We also have placed orders for approximately 500 model year 2004 Volvo tractors, which we expect to finance under operating leases. The combination of an increased price for the new tractors and a decreased trade-in value for used tractors is increasing our cost of equipment for future periods.

    We are in the process of changing our tractor trade cycle back to a period of approximately three years. We are making this change based on maintenance costs, capital requirements, prices of new and used tractors, and other factors. As a result, our capital expenditures and financing costs are expected to increase, and our maintenance costs are expected to decrease.

Insurance and Claims

     We have increased the self-insured retention portion of our insurance coverage for most claims significantly over the past several years. During the first quarter of 2003, we renewed our casualty program and increased our self insured retention level. Under our current casualty program, we generally are self-insured for personal injury and property damage claims for amounts up to $2.0 million per occurrence for the first $5.0 million of exposure. However, our insurance policy also provides for an additional $2.0 million self-insured aggregate amount, with a limit of $1.0 million per occurrence until the $2.0 million aggregate threshold is reached. For example, if we were to experience during the policy year three separate personal injury and property damage claims each resulting in exposure of $4.0 million, we would be self-insured for $3.0 million with respect to each of the first two claims, and for $2.0 million with respect to the third claim and any subsequent claims during the policy year. In addition to amounts for which we are self-insured in the primary $5.0 million layer, we self-insure for the first $2.0 million in the layer from $5.0 million to $20.0 million, which is our excess coverage limit. We are also self-insured for cargo loss and damage claims for amounts up to $1.0 million per occurrence. We maintain a workers’

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compensation plan and group medical plan for our employees with a deductible amount of $1.0 million for each workers’ compensation claim and a deductible amount of $250,000 for each group medical claim. The following chart reflects the major changes in our casualty program since March 1, 2002:
                 
Primary CoverageExcess Coverage
Coverage PeriodPrimary CoverageSIR/deductibleExcess CoverageSIR/deductible





March 2002 — July 2002 $2.0 million  $500,000  $48.0 million  $3.0 million 
July 2002 — November 2002 $2.0 million  $500,000  $0* $0*
November 2002 — March 2003 $4.0 million  $1.0 million  $16.0 million  $3.0 million 
March 2003 — March 2004 $5.0 million  $2.0 million** $15.0 million  $2.0 million 


Represents period for which no proof of insurance was available from agent and coverage was determined to be invalid. We expensed the premiums paid in 2002 and are pursuing legal remedies against the insurance agency and its errors and omissions policy, but we can make no assurance of recovery.

** Does not include $1.0 million self insured retention for cargo. Subject to additional $2.0 million self-insured aggregate amount, which results in total self-insured retention of up to $3.0 million per occurrence in the primary $5.0 million layer until the $2.0 million aggregate threshold is reached.

Industry

     According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the trucking industry was estimated at $585 billion in revenue in 2002 and accounted for approximately 87% of domestic spending on freight transportation. The industry is projected to grow in line with the overall U.S. economy. The trucking industry includes both private fleets and “for-hire” carriers. We operate primarily in the highly fragmented for-hire truckload segment of this market, which the ATA estimates generated revenues of approximately $250 billion in 2002. We also compete in the private fleet market, which consists of trucks owned and operated by shippers that move their own goods and accounted for an estimated $277 billion in revenue in 2002. We believe the private fleet market offers us significant opportunities for expansion, particularly through our dedicated business, because shippers increasingly are focused on operating within and conserving capital for, their core competencies, which often do not include freight transportation.

    The United States trucking industry is highly competitive and includes thousands of for-hire motor carriers, none of which dominates the market. Service and price are the principal means of competition in the trucking industry. Measured by annual revenue, the ten largest dry van truckload carriers accounted for approximately $12 billion, or approximately five percent, of annual for-hire truckload revenue in 2002. We compete to some extent with railroads and rail-truck intermodal service but differentiate ourselves from railroad and rail-truck intermodal carriers on the basis of service. Railroad and rail-truck intermodal movements are subject to delays and disruptions arising from rail yard congestion, which reduces the effectiveness of such service to customers with time-definite pick-up and delivery schedules.

    We believe that the cost and complexity of operating trucking fleets are increasing and that economic and competitive pressures are likely to force many smaller competitors and private fleets to consolidate or exit the industry. As a result, we believe that larger, better capitalized companies, like us, will have greater opportunities to increase profit margins and gain market share. In the market for dedicated services, we believe that truckload carriers, like us, have a competitive advantage over truck lessors, who are the other major participants in the market, because we can offer lower prices by utilizing back-haul freight within our network that traditional lessors do not have.

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MANAGEMENT

Our senior management team and directors are set forth in the table below.

           
With
NameAgePosition With CompanyCompany Since




David R. Parker  45  Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer  1985 
Michael W. Miller  45  Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Director  1987 
Joey B. Hogan  41  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Assistant Secretary  1997 
L.D. “Micky” Miller, III  49  Executive Vice President — Sales and Marketing  2002 
R.H. Lovin, Jr.  51  Senior Vice President — Administration and Secretary  1986 
William T. Alt  66  Director  1994 
Robert E. Bosworth  55  Director  1998 
Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.  63  Director  1994 
Mark A. Scudder  40  Director  1994 
Bradley A. Moline  36  Director  2003 
Niel B. Nielson  49  Director  2003 

David R. Parkerhas served as President since our founding in 1985 and as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 1994. Mr. Parker was elected to the Board of Directors of the Truckload Carriers’ Association in 1994.

Michael W. Millerhas served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since 1997. He previously served as our Vice President of Operations from 1993 to 1997 and in various other positions from 1987 to 1993. Mr. Miller has over 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.

Joey B. Hoganhas served as our Chief Financial Officer since 1997. Mr. Hogan has been an Executive Vice President since May 2003 and was a Senior Vice President from December 2001 to May 2003. From joining us in August 1997 through December 2001, Mr. Hogan also served as our Treasurer. In 1996 and 1997, Mr. Hogan served as Chief Financial Officer of The McKenzie Companies in Cleveland, Tennessee, a group of privately owned companies. From 1986 to 1996, Mr. Hogan served in various capacities, including three years as Director of Finance with Chattem, Inc., a publicly held company, headquartered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, involved in the manufacturing and marketing of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and toiletries products.

L.D. “Micky” Miller, IIIhas served as our Executive Vice President — Sales and Marketing since December 2, 2002. Mr. Miller has 28 years of sales and operations experience in the trucking industry. From January 2000 to November 2002, Mr. Miller owned and operated two privately owned trucking companies, one of which was a truckload carrier and the other of which was a less-than-truckload carrier. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Miller served as a chief executive officer of the CSI/Crown, Inc. division of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. In March 2003, Ida-Tran Freight Systems, of which Mr. Miller was an executive officer and the sole stockholder, voluntarily filed a bankruptcy petition in the United States District Court for the District of Idaho. On October 3, 2003, a petition was filed against Mr. Miller in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia.

R.H. Lovin, Jr.has served in several senior management positions since joining us in 1986. Mr. Lovin has been our Senior Vice President — Administration since February 2003 and Corporate Secretary since August 1995. Mr. Lovin previously served as our Chief Financial Officer from 1986 to 1994, as Vice President of Administration from May 1994 to May 2003, and as director from May 1994 to May 2003.

William T. Althas engaged in the private practice of law since 1962 and has served as outside counsel to the Company since 1986.

Robert E. Bosworthhas served as a director since 1998. Since February 2001, Mr. Bosworth has been the Vice President of Corporate Finance for the Livingston Company, a merchant bank located in Chattanooga. From February 1998 until February 2001, Mr. Bosworth was a business and management consultant to various

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corporations in the Chattanooga area. Prior to February 1998, Mr. Bosworth served for more than five years as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Chattem, Inc. Mr. Bosworth is a director of Chattem, Inc.

Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.is President of the Maclellan Foundation, Inc. and serves on the Boards of UnumProvident Corporation and SunTrust Bank, Chattanooga, N.A.

Mark A. Scudderhas been an attorney for more than ten years with Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O., Lincoln, Nebraska, our outside corporate and securities counsel. Mr. Scudder also is a director of Knight Transportation, Inc., a publicly traded truckload carrier, and Genesee & Wyoming Inc., a publicly traded railroad.

Bradley A. Molinehas been the President of Imperial Super Foods, a grocery store in Imperial, Nebraska, since February 2002. In October 2002, Mr. Moline formed Allo Communications, LLC, a competitive local telephone company, and serves as its President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Moline was the President of Forte Technologies, a contract manufacturer of high precision parts, from February 2001 until February 2002. From 1997 to May 2001, Mr. Moline was the Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer of Birch Telecom, Inc., an integrated communications provider. Mr. Moline resigned from his position at Birch Telecom, Inc. to take the position with Forte Technologies more than sixteen months prior to Birch Telecom, Inc.’s filing of a petition under the federal bankruptcy laws in September 2002. From 1994 to 1997, Mr. Moline was our Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer.

Niel B. Nielsonhas been President of Covenant College since 2002. From 1997 until 2002, Mr. Nielson was the Associate Pastor of Outreach for College Church in Wheaton, Illinois. Mr. Nielson was a partner and trader for Ritchie Capital Markets Group, LLC from 1996 to 1997. Prior to 1996, Mr. Nielson served as an executive officer in various companies, including serving for two years as Senior Vice President of Chicago Research and Trading Group, Ltd., a company at which he was employed for nine years. Mr. Nielson is also a director of First Defined Portfolio Fund LLC, an open-end management investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

    The following table shows, as of September 30, 2003, the number of shares and percentage of our outstanding Class A and Class B common stock beneficially owned by:

• each of our executive officers and directors;
• all of our executive officers and directors as a group;
• each stockholder known by us to beneficially own more than 5% of our outstanding common stock; and
• the selling stockholders.

The percentages shown are basedshare with each other on 14,594,331 sharesa ratable basis as a single class in our assets, if any, available for distribution after payment of common stock outstanding at September 30, 2003,all creditors and the saleliquidation preferences on any outstanding shares on preferred stock, if any such stock is issued.


Other Terms.  In any merger, consolidation, reorganization, or other business combination, the consideration to be received per share by the selling stockholdersholders of 2,000,000 shares. These numbers include 2,350,000 shares ofClass A and Class B common stock must be identical, except that if, after such business combination David R. Parker, Jacqueline F. Parker, or certain members of their family (or trusts for the benefit of any of them or entities wholly owned by any of them) jointly own, more than one-third of the Parkers,surviving entity, any securities received by them may differ to the extent that voting rights differ between Class A and Class B common stock.  Holders of Class A and Class B common stock are not entitled to preemptive rights and neither the Class A nor the Class B common stock is subject to redemption.

The rights, preferences, and privileges of holders of both classes of common stock are subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred shares, which we may designate and issue in the future.

Preferred Stock
  The Board of Directors is authorized to issue shares of our preferred stock at any time, without stockholder approval.  It has the authority to determine all aspects of those shares, including the following:

·the designation and number of shares;
·the dividend rate and preferences, if any, which dividends on that series of preferred stock will have compared to any other class or series of our capital stock;
·the voting rights, if any;
·the conversion or exchange privileges, if any, applicable to that series;
·the redemption price or prices and the other terms of redemption, if any, applicable to that series; and
·any purchase, retirement, or sinking fund provisions applicable to that series.
Any of these terms could have an adverse effect on the availability of earnings for distribution to the holders of Class A and Class B common stock or for other corporate purposes.  We have no agreements or understandings for the issuance of any shares of preferred stock.

Certain Provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Provisions with Anti-Takeover Implications.  Certain provisions of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws deal with matters of corporate governance and the rights of stockholders.  Under the Articles of Incorporation, the Board of Directors may issue preferred shares and set the voting rights, preferences and other terms thereof, and the Class B common stock possesses disproportionate voting rights.  The Bylaws provide that a special meeting of stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of the Board, the President, or a majority of the directors.  Such provisions, together with certain provisions of the Nevada Statutes (see “Description of Capital Stock — Nevada Anti-Takeover Statutes”), could be deemed to have an anti-takeover effect and discourage takeover attempts not first approved by the Board of Directors (including takeovers which certain stockholders may deem to be in their best interest).  Any such discouraging effect upon takeover attempts could potentially depress the market price of our securities or inhibit temporary fluctuations in the market price of our securities that could result from actual or rumored takeover attempts.
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Indemnification of Directors, Officers and Employees.  Under Section 78.7502(1) of the Nevada Statutes, a Nevada corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (except an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person: (i) is not liable for a breach of fiduciary duties that involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law; or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

Section 78.7502(2) of the Nevada Statutes further provides that a Nevada corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses(including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if such person: (i) is not liable for a breach of fiduciary duties that involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

In accordance with Section 78.7502(3) of the Nevada Statutes, our Articles of Incorporation provide for mandatory indemnification to the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of certain specified actions, suits, or proceedings that are substantially similar to those in subsections (1) and (2) of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Statutes, as described above, or in defense of related claims, issues, or matters, such that we are obligated to indemnify him or her against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such defense.

Our Articles of Incorporation also provide that we will indemnify any person for certain specified claims that are substantially similar to those in subsections (1) and (2) of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Statutes, as described above. This indemnity is subject to a case by case determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct. The determination is to be made by (i) the stockholders, (ii) our Board of Directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such act, suit, or proceeding, (iii) if so ordered by such quorum of disinterested directors, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) if such quorum of disinterested directors cannot be obtained, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Our Board of Directors is also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses incurred by any director, officer, employee or agent in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding prior to the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the person to whom expenses are to be advanced, to repay such amount unless it is ultimately determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by us. Our Articles of Incorporation also allow us to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify him against liability under the Articles of Incorporation.

Our Articles of Incorporation further provide that the indemnification does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. Our Bylaws provide that we shall indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by the Nevada Statutes. Our Bylaws further provide that indemnification shall be provided unless it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the indemnified party did not act in a manner he or she believed in good faith to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the indemnified party had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful. Finally, our Bylaws provide that expenses shall be advanced to an indemnified party upon written confirmation that he or she has not acted in a manner that would preclude indemnification and an undertaking to return any advances if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the party is not entitled to indemnification under the standard set forth in our Bylaws.
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The registrant maintains standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (a) to its directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act and (b) to the registrant with respect to payments which may be made by the registrant to such directors and officers pursuant to the indemnification provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws or otherwise as a matter of law.

There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers, or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Nevada Anti-Takeover Statutes

Business Combinations Act

We are subject to Nevada's anti-takeover law because we have not opted out of the provisions of Sections 78.411-78.444 of the Nevada Statutes under the terms of our Articles of Incorporation. This law provides that specified persons who, together with affiliates and associates, own, or within two years did own, 10% or more of the outstanding voting stock of a corporation cannot engage in specified business combinations with the corporation for a period of two years after the date on which the person became an interested stockholder. The law defines the term "business combination" to encompass a wide variety of transactions with or caused by an interested stockholder, including mergers, asset sales and other transactions in which the interested stockholder receives or could receive a benefit on other than a pro rata basis with other stockholders. This provision may have an anti-takeover effect for transactions not approved in advance by our Board of Directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of our Class A common stock.

Control Shares Act

Nevada Statutes Sections 78.378-78.3793 provide that, in certain circumstances, a person who acquires a controlling interest in a corporation, defined in Nevada Statutes Section 78.3785 as ownership of voting securities to exercise voting power in the election of directors in excess of 1/5, 1/3, or a majority thereof, has no voting rights in the shares acquired that caused the stockholder to exceed any such threshold, unless the corporation's other stockholders, by majority vote, grant voting rights to such shares. We may opt out of these statutes by amending our Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws either before or within ten days after the relevant acquisition of shares. Presently, we have not opted out of these statutes under our Bylaws. Our Bylaws provide that they may be repealed, altered or amended, or new bylaws may be adopted, by the affirmative vote of a majority of all of our directors, or by the affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the combined voting power of our outstanding capital stock.

No Cumulative Voting

The Nevada Statutes entitle companies’ articles of incorporation to provide stockholders the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors.  Our Articles of Incorporation expressly do not allow for cumulative voting for holders of either Class A common stock or Class B common stock.

Authorized but Unissued Capital Stock

The Nevada Statutes do not require stockholder approval for any issuance of authorized shares.  However, the listing requirements of the NASDAQ Global Select Market, which would apply so long as our Class A common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, require stockholder approval of certain issuances.  Authorized but unissued shares may be used for a variety of corporate purposes, including future public offerings, to raise additional capital or to facilitate acquisitions.

One of the effects of the existence of unissued and unreserved Class A common stock may be to enable our Board of Directors to issue shares to persons friendly to current management, which issuance could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of our company by means of a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise, and thereby protect the continuity of our management and possibly deprive the stockholders of opportunities to sell their shares of Class A common stock at prices higher than prevailing market prices.

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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES

The following is a summary of the general terms and provisions of the debt securities we may offer under this prospectus and one or more prospectus supplements.  When we offer to sell a particular series of debt securities, we will describe the specific terms of the series in a prospectus supplement.  The following description of debt securities will apply to the debt securities offered by this prospectus unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The applicable prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities may specify different or additional terms.

We may issue senior, senior subordinated, or subordinated, debt securities.  Senior securities will be direct obligations of ours and will rank equally and ratably in right of payment with other indebtedness of ours that is not subordinated.  Senior subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to the prior payment in full of senior indebtedness, as defined in the applicable prospectus supplement, and may rank equally and ratably with any other senior subordinated indebtedness.  Subordinated securities will be subordinated in right of payment to senior subordinated securities.

We need not issue all debt securities of one series at the same time.  Unless we provide otherwise, we may reopen a series, without the consent of the holders of such series, for issuances of additional securities of that series.

We will issue the senior debt securities and senior subordinated debt securities under a senior indenture, which we will enter into with the trustee to be named in the senior indenture, and we will issue the subordinated debt securities under a subordinated indenture, which we will enter into with the trustee to be named in the subordinated indenture.  We use the term “indenture” or “indentures” to refer to both the senior indenture and the subordinated indenture.  Each indenture will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the “Trust Indenture Act”), and we may supplement the indenture from time to time.  Any trustee under any indenture may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and we may appoint a successor trustee to act with respect to that series.  We have filed a form of indenture as an exhibit to this registration statement, of which this prospectus forms a part.  The terms of the senior indenture and subordinated indenture will be substantially similar, except that the subordinated indenture will include provisions pertaining to the subordination of the subordinated debt securities and senior subordinated debt securities to the senior debt securities and any of our other senior securities.  The following statements relating to the debt securities and the indenture are summaries only, are subject to change, and are qualified in their entirety to the detailed provisions of the indenture, any supplemental indenture, and any prospectus supplements.

General

The debt securities will be our direct obligations.  We may issue debt securities from time to time and in one or more series as we may establish by resolution or as we may establish in one or more supplemental indentures.  The particular terms of each series of debt securities will be described in a prospectus supplement relating to the series.  We may issue debt securities with terms different from those of debt securities that we previously issued.

We may issue debt securities from time to time and in one or more series with the same or various maturities, at par, at a premium, or at a discount.  We will set forth in a prospectus supplement relating to any series of debt securities being offered the initial offering price and the following terms of the debt securities:

·the title of the debt securities;
·the series designation and whether they are senior securities, senior subordinated securities, or subordinated securities;
·the aggregate principal amount of the debt securities and any limit on the aggregate amount of the series of debt securities;
·the price or prices (expressed as a percentage of the aggregate principal amount) at which we will issue the debt securities and, if other than the principal amount of the debt securities, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities payable upon the maturity of the debt securities;
·the date or dates on which we will pay the principal on the debt securities;
·the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per annum or the method used to determine the rate or rates (including any commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index, or financial index) at which the debt securities will bear interest, the date or dates from which interest will accrue, the date or dates on which interest will commence and be payable, and any regular record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date;
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·the place where principal, interest, and any additional amounts will be payable and where the debt securities can be surrendered for transfer, exchange, or conversion;
·the terms, if any, by which holders of the debt securities may convert or exchange the debt securities for our Class A common stock, preferred stock, or any other security or property;
·if convertible, the initial conversion price, the conversion period, and any other terms governing such conversion;
·any subordination provisions or limitations relating to the debt securities;
·any sinking fund requirements;
·any obligation we have to redeem or purchase the debt securities pursuant to any sinking fund or analogous provisions or at the option of a holder of debt securities;
·the dates on which and the price or prices at which we will repurchase the debt securities at the option of the holders of debt securities and other detailed terms and provisions of these repurchase obligations;
·the denominations in which the debt securities will be issued, if other than denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof;
·the portion of principal amount of the debt securities payable upon declaration of acceleration of the maturity date, if other than the principal amount;
·whether we will issue the debt securities in certificated or book-entry form;
·whether the debt securities will be in registered or bearer form and, if in registered form, the denominations if other than in even multiples of $1,000 and, if in bearer form, the denominations and terms and conditions relating thereto;
·the designation of the currency, currencies, or currency units in which payment of principal of, premium, and interest on the debt securities will be made;
·if payments of principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, the debt securities will be made in one or more currencies or currency units other than that or those in which the debt securities are denominated, the manner in which the exchange rate with respect to these payments will be determined;
·the manner in which the amounts of payment of principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, the debt securities will be determined, if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index based on a currency or currencies other than that in which the debt securities are denominated or designated to be payable or by reference to a commodity, commodity index, stock exchange index, or financial index;
·any applicability of the defeasance provisions described in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement;
·whether and under what circumstances, if any, we will pay additional amounts on any debt securities in respect of any tax, assessment, or governmental charge and, if so, whether we will have the option to redeem the debt securities instead of making this payment;
·any addition to or change in the events of default described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities and any change in the acceleration provisions described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
·any addition to or change in the covenants described in this prospectus or in the indenture with respect to the debt securities;
·if the debt securities are to be issued upon the exercise of debt warrants, the time, manner, and place for them to be authenticated and delivered;
·any securities exchange on which we will list the debt securities;
·any restrictions on transfer, sale, or other assignment;
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·any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities;
·any other terms of the debt securities, which may modify or delete any provision of the indenture as it applies to that series; and
·any depositaries, interest rate calculation agents, exchange rate calculation agents, or other agents with respect to the debt securities.
We may issue debt securities that are exchangeable for or convertible into shares of our Class A common stock or other securities or property.  The terms, if any, on which the samedebt securities may be exchanged for or converted into shares of our Class A common stock or other securities or property will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Such terms may include provisions for conversion, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, in which case the number of shares of Class A common stock or other securities or property to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the prospectus supplement.

We may issue debt securities at less than the principal amount payable upon maturity.  We refer to these securities as “original issue discount securities.”  If material or applicable, we will describe in the applicable prospectus supplement special U.S. federal income tax, accounting, and other considerations applicable to original issue discount securities.

If we denominate the purchase price of any of the debt securities in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, or if the principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, any series of debt securities is payable in a foreign currency or currencies or a foreign currency unit or units, we will provide you with information on the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific terms, and other information with respect to that issue of debt securities and such foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Except as may be set forth in any prospectus supplement relating to the debt securities, an indenture will not contain any other provisions that would limit our ability to incur indebtedness or that would afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged or similar transaction involving us or in the event of a change in control.  You should review carefully the applicable prospectus supplement for information with respect to events of default and any covenants applicable to the debt securities being offered.

Payments and Paying Agents

Unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will make payment of the interest on any debt securities on any interest payment date to the person in whose name the debt securities, or one or more predecessor securities, are registered at the close of business on the regular record date for the interest.

We will pay principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, the debt securities of a particular series at the office of the paying agents designated by us, except that, unless we otherwise indicate in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may make interest payments by check, which we will mail to the holder, or by wire transfer to certain holders.  Unless we otherwise indicate in a prospectus supplement, we will designate the corporate trust office of the trustee as our sole paying agent for payments with respect to debt securities of each series. We will name in the applicable prospectus supplement any other paying agents that we initially designate for the debt securities of a particular series.

Form, Transfer, and Exchange

Each debt security will be represented by either one or more global securities registered in the name of a depositary that will be named in the prospectus supplement or a nominee of the depositary (as a “book-entry debt security”), or a certificate issued in definitive registered form (as a “certificated debt security”), as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Except as described under “Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System” below, book-entry debt securities will not be issuable in certificated form.

Certificated Debt Securities.  Certificated debt securities may be transferred or exchanged by the holder at the trustee’s office or paying agencies in accordance with the terms of the indenture.  No service charge will be made for any transfer or exchange of certificated debt securities, but we may require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection with a transfer or exchange.

Certificated debt securities and the right to receive the principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, certificated debt securities may be transferred only by surrendering the old certificate representing those certificated debt securities and either we or the trustee will reissue the old certificate to the new holder, or we or the trustee will issue a new certificate to the new holder.
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Global Debt Securities and Book-Entry System.  Each global debt security representing book-entry debt securities will be deposited with, or on behalf of, the depositary, and registered in the name of the depositary or a nominee of the depositary.  Ownership of beneficial interests in book-entry debt securities will be limited to persons that have accounts with the depositary for the related global debt security, whom we refer to as participants, or persons that may hold interests through participants.

Except as described in this prospectus or any applicable prospectus supplement, beneficial owners of book-entry debt securities will not be entitled to have securities registered in their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of a certificate in definitive form representing securities, and will not be considered the owners or holders of those securities under the indenture.  Accordingly, to exercise any rights of a holder under the indenture, each person beneficially owning book-entry debt securities must rely on the procedures of the depositary for the related global debt security and, if that person is not a participant, on the procedures of the participant through which that person owns its interest.

We understand, however, that under existing industry practice, the depositary will authorize the persons on whose behalf it holds a global debt security to exercise certain rights of holders of debt securities, and the indenture provides that we, the trustee, and our respective agents will treat as the holder of a debt security the persons specified in a written statement of the depositary with respect to that global debt security for purposes of obtaining any consents or directions required to be given by holders of the debt securities pursuant to the indenture.

We will make payments of principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, book-entry debt securities to the depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, as the registered holder of the related global debt security.  We, the trustee, and any other agent of ours or agent of the trustee will not have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in a global debt security or for maintaining, supervising, or reviewing any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.

Any certificated debt securities issued in exchange for a global debt security will be registered in such name or names as the depositary shall instruct the trustee.  We expect that such instructions will be based upon directions received by the depositary from participants with respect to ownership of book-entry debt securities relating to such global debt security.

No Protection in the Event of a Change in Control

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any provisions that may afford holders of the debt securities protection in the event we have a change in control or in the event of a highly leveraged transaction (whether or not such transaction results in a change in control).

Covenants

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not contain any restrictive covenants, including covenants restricting us or any of our subsidiaries from incurring, issuing, assuming, or guaranteeing any indebtedness secured by a lien on any of our or our subsidiaries’ property or capital stock or restricting us or any of our subsidiaries from entering into any sale and leaseback transactions.

Merger, Consolidation, and Sale of Assets

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may not merge with or into or consolidate with, or convey, transfer, or lease all or substantially all of our properties and assets to, any person (a “successor person”), and we may not permit any person to merge into or convey, transfer, or lease its properties and assets substantially as an entirety to us, unless the following applies:

·either (a) we are the surviving entity or (b) the successor person is a corporation, partnership, trust, or other entity organized and validly existing under the laws of any United States domestic jurisdiction and expressly assumes our obligations on the debt securities and under the indenture;
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·immediately after giving effect to the transaction, no event of default, and no event that, after notice or lapse of time, or both, would become an event of default, shall have occurred and be continuing under the indenture; and
·certain other conditions that may be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement are met.
This covenant would not apply to any recapitalization transaction, a change in control of us, or a transaction in which we incur a large amount of additional debt unless the transactions or change in control included a merger, consolidation, or transfer or lease of substantially all of our assets.  Except as may be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, there are no covenants or other provisions in the indenture providing for a “put” right or increased interest or that would otherwise afford holders of debt securities additional protection in the event of a recapitalization transaction, a change in control of us, or a transaction in which we incur a large amount of additional debt.

Events of Default Under the Indenture

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, an “event of default” will mean, with respect to any series of debt securities, any of the following:

·we default in the payment of interest on any security of that series or any coupon appertaining thereto or any additional amount payable with respect to any security of that series when the same becomes due and payable and such default continues for a period of 30 days;
·we default in the payment of the principal of or any premium on any security of that series when the same becomes due and payable at its maturity or on redemption or otherwise, or in the payment of a mandatory sinking fund payment when and as due by the terms of the securities of that series, and in each case such default continues for a period of 10 days;
·we default in the performance of, or breach, any covenant or warranty in the indenture with respect to any security of that series (other than a covenant or warranty default in whose performance or whose breach is specifically dealt with elsewhere in this Section) and such default or breach continues for a period of 60 days after there has been given, by registered or certified mail, to us by the trustee or to us and the trustee by the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding securities of that series, a written notice specifying such default or breach and requiring it to be remedied and stating that such notice is a “Notice of Default” hereunder;
·we, pursuant to or within the meaning of any bankruptcy law, (A) commence a voluntary case, (B) consent to the entry of an order for relief against it in an involuntary case, (C) consent to the appointment of a custodian of it or for all or substantially all of its property, or (D) make a general assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
·a court of competent jurisdiction enters an order or decree under any bankruptcy law that (A) is for relief against us in an involuntary case, (B) appoints a custodian for us or all or substantially all of our property, or (C) orders the liquidation of us; and the order or decree remains unstayed and in effect for 90 days; or
·any other event of default provided with respect to debt securities of that series that is included in any supplemental indenture or is described in the applicable prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus.
No event of default with respect to a particular series of debt securities (except as to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization) necessarily constitutes an event of default with respect to any other series of debt securities.  An event of default may also be an event of default under our bank credit agreements or other debt securities in existence from time to time and under certain guaranties by us of any subsidiary indebtedness.  In addition, certain events of default or an acceleration under the indenture may also be an event of default under some of our other indebtedness outstanding from time to time.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an event of default with respect to debt securities of any series at the time outstanding occurs and is continuing (other than certain events of our bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization), then the trustee or the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may, by written notice to us (and to the trustee if given by the holders), declare to be due and payable immediately the principal (or, if the debt securities of that series are discount securities, that portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of that series) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, of all debt securities of that series.  In the case of an event of default resulting from certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency, or reorganization, the principal (or such specified amount) of and accrued and unpaid interest, if any, of all outstanding debt securities will become and be immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act by the trustee or any holder of outstanding debt securities.
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At any time after an acceleration with respect to debt securities of a series has been made, but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained by the trustee, the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may cancel the acceleration and convert automaticallyannul its consequences if beneficially ownedthe rescission would not conflict with any judgment or decree and if all existing events of default with respect to that series have been cured or waived except nonpayment of principal (or such lesser amount) or interest that has become due solely because of the acceleration.

The indenture also provides that the holders of not less than a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may waive any past default with respect to that series and its consequences, except a default involving the following:

·our failure to pay the principal of, and interest and any additional amounts on, any debt security; or
·a covenant or provision contained in the indenture that cannot be modified or amended without the consent of the holders of each outstanding debt security affected by the default.
The trustee is generally required to give notice to the holders of debt securities of each affected series within 90 days of a default actually known to a responsible officer of the trustee unless the default has been cured or waived.  The indenture provides that the trustee may withhold notice to the holders of debt securities of any series of any default or event of default (except in payment on any debt securities of that series) with respect to debt securities of that series if it in good faith determines that withholding notice is in the interest of the holders of those debt securities.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will provide that the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request or discretion of any holder of any such outstanding debt securities unless the trustee receives indemnity satisfactory to it against any loss, liability, or expense.  Subject to certain rights of the trustee, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series will have the right to direct the time, method, and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the trustee or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee with respect to the debt securities of that series.  The trustee may, however, refuse to exercise any discretion that conflicts with the indenture or any law or which may be unduly prejudicial to the holders of the debt securities of the applicable series not joining in the discretion.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, no holder of any debt security of any series will have any right to institute any proceeding, judicial or otherwise, with respect to the indenture or for the appointment of a receiver or trustee, or for any remedy under the indenture, unless:

·that holder has previously given to the trustee written notice of a continuing event of default with respect to debt securities of that series; and
·the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series have made written request, and offered reasonable indemnity, to the trustee to institute such proceeding as trustee, and the trustee shall not have received from the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series a direction inconsistent with that request and has failed to institute the proceeding within 60 days.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as provided in the subordination provisions, if any, the holder of any debt security will have an absolute and unconditional right to receive payment of the principal of, and any interest or additional amounts on, that debt security on or after the due dates expressed in that debt security and to institute suit for the enforcement of payment.

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture will require us, within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year, to furnish to the trustee a certificate as to compliance with the indenture, or, in the event of noncompliance, specify the noncompliance, and the nature and status of the noncompliance.

Modification of Indenture and Waiver

Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, and except as specified below, modifications and amendments to the indenture will require the approval of not less than a majority in principal amount of our outstanding debt securities.
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Changes Requiring the Unanimous Approval.  We and the trustee will not be permitted to make any modification or amendment to the indenture without the consent of the holder of each affected debt security then outstanding if that amendment will have any of the following results:

·change the time for payment of principal of or interest on any debt security;
·reduce the amounts of principal of or interest on any debt security;
·reduce the amount of any premium payable upon the redemption of any debt security;
·reduce the amount payable upon acceleration of the maturity of any original issue discount debt security or any debt security payable in accordance with an index, formula or other method;
·change the currency of payment on any debt security;

·impair the right to initiate suit for the enforcement of any payment on or with respect to any debt security;

·reduce the percentage of holders of debt securities whose consent is needed to modify or amend an indenture, to waive compliance with certain provisions of an indenture, or to waive certain defaults; or
·modify the provisions relating to waiver of certain defaults or modifications of the indenture and debt securities, other than to increase any percentage of holders required for such waivers and modifications, or to provide that other provisions of the indenture and debt securities may not be modified without consent of each affected holder.
Changes Not Requiring Approval of Debt Holders.  We and the trustee will be permitted to modify or amend an indenture, without the consent of any holder of debt securities, for any of the following purposes:

·to evidence the succession of another person to us as obligor under the indenture;

·to add to our existing covenants additional covenants for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities, or to surrender any right or power conferred upon us in the indenture, or to comply with any SEC requirement in connection with the qualification of the indenture;

·to add events of default for the benefit of the holders of all or any series of debt securities;

·to add or change any provisions of the indenture to facilitate the issuance of, or to liberalize the terms of, debt securities in bearer form, or to permit or facilitate the issuance of debt securities in uncertificated form, provided that this action will not adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of any series in any material respect;

·to add, change, or eliminate any provisions of the indenture affecting debt securities not yet issued;

·to secure previously unsecured debt securities;

·to establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series, including the provisions and procedures, if applicable, for the conversion or exchange of the debt securities into our common stock, preferred stock, or other securities or property;

·to provide for the electronic delivery of supplemental indentures or debt securities of any series;

·to evidence and provide for the acceptance or appointment of a successor trustee or facilitate the administration of the trusts under the indenture by more than one trustee;

·if allowed without penalty under applicable laws and regulations, to permit payment in respect of debt securities in bearer form in the United States;

·to correct or supplement any inconsistent provisions or to cure any ambiguity or correct any mistake in the indenture or any debt securities; or
·to make any other provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under the indenture, as long as such action does not materially adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

A vote by anyoneholders of debt securities will not be required for clarifications and certain other changes that would not adversely affect holders of the debt securities.
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Defeasance of Debt Securities and Certain Covenants in Certain Circumstances

Legal Defeasance.  Unless the terms of the applicable series of debt securities provide otherwise, we may be discharged from any and all obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series (except for certain obligations to register the transfer or exchange of debt securities of the series; to replace stolen, lost, or mutilated debt securities of the series; and to maintain paying agencies and certain provisions relating to the treatment of funds held by paying agents).  We will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations (as described at the Parkersend of this section), that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their children. The Class B common stock has two votes per share but otherwise is substantially identicalterms, will provide money in an amount sufficient to pay and discharge each installment of principal, interest, and any additional amounts on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of such payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities.

This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an officers’ certificate and an opinion of counsel stating that we have received from, or there has been published by, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service a ruling or, since the date of execution of the indenture, there has been a change in the applicable U.S. federal income tax law, in either case to the effect that holders of the debt securities of such series will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit, defeasance, and discharge and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit, defeasance, and discharge had not occurred.

Defeasance of Certain Covenants.  Unless the terms of the applicable series of debt securities provide otherwise, upon compliance with certain conditions, we may omit to comply with the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture, as well as any additional covenants contained in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The conditions include, among others, the following:

·depositing with the trustee money and/or U.S. government obligations or, in the case of debt securities denominated in a single currency other than U.S. dollars, foreign government obligations, that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants or investment banking firm, to pay principal, interest, and any additional amounts on and any mandatory sinking fund payments in respect of the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities; and
·delivering to the trustee an opinion of counsel to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain, or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the deposit and related covenant defeasance and will be subject to U.S. federal income tax in the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the deposit and related covenant defeasance had not occurred.
Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default

If we exercise our option, as described above, not to comply with certain covenants of the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities, and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. government obligations or foreign government obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default.  However, we will remain liable for those payments.

“Foreign government obligations” means, with respect to debt securities of any series that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars:

·direct obligations of the government that issued or caused to be issued such currency for the payment of which obligations its full faith and credit is pledged, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof; or
·obligations of a person controlled or supervised by or acting as an agency or instrumentality of that government for the payment of which obligations the full faith and credit of that government is pledged, which are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof.
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Subordination

We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement the terms and conditions, if any, upon which any series of senior subordinated securities or subordinated securities is subordinated to debt securities of another series or to other indebtedness of ours.  The terms will include a description of the following:

·the indebtedness ranking senior to the debt securities being offered;
·any restrictions on payments to the holders of the debt securities being offered while a default with respect to the senior indebtedness is continuing;
·any restrictions on payments to the holders of the debt securities being offered following an event of default; and
·provisions requiring holders of the debt securities being offered to remit some payments to holders of senior indebtedness.
Conversion and Exchange Rights

The terms on which debt securities of any series may be convertible into or exchangeable for our Class A common stock, which has one vote per share. A person is deemed to have “beneficial ownership”preferred stock, or other of any security that heour securities or she has a right to acquire within 60 days after such date. Shares that a person has the right to acquire under stock options are deemed outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person and all executive officers and directors as a group, but not for the percentage ownership of any other person or entity. Except as indicated by footnote, and subject to community property laws where applicable, the persons namedwill be described in the table have sole voting and investment power for all shares shown as beneficially owned by them.applicable prospectus supplement.  These terms will include the following:

                      
Shares BeneficiallyShares to be
Owned Prior to thisBeneficially Owned
OfferingAfter this Offering

Shares Being
NameNumberPercentageOfferedNumberPercentage






Executive officers and directors:
                    
 David R. & Jacqueline F. Parker(1)  6,721,077   45.1%  1,000,000   5,721,077   38.4%
 Michael W. Miller(2)  125,836   *   —    125,836   * 
 Joey B. Hogan(3)  110,189   *   —    110,189   * 
 L.D. “Micky” Miller, III(4)  5,000   *   —    5,000   * 
 R.H. Lovin, Jr.(5)  70,377   *   —    70,377   * 
 William T. Alt(6)  17,500   *   —    17,500   * 
 Robert E. Bosworth(7)  31,500   *   —    31,500   * 
 Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr.(8)  25,000   *   —    25,000   * 
 Mark A. Scudder(9)  22,150   *   —    22,150   * 
 Bradley A. Moline(10)  3,500   *   —    3,500   * 
 Niel B. Nielson(11)  2,500   *   —    2,500   * 
 All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons)  7,135,089   46.7%  1,000,000   6,135,089   40.1%
Other principal stockholders:
                    
 Estate of Clyde M. Fuller/Elizabeth Fuller, administrator(12)  1,242,134   8.5%  1,000,000   242,134   1.7%
 Dimensional Fund Advisors Inc.(13)  961,113   6.6%  —    961,113   6.6%


·
*Less than one percent.the conversion or exchange price, or the manner of calculating the price;

·the exchange or conversion period;
 (1) Includes 3,855,000·whether the conversion or exchange is mandatory, or voluntary at the option of the holder, or at our option;
·any restrictions on conversion or exchange in the event of redemption of the debt securities and any restrictions on conversion or exchange; and
·the means of calculating the number of shares of our Class A common stock, and 2,350,000 sharespreferred stock, or other of Class B common stock owned by Mr. and Mrs. Parker as joint tenants with rights of survivorship, 200,000 shares of Class A common stock ownedour securities or property to be received by the Parker Family Limited Partnership,holders of which the Parkers are the general partners, 306,098debt securities.

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shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options, and 9,979 shares of Class A common stock held by Mr. Parker in our 401(k) Plan. Because the Class B common stock has two votes per share, the Parkers beneficially own 52.6% of our total voting power before this offering and will beneficially own 46.8% of our total voting power after this offering. Mr. Parker is our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. The Parker family intends to donate approximately 100,000 shares to charitable organizations at the time of this offering. Recipients of such shares will sign agreements restricting the sale of shares received for a period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus. Of the shares offered by the Parkers in this offering, 100,000 are owned by the Parker Family Limited Partnership.

 (2) Includes 125,836 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options.
 (3) Includes 104,885 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options, 3,400 shares owned by Joey B. Hogan and Melinda J. Hogan as joint tenants, and 1,904 shares held in our 401(k) plan.
 (4) Includes 5,000 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options, which vest on December 9, 2003.
 (5) Includes 70,377 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options.
 (6) Includes 17,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options.
 (7) Includes 17,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options, 2,000 shares owned directly, 1,000 shares owned in an individual retirement account, and 11,000 shares owned by a charitable foundation for which Mr. Bosworth serves as an officer and director, as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed.
 (8) Includes 17,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options and 7,500 shares held directly.
 (9) Includes 17,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options, 4,350 shares held in an individual retirement account, 100 shares held directly, and 200 shares held as custodian for a minor child, as to which beneficial ownership is disclaimed.
 (10) Includes 2,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options and 1,000 shares owned directly.
 (11) Includes 2,500 shares of Class A common stock underlying stock options.
 (12) Includes 1,196,300 shares of Class A common stock owned directly and 45,834 shares underlying stock options. Mrs. Fuller is the administrator of the Estate of Clyde M. Fuller and is the beneficiary under his will. With her appointment as administrator by the probate court of Hamilton County, Tennessee, on January 23, 2003, Mrs. Fuller became the beneficial owner of the shares and options owned by Mr. Fuller at the time of his death. Mrs. Fuller is David Parker’s mother. We have engaged in transactions with Mrs. Fuller, and previously engaged in certain transactions with Mr. Fuller, on terms Mr. Parker negotiated and our audit committee approved. See our proxy statements for disclosure regarding these transactions.
 (13) As reported on Form 13F filed with the SEC on August 8, 2003.

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UNDERWRITING

Subject to the terms and conditionsThe conversion or exchange price of an underwriting agreement dated                    , 2003, the underwriters named below, through their representatives, Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc., Stephens Inc., and BB&T Capital Markets, a divisionany debt securities of Scott & Stringfellow, Inc., have severally agreed to purchase from the selling stockholders the respective number of shares ofany series that are convertible into our Class A common stock or preferred stock may be adjusted for any stock dividends, stock splits, reclassification, combinations, or similar transactions, as set forth opposite their names below:

Number
Nameof Shares


Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. 
Stephens Inc. 
BB&T Capital Markets, a division of Scott & Stringfellow, Inc. 

Total

in the applicable prospectus supplement.


Redemption of Debt Securities

The underwriting agreement providesdebt securities may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption on terms and conditions described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Subject to such terms, we may opt at any time to partially or entirely redeem the debt securities.

If less than all the debt securities of any series are to be redeemed or purchased in an offer to purchase at any time, the trustee will select the debt securities of that series to be redeemed or purchased as follows: (1) if the securities of such series are listed on any national securities exchange, in compliance with the requirements of the principal national securities exchange on which the debt securities of that series are listed, or (2) if the debt securities of that series are not listed on a national securities exchange, on a pro rata basis, by lot, or by such other method as the trustee deems fair and appropriate.
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Except as otherwise provided as to any particular series of debt securities, at least 30 days but not more than 60 days before a redemption date, we or the trustee will mail a notice of redemption to each holder whose debt securities are to be redeemed.  From and after notice has been given as provided in the applicable indenture, if funds for the redemption of any debt securities called for redemption shall have been made available on the redemption date, the debt securities will cease to bear interest on the date fixed for the redemption specified in the notice, and the only right of the holders of the debt securities will be to receive payment of the redemption price.

Governing Law

The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, except to the extent that the obligationsTrust Indenture Act is applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF RIGHTS

In this section, we describe the general terms and provisions of the rights to securities that we may offer to our stockholders.  Rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the rights.  In connection with any rights offering to our stockholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other arrangement with one or more underwriters are severalor other persons pursuant to which such underwriters or other person would purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such rights offering.  Each series of rights will be issued under a separate rights agent agreement to be entered into between us and are subjecta bank or trust company, as rights agent, that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.  The rights agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the certificates relating to approval of certain legal matters by their counsel and various other conditions. The naturethe rights of the underwriters’ obligations is suchseries of certificates and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of rights certificates or beneficial owners of rights.

The prospectus supplement relating to any rights we offer will include specific terms relating to the offering, including, among others, the date of determining the stockholders entitled to the rights distribution, the aggregate number of rights issued and the aggregate amount of securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights, the exercise price, the conditions to completion of the offering, the date on which the right to exercise the rights will commence and the date on which the right will expire, and any applicable U.S. federal income tax considerations.  To the extent that they are committed to purchase all sharesany particular terms of stock offered hereby ifthe rights, rights agent agreements, or rights certificates described in a prospectus supplement differ from any of the shares are purchased.

    David R. and Jacqueline F. Parkerterms described here, then the terms described here will be deemed to have granted an optionbeen superseded by that prospectus supplement.


Each right would entitle the holder of the right to purchase for cash the principal amount of securities at the exercise price set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for the rights provided in the applicable prospectus supplement.  After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised rights would become void and of no further force or effect.

Holders may exercise rights as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.  Upon receipt of payment and the rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust office of the rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, forward the securities purchasable upon exercise of the rights.  If less than all of the rights issued in any rights offering are exercised, we may offer any unsubscribed securities directly to persons other than stockholders, to or through agents, underwriters exercisableor dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby arrangements, as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS

We may issue warrants from time to time in one or more series for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to an additional 300,000 shares of our Class A common stock at the public offering price, less the underwriting discounts set forth on the cover pageor preferred stock or any combination of this prospectus. The underwritersthose securities.  Warrants may exercise this option solely to cover over-allotments, if any, in connectionbe issued independently or together with the sale of our Class A common stock. If the underwriters exercise this option, each underwriter will be obligated, subject to certain conditions, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to the underwriter’s initial amount set forth in the table above.

The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts to be paid by the selling stockholders to the underwriters and the estimated expenses payable by us for each share of stock and in total. This information is presented assuming either no exercise or full exercise of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of stock.

Per ShareTotal


WithoutWithWithoutWith
Over-allotmentOver-allotmentOver-allotmentOver-allotment




Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by us$$$$
Expenses payable by us$$$$
Underwriting discounts and commissions paid by the selling stockholders$$$$

    We have been advised that the underwriters propose to offer the shares of our Class A common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to certain dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of           per share. The underwriters may allow, and such dealers may re-allow, a concession not in excess of           per share to certain other dealers. The offering of the shares is made for delivery when, as, and if accepted by the underwriters and subject to prior sale and to withdrawal, cancellation, or modification of this offering without notice. The underwriters reserve the right to reject any order for the purchase of shares, in whole or in part.

    We, along with our directors, executive officers, and the selling stockholders have agreed under the underwriting agreement or lock-up agreements not to, directly or indirectly, offer, sell, or otherwise dispose of any shares of Class A common stock or shares of preferred stock or offered by any securities whichprospectus supplement and may be converted intoattached to or exchanged for shares of Class A common stock without the prior written consent of Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. on behalf of the underwriters for a period of 90 daysseparate from the date of this prospectus, except for: charitable donations of up to 100,000 shares by the Parkers to the extent the donees agree not to dispose of the shares until 90 days after the date of this prospectus; issuances of Class A common stock by us pursuant to the exercise of stock options outstanding on the date hereof; the sale by each of two of our executive officers of up to 25,000 shares he may acquire upon the exercise of outstanding stock options that expire in 2004; and the sale by each of our four executive officers other than David R. Parker of up to 5,000 shares he may acquire upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

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    We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments which the underwriters may be required to make in respect thereof.

    The underwriters may engage in over-allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing, or maintaining the price of the Class A common stock, in accordance with Regulation M under the Exchange Act:

• Over-allotment involves sales by the underwriters of shares in excess of the number of shares the underwriters are obligated to purchase, which create a syndicate short position. The short position may be either a covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered short position, the number of shares over-alloted by the underwriters is not greater than the number of shares that they may purchase in the over-allotment option. In a naked short position, the number of shares involved is greater than the number of shares in the over-allotment option. The underwriters may close out any short position by either exercising their over-allotment option and/or purchasing shares in the open market.
• Stabilizing transactions consist of bids to purchase the underlying security in the open market which are subject to a specified maximum.
• Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of Class A common stock in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. In determining the source of shares to close out the short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. If the underwriters sell more shares than could be covered by the over-allotment option, a naked short position, the position can only be closed out by buying shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward pressure on the price of the shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering.
• Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the stock originally sold by the syndicate member is purchased in a stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions.

    These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions, and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the Class A common stock or preventingpreferred stock.  Each series of warrants will be issued under a separate warrant agreement to be entered into between us and a warrant agent, or retarding a declineany other bank or trust company specified in the market pricerelated prospectus supplement relating to the particular issue of warrants.  The warrant agent will act as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not assume any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders of warrants or beneficial owners of warrants.  The specific terms of a series of warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to that series of warrants along with any general provisions applicable to that series of warrants.


The following is a general description of the stock.warrants we may issue.  The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any issuance of warrants.  The terms of any warrants we offer may differ from the terms described in this prospectus.  As a result, we will describe in the priceprospectus supplement the specific terms of the Class A common stock may be higher than the priceparticular series of warrants offered by that might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may be effected on the Nasdaq National Market or otherwise and, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time. Neither we nor anyprospectus supplement.  Accordingly, for a description of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as toterms of a particular series of warrants, you should carefully read this prospectus, the direction or magnitude of any effect thatapplicable prospectus supplement, and the transactions described above may have on the price of the Class A common stock.

    In connection with this offering, the underwriters and selling group members may engage in passive market making transactions in the common stock on the Nasdaq National Market in accordance with Rule 103 of Regulation M under the Exchange Act during the period before the commencement of offers or sales of common stock and extending through the completion of the distribution. A passive market maker must display its bids at a price not in excess of the highest independent bid of the security. However, if all independent bids are lowered below the passive market makers’ bid that bid must be lowered when specified purchase limits are exceeded.

    The underwriters may, from time to time, engage in transactions with, and perform services for, us in the ordinary course of their business.

    A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on Internet sites or through other online services maintained by one or more of the underwriters and/or selling group members participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and, depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a specific number of shares for sale to online brokerage account holders. Any such allocation for online distributionsapplicable warrant agreement, which will be made by the representatives on the same basisfiled as other allocations.

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Other than the prospectus in electronic format, information contained in any other web site maintained by an underwriter or selling group member is not part of this prospectus orexhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, has not been endorsedpart.

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Terms.  If warrants are offered by us, or the underwritersprospectus supplement will describe the terms of the warrants, including the following if applicable to the particular offering:

·the title of the warrants;
·the total number of warrants;
·the number of shares of Class A common stock purchasable upon exercise of the warrants to purchase Class A common stock and the price at which such shares of Class A common stock may be purchased upon exercise;
·the designation and terms of the preferred stock with which the warrants are issued and the number of warrants issued with each share of preferred stock;
·the date on and after which the warrants and the related Class A common stock or preferred stock will be separately transferable;
·if applicable, the date on which the right to exercise the warrants will commence and the date on which this right will expire;
·if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the warrants which may be exercised at any one time;
·a discussion of federal income tax, accounting and other special considerations, procedures and limitations relating to the warrants; and
·any other terms of the warrants including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the warrants.
Warrants may be exchanged for new warrants of different denominations, may be presented for registration of transfer, and may be exercised at the office of the warrant agent or any selling group memberother office indicated in its capacity as underwriter or selling group member, and shouldthe prospectus supplement.  Before the exercise of their warrants, holders of warrants will not be relied on by investors in deciding whether to purchasehave any of the rights of holders of shares of Class A common stock.stock or shares of preferred stock purchasable upon exercise, including the right to receive payments of dividends, if any, on the shares Class A common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise or to exercise any applicable right to vote.

Exercise of Warrants.  Each warrant will entitle the holder to purchase a number of shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock at an exercise price as will in each case be set forth in, or calculable from, the prospectus supplement relating to those warrants.  Warrants may be exercised at the times set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants.  After the close of business on the expiration date (or any later date to which the expiration date may be extended by us), unexercised warrants will become void.  Subject to any restrictions and additional requirements that may be set forth in the prospectus supplement relating thereto, warrants may be exercised by delivery to the warrant agent of the certificate evidencing the warrants properly completed and duly executed and of payment as provided in the prospectus supplement of the amount required to purchase shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise.  The underwritersexercise price will be the price applicable on the date of payment in full, as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants.  Upon receipt of the payment and selling group membersthe certificate representing the warrants to be exercised properly completed and duly executed at the office of the warrant agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will, as soon as practicable, issue and deliver the shares of Class A common stock or preferred stock purchasable upon such exercise.  If fewer than all of the warrants represented by that certificate are not responsibleexercised, a new certificate will be issued for information containedthe remaining amount of warrants.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O.
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EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years in Internet web sites that they do not maintain.the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Landair Holdings, Inc. as of December 31, 2017 and for the year then ended included in Exhibit 99.2 of the Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on September 19, 2018 have been audited by Coulter & Justus, P.C., independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

The consolidated financial statements of Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and for each of the years then ended included in Exhibit 99 of the Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2018 have been audited by LBMC, PC, independent auditors, as set forth in their report thereon included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements have been incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such report given on the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

WHERE YOU CAN OBTAIN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


We file annual, quarterly, and special reports, proxy statements, and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The file number under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for our Commission filings is No. 0-24960.  You may read and copy any documentmaterials that we filehave filed with the Commission, including the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, at the Commission’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifthpublic reference room located at:

100 F Street, N.W., Room 1024, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20549. 20549

Please call the Commission at 1-800-SEC-0330 for morefurther information abouton the Public Reference Room. Most of ourpublic reference room.  Our Commission filings also are also available to you free of charge atthe public on the Commission’s web sitewebsite at http://www.sec.gov.

    Our Class A common stockwww.sec.gov, which contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically and our website at www.ctgcompanies.com.  The information contained on our website is listed on the Nasdaq National Marketnot incorporated by reference and similar information canshould not be inspected and copied at the offices of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006.

    We have filed a registration statement under the Securities Act with the Commission with respect to the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is aconsidered part of the registration statement. However, it does not contain all of the information contained in the registration statement and its exhibits. You should refer to the registration statement and its exhibits for further information about us and the Class A common stock offered by this prospectus.

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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE


The Commission allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with it,them, which means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents.  The information incorporated by reference is an important part of this prospectus and information that we file later with the Commission will automatically update and supersede this information.  We haveincorporate by reference into this prospectus the documents and information we filed the following documents with the Commission that are incorporatedidentified below and any future filings made with the Commission under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (except as otherwise provided in the forms governing the documents we incorporate by reference, intoincluding, with respect to Current Reports on Form 8-K, any information furnished under Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 and related exhibits) until all of the securities to which this prospectus:

prospectus relates have been sold or the offering is otherwise terminated.  The documents we incorporate by reference are:


(i)
• our annual reportOur Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002;2017;

• (ii)our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarters ended March 31, 2003, June 30, 2003, as amended, and September 30, 2003;
• our current reportOur Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 13, 2018;

(iii)Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018;

(iv)Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 17, 2018;

(v)Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on July 10, 2018 (except to the extent furnished under Item 7.01);
21


(vi)Our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2018;

(vii)Our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on August 23, 2018;

(viii)Our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Commission on September 19, 2003;2018;

(ix)Our Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018; and

• (x)theThe description of our Class A common stock contained under the caption “Description of Registrant’s Securities to be Registered” in our registration statement on Form 8-A filed September 30, 1994, which incorporates by reference information under the heading “Description of Capital Stock” in the prospectus dated October 28, 1994, included in our Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-82978, effective October 28, 1994), including any amendment or report filed for the purpose of updating such description.

    Please note that all other documents and reports filed under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14, or 15(d) of the Exchange Act following the date of this prospectus and prior to the termination of this offering will be deemed to be


Any statements made in a document incorporated by reference into this prospectus andis deemed to be modified or superseded for purposes of this prospectus to the extent that a part hereof fromstatement in this prospectus or in any other subsequently filed document, which is also incorporated by reference, modifies, or supersedes the datestatement.  Any statement made in this prospectus is deemed to be modified or superseded to the extent any statement in any subsequently filed document, which is incorporated by reference into this prospectus, modifies, or supersedes such statement.

We will provide to each person, including any beneficial owners, to whom a prospectus is delivered a copy of any or all of the filing of such reports and documents.

information that we have incorporated by reference into this prospectus but not delivered with the prospectus.  You may request free copiesa copy of these filings, incorporated herein by referenceat no cost, by writing us at the following address or telephoning us at (423) 821-1212 between the following address:

Covenant Transport, Inc.
Attn: Joey B. Hogan, Executive Vice President
  and Chief Financial Officer
400 Birmingham Highway
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419
(423) 821-1212

LEGAL MATTERS

The validityhours of the shares offered hereby will be passed upon for us by Scudder Law Firm, P.C.9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., L.L.O.Eastern Time: Richard B. Cribbs, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., Lincoln, Nebraska. Mark Scudder, a principal of Scudder Law Firm, is a member of our board of directors. 400 Birmingham Highway, Chattanooga, Tennessee 37419.


We paid Scudder Law Firm approximately $265,000 in 2002 for legal services. Certain legal matters relatinghave not authorized any dealer, salesperson, or other person to this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

    Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2001, and 2002, and for the years then ended have been incorporated by reference herein in reliance upon the report of KPMG LLP, independent auditors, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The audit report covering the December 31, 2002, financial statements refers to the adoption, effective January 1, 2002, of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, “Accounting for Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.”

    Our consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2000, and for the year then ended have been incorporated by referencegive any information or represent anything not contained in this prospectus.  You must not rely on any unauthorized information.  This prospectus does not offer to sell or buy any securities in reliance upon the report of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent auditors, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. In 2001, we changed independent auditors. No disagreement with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP contributed to the decision to change auditors.

24


any jurisdiction where it is unlawful.

2,000,000 shares22

(COVENANT TRANSPORT LOGO)

Class A

Common Stock


PROSPECTUS

                            , 2003

Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc.

Stephens Inc.

BB&T Capital Markets


PART II


INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS


Item 14 —14.  Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution


The following table sets forth the expenses to be paid by us in connection with the offering, described in this registration statement. Allall of such amounts (except the SEC Registration Fee and NASD Filing Fee) are estimated.
      
SEC Registration Fee $3,281 
NASD Filing Fee  4,555 
Blue Sky Fees and Expenses  5,000 
Accounting Fees and Expenses  100,000 
Legal Fees and Expenses  200,000 
Printing and Engraving Costs  50,000 
Miscellaneous  50,000 
  
 
 Total $412,836 
  
 

which will be borne by us:


Securities and Exchange Commission registration fee$13,902.81
NASDAQ listing fee *
Accounting fees and expenses *
Legal fees *
Printing and engraving *
Miscellaneous *
Total$*

*Estimated fees and expenses are not presently known.  The foregoing sets forth the general categories of fees and expenses (other than underwriting discounts and commissions) that we anticipate we will incur in connection with the offering of securities under this registration statement.  An estimate of the aggregate fees and expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being offered will be included in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Item 15 —15.  Indemnification of Directors and Officers

     Article VII


Under Section 78.7502(1) of the Registrant’s Restated Articles of Incorporation (“Articles”) and Article X of the Registrant’s Amended Bylaws provide that the Registrant’s directors and officers shallNevada Statutes, a Nevada corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be indemnified against liabilities they may incur while serving in such capacitiesmade a party to the fullest extent allowed by the Nevada General Corporation Law. Under the applicable statutory provisions, the Registrant is required to indemnify its directors and officers against any reasonable expenses (including attorneys’ fees) incurred by them in the defense of anythreatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative to which they were made a party,(except an action by or in defensethe right of any claim, issue, or matter therein,the corporation) by reason of the fact that they aresuch person is or werewas a director, officer, employee or officeragent of the Registrantcorporation, or while a directoris or officer of the Registrant are or werewas serving at the Registrant’s request of the corporation as a director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, unless itagainst expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if such person: (i) is ultimately determined bynot liable for a courtbreach of competent jurisdictionfiduciary duties that they failed to actinvolved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law; or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner theywhich he or she reasonably believed in good faith to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Registrant,corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe theirhis or her conduct was lawful.unlawful.

Section 78.7502(2) of the Nevada Statutes further provides that a Nevada corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses(including amounts paid in settlement and attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if such person: (i) is not liable for a breach of fiduciary duties that involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law or (ii) acted in good faith and in a manner that he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation. Indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction, after exhaustion of all appeals, to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought or other court of competent jurisdiction determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper.

In accordance with Section 78.7502(3) of the Nevada Statutes, our Articles of Incorporation provide for mandatory indemnification to the extent that a director, officer, employee or agent has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of certain specified actions, suits, or proceedings that are substantially similar to those in subsections (1) and (2) of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Statutes, as described above, or in defense of related claims, issues, or matters, such that we are obligated to indemnify him or her against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with such defense.

Our Articles of Incorporation also provide that we will indemnify any person for certain specified claims that are substantially similar to those in subsections (1) and (2) of Section 78.7502 of the Nevada Statutes, as described above. This indemnity is subject to a case by case determination that indemnification of the director, officer, employee, or agent is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct. The Registrant willdetermination is to be made by (i) the stockholders, (ii) our Board of Directors by majority vote of a quorum consisting of directors who were not parties to such act, suit, or proceeding, (iii) if so ordered by such quorum of disinterested directors, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion or (iv) if such quorum of disinterested directors cannot be obtained, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion. Our Board of Directors is also expressly authorized to advance certain expenses incurred by directorsany director, officer, employee or officersagent in defending anya civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding prior to the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of written confirmation from such officers or directors that they have met certain standards of conduct and an undertaking by or on behalf of such officers or directorsthe person to whom expenses are to be advanced, to repay such amount unless it is ultimately determined that he or she is entitled to be indemnified by us. Our Articles of Incorporation also allow us to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent, whether or not we would have the power to indemnify him against liability under the Articles of Incorporation.

Our Articles of Incorporation further provide that the indemnification does not exclude any other rights to which a person seeking indemnification may be entitled under any law, bylaw, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his or her official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office. Our Bylaws provide that we shall indemnify our directors and officers to the maximum extent permitted by the Nevada Statutes. Our Bylaws further provide that indemnification shall be provided unless it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the indemnified party did not act in a manner he or she believed in good faith to be in, or not opposed to, our best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, the indemnified party had no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful. Finally, our Bylaws provide that expenses shall be advanced to an indemnified party upon written confirmation that he or she has not acted in a manner that would preclude indemnification and an undertaking to return any advances if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that they arethe party is not entitled to indemnification byunder the Registrant. standard set forth in our Bylaws.
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The Articles provide that the Registrant may, through indemnification agreements,registrant maintains standard policies of insurance or otherwise, provide additional indemnification.

    Article VI of the Registrant’s Articles eliminates,under which coverage is provided (a) to the fullest extent permitted by law, the liability ofits directors and officers for monetaryagainst loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other damages for breach of fiduciary dutieswrongful act and (b) to the Registrantregistrant with respect to payments which may be made by the registrant to such directors and its stockholdersofficers pursuant to the indemnification provisions of our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws or otherwise as a director or officer.

matter of law.


Item 16 —16.  Exhibits

     A list of exhibits


The Exhibit Index filed herewith is contained inand appearing immediately before the Exhibit Index that immediately precedes such exhibits andhereto is incorporated herein by reference.

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reference in response to this Item.


Item 17 —17.  Undertakings

    (a) We hereby undertake:


(a)The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:

(1)To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:


(i)    (i) To include any prospectus required by sectionSection 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;Act of 1933;

(ii)To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b), if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement;

(iii)To include, any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement;


Provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii), and (a)(1)(iii) do not apply if the registration statement is on Form S-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the Commission by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
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(2)provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed by us pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.

    (2) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by us pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective.
    (3) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.


    (4) (3)To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.

    (b) We hereby undertake


(4)That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser:

(i)Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and

(ii)Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by Section 10(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus.  As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.  Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.

(5)That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:

The undersigned registrant undertakes that for purposesin a primary offering of determining any liability undersecurities of the Securities Act, each filing of our annual reportundersigned registrant pursuant to section 13(a) or section 15(d)this registration statement, regardless of the Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filingunderwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to section 15(d)any of the Exchange Act) that is incorporated by reference infollowing communications, the registration statement shall be deemed toundersigned registrant will be a new registration statement relatingseller to the securities offered therein,purchaser and the offering ofwill be considered to offer or sell such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

    (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of us pursuant to the provisions set forth in Item 15, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of us in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by us is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act, and we will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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purchaser:


(i)Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

(ii)Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;

(iii)The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and

(iv)Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.

(b)The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of any employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
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(c)
(c)The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act.
(d)Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and is, therefore, unenforceable.  In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrantRegistrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this pre-effective Amendment No. 2Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Chattanooga, State of Tennessee, on November 6, 2003.15, 2018.

                                              COVENANT TRANSPORTATION GROUP, INC.

By:/s/ David R. Parker
 COVENANT TRANSPORT, INC.

By: /s/ DAVID R. PARKER

 David R. Parker
 Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief
Executive Officer



POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that the undersigned directors and officers of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a Nevada corporation, which is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-3 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington, D.C. 20549, under the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, hereby constitutes and appoints David R. Parker, Richard B. Cribbs, M. Paul Bunn, Mark A. Scudder, and Heidi Hornung-Scherr, and each of them, the individual’s true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for the person and in his name, place, and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign such Registration Statement and any or all amendments, including post-effective amendments, to the Registration Statement, including a prospectus or an amended prospectus therein and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this pre-effective Amendment No. 2Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons or their duly authorized attorney-in-fact in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
Title
Date
   
Signature and TitleDate
/s/ DAVID R. PARKER
David R. Parker
Chairman of the Board,
President, and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
November 6, 200315, 2018
/s/ MICHAEL W. MILLER
Michael W. Miller,
Executive Vice President,
Chief Operating Officer, and Director
November 6, 2003David R. Parker
/s/ JOEY B. HOGAN
Joey B. Hogan, Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, and Assistant Secretary
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal
Accounting Officer)
November 6, 2003
/s/ WILLIAM T. ALT, BY MARK A. SCUDDER, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
William T. Alt, Director
November 6, 2003
/s/ ROBERT E. BOSWORTH, BY MARK A. SCUDDER, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Robert E. Bosworth, Director
November 6, 2003
/s/ HUGH O. MACLELLAN, JR., BY MARK A. SCUDDER, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Hugh O. Maclellan, Jr., Director
November 6, 2003
/s/ MARK A. SCUDDER
Mark A. Scudder, Director
November 6, 2003
/s/ BRADLEY A. MOLINE, BY MARK A. SCUDDER, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Bradley A. Moline, Director
November 6, 2003
/s/ NIEL B. NIELSON, BY MARK A. SCUDDER, ATTORNEY-IN-FACT
Niel B. Nielson, Director
November 6, 2003

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EXHIBIT INDEX

   
Exhibit/s/ Richard B. Cribbs
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
November 15, 2018
NumberDescription


Richard B. Cribbs
 1
/s/ M. Paul Bunn
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
November 15, 2018
M. Paul Bunn
  
/s/ William T. Alt
Director
November 15, 2018
William T. Alt
/s/ Robert E. Bosworth
Director
November 15, 2018
Robert E. Bosworth
/s/ Bradley A. Moline
Director
November 15, 2018
Bradley A. Moline
/s/ Herbert J. Schmidt
Director
November 15, 2018
Herbert J. Schmidt
/s/ W. Miller WelbornDirectorNovember 14, 2018
W. Miller Welborn



EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Exhibit Description
1*Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (previously filed as an exhibit to and incorporatedof the Company (incorporated by reference fromto Exhibit 3.199.2 to the Company’s Registration StatementCurrent Report on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-82978, effective October 28, 1994)8-K, filed with the SEC on May 29, 2007 (File Number 0-24960)).
3.2Second Amended By-Laws dated September 27, 1994 (previously filed as an exhibit to and incorporatedRestated Bylaws of the Company (Incorporated by reference fromto Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Registration StatementQuarterly Report on Form S-1, Registration No. 33-82978, effective October 28, 1994)10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2011, filed with the SEC on May 13, 2011 (File Number 0-24960)).
4.3*5Form of Certificate of Designations with respect to any series of preferred stock issued hereunder.
4.4**
Form of Indenture.
4.5*Form of Debt Securities.
4.6*Form of Rights Agreement.
4.7*Form of Warrant Agreement.
5**
Opinion of Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. (previously filed as an exhibit to and incorporated by reference from Exhibit 5 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-110018, filed October 28, 2003).
12**
Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
**Consent of Scudder Law Firm, P.C., L.L.O. (included inas part of Exhibit 5).
**Consent of KPMG LLP, independent public auditors.Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
**Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent public auditors.Coulter & Justus, P.C., Independent Auditors
Consent of LBMC, PC., Independent Auditors
24Power of Attorney (previously filed as an exhibit to(included on the signature pages herein)
25.1
Form T-1 Statement of Eligibility and incorporated by reference from Exhibit 24 toQualification under the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-3, Registration No. 333-110018, filed October 28, 2003).Trust Indenture Act of 1939.

*To be filed by amendment or as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference.

**Filed herewith.
To be filed, if applicable, in accordance with the requirements of Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and Rule 5b-3 thereunder.