Annual Statements Open main menu

US XPRESS ENTERPRISES INC - Quarter Report: 2007 June (Form 10-Q)

form10q_063007.htm

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

FORM 10-Q

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2007

or

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______________to_______________

Commission File Number: 0-24806
 
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Nevada
 
62-1378182
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
     
4080 Jenkins Road
   
Chattanooga, Tennessee
 
37421
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(423) 510-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o                      No x

As of August 1, 2007, 12,130,098 shares of the registrant’s Class A common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 3,040,262 shares of the registrant’s Class B common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.


U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I
PAGE NO.
     
Item 1.
 
     
 
3
     
 
4
     
 
6
     
 
7
     
Item 2.
13
     
Item 3.
24
     
Item 4.
24
     
PART II.
 
     
Item 1A.
25
     
Item 2.
26
   
Item 4.
26
     
Item 5. Other Information 27
     
Item 6.
27
     
 
28



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.
Financial Statements

 
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
(Unaudited)


   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating Revenue:
                       
Revenue, before fuel surcharge
  $
344,286
    $
331,976
    $
660,838
    $
594,441
 
Fuel surcharge
   
56,061
     
57,486
     
100,382
     
94,730
 
Total operating revenue
   
400,347
     
389,462
     
761,220
     
689,171
 
                                 
Operating Expenses:
                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
   
133,578
     
127,141
     
260,676
     
229,995
 
Fuel and fuel taxes
   
92,920
     
89,196
     
173,017
     
155,533
 
Vehicle rents
   
24,620
     
19,333
     
47,605
     
37,731
 
Depreciation and amortization, net of gain/loss on sale
   
19,441
     
15,794
     
38,971
     
27,668
 
Purchased transportation
   
60,397
     
61,304
     
115,020
     
107,813
 
Operating expenses and supplies
   
24,569
     
25,233
     
48,206
     
44,557
 
Insurance premiums and claims
   
15,971
     
16,285
     
30,922
     
29,553
 
Operating taxes and licenses
   
4,544
     
4,328
     
8,821
     
7,991
 
Communications and utilities
   
2,884
     
3,606
     
5,765
     
6,478
 
General and other operating expenses
   
10,905
     
11,312
     
21,397
     
21,164
 
Loss on sale and exit of business
   
-
     
400
     
-
     
400
 
Total operating expenses
   
389,829
     
373,932
     
750,400
     
668,883
 
                                 
Income from Operations
   
10,518
     
15,530
     
10,820
     
20,288
 
                                 
Interest expense, net
   
5,482
     
4,690
     
10,964
     
7,789
 
Equity in (income) loss of affiliated companies
    (242 )    
341
      (366 )    
559
 
Minority interest
   
61
     
365
     
10
     
503
 
     
5,301
     
5,396
     
10,608
     
8,851
 
                                 
Income before income taxes
   
5,217
     
10,134
     
212
     
11,437
 
                                 
Income tax provision
   
2,482
     
4,410
     
106
     
4,978
 
                                 
Net Income
  $
2,735
    $
5,724
    $
106
    $
6,459
 
                                 
Earnings Per Share - basic
  $
0.18
    $
0.37
    $
0.01
    $
0.42
 
Weighted average shares - basic
   
15,155
     
15,321
     
15,215
     
15,323
 
Earnings Per Share - diluted
  $
0.18
    $
0.37
    $
0.01
    $
0.42
 
Weighted average shares – diluted
   
15,318
     
15,614
     
15,407
     
15,559
 


(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

 
ASSETS
 
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $
300
    $
913
 
Customer receivables, net of allowance
   
180,087
     
168,079
 
Other receivables
   
11,709
     
15,398
 
Prepaid insurance and licenses
   
13,943
     
25,777
 
Operating and installation supplies
   
7,658
     
7,767
 
Deferred income taxes
   
25,545
     
25,545
 
Other current assets
   
12,091
     
10,665
 
Total current assets
   
251,333
     
254,144
 
                 
Property and Equipment, at cost:
               
Land and buildings
   
74,045
     
67,358
 
Revenue and service equipment
   
554,668
     
537,570
 
Furniture and equipment
   
36,180
     
35,441
 
Leasehold improvements
   
27,668
     
29,857
 
Computer software
   
41,437
     
39,584
 
     
733,998
     
709,810
 
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (204,569 )     (180,813 )
Net property and equipment
   
529,429
     
528,997
 
                 
Other Assets:
               
Goodwill, net
   
95,694
     
94,307
 
Other
   
27,099
     
25,919
 
Total other assets
   
122,793
     
120,226
 
                 
Total Assets
  $
903,555
    $
903,367
 

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)


U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
June 30, 2007
   
December 31, 2006
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
Current Liabilities:
           
Accounts payable
  $
66,101
    $
47,770
 
Book overdraft
   
2,039
     
19,368
 
Accrued wages and benefits
   
21,301
     
22,562
 
Claims and insurance accruals, current
   
51,307
     
49,928
 
Other accrued liabilities
   
8,434
     
9,137
 
Securitization facility
   
20,000
     
37,000
 
Current maturities of long-term debt
   
59,010
     
51,221
 
Total current liabilities
   
228,192
     
236,986
 
                 
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
   
258,580
     
252,313
 
                 
Deferred income taxes
   
122,512
     
114,679
 
                 
Other long-term liabilities
   
2,720
     
3,186
 
                 
Claims and insurance accruals, long-term
   
38,152
     
40,125
 
                 
Minority interest
   
3,589
     
3,579
 
                 
Stockholders’ Equity:
               
                 
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued
   
-
     
-
 
Common Stock Class A, $.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 16,013,173 and 15,958,837 shares issued at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively
   
160
     
160
 
Common Stock Class B, $.01 par value, 7,500,000 shares authorized, 3,040,262 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006
   
30
     
30
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
163,074
     
162,001
 
Retained earnings
   
130,329
     
130,373
 
Treasury Stock, Class A, at cost (3,883,075 and 3,683,075 shares at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively)
    (43,766 )     (40,048 )
Notes receivable from stockholders
    (17 )     (17 )
Total stockholders’ equity
   
249,810
     
252,499
 
                 
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
  $
903,555
    $
903,367
 

(See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements)
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
           
Net income
  $
106
    $
6,459
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Equity in (income) loss of affiliated companies
    (366 )    
559
 
Deferred income tax provision
   
106
     
2,489
 
Provision for losses on receivables
   
281
     
1,041
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
38,757
     
29,398
 
Stock-based compensation expense
   
787
     
301
 
Tax benefit realized from stock option plans
    (18 )     (159 )
Loss (gain) on sale of equipment
   
214
      (1,730 )
Loss on sale and exit of business
   
-
     
400
 
Minority interest expense
   
10
     
503
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
               
Receivables
    (9,896 )    
10,858
 
Prepaid insurance and licenses
   
11,833
     
8,410
 
Operating and installation supplies
   
232
     
168
 
Other assets
    (2,444 )    
792
 
Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities
   
25,288
      (4,963 )
Accrued wages and benefits
    (1,384 )    
983
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
63,506
     
55,509
 
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
               
Payments for purchases of property and equipment
    (67,573 )     (102,105 )
Proceeds from sales of property and equipment
   
33,577
     
34,353
 
Acquisition of businesses, net of cash acquired
    (5,655 )     (6,806 )
Investment in affiliate company
    (739 )    
-
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (40,390 )     (74,558 )
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
               
Net borrowings under lines of credit
   
1,950
     
-
 
Net (payments) borrowings under securitization facility
    (17,000 )    
22,000
 
Borrowings under long-term debt
   
42,896
     
32,720
 
Payments of long-term debt
    (30,790 )     (32,578 )
Additions to deferred financing costs
   
-
      (613 )
Book overdraft
    (17,329 )     (7,804 )
Purchase of Class A Common Stock
    (3,718 )     (1,601 )
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
   
60
     
707
 
Tax benefit from stock options
   
18
     
159
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
   
184
     
179
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (23,729 )    
13,169
 
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents
    (613 )     (5,880 )
Cash and Cash Equivalents, beginning of period
   
913
     
9,488
 
Cash and Cash Equivalents, end of period
  $
300
    $
3,608
 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
               
Cash paid during the period for interest, net of capitalized interest
  $
10,692
    $
7,569
 
Cash (refunded) paid during the period for income taxes, net
  $ (11,391 )   $
9,208
 



U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
The interim consolidated financial statements contained herein reflect all adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the financial condition and results of operations for the periods presented. They have been prepared by U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. (the "Company"), in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.
 
Operating results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2007. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consisted only of items that are of a normal recurring nature.
 
These interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s latest annual consolidated financial statements (which are included in the Company’s Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 16, 2007).
 
2.  Organization and Operations
 
The Company provides transportation services through two business segments: (i) U.S. Xpress, Inc. (“U.S. Xpress”), Arnold Transportation, Inc. (“Arnold”), and Total Transportation of Mississippi LLC (“Total”), comprise our truckload segment, (“Truckload”); and (ii) Xpress Global Systems, Inc. (“Xpress Global Systems”). U.S. Xpress, Arnold, and Total are truckload carriers serving the continental United States and parts of Canada and Mexico. Xpress Global Systems provides transportation, warehousing, and distribution services primarily to the floorcovering industry.
 
Financial Accounting Standard 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information”, permits for the aggregation of separate operating segments into one reporting segment if they have similar economic characteristics and if the segments are similar in each of the following areas: a) the nature and products of the services, b) the nature of the production process, c) the type or class of customer for their products and services, d) the methods used to distribute their products or provide their services, and e) if applicable, the nature of the regulatory environment. The Company notes U.S. Xpress, Arnold, and Total have these similarities and are consolidated into one reporting segment “Truckload”, while Xpress Global Systems is reported separately.
 
3.  Earnings Per Share
 
The difference in basic and diluted weighted average shares is due to the assumed conversion of outstanding stock options and unvested restricted stock. The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Net Income
  $
2,735
    $
5,724
    $
106
    $
6,459
 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in thousands)
   
15,155
     
15,321
     
15,215
     
15,323
 
Equivalent shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and conversion of unvested restricted stock (in thousands)
   
163
     
293
     
192
     
236
 
Diluted shares (in thousands)
   
15,318
     
15,614
     
15,407
     
15,559
 
Earnings per share:
                               
Basic
  $
0.18
    $
0.37
    $
0.01
    $
0.42
 
Diluted
  $
0.18
    $
0.37
    $
0.01
    $
0.42
 
 
During the second quarter of 2007, the Company issued 215,600 restricted shares vesting over the next five years.
 


4.  Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is party to certain legal proceedings incidental to its business. The ultimate disposition of these matters, in the opinion of management, based in part upon the advice of legal counsel, is not expected to have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
 
The Company had letters of credit of $91,036 outstanding at June 30, 2007. The letters of credit are maintained primarily to support the Company’s insurance program.
 
The Company currently has commitments outstanding to acquire revenue and communications equipment and development of terminals for approximately $84,439 over the next 12 months. These revenue equipment commitments are cancelable, subject to certain adjustments in the underlying obligations and benefits. These purchase commitments are expected to be financed by operating leases, long-term debt, proceeds from sales of existing equipment, and cash flows from operations.
 
5.  Business Acquisitions
 
In January of 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of a truckload carrier for a purchase price of $5.6 million in cash. The assets acquired of approximately $4.8 million related primarily to revenue equipment and other assets. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The purchase price allocation is preliminary as the Company is still reviewing the valuations of certain assets.
 
In the fourth quarter of 2004, the Company acquired 49% of the outstanding stock of ATS Acquisition Holding Co. ("ATS"), the parent company of Arnold. In the second quarter of 2005, the Company acquired 49% of the outstanding stock of Transportation Investments Inc. ("TII"), the parent company of Total, and certain affiliated companies (together with TII, the "Total Companies"). Certain members of Arnold’s current management team controlled the remaining 51% interest as well as a majority of the board of directors of ATS, and certain members of the Total management team controlled the remaining 51% interest and a majority of the boards of directors of each of the Total Companies. The Company did not guarantee any of ATS' or the Total Companies' debt and did not have any obligation to provide funding, services, or assets. The Company accounted for ATS' and the Total Companies' operating results using the equity method of accounting.
 
On February 28, 2006, the Company increased its ownership interest in both ATS and the Total Companies for approximately $7.9 million in cash. In the transactions, the Company increased its holdings to 80% of the outstanding stock of ATS and the Total Companies through the purchase of stock owned by the current management teams of Arnold and Total. The Arnold and Total management teams continue to hold 20% of the outstanding stock of ATS and the Total Companies, respectively. In connection with these transactions, ATS and the Total Companies became parties to, and guarantors of, the Company's revolving credit facility.
 
In connection with increasing its investments in ATS and the Total Companies, the Company issued an aggregate of 40,466 shares of restricted stock to key employees of those companies under its 2002 Stock Incentive Plan.  The restricted shares vest over periods up to four years contingent upon continued employment.  The Company recorded compensation expense in accordance with SFAS 123R in relation to these shares.
 
The above acquisitions are accounted for under the rules of SFAS 141. The Company’s investment to date in ATS and the Total companies totals $21.1 million. The allocation of the purchase cost consisted of $181.5 million in assets, of which $119.9 million is property and equipment, and $182.9 million in liabilities, of which $118.5 million is current and long-term debt. $22.4 million of this investment has been allocated to goodwill. $1.1 million of cash was acquired as of the date of the increased investment.
 
The primary reasons for the acquisitions and the principal factors that contributed to the recognition of goodwill are as follows: 1) ATS and the Total Companies compliment the Company’s current presence in the United States by creating a denser capacity of revenue equipment and drivers and 2) Cost savings are expected through the sharing of best practices within the three companies in addition to increased purchasing power.
 
Commencing March 1, 2006, the Company has accounted for its investments in ATS and the Total Companies on a consolidated basis. 
 


The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents a summary of the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 had the acquisitions of ATS and the Total Companies taken place as of January 1, 2006.

   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
 
Revenue, net of fuel surcharge
  $
660,838
    $
642,936
 
Net income (loss)
   
106
     
6,531
 
Earnings (loss) per share - Basic
  $
0.01
    $
0.43
 
Earnings (loss) per share - Diluted
  $
0.01
    $
0.42
 

In the transactions that increased the Company’s ownership to 80%, the Company also obtained the right to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors of ATS. The Company retains options to purchase the remaining 20% of each of ATS and the Total Companies through December 8, 2007 and October 1, 2008, respectively. If the Company fails to exercise such options prior to such dates, the members of the current Arnold and Total management teams will have similar options to repurchase the Company’s interests in ATS and the Total Companies, respectively.
 
6.  Equity Investment
 
In June 2007, the Company indirectly acquired a 40% interest in C&C Trucking of Duncan (“C&C Trucking”) for $739.  Under the agreement, the Company can acquire the remaining 60% interest from 2008 to 2012.  We have accounted for C&C Trucking operating results using the equity method of accounting.
 
7.  Operating Segments
 
The Company has two reportable segments based on the types of services it provides to its customers: Truckload (U.S. Xpress, Arnold, and Total), which provides truckload operations throughout the continental United States and parts of Canada and Mexico; and Xpress Global Systems, which provides transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to the floorcovering industry. Substantially all intersegment sales prices are market based. The Company evaluates performance based on operating income of the respective business units.
 
   
Truckload
   
Xpress Global Systems
   
Consolidated
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2007
                 
Revenue - external customers
  $
374,500
    $
25,847
    $
400,347
 
Intersegment revenue
   
1,173
     
-
     
1,173
 
Operating income
   
8,526
     
1,992
     
10,518
 
Total assets
   
882,222
     
21,333
     
903,555
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
                       
Revenue - external customers
  $
363,855
    $
25,607
    $
389,462
 
Intersegment revenue
   
1,544
     
-
     
1,544
 
Operating income
   
13,836
     
1,694
     
15,530
 
Total assets
   
782,077
     
24,299
     
806,376
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
                       
Revenue - external customers
  $
712,817
    $
48,403
    $
761,220
 
Intersegment revenue
   
2,369
     
-
     
2,369
 
Operating income
   
7,289
     
3,531
     
10,820
 
Total assets
   
882,222
     
21,333
     
903,555
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
                       
Revenue - external customers
  $
641,131
    $
48,040
    $
689,171
 
Intersegment revenue
   
2,819
     
-
     
2,819
 
Operating income
   
18,225
     
2,063
     
20,288
 
Total assets
   
782,077
     
24,299
     
806,376
 
                         
 
The difference in consolidated operating income, as shown above, and consolidated income before income taxes on the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, consists of net interest expense of $5,482 and $4,690, equity in (income) loss of affiliated companies of $(242) and $341 and minority interest of $61 and $365.
 
The difference in consolidated operating income, as shown above, and consolidated statement of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively, consists of net interest expense of $10,964 and $7,789, equity in (income) loss of affiliated companies of $(366) and $559, and minority interest of $10 and $503.
 


8.  Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006 consisted of the following: 
 
   
June 30,
2007
   
December 31,
2006
 
Obligation under line of credit with a group of banks, maturing March 2011
  $
3,650
    $
1,700
 
Revenue equipment installment notes with finance companies, weighted average interest rate of 6.04% and 5.99% at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively, due in monthly installments with final maturities at various dates through August 2013, secured by related revenue equipment with a net book value of $275.3 million at June 30, 2007 and $265.8 million at December 31, 2006
   
277,436
     
263,953
 
Mortgage note payable, interest rate of 6.73% at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, due in monthly installments through October 2010, with final payment of $6.3 million, secured by real estate with a net book value of $12.8 million at June 30, 2007 and $12.9 million at December 31, 2006
   
7,609
     
7,782
 
Mortgage note payable, interest rate of 6.26% at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, due in monthly installments through December 2030, secured by real estate with a net book value of $15.7 million at June 30, 2007 and $15.9 million at December 31, 2006
   
16,556
     
16,709
 
Mortgage note payable, interest rate of 6.98% at June 30, 2007, maturing August, 2031, secured by real estate with a net book value of $13.5 million at June 30, 2007 and $13.7 million at December 31, 2006
   
10,336
     
10,416
 
Mortgage notes payable, interest rate ranging from 5.0% to 7.25% maturing at various dates through January 2009, secured by real estate with a net book value of $2.9 million at June 30, 2007 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2006
   
1,109
     
1,204
 
Capital lease obligations maturing through September 2008
   
838
     
1,510
 
Other
   
56
     
260
 
     
317,590
     
303,534
 
Less:  current maturities of long-term debt
    (59,010 )     (51,221 )
    $
258,580
    $
252,313
 
 
The Company is party to a $130,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and letter of credit sub-facility with a group of banks with a maturity date in March 2011.  The credit facility is secured by revenue equipment and certain other assets and bears interest at the base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin of 0.00% to 0.25%, or LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.88% to 2.00%, based on the Company's lease-adjusted leverage ratio.
 
At June 30, 2007, the applicable margin was 0.25% for base rate loans and 2.00% for LIBOR loans. The credit facility also prescribes additional fees for letter of credit transactions and a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the loan commitment (2.00% and 0.35%, respectively, at June 30, 2007).  At June 30, 2007, $91,036 in letters of credit was outstanding under the credit facility with $34,601 available to borrow. The credit facility is secured by substantially all assets of the Company, other than real estate and assets securing other debt of the Company.
 
The credit facility requires, among other things, maintenance by the Company of prescribed minimum amounts of consolidated tangible net worth, fixed charge and asset coverage ratios, and a leverage ratio. Subject to certain defined exceptions, it also restricts the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, investment transactions, acquisitions of the Company’s own capital stock or the payment of dividends on such stock, future asset dispositions (except in the ordinary course of business), or other business combination transactions, and to incur liens and future indebtedness. As of June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the credit facility covenants.
 


9.  Accounts Receivable Securitization
 
The Company is party to a $140,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility").  On a revolving basis, the Company sells accounts receivable as part of a two-step securitization transaction that provides the Company with funding similar to a revolving credit facility.  To facilitate this transaction, Xpress Receivables, LLC ("Xpress Receivables"), a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity, purchases accounts receivable from U.S. Xpress, Arnold, Total, and Xpress Global Systems.  Xpress Receivables funds these purchases with money borrowed under the Securitization Facility through Three Pillars Funding, LLC.
 
The borrowings are secured by, and paid down through collections on, the accounts receivable. The Company can borrow up to $140,000 under the Securitization Facility, subject to eligible receivables, and pays interest on borrowings based on commercial paper interest rates, plus an applicable margin, and a commitment fee on the daily, unused portion of the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility is reflected as a current liability in the consolidated financial statements because its term, subject to annual renewals, expires October 11, 2007. As of June 30, 2007, the Company’s borrowings under the Securitization Facility were $20,000, with $116,961 available to borrow.
 
The Securitization Facility requires that certain performance ratios be maintained with respect to accounts receivable and that Xpress Receivables preserve its bankruptcy-remote nature. As of June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the Securitization Facility covenants.
 
10.  Loss on Sale and Exit of Business
 
On May 31, 2005, Xpress Global Systems exited the unprofitable airport-to-airport business and conveyed its customer list and a non-compete agreement to a company in exchange for $12,750 in cash.  Following the transaction, Xpress Global Systems continues to provide transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to the floorcovering industry. In connection with the sale and exit of the airport-to-airport business, Xpress Global Systems incurred costs related to the shutdown of certain facilities, including employee severance, the write-off of certain intangible assets, and losses related to the disposal and liquidation of certain assets of the airport-to-airport business.  The following table is a summary of components related to the sale and exit of the airport-to-airport business and the remaining amounts included in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet in other accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities as of June 30, 2007.
 
   
Severance
   
Future Lease Commitments
   
Other Related Exit Costs
   
Minimum Contractual Amounts
   
Total
 
May 31, 2005 Reserve
  $
400
    $
5,287
    $
962
    $
5,033
    $
11,682
 
2005 Reserve Additions
   
15
      (15 )(1)    
-
      73 (1)    
73
 
2005 Payments
    (415 )     (3,780 )     (797 )     (3,268 )     (8,260 )
December31, 2005 Reserve
   
-
     
1,492
     
165
     
1,838
     
3,495
 
2006 Reserve Additions
   
-
      305 (1)    
-
      148 (1)    
453
 
2006 Payments
   
-
      (795 )     (30 )     (476 )     (1,301 )
December 31, 2006 Reserve
   
-
     
1,002
     
135
     
1,510
     
2,647
 
2007 Reserve Additions
   
-
      39 (1)    
-
      50 (1)    
89
 
2007 Payments
   
-
      (245 )    
-
      (1,177 )     (1,422 )
June 30, 2007 Reserve
  $
-
    $
796
    $
135
    $
383
    $
1,314
 

(1)
The component of the minimum contractual amounts liability and future lease commitments liability represents interest accretion and adjustments made to the existing provision.


11.  Income Taxes
 
Effective January 1, 2007, the Company adopted FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (“FIN 48”).  The impact upon adoption was to decrease retained earnings by approximately $169 and to increase our accruals for uncertain tax positions and related interest by a corresponding amount. After recognizing these impacts at adoption of FIN 48, the total unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $2.7 million. Of this amount, approximately $1.2 million would impact our effective tax rate if recognized. The difference results from federal and state tax items that would impact goodwill and would not impact the effective rate if it were subsequently determined that such liability were not required and the indirect deferred tax benefit associated with uncertain tax positions of $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively.
 
The Company regularly evaluates the legal organizational structure and filing requirements of our entities and adjusts tax attributes to enhance planning opportunities. While we are evaluating certain transactions that could reduce the need for certain accruals during fiscal year 2007, those considerations are not yet sufficiently developed to allow further adjustment to existing balances.
 
The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state and local income tax examinations for years before 2003. In July 2007, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that its fiscal 2005 and 2006 consolidated federal income tax returns would be audited.  Management believes that all loss exposures are properly accrued in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in the provision for income taxes. The Company had approximately $540 accrued for the payment of interest as of the date of adoption.
 
12.  Related Party Transaction
 
The two principal stockholders of the Company own 100% of the outstanding stock of Innovative Processing Solutions LLC, which owns 30% of the outstanding stock of a provider of onboard computers for the trucking industry. During the six months ended June 30, 2007, the Company paid this provider $4.0 million primarily for communications hardware. This product is designed specifically for in-cab use on a Windows platform to enhance communications with the driver.
 
13. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”. SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This Statement does not require any new fair value measurements; however, for some entities, the application of this Statement will change current practice. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, (“SFAS 159”).  SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure certain financial assets and liabilities at fair value.  Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings.  SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007.  We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS 159 on our financial statements.
 
14.  Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation.
 

 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.   All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including without limitation: any projections of earnings, revenues, or other financial items; any statement of plans, strategies, and objectives of management for future operations; any statements concerning proposed new services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; and any statements of belief and any statement of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Such statements may be identified by their use of terms or phrases such as "expects," "estimates," "projects," "believes," "anticipates," "intends," and similar terms and phrases. Forward-looking statements 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. Readers should review and consider the factors discussed in "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, as supplemented in Part II below, along with various disclosures in our press releases, stockholder reports, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.  The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in the Company's expectations with regard thereto or any change in the events, conditions, or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
 
Business Overview
 
We are the fourth largest publicly traded truckload carrier in the United States, measured by revenue, according to Transport Topics, a publication of the American Trucking Associations, or ATA. Our primary business is offering a broad range of truckload services to customers throughout the United States and in portions of Canada and Mexico. We also offer transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to the floorcovering industry. Since becoming a public company, we have increased our operating revenue to $1.5 billion in 2006 from $215.4 million in 1994, a compounded annual growth rate of 17.4%. Our growth has come through expansion of business with new and existing customers and complementary acquisitions. Our operating revenue increased 2.8% to $400.3 million in the second quarter of 2007 from $389.5 million in the second quarter of 2006. We generated net income of $2.7 million, or $0.18 per diluted share, compared with net income of $5.7 million, or $0.37 per diluted share, in the prior-year period. For the first six months of 2007, the Company reported net income of $0.1 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared with net income of $6.5 million, or $0.42 per diluted share, for the prior year period.
 
In 2006 and continuing into the second quarter of 2007, our Xpress Global Systems segment positively impacted the results of operations by continued improvement in pricing and yield management, operational efficiencies and reduced overhead expenditures. The divestiture of our unprofitable airport-to-airport business in 2005 also positively impacted our operating results.
 
Our Truckload Segment
 
Our truckload segment, U.S. Xpress, Inc. (“U.S. Xpress”), Arnold Transportation, Inc. (“Arnold”), and Total Transportation of Mississippi LLC (“Total”), which comprised approximately 94% of our total operating revenue in the second quarter of 2007, includes the following six strategic business units, each of which is significant in its market:
 
U.S. Xpress dedicated
Our approximately 1,400 tractor dedicated unit offers our customers dedicated equipment, drivers, and on-site personnel to address customers’ needs for committed capacity and service levels, while affording us consistent equipment utilization during the contract term.
U.S. Xpress regional and solo over-the-road
Our approximately 3,400 tractor regional and solo over-the-road unit offers our customers a high level of service in dense freight markets of the Southeast, Midwest, and West, in addition to providing nationwide coverage.
U.S. Xpress expedited intermodal rail
Our railroad contracts for high-speed train service enable us to provide our customers incremental capacity and transit times comparable to solo-driver service in medium-to-long haul markets, while lowering our costs.
U.S. Xpress expedited team
Our approximately 700 team driver unit offers our customers a service advantage over medium-to-long haul rail and solo-driver truck service at a much lower cost than airfreight, while affording us premium rates and improved utilization of equipment.
Arnold
Arnold is a dry van truckload carrier headquartered in Florida with approximately 1,600 trucks, and offers regional, dedicated, and medium length-of-haul service primarily in the Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest United States.
Total
Total is a dry van truckload carrier headquartered in Mississippi with approximately 600 trucks, and offers regional, dedicated, and medium length-of-haul services primarily in the Eastern United States.
 
 

During the second quarter of 2007, our truckload segment experienced an operating income of $8.5 million compared to operating income of $13.8 million in the same period in 2006. The primary reason for the decrease in earnings was a decline in asset utilization, evidenced by a 4.0% decline in average freight revenue per tractor per week.  Lower freight demand and a difficult pricing environment negatively impacted our truckload business.
 
Our truckload segment primarily generates revenue by transporting freight for our customers. Generally, we are paid a predetermined rate per mile for our truckload services. We enhance our truckload revenue by charging for tractor and trailer detention, loading and unloading activities, and other specialized services, as well as through the collection of fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of fuel. The main factors that affect our truckload revenue are the revenue per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated, and the number of shipments and miles we generate. These factors relate, among other things, to the general level of economic activity in the United States, inventory levels, specific customer demand, the level of capacity in the trucking industry, and driver availability. Our primary measures of revenue generation for our truckload business are average revenue per loaded mile and average revenue per tractor per week, in each case excluding fuel surcharge revenue. Average revenue per loaded mile, before fuel surcharge revenue, decreased slightly to $1.612 during the second quarter of 2007 from $1.616 in the second quarter of 2006. Average revenue per tractor per week, before fuel surcharge revenue, decreased to $2,996 during the second quarter of 2007 from $3,121 in the second quarter of 2006 (excluding rail revenue).
 
The main factors that impact our profitability in terms of expenses are the variable costs of transporting freight for our customers. These costs include fuel expense, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and purchased transportation expenses, which include compensating independent contractors and providers of expedited intermodal rail services. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel, but also have a controllable component based on safety, fleet age, efficiency, and other factors. Our main fixed costs include rentals and depreciation of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and terminal facilities, and the compensation of non-driver personnel.
 
Our Xpress Global Systems Segment
 
Our Xpress Global Systems segment, which comprised approximately 6% of our total operating revenue in the second quarter of 2007, offers transportation, warehousing, and distribution services to the floorcovering industry. During the second quarter of 2007, our Xpress Global Systems segment experienced operating income of $2.0 million, compared to $1.7 million in the same period in 2006.
 
Xpress Global Systems primarily generates revenue by transporting less-than-truckload freight for our customers. Generally, we are paid a predetermined rate per square yard for carpet and per pound for all other commodities. The rates vary based on miles, type of service and type of freight we are hauling. We enhance our less-than-truckload revenue by charging for storage, warehousing and other specialized services, as well as through the collection of fuel surcharges to mitigate the impact of increases in the cost of fuel. The main factors that affect our less-than-truckload revenue are the revenue per pound we receive from our customers, the average weight per shipment we haul and the number of shipments we generate. These factors relate, among other things, to the general level of economic activity in the United States, especially in the housing industry, inventory levels, specific customer demand, the level of capacity in the trucking industry, and driver availability. Our primary measures of revenue generation for our less-than-truckload business are average revenue per pound (excluding fuel surcharge revenue), total tonnage and number of loads hauled per day.
 
The main factors that impact our profitability in terms of expenses are the variable costs of transporting the freight for our customers. These costs include purchased transportation, fuel expense and the cost paid to our agents to deliver the freight. Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include driver and dock related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims. These expenses generally vary with the miles we travel and the tonnage of freight we handle, but also have a controllable component based on load factor, safety, fleet age, efficiency and other factors. Our main fixed costs include rentals and depreciation of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and terminal facilities and the compensation of non-driver and non-dock worker personnel.
 


Revenue and Expenses
 
The primary measure we use to evaluate our profitability is operating ratio (operating expenses, net of fuel surcharge, as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge). Our operating ratio was 97.0% in the second quarter of 2007, compared to 95.3% in the second quarter of 2006.
 
Revenue Equipment
 
At June 30, 2007, we had a truckload fleet of 7,698 tractors including 1,016 owner-operator tractors.  We also operated 22,289 trailers in our truckload fleet and approximately 200 tractors dedicated to local and drayage services.  At Xpress Global Systems, we operated 188 pickup and delivery tractors and 429 trailers.
 
Consolidated Results of Operations
 
The following table sets forth the percentage relationships of expense items to total operating revenue, and revenue, excluding fuel surcharge, for each of the periods indicated below. Fuel and fuel taxes as a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, is calculated using fuel and fuel taxes, net of fuel surcharge. Management believes that eliminating the impact of this source of revenue provides a more consistent basis for comparing results of operations from period to period.
 
   
(Total operating revenue)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
(Revenue, before fuel surcharge)
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
(Total operating revenue)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
   
(Revenue, before fuel surcharge)
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
   
2007
   
2006
 
Operating Revenue
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                                                 
Operating Expenses:
                                                               
Salaries, wages and benefits
   
33.4
     
32.6
     
38.8
     
38.3
     
34.2
     
33.4
     
39.5
     
38.7
 
Fuel and fuel taxes
   
23.2
     
22.9
     
10.7
     
9.5
     
22.7
     
22.6
     
11.0
     
10.2
 
Vehicle rents
   
6.2
     
5.0
     
7.2
     
5.8
     
6.3
     
5.5
     
7.2
     
6.4
 
Depreciation and amortization, net of gain on sale
   
4.9
     
4.1
     
5.7
     
4.8
     
5.1
     
4.0
     
5.9
     
4.7
 
Purchased transportation
   
15.1
     
15.8
     
17.6
     
18.6
     
15.1
     
15.7
     
17.4
     
18.2
 
Operating expense and supplies
   
6.1
     
6.4
     
7.1
     
7.5
     
6.3
     
6.4
     
7.3
     
7.4
 
Insurance premiums and claims
   
4.0
     
4.2
     
4.6
     
4.9
     
4.1
     
4.3
     
4.7
     
5.0
 
Operating taxes and licenses
   
1.1
     
1.1
     
1.3
     
1.3
     
1.2
     
1.2
     
1.3
     
1.3
 
Communications and utilities
   
0.7
     
0.9
     
0.8
     
1.1
     
0.8
     
0.9
     
0.9
     
1.1
 
General and other operating
   
2.7
     
2.9
     
3.2
     
3.4
     
2.8
     
3.0
     
3.2
     
3.5
 
 Loss on sale and exit of business
   
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
 
Total operating expenses
   
97.4
     
96.0
     
97.0
     
95.3
     
98.6
     
97.1
     
98.4
     
96.6
 
                                                                 
Income from Operations
   
2.6
     
4.0
     
3.0
     
4.7
     
1.4
     
2.9
     
1.6
     
3.4
 
                                                                 
Interest expense, net
   
1.4
     
1.2
     
1.6
     
1.4
     
1.4
     
1.1
     
1.7
     
1.3
 
Equity in (income) loss of affiliated companies
    (0.1 )    
0.1
      (0.1 )    
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
      (0.1 )    
0.1
 
Minority interest
   
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
     
0.0
     
0.1
 
     
1.3
     
1.4
     
1.5
     
1.6
     
1.4
     
1.3
     
1.6
     
1.5
 
                                                                 
Income before income taxes
   
1.3
     
2.6
     
1.5
     
3.1
     
0.0
     
1.6
     
0.0
     
1.9
 
                                                                 
Income tax provision
   
0.6
     
1.1
     
0.7
     
1.3
     
0.0
     
0.7
     
0.0
     
0.8
 
                                                                 
Net Income
    0.7 %     1.5 %     0.8 %     1.8 %     0.0 %     0.9 %     0.0 %     1.1 %

There are minor rounding differences in the above table.


Comparison of the Three Months ended June 30, 2007 to the Three Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Total operating revenue increased 2.8% to $400.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $389.5 million during the same period in 2006.  The increase resulted primarily from an increase in average number of seated trucks to 7,676 in the second quarter of 2007 compared to 6,943 in the second quarter of 2006 offset by 4.0% reduction in revenue per tractor and decreased rail volumes.
 
Revenue, before fuel surcharge, increased 3.7% to $344.3 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $332.0 million during the same period in 2006.  Truckload revenue, before fuel surcharge, increased 3.8% to $319.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $307.9 million during the same period in 2006 as a result of an increase in average seated trucks to 7,676 in the second quarter of 2007 compared to 6,943 in the second quarter of 2006 partially offset by 4.0% reduction in revenue per tractor and decreased rail volumes. Xpress Global Systems’ revenue increased 0.8% to $25.8 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $25.6 million during the same period in 2006.  Intersegment revenue decreased to $1.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $1.5 million during the same period in 2006.
 
Salaries, wages and benefits increased 5.1% to $133.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $127.1 million during the same period in 2006.  The increase was primarily due to an increase of 7.6% in U.S. Xpress driver wages due to a 6.5% increase in U.S. Xpress company miles and a decrease in expedited rail volume partially offset by a decrease in local driver wages due to a reduction in tractors dedicated to local and drayage services.  Tractors dedicated to local and drayage services will fluctuate consistent with rail volumes.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, salaries, wages, and benefits increased to 38.8% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 38.3% during the same period in 2006.
 
Fuel and fuel taxes, net of fuel surcharge, increased 16.4% to $36.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $31.7 million during the same period in 2006.  Such increase is mainly due to a 6.5% increase in U.S. Xpress company miles combined with decreased expedited rail volumes during the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Fuel surcharges paid to the railroad are reflected in purchased transportation. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, fuel and fuel taxes increased to 10.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 9.5% during the same period in 2006.
 
Vehicle rents increased 27.5% to $24.6 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $19.3 million during the same period in 2006. This increase is due primarily to the increase in the average number of tractors financed under operating leases to 4,160 during the second quarter of 2007 compared to 3,200 for the same period in 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, vehicle rents increased to 7.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 5.8% during the same period in 2006.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased 22.8% to $19.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $15.8 million during the same period in 2006.  Gains/losses realized on the sale of revenue equipment are included in depreciation and amortization for reporting purposes. Depreciation and amortization excluding gain/losses, increased to $19.2 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $16.6 million during the same period in 2006.  This increase is due in part to increased equipment costs, an increase in owned tractors, and the amortization of communication equipment.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, depreciation and amortization increased to 5.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 4.8% during the same period in 2006, primarily due to lower revenue per tractor per week less effectively covering these costs.
 
Purchased transportation decreased 1.5% to $60.4 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $61.3 million during the same period in 2006.  This decrease is primarily due to a decrease of approximately 22% in rail volumes compared to the same period in 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, purchased transportation decreased to 17.6% in the 2007 period from 18.6% in the 2006 period.
 


Insurance premiums and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability (personal injury and property damage), physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims, decreased 1.8% to $16.0 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $16.3 million during the same period in 2006.  This decrease is due primarily to a reduction in liability claims expense partially offset by an increase in physical damage claims.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, insurance and claims decreased to 4.6% during the three months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 4.9% during the same period in 2006. We are self-insured up to certain limits for cargo loss, physical damage, and liability. We have adopted an insurance program with higher deductible exposure to offset the industry-wide increase in insurance premium rates. Refer to "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Claims Reserves and Estimates" below for our various retention levels.  We maintain insurance with licensed insurance companies above amounts for which we are self-insured for cargo and liability. We accrue for pending claims, plus any incurred but not reported claims. The accruals are estimated based on our evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and future development based on historical trends. Insurance premiums and claims expense will fluctuate based on claims experience, premium rates, and self-insurance retention levels.
 
Operating taxes and licenses increased 4.7% to $4.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $4.3 million during the same period in 2006.  This increase is primarily the result of increased number of company tractors. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, operating taxes and licenses remained essentially constant at 1.3% for both periods.
 
Communications and utilities decreased 19.4% to $2.9 during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $3.6 million during the same period in 2006. This decrease is primarily the result of replacing leased units with purchased units.  The associated expense with the purchased units is located in depreciation and amortization.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, communications and utilities decreased to 0.8% in the 2007 period from 1.1% in the 2006 period.
 
General and other operating decreased 3.5% to $10.9 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $11.3 million during the same period in 2006. This decrease is attributed to a small reduction in several areas. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, general and other operating decreased slightly to 3.2% in the 2007 period from 3.4% in the 2006 period.
 
Interest expense increased 17.0% to $5.5 million during the three months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $4.7 million during the same period in 2006.  This increase is a result of higher interest rates and increased debt.
 
Minority interest of $61 for the three months ended June 30, 2007 is representative of the 20% minority shareholders interest in the net income of Arnold and Total.
 
The effective tax rate was 47.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2007.  The rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily as a result of per diems paid to drivers at U.S. Xpress and Total which are not fully deductible for federal income tax purposes.

 
Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2007 to the Six Months Ended June 30, 2006
 
Total operating revenue increased 10.4% to $761.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $689.2 million during the same period in 2006. The increase resulted primarily from the inclusion of $180.6 million in revenue from Arnold and Total for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $124.2 million for the four months ended June 30, 2006 and an approximate 550 truck increase in the average number of seated trucks in the U.S. Xpress fleet partially offset by a 5.3% reduction in revenue per tractor and decreased rail volumes for the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006.
 


Revenue, before fuel surcharge, increased 11.2% to $660.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $594.4 million during the same period in 2006. Truckload revenue, before fuel surcharge, increased 11.9% to $614.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $549.2 million during the same period in 2006, due primarily to the addition of six months of Arnold and Total revenues in the amount of $157.4 million in the second quarter of 2007 compared to four months in the amount of $107.4 million in the second quarter of 2006. U.S. Xpress revenues increased 3.5% to $457.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $441.8 million during the same period in 2006 as a result of an increase in average trucks by approximately 550 partially offset by a 5.3% reduction in revenue per tractor and a decrease in rail volume compared to the second quarter of 2006.  Xpress Global Systems’ revenue increased 0.8% to $48.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $48.0 million during the same period in 2006.  Intersegment revenue decreased to $2.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $2.8 million during the same period in 2006.
 
Salaries, wages, and benefits increased 13.3% to $260.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $230.0 million during the same period in 2006. This increase is due in part to the addition of six months of Arnold and Total salaries, wages and benefits in the amount of $55.8 million compared to four months in the amount of $37.1 million and a 5.4% increase in U.S. Xpress company driver miles offset by an approximate 4.7% decrease in U.S. Xpress office employees. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, salaries, wages, and benefits increased to 39.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 38.7% during the same period in 2006.
 
Fuel and fuel taxes, net of fuel surcharge, increased 19.4% to $72.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $60.8 million during the same period in 2006. The increase is due primarily to the addition of Arnold and Total fuel and fuel taxes in the amount of $18.2 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $11.0 million for the four months ended June 30, 2006, a 5.4% increase in U.S. Xpress company miles, and decreased expedited rail volumes during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Fuel surcharges paid to the railroad are reflected in purchased transportation. As a percentage of revenue before fuel surcharge, fuel and fuel taxes increased slightly to 11.0% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 10.2% during the same period in 2006.
 
Vehicle rents increased 26.3% to $47.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $37.7 million during the same period in 2006.  This increase is due primarily to the addition of vehicle rents for Arnold and Total in the amount of $10.6 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $4.6 million for four months ended June 30, 2006 and an increase in the average number of tractors financed under operating leases to 4,130 compared to 3,247 during the same period in 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, vehicle rents increased to 7.2% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 6.4% during the same period in 2006.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased 40.8% to $39.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $27.7 million during the same period in 2006.  Gains/losses realized on the sale of revenue equipment are included in depreciation and amortization for reporting purposes.  Depreciation and amortization, excluding gains/losses, increased to $38.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $29.4 million during the same period in 2006. This increase is due in part to increased equipment costs, an increase in owned tractors, and the amortization of communication equipment.  As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, depreciation and amortization increased to 5.9% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 4.7% during the same period in 2006, primarily due to lower revenue per tractor per week less effectively covering these costs, an increase in the percentage of our fleet consisting of purchased equipment, and higher prices of new equipment.
 
Purchased transportation increased 6.7% to $115.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $107.8 million during the same period in 2006 primarily due to the increase of purchased transportation amounts for Arnold and Total in the amount of $11.3 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006. This increase is partially offset by decreased expenditures to the railroads due to a reduction in rail volumes. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, purchased transportation decreased to 17.4% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 18.2% during the same period in 2006.
 
Operating expense and supplies increased 8.1% to $48.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $44.6 million during the same period in 2006.  This is primarily the result of the increase of operating expense and supplies amounts for Arnold and Total in the amount of $3.5 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, operating expense and supplies decreased slightly to 7.3% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 7.4% during the same period in 2006.
 
Insurance premiums and claims, consisting primarily of premiums and deductible amounts for liability (personal injury and property damage), physical damage, and cargo damage insurance and claims, increased 4.4% to $30.9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $29.6 million during the same period in 2006. The increase is due primarily to the increase of insurance premium and claims expenses for Arnold and Total in the amount of $1.6 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006.  Excluding Arnold and Total amounts, insurance premiums and claims decreased 0.8% to $23.8 million compared to $24.0 million during the same period in 2006.  This decrease is due primarily to a reduction in liability claims expense partially offset by an increase in physical damage claims. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, insurance and claims decreased to 4.7% during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 5.0% during the same period in 2006. We are self-insured up to certain limits for cargo loss, physical damage, and liability. We have adopted an insurance program with higher deductible exposure to offset the industry-wide increase in insurance premium rates. Refer to "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates—Claims Reserves and Estimates" below for our various retention levels.  We maintain insurance with licensed insurance companies above amounts for which we are self-insured for cargo and liability. We accrue for pending claims, plus any incurred but not reported claims. The accruals are estimated based on our evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and future development based on historical trends. Insurance premiums and claims expense will fluctuate based on claims experience, premium rates, and self-insurance retention levels.
 
Operating taxes and licenses increased 10.0% to $8.8 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $8.0 million during the same period in 2006.  This is primarily the result of the increase for Arnold and Total in the amount of $0.9 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006.  As a percentage of revenue, operating taxes and license remained essentially constant at 1.3% for both periods.
 
Communications and utilities decreased 10.8% to $5.8 during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $6.5 million during the same period in 2006. This decrease is primarily the result of replacing leased units with purchased units.  The associated expense with the purchased units is located in depreciation and amortization. This decrease is partially offset by the increase of communications and utilities amounts for Arnold and Total in the amount of $0.6 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, communications and utilities decreased to 0.9% during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to 1.1% during the same period in 2006.
 
General and other operating increased 0.9% to $21.4 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $21.2 million during the same period in 2006.  This is primarily the result of the increase of general and other operating amounts for Arnold and Total in the amount of $0.9 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006 partially offset by small reductions in several areas. As a percentage of revenue, before fuel surcharge, general and other operating decreased to 3.2% during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to 3.5% during the same period in 2006.
 
 
 
Interest expense increased 41.0% to $11.0 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to $7.8 million during the same period in 2006. The increase is due primarily to the increase of interest expense for Arnold and Total in the amount of $2.2 million for six months ended June 30, 2007 compared to four months ended June 30, 2006, increased debt, and higher interest rates.
 
Minority interest of $10 for the six months ended June 30, 2007 is representative of the 20% minority shareholders interest in the net loss of Arnold and Total.
 
The effective tax rate was 50.0% for the six months ended June 30, 2007. The rate was higher than the federal statutory rate of 35%, primarily as a result of per diems paid to drivers at U.S. Xpress and Total which are not fully deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Our business is expected to require significant capital investments over the short-term and long-term. Our primary sources of liquidity at June 30, 2007 were funds provided by operations, borrowing under our revolving credit facility, proceeds of our accounts receivable securitization facility, and long-term equipment debt and operating leases of revenue equipment. Our revolving credit facility has maximum available borrowings of $130.0 million and our accounts receivable securitization facility has maximum available borrowings, subject to eligible receivables, of $140.0 million. We believe that funds provided by operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and securitization facility, equipment installment loans and long-term equipment debt, and operating lease financing will be sufficient to fund our cash needs and anticipated capital expenditures for the next twelve months. Although changes in economic conditions, credit and leasing markets, and our financial condition and results of operations, over time may cause fluctuations in the terms and conditions and amounts of available financing, we believe that these same sources of liquidity will be available to us over a longer-term and we, therefore, do not expect to experience significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.
 
Cash Flows
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $63.5 million and $55.5 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006, respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to increased depreciation and accounts payable partially offset by decreased earnings and an increase of accounts receivable for the six months ended June 30, 2007, as compared to the same period in 2006.
 
Net cash used in investing activities was $40.4 million and $74.6 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007 and 2006 respectively. The decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily the result of $33.8 million less in revenue equipment purchases, due to the winding down of a large tractor purchase commitment in 2006 ahead of new engine requirements in 2007.
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $23.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2007, compared to $13.2 million provided by financing activities during the same period in 2006.  The decrease in cash provided by financing activities is the result of net reduction of debt during the period due to fewer purchases of revenue equipment for the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the same period in 2006.
 
Debt
 
The Company is party to a $130,000 senior secured revolving credit facility and letter of credit sub-facility with a group of banks with a maturity date in March 2011.  The credit facility is secured by revenue equipment and certain other assets and bears interest at the base rate, as defined, plus an applicable margin of 0.00% to 0.25%, or LIBOR plus an applicable margin of 0.88% to 2.00%, based on the Company's lease-adjusted leverage ratio.
 
At June 30, 2007, the applicable margin was 0.25% for base rate loans and 2.00% for LIBOR loans. The credit facility also prescribes additional fees for letter of credit transactions and a quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the loan commitment (2.00% and 0.35%, respectively, at June 30, 2007).  At June 30, 2007, $91,036 in letters of credit was outstanding under the credit facility with $34,601 available to borrow. The credit facility is secured by substantially all assets of the Company, other than real estate and assets securing other debt of the Company.
 
The credit facility requires, among other things, maintenance by the Company of prescribed minimum amounts of consolidated tangible net worth, fixed charge and asset coverage ratios, and a leverage ratio. Subject to certain defined exceptions, the credit facility also restricts the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, without the approval of the lenders, to engage in sale-leaseback transactions, transactions with affiliates, investment transactions, acquisitions of the Company’s own capital stock or the payment of dividends on such stock, future asset dispositions (except in the ordinary course of business), or other business combination transactions, and to incur liens and future indebtedness. As of June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the credit facility covenants.
 

 
The Company is party to a $140,000 accounts receivable securitization facility (the "Securitization Facility").  On a revolving basis, the Company sells accounts receivable as part of a two-step securitization transaction that provides the Company with funding similar to a revolving credit facility.  To facilitate this transaction, Xpress Receivables, LLC ("Xpress Receivables"), a bankruptcy-remote, special purpose entity, purchases accounts receivable from U.S. Xpress, Arnold, Total, and Xpress Global Systems.  Xpress Receivables funds these purchases with money borrowed under the Securitization Facility through Three Pillars Funding, LLC.
 
The borrowings are secured by, and paid down through collections on, the accounts receivable. The Company can borrow up to $140,000 under the Securitization Facility, subject to eligible receivables, and pays interest on borrowings based on commercial paper interest rates, plus an applicable margin, and a commitment fee on the daily, unused portion of the Securitization Facility. The Securitization Facility is reflected as a current liability in the consolidated financial statements because its term, subject to annual renewals, expires October 11, 2007. As of June 30, 2007, the Company’s borrowings under the Securitization Facility were $20,000, with $116,961 available to borrow.
 
The Securitization Facility requires that certain performance ratios be maintained with respect to accounts receivable and that Xpress Receivables preserve its bankruptcy-remote nature. As of June 30, 2007, the Company was in compliance with the Securitization Facility covenants.
 
At June 30, 2007, we had $337.6 million of borrowings, of which $258.6 million was long-term, $59.0 million was current maturities, and $20.0 million consisted of borrowings under the Securitization Facility. We also had approximately $91.0 million in unused letters of credit. At June 30, 2007, we had an aggregate of approximately $151.6 million of available borrowing remaining under our revolving credit facility and the Securitization Facility.
 
Equity
 
In January 2007, the Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $15.0 million of our Class A common stock.  The stock could be repurchased on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at any time until January 26, 2008.  The repurchased shares may be used for issuances under our incentive stock plan or for other general corporate purposes, as the Board may determine.  No shares were repurchased during the second quarter of 2007.
 
On June 22, 2007, Max Fuller and Pat Quinn, co-founders of the Company (“Co-Founders”), announced their intention to commence a tender offer through an entity controlled by the Co-Founders, pursuant to which the Co-Founders will offer to purchase for cash any and all of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock of the Company not presently owned by the Co-Founders and certain affiliated entities at an offer price of $20.00 per share.  
 
The tender offer price represents a premium of 44% over the $13.88 per share average reported closing price of the Company’s Class A common stock for the 30 trading days ended on June 21, 2007, the last trading day before the announcement of the tender offer, and a 41% premium over the $14.23 per share reported closing price on June 21, 2007.  The announcement stated that the tender offer is expected to be conditioned on, among other things, there having been validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date of the tender offer at least that number of shares of the Company’s common stock currently owned by the Co-Founders and certain affiliated entities, represent at least 90% of all the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock then outstanding, and (2) that represent at least a majority of the total number of shares of the Company’s Class A and Class B common stock outstanding on such date that are not held by Co-Founders, their affiliates, or the directors and executive officers of the Company.  The announcement further stated that, promptly following the completion of the tender offer, the Co-Founders expect to cause a "short form" merger in which they would acquire at $20.00 per share any Class A common stock of the Company that was not acquired in the tender offer.
 
The Co-Founders have advised our board of directors that they and certain of their affiliated entities do not intend to tender their shares in the offer, nor would they consider any offer to purchase their shares.  Currently, the Co-Founders and their affiliated entities together beneficially own approximately 28% of the outstanding Class A common stock of the Company, as well as 100% of the Company’s outstanding Class B common stock, for an aggregate of approximately 42% of the outstanding Class A and Class B common shares.  The Class A common stock is entitled to one vote per share and the Class B common stock is entitled to two votes per share.  Accordingly, the shares owned by the Co-Founders and their affiliated entities represent over 50% of the voting power of all of the Company’s outstanding common stock.  Co-Founders founded the Company in 1985 and serve as Co-Chairmen of the Board.  Mr. Fuller is the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Quinn is the Company’s President.
 
In response to this June 22, 2007 announcement, our board of directors appointed a special committee comprised solely of independent directors to evaluate the offer.  The special committee has engaged an independent legal adviser and an independent financial adviser to assist the special committee in its review.  The Co-Founders also informed us that parties have been proceeding diligently with the preparation of offer materials, definitive financing arrangements, and regulatory filings.
 


Business Acquisitions
 
In January of 2007, the Company acquired certain assets of a truckload carrier for a purchase price of $5.6 million in cash. The assets acquired of approximately $4.8 million related primarily to revenue equipment and other assets. The excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The purchase price allocation is preliminary as the Company is still reviewing the valuations of certain assets.
 
Equity Investment
 
In June 2007, the Company indirectly acquired a 40% interest in C&C Trucking of Duncan (“C&C Trucking”) for $739.  Under the agreement, the Company can acquire the remaining 60% interest from 2008 to 2012.  We have accounted for C&C Trucking operating results using the equity method of accounting.
 
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
We use non-cancelable operating leases as a source of financing for revenue and service equipment, office and terminal facilities, automobiles, and airplanes. In making the decision to finance through long-term debt or by entering into non-cancelable lease agreements, we consider interest rates, capital requirements, and the tax advantages of leasing versus owning. At June 30, 2007, a substantial portion of our off-balance sheet arrangements related to non-cancelable leases for revenue equipment and office and terminal facilities with termination dates ranging from July 2007 to March 2014. Lease payments on office and terminal facilities, automobiles, and airplanes are included in general and other operating expenses, lease payments on service equipment are included in operating expense and supplies, and lease payments on revenue equipment are included in vehicle rents in the consolidated statements of operations, respectively. Rental expense related to our off-balance sheet arrangements was $26.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007. The remaining lease obligations as of June 30, 2007 were $284.5 million, with $96.9 million due in the next twelve months.
 
Certain equipment leases provide for guarantees by us of a portion of the residual amount under certain circumstances at the end of the lease term. The maximum potential amount of future payments (undiscounted) under these guarantees is approximately $30.9 million at June 30, 2007. The residual value of a portion of the leased revenue equipment is covered by repurchase or trade agreements in principle between the equipment manufacturer and us. Management estimates the fair value of the guaranteed residual values for leased revenue equipment to be immaterial. Accordingly, we have no guaranteed liabilities accrued in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
 
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
 
In the ordinary course of business, we have made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of results of operations and financial position in the preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. We believe that the following discussion addresses our most critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.
 
Recognition of Revenue
 
We generally recognize revenue and direct costs when shipments are completed. Certain revenue of Xpress Global Systems, representing approximately 6% of consolidated revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2007, is recognized upon manifest, that is, the time when the trailer of the independent carrier is loaded, sealed, and ready to leave the dock. Estimated expenses are recorded simultaneously with the recognition of revenue. Had revenue been recognized using another method, such as completed shipment, the impact would have been insignificant to our consolidated financial statements.
 


Income Taxes
 
Significant management judgment is required in determining our provision for income taxes and in determining whether deferred tax assets will be realized in full or in part. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income in years in which the temporary differences are expected to be reversed. When it is more likely than not that all or some portion of specific deferred tax assets, such as state tax credit carry-forwards or state net operating loss carry-forwards, will not be realized, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of the deferred tax assets that are determined to be not realizable. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $178 has been deemed necessary at June 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006. If the facts or financial results were to change, impacting the likelihood of the realization of the deferred tax assets, we would use our judgment to determine the amount of the valuation allowance required at that time for that period.
 
The determination of the combined tax rate used to calculate our provision for income taxes for both current and deferred income taxes also requires significant judgment by management. SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, requires that the net deferred tax asset or liability be valued using enacted tax rates that we believe will be in effect when these temporary differences reverse. We use the combined tax rates in effect at the time the financial statements are prepared since no better information is available. If changes in the federal statutory rate or significant changes in the statutory state and local tax rates occur prior to or during the reversal of these items or if our filing obligations were to change materially, this could change the combined rate and, by extension, our provision for income taxes.
 
Depreciation
 
Property and equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets (net of estimated salvage value or trade-in value). We generally use estimated useful lives of 4-5 years and 7-10 years for tractors and trailers, respectively, with estimated salvage values ranging from 25% - 50% of the capitalized cost. The depreciable lives of our revenue equipment represent the estimated usage period of the equipment, which is generally substantially less than the economic lives. The residual value of a portion our equipment is covered by re-purchase or trade agreements between us and the equipment manufacturer.
 
Periodically, we evaluate the useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, but not limited to, our experience with similar assets, including gains or losses upon dispositions of such assets, conditions in the used equipment market, and prevailing industry practices. Changes in useful lives or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could have a material impact on financial results. Further, if our equipment manufacturer does not perform under the terms of the agreements for guaranteed trade-in values, such non-performance could have a materially negative impact on financial results.
 
Goodwill
 
The excess of the consideration paid over the estimated fair value of identifiable net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill.
 
Effective January 1, 2002, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, ("SFAS 142"). As required by the provisions of SFAS 142, we test goodwill for impairment using a two-step process, based on the reporting unit fair value. The first step is a screen for potential impairment, while the second step measures impairment, if any. We completed the required impairment tests of goodwill and noted no impairment of goodwill in any years.
 
Goodwill impairment tests are highly subjective. Such tests include estimating the fair value of our reporting units. As required by SFAS 142, we compared the estimated fair value of the reporting units with their respective carrying amounts including goodwill. We define a reporting unit as an operating segment. Under SFAS 142, fair value refers to the amount for which the entire reporting unit could be bought or sold. Our methods for estimating reporting unit values include asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, such as discounted cash flows and multiples of earnings, or other financial measures. Each of these methods involve significant estimates and assumptions, including estimates of future financial performance and the selection of appropriate discount rates and valuation multiples.
 

22

 
 
Claims Reserves and Estimates
 
Claims reserves consist of estimates of cargo loss, physical damage, liability (personal injury and property damage), employee medical expenses, and workers’ compensation claims within our established retention levels. Claims in excess of retention levels are generally covered by insurance in amounts we consider adequate. Claims accruals represent pending claims including estimates of adverse development of known claims, plus an estimated liability for incurred but not reported claims. Accruals for cargo loss, physical damage, liability, and workers’ compensation claims are estimated based on our evaluation of the type and severity of individual claims and historical information, primarily our own claims experience, along with assumptions about future events combined with the assistance of independent actuaries in the case of workers’ compensation and liability. Changes in assumptions as well as changes in actual experience could cause these estimates to change in the near future.
 
Workers’ compensation and liability claims are particularly subject to a significant degree of uncertainty due to the potential for growth and development of the claims over time. Claims and insurance reserves related to workers’ compensation and liability are estimated by an independent third-party actuary, and we refer to these estimates in establishing the reserve. Liability reserves are estimated based on historical experience and trends, the type and severity of individual claims, and assumptions about future costs. Further, in establishing the workers’ compensation and liability reserves, we must take into account and estimate various factors, including, but not limited to, assumptions concerning the nature and severity of the claim, the effect of the jurisdiction on any award or settlement, the length of time until ultimate resolution, inflation rates in health care and in general, interest rates, legal expenses, and other factors. Our actual experience may be different than our estimates, sometimes significantly. Additionally, changes in assumptions made in actuarial studies could potentially have a material effect on the provision for workers’ compensation and liability claims.
 
Our insurance and claims expense varies based on the frequency and severity of claims, the premium expense, and the level of self-insured retention.   Prior to September 1, 2006, the retention levels for liability insurance at U.S. Xpress, Arnold and Total were $2.0 million, $1.0 million and $2.0 million, respectively.  Prior to September 1, 2006, the retention levels for workers’ compensation at U.S. Xpress, Arnold, and Total were $0.5 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively.  Beginning September 1, 2006, the retention levels for liability and workers’ compensation for all companies is $3.0 million and $1.0 million respectively.
 
Accounting for Business Combinations
 
Our consolidated financial statements are inclusive of our accounts and the accounts of majority-owned subsidiaries.  We consolidate all of majority-owned subsidiaries and record a minority interest representing the remaining shares held by the minority shareholders.  All transactions and balances with and related to our majority owned subsidiaries have been eliminated.
 
In accordance with business combination accounting, we allocate the purchase price of acquired companies to the tangible and intangible assets acquired, and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values.  We engaged a third-party appraisal firm to assist management in determining the fair values of certain assets acquired. Such a valuation requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets.
 
Management makes estimates of fair value based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable. These estimates are based on historical experience and information obtained from the management of the acquired companies and are inherently uncertain.  Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur which may affect the accuracy or validity of such assumptions, estimates, or actual results.
 
For business combinations, we must record deferred taxes relating to the book versus tax basis of acquired assets and liabilities. Generally, such business combinations result in deferred tax liabilities as the book values are reflected at fair values where as the tax basis is carried over from the acquired company.  Such deferred taxes are initially estimated based on preliminary information and are subject to change as valuations and tax returns are finalized.
 


Seasonality
 
In the trucking industry, results of operations generally show a seasonal pattern as customers increase shipments prior to and reduce shipments during and after the winter holiday season. Additionally, shipments can be adversely impacted by winter weather conditions. Our operating expenses have historically been higher in the winter months due primarily to decreased fuel efficiency, increased maintenance costs of revenue equipment in colder weather and increased insurance and claims costs due to adverse winter weather conditions. Revenue can also be affected by bad weather and holidays, since revenue is directly related to available working days of shippers.
 
 
Item 3.
 
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our market risk is affected by changes in interest rates. Historically, we have used a combination of fixed rate and variable rate obligations to manage our interest rate exposure. Fixed interest rate obligations expose us to the risk that interest rates might fall. Variable interest rate obligations expose us to the risk that interest rates might rise.
 
We are exposed to variable interest rate risk principally from the Securitization Facility and our revolving credit facility. We are exposed to fixed interest rate risk principally from equipment notes and mortgages. At June 30, 2007, we had borrowings totaling $337.6 million, comprising $31.6 million of variable rate borrowings and $306.0 million of fixed rate borrowings. Holding other variables constant (such as borrowing levels), the earnings impact of a one-percentage point increase/decrease in interest rates would not have a material impact on our consolidated statements of operations.
 
Commodity Price Risk
 
Fuel is one of our largest expenditures. The price and availability of diesel fuel fluctuates due to changes in production, seasonality, and other market factors generally outside our control. Many of our customer contracts contain fuel surcharge provisions to mitigate increases in the cost of fuel. Fuel surcharges to customers do not fully recover all of fuel increases due to engine idle time and out-of-route and empty miles not billable to the customer.
 
 
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was carried out under the supervision, and with the participation of, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected or that are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Disclosure controls and procedures are controls and other procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding disclosures.
 
We have confidence in our internal controls and procedures. Nevertheless, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure procedures and controls or our internal controls will prevent all errors or intentional fraud. An internal control system, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of such internal controls are met. Further, the design of an internal control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all internal control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within our Company have been detected.
 

 
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
Risk Factors
 
While we attempt to identify, manage, and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present.  Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (“2006 Form 10-K”), in the section entitled Item 1A. Risk Factors,” describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business.  These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects.  In addition to the risk factors set forth on our Form 10-K, we believe that the following additional issues, uncertainties, and risks, should be considered in evaluating our business and growth outlook:
 
We operate in a highly regulated industry and changes in regulations could have a materially adverse effect on our business.
 
Our operations are regulated and licensed by various government agencies, including the Department of Transportation ("DOT").  The DOT, through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, imposes safety and fitness regulations on us and our drivers. New rules that limit driver hours-of-service were adopted effective January 4, 2004, and then modified effective October 1, 2005 (the "2005 Rules").  On July 24, 2007, a federal appeals court vacated portions of the 2005 Rules.  Two of the key portions that were vacated include the expansion of the driving day from 10 hours to 11 hours, and the "34 hour restart" requirement that drivers must have a break of at least 34 consecutive hours during each week.  The court's decision does not go into effect until September 14, 2007, unless the court orders otherwise, and the FMCSA has until such date to request a hearing on the matter.  We understand that the FMCSA is currently analyzing the court's decision, and we are unable to predict whether the order will be appealed or the outcome of any such appeal.
 
If the court's decision becomes effective, it may have varying effects, in that reducing driving time to 10 hours daily may reduce productivity in some lanes, while eliminating the 34-hour restart may enhance productivity in certain instances.  On the whole, however, we would expect the court's decision to reduce productivity and cause some loss of efficiency as our drivers are retrained and some shipping lanes may need to be reconfigured.  Additionally, we are unable to predict the effect of any new rules that might be proposed, but any such proposed rules could increase costs in our industry or decrease productivity.
 
The number of shares repurchased and the effects of repurchasing the shares may have an adverse effect on debt, equity, and liquidity of the Company.
 
Our board of directors has authorized various stock repurchase plans over the years.  In January 2007, our board of directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to $15.0 million of Class A Shares on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at any time until January 26, 2008, unless further extended by our Board (the "Plan").  During the first quarter ended March 31, 2007, the Company purchased 200,000 Class A Shares at an average price per share of $18.59.  While the Company did not repurchase any shares during the second quarter ended June 30, 2007, $11,282,399 worth of shares may yet be purchased under the Plan.  As any future repurchases would likely be funded from cash flow from operations and/or possible borrowings under the Company’s credit arrangement, such repurchasing of shares could reduce the amount of cash on hand or increase debt, and reduce the Company’s liquidity.
 
The current trading price for our Class A common stock is above the trading price prior to the Mountain Lake Acquisition Company (“MLAC“) announcement of the contemplated "going private" transaction and above the price at which the stock might otherwise trade.  There can be no assurance such transaction will close.
 
According to the announcement by Messrs. Quinn and Fuller on behalf of their company, MLAC, the offer, when and if made, is a “going-private” transaction in which MLAC would obtain 100% ownership of the Company by purchasing all unaffiliated shares for cash at $20.00 per share.  This price is substantially higher than the market price existing before the announcement of the proposed tender offer and above the price at which the stock might otherwise trade.  The announcement noted that the proposed tender offer is conditioned on, among other things, MLAC’s receipt of proceeds under its financing commitment from SunTrust Bank and SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc., there being validly tendered and not withdrawn a number of shares of Class A common stock constituting a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A common stock not currently owned by the co-founders or their related entities, and there being validly tendered and not withdrawn a number of shares of Class A common stock that, together with shares already owned by the co-founders and their related entities, equals ninety percent (90%) of the issued and outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock combined.  In addition to several conditions to closing, the financial markets have recently experienced volatility, including tightened credit conditions, which could impact the timing and success of the proposed tender offer.  If the proposed tender offer is not completed because the aforementioned or other conditions are not satisfied, or the transaction otherwise fails to close, the trading price of our Class A common stock could decrease to a much lower level.
 
Any statements by the Company are based solely on repetition of information provided by MLAC in its public filings.  The Company has not diligenced MLAC and strongly recommends that the Company's stockholders read the following documents when filed:  (i) MLAC’s tender offer statement on Schedule TO and (ii) the Company's solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 regarding the proposed tender offer when they become available because they will contain important information.  Stockholders may obtain a free copy of these materials, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, at the Securities and Exchange Commission's web site at www.sec.gov<http://www.sec.gov/>.  Stockholders also may obtain, without charge, a copy of the Company's solicitation/recommendation statement, when available, by directing requests to Debbie Massengale at 423-510-3314.
 

 
Item 2.                      Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
Period
 
Total Number of Shares Purchased
   
Average Price Paid Per Share
   
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1)
   
Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs(1)
 
April 1, 2007 – April 30, 2007
   
-
    $
-
     
-
    $
11,282,399
 
May1, 2007 –  May 31, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
11,282,399
 
June 1, 2007 – June 30, 2007
   
-
     
-
     
-
     
11,282,399
 
Total
   
-
    $
-
     
-
    $
11,282,399
 
 
(1)
In January, 2007, our Board of Directors authorized us to repurchase up to $15.0 million of our Class A common stock on the open market or in privately negotiated transactions.  This authorization has been approved by the lending group on the credit facility for the same amount.  The stock may be repurchased at any time until January 26, 2008, unless further extended by our Board.
 
 
Item 4.                        Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

The annual meeting of stockholders of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc. was held on May 11, 2007. Proxies for the meeting were solicited by the Board of Directors pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act, and there was no solicitation in opposition to the Board’s proposals.

The stockholders voted on the following matters with the results indicated:

(1)              Election of Directors

The stockholders elected each of the five director nominees, as listed in the Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 11, 2007 (File No. 0-24806).

The voting tabulation on the election of directors was as follows:
   
Votes
FOR
   
Votes
WITHHELD
   
ABSTENTIONS
 
Patrick E. Quinn
   
16,297,346
     
495,495
     
0
 
Max L. Fuller
   
16,368,714
     
424,127
     
0
 
James E. Hall
   
16,511,715
     
281,126
     
0
 
John W. Murrey, III
   
16,429,848
     
362,993
     
0
 
Robert J. Sudderth, Jr.
   
16,511,015
     
281,826
     
0
 


Item 5.
 
Effective August 9, 2007, the Company approved entering into Indemnification Agreements with each of Max L. Fuller, Patrick E. Quinn, Robert J. Sudderth, James E. Hall, and John W. Murrey, III (individually, a "Director," collectively, the “Directors”). 
 
The Indemnification Agreements provide, among other terms, that: (i) the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless the Director, to the fullest extent permitted by law, against any and all liabilities and assessments arising out of or related to any threatened, pending, or completed action, suit, proceeding, inquiry, or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or other (an “Action”), including, but not limited to, judgments, fines, penalties, and amounts paid in settlement (whether with or without court approval), and any interest, assessments, excise taxes, or other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing (a “Liability”), incurred by the Director and arising out of his status as a director or member of a committee of the Company’s Board of Directors, or by reason of anything done or not done by the Director in such capacities; (ii) the Company shall also indemnify and hold harmless the Director, to the full extent permitted by law, against any and all attorneys' fees and other costs, expenses, and obligations, and any interest, assessments, excise taxes, or other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing (an “Expense”) arising out of or relating to any Action; (iii) the Company shall not be liable under the Indemnification Agreements for payment of any Liability or Expense incurred by the Director if the Director has not met the standard of conduct for indemnification set forth in Section 78.7502 (or any statutes cross-referenced therein) of the Nevada Revised Statutes; (iv) if the Director is entitled under this Agreement to payment for some or a portion of any Liability or Expense relating to an Action, but not for the total amount thereof, the Company shall pay the Director for the portion thereof to which he is entitled; (v) subject to certain limitations, the Company will advance all Expenses incurred by the Director in connection with any Action; (vi) the indemnification provided by the Indemnification Agreements shall be in addition to any other right which the Director may have pursuant to any other agreement, any resolution of the Company’s Board of Directors, any resolution of the Company’s stockholders, any provision of the Company’s Restated Articles of Incorporation or Restated Bylaws, or any statute or rule of law providing for indemnification; and (vii) the Company will establish an escrow for the benefit of all of the Directors by depositing into escrow an amount in cash equal to $250,000.00 for the payment of sums payable by the Company under the Indemnification Agreements and to cover certain deductible amounts payable under the Company's policy of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.  The indemnification provided under the Indemnification Agreements shall continue for any action taken while serving in an indemnified capacity even though the Director may have ceased to serve as a director.

 
 
Item 6.
 
(a)
Exhibits
 
(1)
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company.
     
(2)
3.2
Restated Bylaws of the Company.
     
(1)
4.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this report and incorporated herein by reference
     
(2)
4.2
Restated Bylaws of the Company filed as Exhibit 3.2 to this report and incorporated herein by reference.
     
(1)
4.3
Agreement of Right of First Refusal with regard to Class B Shares of the Company dated May 11, 1994, by and between Max L. Fuller and Patrick E. Quinn.
     
(3)
10.1
Employment Agreement, dated June 20, 2007, by and between Arnold Transportation Services, Inc., a subsidiary of U.S. Xpress Enterprises, Inc., and Michael S. Walters.
     
#
Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
     
#
Certification pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
#
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
#
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed May 20, 1994 (File No. 33-79208).
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2004 (File No. 0-24806).
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 21, 2007 (File No. 0-24806).
#
Filed herewith.


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
U.S. XPRESS ENTERPRISES, INC.
 
(Registrant)
     
     
Date: August 9, 2007
By:
/s/Ray M. Harlin
   
Ray M. Harlin
   
Chief Financial Officer