LANDSTAR SYSTEM INC - Annual Report: 2019 (Form 10-K)

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Commission File Number:

(904)

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S-T

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non-accelerated

12b-2

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12b-2

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non-affiliates

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”), outstanding as of the close of business on January 24, 2020 was 39,483,360.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Landstar System, Inc. was incorporated in January 1991 under the laws of the State of Delaware. It acquired all of the capital stock of its predecessor, Landstar System Holdings, Inc. (“LSHI”) on March 28, 1991. Landstar System, Inc. has been a publicly held company since its initial public offering in March 1993. LSHI owns directly or indirectly all of the common stock of the following companies collectively referred to herein as Landstar’s “Operating Subsidiaries”: Landstar Ranger, Inc. (“Landstar Ranger”), Landstar Inway, Inc. (“Landstar Inway”), Landstar Ligon, Inc. (“Landstar Ligon”), Landstar Gemini, Inc. (“Landstar Gemini”), Landstar Transportation Logistics, Inc. (“Landstar Transportation Logistics”), Landstar Global Logistics, Inc. (“Landstar Global Logistics”), Landstar Express America, Inc. (“Landstar Express America”), and Landstar Canada, Inc. (“Landstar Canada”). Landstar System, Inc., LSHI, the Operating Subsidiaries and the other affiliated companies referred to herein are collectively referred to as “Landstar” or the “Company,” unless the context otherwise requires. The Company’s principal executive offices are located at 13410 Sutton Park Drive South, Jacksonville, Florida 32224 and its telephone number is (904) The Company makes available free of charge through its website its annual report on Form quarterly reports on Form current reports on Form proxy statements on Schedule 14A and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The Company’s website is www.landstar.com. The SEC maintains a website at http://www.sec.gov that contains the Company’s current and periodic reports, proxy and information statements and other information filed electronically with the SEC.

Landstar markets its integrated transportation management solutions primarily through independent commission sales agents and exclusively utilizes third party capacity providers to transport customers’ freight. Landstar’s independent commission sales agents enter into contractual arrangements with the Company and are responsible for locating freight, making that freight available to Landstar’s capacity providers and coordinating the transportation of the freight with customers and capacity providers. The Company’s third party capacity providers consist of independent contractors who provide truck capacity to the Company under exclusive lease arrangements (the “BCO Independent Contractors”), unrelated trucking companies who provide truck capacity to the Company under contractual arrangements (the “Truck Brokerage Carriers”), air cargo carriers, ocean cargo carriers and railroads. Through this network of agents and capacity providers linked together by Landstar’s information technology systems, Landstar operates an integrated transportation management solutions business primarily throughout North America with revenue of $4.1 billion during the most recently completed fiscal year. The nature of the Company’s business is such that a significant portion of its operating costs varies directly with revenue. The Company reports the results of two operating segments: the transportation logistics segment and the insurance segment.

. The transportation logistics segment’s truck transportation services include a full array of truckload transportation for a wide range of commodities and, to a lesser degree, less-than-truckload transportation services. A significant portion of the Company’s truckload services is delivered in the spot market over irregular or routes, while approximately 31% of the Company’s fiscal year 2019 truck transportation revenue was provided utilizing Landstar provided trailing equipment, which frequently is used on more routine, regular routes. The Company utilizes a broad assortment of equipment, including dry and specialty vans of various sizes, unsided/platform trailers (including flatbeds, drop decks and specialty trailers), temperature-controlled vans and containers. Available truck transportation services also include haul movement of containers by truck and expedited ground and dedicated power-only truck capacity. During fiscal year 2019, revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors and Truck Brokerage Carriers was 45% and 47%, respectively, of consolidated revenue. Also, during fiscal year 2019, truck transportation revenue generated via van equipment and unsided/platform trailing equipment was 63% and 34%, respectively, of truck transportation revenue and less-than-truckload revenue was 3% of truck transportation revenue. The Company’s truck services contributed 92% of consolidated revenue in fiscal year 2019 and 93% of consolidated revenue in both fiscal years 2018 and 2017.

The transportation logistics segment has contracts with Class 1 domestic and Canadian railroads, certain short-line railroads and most major asset-based intermodal equipment providers, including agreements with stacktrain operators and container and trailing equipment companies. In addition, the transportation logistics segment has contracts with a vast network of local trucking companies that handle and delivery of rail freight. These contracts provide the transportation logistics segment the ability to transport freight via rail throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. The transportation logistics segment’s rail intermodal service capabilities include trailer on flat car, container on flat car, box car and railcar. The transportation logistics segment’s rail intermodal services contributed 3% of consolidated revenue in each of fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The transportation logistics segment provides domestic and international air services and ocean services to its customers. The Company executes international air freight transportation as an International Air Transport Association (“IATA”) certified Indirect Air Carrier (“IAC”) and international ocean freight transportation as an Ocean Transportation Intermediary (“OTI”) licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission (“FMC”) as a operating common carrier (“NVOCC”) and ocean freight forwarder. Through its network of independent commission sales agents, relationships within a global network of foreign freight forwarders and contracts with a number of airlines and ocean lines, thetransportation logistics segment provides efficient and cost effective transportation to most points in the world for a vast array of cargo types such as break bulk, consolidations, full container loads, less-than container loads and refrigerated freight. The transportation logistics segment’s air and ocean services contributed 3% of consolidated revenue in each of fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017.

The Company’s primary contact with its customers is through its network of independent commission sales agents and, to a lesser extent, through employees of the Company. The typical Landstar independent commission sales agent maintains a relationship with a number of shippers and services these shippers utilizing the Company’s information technology systems and the various modes of transportation made available through the Company’s network of third party capacity providers. The Company provides assistance to the agents in developing additional relationships with shippers and enhancing agent and Company relationships with larger shippers through the Company’s field employees, located throughout the United States and Canada. The Operating Subsidiaries provide programs to support the agents’ operations and tools and data to assist agents in establishing pricing for freight hauled by the various modes of transportation available to the agents. It is important to note that the Operating Subsidiaries, and not the Company’s agents, contract directly with customers and generally assume the related credit risk and potential liability for freight losses or damages when the Company is providing transportation services as a motor carrier.

Management believes the Company has more independent commission sales agents than any other asset-light integrated transportation management solutions company in the United States. Landstar’s vast network of independent commission sales agent locations provides the Company regular contact with shippers at the local level and the capability to be highly responsive to shippers’ changing needs. The Company’s large fleet of available capacity provides the agent network the resources needed to service both large and small shippers. Through its agent network, the Company offers smaller shippers a level of service comparable to that typically enjoyed only by larger customers. Examples include the ability to provide transportation services on short notice, multiple and delivery points, automated information flow, access to specialized equipment, spotted van trailers and operations. In addition, a number of the Company’s agents specialize in certain types of freight and transportation services (such as oversized or heavy loads and/or rail, air and international freight transportation). Each independent commission sales agent has the opportunity to market all of the services provided by the transportation logistics segment.

The independent commission sales agents use a variety of proprietary and third party information technology applications provided by the Company to service the requirements of shippers. For truckload services, the Company’s independent commission sales agents primarily use Landstar proprietary software which enables agents to enter available freight, dispatch capacity and process most administrative procedures and then communicate that information to Landstar and its capacity providers via the internet. The Company’s available truck information system provides a listing of available truck capacity to the Company’s independent commission sales agents. The Company also offers independent commission sales agents with a variety of proprietary pricing, operational and financial tools. For modes of transportation other than truckload, the independent commission sales agents utilize both proprietary and third party information technology applications provided by the Company.

Management believes the Company has the largest fleet of truckload BCO Independent Contractors in the United States. BCO Independent Contractors provide truck capacity to the Company under exclusive lease arrangements. Each BCO Independent Contractor operates under the motor carrier operating authority issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation (“DOT”) to Landstar’s Operating Subsidiary to which such BCO Independent Contractor provides services and has leased his or her equipment. The Company’s network of BCO Independent Contractors provides marketing, operating, safety, recruiting and retention advantages to the Company.

At December 28, 2019, the Company maintained a database of over 56,000 approved Truck Brokerage Carriers who provide truck capacity to the Company. Truck Brokerage Carriers provide truck capacity to the Company under contractual arrangements and each operates under its own motor carrier operating authority. Truck Brokerage Carriers are paid either a negotiated rate for each load hauled or, to a lesser extent, a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate per load. The Company recruits, approves, establishes contracts with and tracks safety ratings and service records of these third party trucking companies. In addition to providing additional capacity to the Company, the use of Truck Brokerage Carriers enables the Company to pursue different types and quality of freight such as temperature-controlled, short-haul traffic and less-than-truckload and, in certain instances, lower-priced freight that generally would not be handled by the Company’s BCO Independent Contractors.

The Company has contracts with Class 1 domestic and Canadian railroads, certain short-line railroads and domestic and international airlines and ocean lines. These relationships allow the Company to pursue the freight best serviced by these forms of transportation capacity. Railroads are paid either a negotiated rate for each load hauled or a contractually agreed-upon fixed rate per load. Air cargo carriers are generally paid a negotiated rate for each load hauled. Ocean cargo carriers are generally paid contractually agreed-upon fixed rates per load. The Company also contracts with other third party capacity providers, such as air charter service providers, when required by specific customer needs.

 

 

Potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is severe and occurrences are unpredictable. For periods prior to May 1, 2019, Landstar retains liability for commercial trucking claims up to $5,000,000 per occurrence and maintains various third party insurance arrangements for liabilities in excess of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention. Effective May 1, 2019, the Company entered into a new three year commercial auto liability insurance arrangement for losses incurred between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 (the “Initial Excess Policy”) with a third party insurance company. For commercial trucking claims incurred on or after May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2022, the Initial Excess Policy provides for a limit for a single loss of $5,000,000, with an aggregate limit of $10,000,000 for each policy year, an aggregate limit of $15,000,000 for the month term ended April 30, 2022, and options to increase such aggregate limits for amounts of additional premium. In the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during any policy year (May 1 to April 30) exceed $10,000,000, the Company would retain liability of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence, inclusive of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention, for the remainder of such policy year. Moreover, in the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during the three year period ending April 30, 2022 exceed a threshold amount, the Company would be required to pay additional premium up to a maximum amount of $3,500,000.

In addition, FMCSA mandated the use of electronic logging devices (“ELDs”) in certain commercial motor vehicles effective December 18, 2017. The FMCSA’s ELD mandate has not adversely affected the size of the Company’s fleet of BCO Independent Contractors or its ability to source truck capacity provided by Truck Brokerage Carriers.

Additionally, certain of the Operating Subsidiaries are licensed as Ocean Transportation Intermediaries by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission as common carriers and/or as ocean freight forwarders. The Company’s air transportation activities in the United States are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an indirect air carrier. One of the Operating Subsidiaries is licensed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Bureau of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“U.S. Customs”) as a customs broker. The Company is also subject to regulations and requirements relating to safety and security promulgated by, among others, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through U.S. Customs and the Transportation Security Administration, the Canada Border Services Agency and various state and local agencies and port authorities. In addition, because the U.S. government is one of the Company’s customers, the Company must comply with and is affected by laws and regulations relating to doing business with the federal government.

 

 

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Self-Insured Claims,” potential liability associated with accidents in the trucking industry is severe and occurrences are unpredictable. For periods prior to May 1, 2019, Landstar retains liability for commercial trucking claims up to $5,000,000 per occurrence and maintains various third party insurance arrangements for liabilities in excess of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention. Effective May 1, 2019, the Company entered into a new three year commercial auto liability insurance arrangement for losses incurred between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 (the “Initial Excess Policy”) with a third party insurance company. For commercial trucking claims incurred on or after May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2022, the Initial Excess Policy provides for a limit for a single loss of $5,000,000, with an aggregate limit of $10,000,000 for each policy year, an aggregate limit of $15,000,000 for the month term ended April 30, 2022, and options to increase such aggregate limits for amounts of additional premium. In the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during any policy year (May 1 to April 30) exceed $10,000,000, the Company would retain liability of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence, inclusive of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention, for the remainder of such policy year. Moreover, in the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during the three year period ending April 30, 2022 exceed a threshold amount, the Company would be required to pay additional premium up to a maximum amount of $3,500,000.

Company’s loss exposure at the time of the second accident included its $5,000,000 self-insured retention and up to $3,500,000 in additional premium relating to aggregate losses above its self-insured retention during the policy year ending April 30, 2020. If, as a result of these or additional accidents, aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during the policy year ending April 30, 2020 exceed $10,000,000, Landstar would retain liability of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence, inclusive of its self-insured retention for commercial trucking claims during the remainder of such policy year. The Company continues to maintain third party insurance arrangements providing excess coverage on a per occurrence basis for commercial trucking liabilities in excess of $10,000,000.

The Company is dependent on a limited number of third party insurance companies to provide insurance coverage in excess of its self-insured retention amounts. Historically, the Company has maintained insurance coverage for commercial trucking claims in excess of its self-insured retention, up to various maximum amounts, with a limited number of third party insurance companies. In an attempt to manage the cost of insurance and claims, the Company has historically increased or decreased the level of its financial exposure to commercial trucking claims by increasing or decreasing its level of self-insured retention based on the estimated cost differential between proposed premiums from third party insurance companies and historical and actuarially projected losses experienced by the Company at various levels of self-insured retention. Similarly, in its excess insurance layers, the Company may increase or decrease the level of its financial exposure to commercial trucking claims, including through the use of additional self-insurance as well as deductibles, aggregate loss limits and other arrangements with third party insurance companies, based on the estimated cost differential between proposed premiums from third party insurance companies and historical and actuarially projected losses experienced by the Company at various levels of excess insurance coverage. To the extent that the third party insurance companies propose increases to their premiums for coverage of commercial trucking claims, the Company may decide to pay such increased premiums or increase its financial exposure on an aggregate, per occurrence or other basis, including by increasing the amount of its self-insured retention. In fact, in 2016, two of the largest third party insurers providing excess coverage for commercial trucking claims in the United States announced that in light of increased severity trends related to the increase in losses attributable to unfavorable verdicts, they would no longer provide such coverage. This decision by these two third party insurers had a significant negative impact on the availability and pricing of excess coverage for commercial trucking claims in the United States. No assurances can be given that other third party insurers will not also decide to exit the market as a provider of excess coverage for commercial trucking claims in the United States, which could have a further negative effect on the availability and pricing of such coverage. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that insurance coverage from third party insurers for claims in excess of the Company’s current $5 million self-insured retention will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms.

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Agent Network,” the Company markets its services primarily through independent commission sales agents. During fiscal year 2019, 555 agents generated revenue for Landstar of at least $1 million each, or in the aggregate approximately 93% of Landstar’s consolidated revenue. Landstar competes with motor carriers and other third parties for the services of these independent commission sales agents. Landstar has historically experienced very limited agent turnover in the number of its Million Dollar Agents. There can be no assurances, however, that Landstar will continue to experience very limited turnover of its Million Dollar Agents in the future. Landstar’s contracts with its agents, including its Million Dollar Agents, are typically terminable without cause upon 10 to 30 days’ notice by either party and generally contain significant but not unqualified provisions limiting the ability of a former agent to compete with Landstar for a specified period of time post-termination, and other restrictive covenants. The loss of some of the Company’s Million Dollar Agents and/or a significant decrease in revenue generated by Million Dollar Agents could have a material adverse effect on Landstar, including its results of operations and revenue.

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Transportation Capacity,” Landstar does not own trucks or other transportation equipment (other than trailing

The transportation industry historically has experienced cyclical financial results as a result of slowdowns in economic activity, the business cycles of customers, and other economic factors beyond Landstar’s control. If a slowdown in economic activity or a downturn in the Company’s customers’ business cycles cause a reduction in the volume of freight shipped by those customers, the Company’s operating results could be materially adversely affected.

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Competition,” Landstar competes primarily in the transportation and logistics services industry. This industry is extremely competitive and fragmented. Landstar competes primarily with truckload carriers, intermodal transportation service providers, railroads, less-than-truckload carriers, third party logistics companies, digital freight matching companies and other asset-light transportation and logistics service providers. Management believes that competition for the freight transported by the Company is based on service, efficiency and freight rates, which are influenced significantly by the economic environment, particularly the amount of available transportation capacity and freight demand. Historically, competition has created downward pressure on freight rates. In addition, many large shippers are using third party logistics providers (“3PLs”) other than the Company to outsource the management and coordination of their transportation needs rather than directly arranging for transportation services with carriers. As noted above, there were ten transportation service providers, including 3PLs, included in the Company’s top 25 customers for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2019. Usage by large shippers of 3PLs often provides carriers, such as the Company, with a less direct relationship with the shipper and, as a result, may increase pressure on freight rates while making it more difficult for the Company to compete primarily based on service and efficiency. A decrease in freight rates could have a material adverse effect on Landstar, including its revenue and operating income.

In recent years, the topic of the classification of individuals as employees or independent contractors has gained increased attention among federal and state regulators as well as the plaintiffs’ bar. Various legislative or regulatory proposals have been introduced at the federal and state levels that may affect the classification status of individuals as independent contractors or employees for either employment tax purposes (e.g., withholding, social security, Medicare and unemployment taxes) or other benefits available to employees (most notably, workers’ compensation benefits). Recently, certain states (most prominently, California) have seen significant increased activity by tax and other regulators and numerous class action lawsuits filed against transportation companies that engage independent contractors. For example, on January 25, 2019, a purported class action was filed in the Superior Court of the State of California for the County of San Bernardino by Hany Tanious, as an individual and on behalf of all others similarly situated, against Landstar System, Inc. and Landstar Ranger, Inc. See Part I, Item 3, “Legal Proceedings”, for further information.

state workers compensation boards, among others. For federal tax purposes, most individuals are classified as employees or independent contractors based on a multi-factor analysis rather than any definition found in the Internal Revenue Code or Internal Revenue Service regulations. In addition, under Section 530 of the Revenue Act of 1978, a taxpayer that meets certain criteria may treat an individual as an independent contractor for employment tax purposes if the taxpayer has been audited without being told to treat similarly situated workers as employees, if the taxpayer has received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service or a court decision affirming the taxpayer’s treatment of the individual as an independent contractor, or if the taxpayer is following a long-standing recognized practice.

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Regulation,” certain of the Operating Subsidiaries are motor carriers and/or property brokers authorized to arrange for transportation services by motor carriers which are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, and by various state agencies. Certain of the Operating Subsidiaries are licensed as Ocean Transportation Intermediaries by the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission as operating common carriers and/or as ocean freight forwarders. The Company’s air transportation activities in the United States are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation as an indirect air carrier. One of the Company’s subsidiaries is licensed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the Bureau of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (“U.S. Customs”) as a customs broker. The Company is also subject to regulations and requirements relating to safety and security promulgated by, among others, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through U.S. Customs and the Transportation Security Administration, the Canada Border Services Agency and various state and local agencies and port authorities.

Focus on diesel emissions, climate change and related air quality matters has led to efforts by federal, state and local governmental agencies to support legislation and regulations to limit the amount of carbon emissions, including emissions created by diesel engines utilized in tractors such as those operated by the Company’s BCO Independent Contractors and Truck Brokerage Carriers. Moreover, federal, state and local governmental agencies may also focus on regulation in relation to trailing equipment specifications in an effort to achieve, among other things, lower carbon emissions. For example, under the federal Clean Air Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) is responsible for prescribing national ambient air quality standards (“NAAQS”) for certain air pollutants, and each state is responsible for implementing those standards within its borders. Specifically, each state must adopt, and submit for the EPA’s approval, a state implementation plan (“SIP”) that provides for the implementation, maintenance, and enforcement of the NAAQS. In connection with its efforts to comply with the NAAQS, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) has implemented regulations that restrict the ability of certain tractors and trailers from operating in California and that impose emission standards on nearly all diesel-fueled trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 14,000 lbs. that operate in California. Moreover, these emission standards are scheduled to become increasingly stringent such that by January 1, 2023, nearly all diesel-fueled trucks with gross vehicle weight ratings in excess of 14,000 lbs. that operate in California will be required to have a 2010 or newer model year engine. In 2012, the EPA formally approved certain CARB regulations as part of California’s SIP, including CARB’s “Regulation to Reduce Emissions of Diesel Particulate Matter, Oxides of Nitrogen and Other Criteria Pollutants from Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Vehicles” (commonly referred to as the “Truck and Bus Regulation”) and “Regulation to Reduce Emissions of Diesel Particulate Matter, Oxides of Nitrogen and Other Criteria Pollutants from Heavy-Duty Diesel-Fueled Drayage Trucks” (commonly referred to as the “Drayage Truck Regulation”). The EPA thereafter received express authorization to enforce California’s SIP, including the Truck and Bus Regulation and the Drayage Truck Regulation.

As noted above in Item 1, “Business — Factors Significant to the Company’s Operations — Technology,” the Company’s information technology systems used in connection with its operations are located in Jacksonville, Florida and to a lesser extent in Rockford, Illinois. In addition, the Company utilizes several third party data centers throughout the U.S. Landstar relies, in the regular course of its business, on the proper operation of its information technology systems to link its extensive network of customers, agents and third party capacity providers, including its BCO Independent Contractors. Although the Company has redundant systems for its critical operations, any significant disruption or failure of its technology systems or those of third party data centers on which it relies could significantly disrupt the Company’s operations and impose significant costs on the Company. Moreover, it is critical that the data processed by or stored in the Company’s information technology systems or otherwise in the Company’s possession remain confidential, as it often includes confidential, proprietary and/or competitively sensitive information regarding our customers, agents and third party capacity providers, employee records and key financial and operational results and statistics. Cyber incidents that impact the security, availability, reliability, speed, accuracy or other proper functioning of these systems and data, including outages, computer viruses, and similar disruptions, could have a significant impact on our operations. Accordingly, information security and the continued development and enhancement of the controls and processes designed to protect our systems, computers, software, data and networks from attack, damage or unauthorized access remain a priority for us. Although we believe that we have robust security procedures and other safeguards in place, as threats continue to evolve, we may be required to expend additional resources to continue to enhance our information security measures and/or to investigate and remediate any security vulnerabilities. For example, in the first quarter of 2016, we were subject to “spear-phishing” attacks through which third parties were able to obtain personal employee data. We have undertaken a number of remedial measures in response, including enhancing our security systems and additional training for our employees. Additional incidents may occur in the future and may have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. A significant incident, including system failure, security breach, disruption by malware, or other damage, could interrupt or delay our operations, damage our reputation, cause a loss of customers, agents and/or third party capacity providers, expose us to a risk of loss or litigation, and/or cause us to incur significant time and expense to remedy such an event, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations and financial condition.

As described above under “”and “” the Company is dependent on certain vendors, including third party insurance companies, third party data center providers, third party information technology application providers and third party payment disbursement providers. Any inability to negotiate satisfactory terms with one of these key vendors or any other significant disruption to or termination of a relationship with one of these key vendors could disrupt the Company’s operations and impose significant costs on the Company.

From time to time, various legislative proposals are introduced to increase federal, state, or local taxes. On December 22, 2017, the President of the United States signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Reform Act”). The legislation significantly changed U.S. tax law by, among other things, lowering corporate income tax rates, implementing a territorial tax system and imposing a repatriation tax on deemed repatriated earnings of foreign subsidiaries. With respect to the change in corporate tax rates, the Tax Reform Act permanently reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. In connection with this reduction in the U.S. corporate income tax rate, the Company revalued its ending net deferred tax liabilities at December 30, 2017 resulting in a provisional $20,430,000 tax benefit in the Company’s consolidated statement of income for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. The Company cannot predict whether, or in what form, any increase in corporate income tax rates, motor fuel tax rates or other tax rates applicable to the transportation services provided by the Company will be enacted and, if enacted, how such increased tax rates may impact the Company. With respect to potential increases in fuel and similar taxes, it is unclear whether or not the Company’s Truck

Brokerage Carriers would attempt to pass the increase on to the Company or if the Company will be able to reflect this potential increased cost of capacity, if any, in prices to customers. Any such increase in fuel taxes, without a corresponding increase in price to the customer, could have a material adverse effect on Landstar, including its results of operations and financial condition. Moreover, competition from other transportation service companies including those that provide modes of transportation would likely increase if state or federal taxes on fuel were to increase without a corresponding increase in taxes imposed upon other modes of transportation.

The Company faces the risk of a catastrophic loss of the use of all or a portion of its facilities located in Jacksonville, Florida, Laredo, Texas and Rockford, Illinois due to hurricanes, flooding, tornados, other weather conditions, natural disasters, terrorist attacks or otherwise. The Company’s corporate headquarters and approximately of the Company’s employees are located in its Jacksonville, Florida facility. In particular, a significant hurricane or similar catastrophic event that impacts the Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan area could significantly disrupt the Company’s operations and impose significant costs on the Company.

The Company cannot predict the effect on its business of threatened or real terrorist attacks. It is possible that such threats could result in the catastrophic loss or disruption in use of facilities, roadways, railroads, borders or ports where the Company operates. Also, anti-terrorism security measures could slow freight movements and negatively affect consumer confidence, the overall economy and the transportation industry. Such events could adversely affect Landstar, including its results of operations and financial condition.

The Company uses both internally developed and purchased technology in conducting its business. Whether internally developed or purchased, it is possible that the use of these technologies could be claimed to infringe upon or violate the intellectual property rights of third parties. In the event that a claim is made against the Company by a third party for the infringement of intellectual property rights, any settlement or adverse judgment against the Company either in the form of increased costs of licensing or a cease and desist order in using the technology could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business and its results of operations.

. The Company is subject to federal and state laws relating to abandoned and unclaimed property. States routinely audit the records of companies to assess compliance with such laws. The Company is currently undergoing a multi-state unclaimed property audit, and in connection with such audit, has entered into a voluntary disclosure agreement (“VDA”) with the Delaware Department of Finance (“DOF”). The timing and outcome of this multi-state unclaimed property audit cannot be predicted. The Company may incur significant professional fees in connection with the audit and VDA. If the Company is found to be in noncompliance with applicable unclaimed property laws or the manner in which such laws are interpreted or applied, states may determine that they are entitled to the remittance by the Company of significant amounts of unclaimed or abandoned property and further may seek to impose other significant costs on the Company, including penalties and interest.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Under the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 EIP”), the issuance of (i) a share of Landstar Common Stock issued in the form of restricted stock and (ii) a share of Landstar Common Stock issued upon the vesting of a previously granted restricted stock unit each counts as the issuance of two securities against the number of securities available for future issuance. Included in the number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans were 66,454 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance under the 2013 Directors’ Stock Compensation Plan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following is a “safe harbor” statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements contained in this document that are not based on historical facts are “forward-looking statements.” This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and other sections of this Form contain forward-looking statements, such as statements which relate to Landstar’s business objectives, plans, strategies and expectations. Terms such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “intention,” “expects,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “will,” the negative thereof and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are by nature subject to uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to: an increase in the frequency or severity of accidents or other claims; unfavorable development of existing accident claims; dependence on third party insurance companies; dependence on independent commission sales agents; dependence on third party capacity providers; decreased demand for transportation services; U.S. foreign trade relationships; substantial industry competition;disruptions or failures in the Company’s computer systems; cyber and other information security incidents; dependence on key vendors; changes in fuel taxes; status of independent contractors; regulatory and legislative changes; regulations focused on diesel emissions and other air quality matters; catastrophic loss of a Company facility; intellectual property; unclaimed property; and other operational, financial or legal risks or uncertainties detailed in this and Landstar’s other SEC filings from time to time and described in Item 1A in this Form under the heading “Risk Factors.” These risks and uncertainties could cause actual results or events to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated. Investors should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.

Landstar markets its integrated transportation management solutions primarily through independent commission sales agents and exclusively utilizes third party capacity providers to transport customers’ freight. Landstar’s independent commission sales agents enter into contractual arrangements with the Company and are responsible for locating freight, making that freight available to Landstar’s capacity providers and coordinating the transportation of the freight with customers and capacity providers. The Company’s third party capacity providers consist of independent contractors who provide truck capacity to the Company under exclusive lease arrangements (the “BCO Independent Contractors”), unrelated trucking companies who provide truck capacity to the Company under contractual arrangements (the “Truck Brokerage Carriers”), air cargo carriers, ocean cargo carriers and railroads. Through this network of agents and capacity providers linked together by Landstar’s information technology systems, Landstar operates an integrated transportation management solutions business primarily throughout North America with revenue of $4.1 billion during the most recently completed fiscal year. The Company reports the results of two operating segments: the transportation logistics segment and the insurance segment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For periods prior to May 1, 2019, Landstar retains liability for commercial trucking claims up to $5,000,000 per occurrence and maintains various third party insurance arrangements for liabilities in excess of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention. Effective May 1, 2019, the Company entered into a new three year commercial auto liability insurance arrangement for losses incurred between $5,000,000 and $10,000,000 (the “Initial Excess Policy”) with a third party insurance company. For commercial trucking claims incurred on or after May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2022, the Initial Excess Policy provides for a limit for a single loss of $5,000,000, with an aggregate limit of $10,000,000 for each policy year, an aggregate limit of $15,000,000 for the month term ended April 30, 2022, and options to increase such aggregate limits for amounts of additional premium. In the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during any policy year (May 1 to April 30) exceed $10,000,000, the Company would retain liability of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence, inclusive of its $5,000,000 self-insured retention, for the remainder of such policy year. Moreover, in the event paid aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during the three year period ending April 30, 2022 exceed a threshold amount, the Company would be required to pay additional premium up to a maximum amount of $3,500,000.

As previously disclosed, BCO Independent Contractors with a subsidiary of the Company have been involved in two tragic accidents during the policy year ending April 30, 2020, the first of which occurred in the 2019 third quarter and the second of which occurred in the 2020 first quarter. With respect to the second accident, the Company is still in the process of obtaining all the facts concerning this incident and, as such, it is too soon to estimate the Company’s ultimate financial exposure. The Company’s loss exposure at the time of the second accident included its $5,000,000 self-insured retention and up to $3,500,000 in additional premium relating to aggregate losses above its self-insured retention during the policy year ending April 30, 2020. If, as a result of these or additional accidents, aggregate losses under the Initial Excess Policy during the policy year ending April 30, 2020 exceed $10,000,000, Landstar would retain liability of up to $10,000,000 per occurrence, inclusive of its self-insured retention for commercial trucking claims during the remainder of such policy year. The Company continues to maintain third party insurance arrangements providing excess coverage on a per occurrence basis for commercial trucking liabilities in excess of $10,000,000.

 

 

Management believes that a discussion of indirect costs as a percentage of gross profit is useful and meaningful to investors for the following principal reasons: (1) disclosure of these relative measures (i.e., each indirect operating cost line item as a percentage of gross profit) allows investors to better understand the underlying trends in the Company’s results of operations; (2) due to the generally fixed nature of these indirect costs (other than insurance and claims costs), these relative measures are meaningful to investors’ evaluations of the Company’s management of its indirect costs attributable to operations; (3) management considers this financial information in its decision-making, such as budgeting for infrastructure, trailing equipment and selling, general and administrative costs; and (4) this information facilitates comparisons by investors of the Company’s results to the results of other or asset-light companies in the transportation and logistics services industry who report “net revenue” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, which represents revenue less the cost of purchased transportation. The difference between the Company’s use of the term “gross profit” and the use of the term “net revenue” by other companies in the transportation and logistics services industry is due to the direct cost of commissions to agents under the Landstar business model, whereas other companies in this industry generally have no commissions to agents.

Truck transportation revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors and Truck Brokerage Carriers (together, the “third party truck capacity providers”) for fiscal year 2019 was $3,765,329,000, representing 92% of total revenue, a decrease of $515,083,000, or 12%, compared to fiscal year 2018. Revenue per load on loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers decreased approximately 10% in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018, and the number of loads hauled by third party truck capacity providers decreased approximately 3% in fiscal year 2019 compared to fiscal year 2018. The decrease in revenue per load on loads hauled via truck was primarily due to a softer freight demand environment experienced during the 2019 fiscal year, which resulted in more readily available truck capacity as compared to the 2018 fiscal year. Revenue per load on loads hauled via van equipment decreased 11%, revenue per load on loads hauled via unsided/platform equipment decreased 6% and revenue per load on less-than-truckload loadings decreased 10% as compared to the 2018 fiscal year. The decrease in the number of loads hauled via truck compared to fiscal year 2018 was primarily attributable to a decrease in demand for the Company’s truckload services provided via van equipment. Fuel surcharges billed to customers on revenue generated by BCO Independent Contractors are excluded from revenue. Fuel surcharges on Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue identified separately in billings to customers and included as a component of Truck Brokerage Carrier revenue were $79,486,000 and $101,346,000 in fiscal years 2019 and 2018, respectively. It should be noted that billings to many customers of the Company’s truck brokerage services include a single rate that does not separately identify fuel surcharges on loads hauled via Truck Brokerage Carriers. Accordingly, the overall impact of changes in fuel prices on revenue and revenue per load on loads hauled via truck is likely to be greater than that indicated.

billings to many customers of the Company’s truck brokerage services include a single rate that does not separately identify fuel surcharges on loads hauled via Truck Brokerage Carriers. Accordingly, the overall impact of changes in fuel prices on revenue and revenue per load on loads hauled via truck is likely to be greater than that indicated.

The Tax Reform Act permanently reduced the U.S. corporate income tax rate from a maximum of 35% to a flat 21% rate, effective January 1, 2018. The Company’s estimated annual effective income tax rate reflects a provision for both federal income taxes and state and local income taxes. The provisions for income taxes for the 2018 and 2017 fiscal years were based on estimated annual effective income tax rates of 24.5% and 37.8%, respectively, adjusted for discrete events, such as benefits resulting from stock-based awards. The actual effective income tax rate for fiscal year 2018 was 22.3%, which was higher than the statutory federal income tax rate of 21% primarily attributable to state taxes, the Tax Reform Act’s elimination of the performance-based compensation exception under Section 162(m) and the meals and entertainment exclusion. The effective income tax rate in the 2018 fiscal year of 22.3% was lower than the 24.5% estimated annual effective income tax rate primarily due to excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements in the 2018 fiscal year, favorable adjustments recognized during the 2018 fiscal year relating to federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits and the favorable resolution of certain tax matters during the 2018 fiscal year. The actual effective income tax rate for fiscal year 2017 was 26.5%, which was lower than the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% and the estimated annual effective income tax rate of 37.8% primarily as a result of (i) the enactment of the Tax Reform Act during fiscal year 2017, which resulted in tax benefits of approximately $19,500,000 related to the Company’s reasonable estimate of the change in future tax rates on net deferred tax liabilities, (ii) federal domestic production activities deductions and research and development credits, (iii) excess tax benefits recognized on stock-based compensation arrangements resulting from the Company’s adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU during fiscal year 2017 and (iv) disqualifying dispositions of the Company’s common stock by employees who obtained the stock through exercises of incentive stock options in the 2017 period, partially offset by (v) the effect of state taxes and (vi) the meals and entertainment exclusion.

On September 20, 2017, the Company completed the Mexican Asset Acquisition, as described in “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.” Cash consideration paid in fiscal year 2017 for the acquisition was approximately $8,460,000. In connection with the Mexican Asset Acquisition, the Company assumed approximately $2,200,000 in liabilities consisting of additional contingent purchase price and associated indirect taxes, none of which remained outstanding at December 29, 2018. As it relates to the interests of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios, on August 10, 2018, Landstar acquired approximately 9% of each of Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios from the minority equityholders in connection with the settlement of certain penalties relating to post-closing operating commitments of Fletes Avella to Landstar Metro. In connection with the settlement of several matters relating to the wind-down of the commercial relationship between Fletes Avella, its owners and Landstar Metro, on January 29, 2019, Landstar acquired all of the remaining equity interests in Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios held by their former minority equityholders. Accordingly, as of such date, Landstar Metro and Landstar Servicios each became wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. Cash consideration paid in the 2019 fiscal year to purchase these remaining equity interests was $600,000.

 

 

As of December 28, 2019, the Company had no sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Assets and liabilities of the Company’s Canadian and Mexican operations are translated from their functional currency to U.S. dollars using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and revenue and expense accounts are translated at average monthly exchange rates during the period. Adjustments resulting from the translation process are included in accumulated other comprehensive income. Transactional gains and losses arising from receivable and payable balances, including intercompany balances, in the normal course of business that are denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the operation are recorded in the statements of income when they occur. The assets held at the Company’s Canadian and Mexican subsidiaries at December 28, 2019 were collectively, as translated to U.S. dollars, less than 6% of total consolidated assets. Accordingly, translation gains or losses of 10% or less related to the Canadian and Mexican operations would not be material.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.