UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q
 
ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED JUNE 30, 2009

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:  1-10006

FROZEN FOOD EXPRESS INDUSTRIES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Texas
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
75-1301831
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
1145 Empire Central Place
Dallas, Texas 75247-4305
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
(214) 630-8090
(Registrant's telephone number,
including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (l) 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.   ý Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
o Yes     o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. 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   ý
Non-accelerated filer   o
Smaller Reporting Company   o

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.
 
Class
 
Number of Shares Outstanding
 
 
Common stock, $1.50 par value
 
17,203,717 at July 31, 2009
 

 

 
 

 


 
 
INDEX
 
 
PART I  Financial Information
Page No.
     
Item 1
Financial Statements
 
 
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (unaudited)
June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008
1
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations (unaudited)
Three and six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
2
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
Six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008
3
     
 
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Shareholders’ Equity (unaudited)
4
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements (unaudited)
5
     
Item 2
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
8
     
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
24
     
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
25
     
 
PART II Other Information
 
     
Item 1
Legal Proceedings
25
     
Item 1A
Risk Factors
25
     
Item 2
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
26
     
Item 3
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
26
     
Item 4
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
26
     
Item 5
Other Information
26
     
Item 6
Exhibits
27
     
 
Signatures
28
     
 
Exhibit Index
29

 

 
 

 

PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1.    Financial Statements
 
Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets
(Unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)

Assets
 
June 30, 2009
   
December 31, 2008
 
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,368
   
$
1,308
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
42,318
     
52,749
 
Tires on equipment in use, net
   
5,403
     
5,425
 
Deferred income taxes
   
806
     
2,666
 
Other current assets
   
8,903
     
10,822
 
Total current assets
   
62,798
     
72,970
 
                 
Property and equipment, net
   
78,469
     
83,394
 
Other assets
   
4,879
     
5,822
 
Total assets
 
$
146,146
   
$
162,186
 
                 
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
 
$
20,061
   
$
21,148
 
Insurance and claims accruals
   
9,170
     
7,736
 
Accrued payroll and deferred compensation
   
5,234
     
4,396
 
Accrued liabilities
   
1,809
     
1,760
 
Total current liabilities
   
36,274
     
35,040
 
                 
Deferred income taxes
   
7,962
     
14,235
 
Insurance and claims accruals
   
7,132
     
6,460
 
Total liabilities
   
51,368
     
55,735
 
                 
Shareholders’ equity
               
Common stock, $1.50 par value per share; 75,000 authorized;
               
     18,572 shares issued
   
27,858
     
27,858
 
Additional paid-in capital
   
2,469
  
   
5,412
 
Retained earnings
   
75,299
     
87,103
 
     
105,626
     
120,373
 
Treasury stock (1,426 and 1,813 shares), at cost
   
(10,848
)
   
(13,922
)
Total shareholders’ equity
   
94,778
     
106,451
 
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity
 
$
146,146
   
$
162,186
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 
 
 



 
1

 



 

Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations
(Unaudited and in thousands, except per-share amounts)

   
Three Months
Ended June 30,
   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Revenue
 
$
94,895
   
$
129,025
   
$
187,102
   
$
245,755
 
Operating expenses
                               
Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
32,046
     
32,072
     
63,809
     
62,831
 
Purchased transportation
   
20,938
     
32,964
     
41,506
     
63,624
 
Fuel
   
15,350
     
32,271
     
29,119
     
56,564
 
Supplies and  maintenance
   
12,135
     
12,967
     
24,388
     
25,817
 
Revenue equipment rent
   
10,172
     
8,809
     
19,955
     
16,729
 
Depreciation
   
4,403
     
4,713
     
8,993
     
9,499
 
Communications and utilities
   
1,307
     
1,141
     
2,575
     
2,226
 
Claims and insurance
   
3,230
     
2,108
     
7,719
     
6,268
 
Operating taxes and licenses
   
1,290
     
1,199
     
2,580
     
2,268
 
Gain on sale of property and equipment
   
(118
)
   
(345
)
   
(252
)
   
(605
)
Miscellaneous
   
640
     
1,110
     
1,729
     
2,234
 
 Total operating expenses
   
101,393
     
129,009
     
202,121
     
247,455
 
Income (loss) from operations
   
(6,498
)
   
16
     
(15,019
)
   
(1,700
)
Interest and other (income) expense
                               
Interest income
   
-
     
(40
)
   
(4
)
   
(54
)
Interest expense
   
-
     
12
     
4
     
35
 
Equity in earnings of limited partnership
   
(103
)
   
(138
)
   
(159
)
   
(311
)
Life insurance and other
   
177
     
(346
   
485
     
(307
)
 Total interest and other (income) expense
   
74
     
(512
)
   
326
     
(637
)
Pre-tax income (loss)
   
(6,572
)
   
528
     
(15,345
)
   
(1,063
)
Income tax (benefit) expense
   
(1,404
)
   
254
     
(4,056
)
   
(512
)
Net income (loss)
 
$
(5,168
)
 
$
274
   
$
(11,289
)
 
$
(551
)
                                 
Net income (loss) per share of common stock
                               
Basic
 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Diluted
 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Weighted average shares outstanding
                               
Basic
   
17,146
     
16,708
     
17,028
     
16,680
 
Diluted
   
17,146
     
17,034
     
17,028
     
16,680
 
Dividends declared per common share
 
$
-
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.03
   
$
0.06
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.




 
2

 



Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
 (Unaudited and in thousands)

   
Six Months
Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities
               
Net loss
 
$
(11,289
)
 
$
(551
)
Non-cash items included in net loss
               
Gain on sale of property and equipment
   
(252
)
   
(1,264
)
Depreciation and amortization
   
11,393
     
11,653
 
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
   
202
     
607
 
Deferred income tax
   
(4,413
)
   
(37
)
Deferred compensation
   
(10
)
   
306
 
Investment income, net
   
470
     
(313
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable
   
10,522
     
(8,186
)
Tires on equipment in use
   
(1,900
)
   
(1,816
)
Other current assets
   
1,801
     
4,986
 
Accounts payable
   
(1,105
)
   
1,580
 
Insurance and claims accruals
   
2,106
     
(6,804
)
Accrued liabilities, payroll and other
   
967
     
1,208
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
   
8,492
     
1,369
 
                 
Cash flows from investing activities
               
Expenditures for property and equipment
   
(11,142
)
   
(10,325
)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment
   
7,461
     
7,008
 
Other
   
(94
)
   
(274
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(3,775
)
   
(3,591
)
                 
Cash flows from financing activities
               
Proceeds from borrowings
   
10,500
     
41,100
 
Payments against borrowings
   
(10,500
)
   
(36,800
)
Dividends paid
   
(515
)
   
(1,005
)
Income tax expense (benefit) of stock options and restricted stock
   
(91
)
   
37
 
Proceeds from capital stock transactions, net
   
96
     
173
 
Purchases of treasury stock
   
(147
)
   
-
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(657
)
   
3,505
 
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
   
4,060
     
1,283
 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
   
1,308
     
2,473
 
Cash and cash equivalents at June 30
 
$
5,368
   
$
3,756
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

 
3

 


 

  Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Shareholders' Equity
 (Unaudited and in thousands)

   
Common Stock
   
Additional
                   
   
Shares
   
Par
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Treasury Stock
       
   
Issued
   
Value
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Shares
   
Cost
   
Total
 
January 1, 2008
    18,572     $ 27,858     $ 5,682     $ 88,515       1,921     $ (14,796 )   $ 107,259  
    Net income
    -       -       -       605       -       -       605  
    Treasury stock reacquired
    -       -       -       -       34       (222 )     (222 )
    Retirement plans
    -       -       3       -       (4     34       37  
    Exercise of stock options
    -       -       (443 )     -       (116     894       451  
    Restricted stock
    -       -       277       -       (22     168       445  
    Dividends
    -       -       -       (2,017 )     -       -       (2,017 )
    Tax benefit of stock options
    -       -       (107 )     -       -       -       (107 )
December 31, 2008
    18,572       27,858       5,412       87,103       1,813       (13,922 )     106,451  
    Net loss
    -       -       -       (11,289 )     -       -       (11,289 )
    Treasury stock reacquired
    -       -       -       -       35       (147 )     (147 )
    Retirement plans
    -       -       (129 )     -       (24 )     184       55  
    Exercise of stock options
    -       -       (171 )     -       (35 )     267       96  
    Restricted stock
    -       -       (2,552 )     -       (363 )     2,770       218  
    Dividends
    -       -       -       (515 )     -       -       (515 )
    Tax benefit of stock options
    -       -       (91 )     -       -       -       (91 )
June 30, 2009
    18,572     $ 27,858     $ 2,469     $ 75,299       1,426     $ (10,848 )   $ 94,778  

See accompanying notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


 
4

 

Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements
Six Months Ended June 30, 2009
  (Unaudited)
 
1.    Basis of Presentation
 
The accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements include Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc., a Texas corporation, and our subsidiary companies, all of which are wholly-owned (collectively, the “Company”).  Our statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“US GAAP”) for interim financial statements, and therefore do not include all information and disclosures required by US GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, such statements reflect all adjustments consisting of normal recurring adjustments considered necessary to fairly present our consolidated financial position, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for any interim period do not necessarily indicate the results for the full year.  The unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements should be read with reference to the consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements in our 2008 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
 
2.    Revenue Recognition
 
Revenue and associated direct operating expenses are recognized on the date freight is picked up from the shipper.  One of the preferable methods outlined in Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 91-9 Revenue and Expense Recognition for Freight Services in Progress (“EITF No. 91-9”)  provides for the recognition of revenue and direct costs when the shipment is completed.  Changing to this method would not have a material impact on the quarterly financial statements.

The Company is the sole obligor with respect to the performance of our freight services provided by independent contractors or through our brokerage business and we assume all related credit risk. Accordingly, our revenue and the related direct expenses are recognized on a gross basis on the date the freight is picked up from the shipper.  Revenue from equipment rental is recognized ratably over the term of the associated rental agreements.

3.     Long-term Debt

As of June 30, 2009, the Company had a secured committed credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) that expires in June 2010 for which no amounts were outstanding.  The Company may borrow an amount not to exceed the lesser of (i) $50.0 million, adjusted for letters of credit and other debt (as defined in the agreement), (ii) a borrowing base or (iii) a multiple of a measurement of cash flow.   As of June 30, 2009, the Company had $5.4 million of outstanding standby letters of credit primarily for self insurance programs that reduced the availability to $44.6 million, subject to borrowing base limitations, which is defined as 85% of eligible accounts receivable.  The available borrowing base at June 30, 2009 is $25.8 million, which is net of outstanding standby letters of credit.

The Credit Facility contains restrictive covenants which, among other matters, require the Company to maintain certain financial ratios, including debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and rents not to exceed 2.5:1.0, a minimum fixed charge ratio of 1.25 and minimum tangible net worth of $80.0 million adjusted for earnings and other equity activity.  The Credit Facility also places certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and the purchase and sale of assets.  During April and July 2007, March and August 2008 and February 2009, the Credit Facility was amended to allow for the payment of shareholder dividends.

4.    Income Taxes
 
Our income is taxed in the United States of America and various state jurisdictions. Our federal returns for 2005 and after are presently subject to further examination by the Internal Revenue Service.  State returns are filed in most state jurisdictions, with varying statutes of limitations.

 
5

 

US GAAP requires that, for interim periods, we project full-year income and permanent differences between book income and taxable income in order to calculate an effective tax rate for the entire year.  That projected effective tax rate is used to calculate our income tax provision or benefit for the interim periods’ year-to-date financial results.

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, our effective tax rate (income tax benefit divided by pre-tax loss) was 26.4% compared to 48.2% for the same period a year ago.   The difference between our effective tax rate and the federal statutory rate of 35.0% is primarily attributable to state income taxes and non-deductible driver related expenses.
 
5.   Income or loss per common share

Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share was computed as follows:

   
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
 
   
Three Months Ended
June 30,
   
Six Months Ended
June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Numerator:
                           
   Net (loss) income
 
$
(5,168
 
$
274
   
$
(11,289
)
 
$
(551
)
                                 
Denominator:
                               
   Basic-weighted average shares
   
17,146
     
16,708
     
17,028
     
16,680
 
   Effect of dilutive stock options
   
-
     
326
     
-
     
-
 
   Diluted-weighted average shares
   
17,146
     
17,034
     
17,028
     
16,680
 
                                 
Basic income (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.30
)
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.03
)
Diluted income (loss) per common share
 
$
(0.30
 
$
0.02
   
$
(0.66
)
 
$
(0.03
)

                Options totaling 610,000 and 581,000 shares were outstanding but were not included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares for the three months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, respectively, as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  For the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, options totaling 593,000 and 576,000 shares, respectively, were outstanding but are not included in the calculation of diluted weighted average shares as their exercise prices were greater than the average market price of the common shares.  The Company excluded all common stock equivalents in 2009 and 2008 as the effect was anti-dilutive due to the net loss except for the second quarter 2008, in which there was net income.

6.    Related Party Transactions
 
The Company purchases most of the trailers and trailer refrigeration units we use in our operations from W&B Service Company, L.P. (“W&B”), an entity in which we own a 19.9% equity interest, and also relies upon W&B to provide routine maintenance and warranty repair of the trailers and refrigeration units.  The Company accounts for that investment under the equity method of accounting.

During the six month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, the Company purchased $76,000 and $61,000, respectively, in trailers and refrigeration units from W&B.  During the six-month periods ended June 30, 2009 and 2008, we paid W&B $777,000 and $897,000, respectively, for maintenance and repair services, accessories, and parts.   As of June 30, 2009 and 2008, our accounts payable included amounts owed to W&B of $396,000 and $345,000, respectively, for the purchase of parts and repair services.


 
6

 

7.    Commitments and Contingencies
 
The Company is involved in legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business.  Although the outcomes of any such legal actions cannot be predicted, in the opinion of management, the resolution of any currently pending or threatened actions will not have a material adverse effect upon our financial position or results of operations.  During 2008, the Company settled a class action lawsuit and a derivative action without significant financial consideration which was approved by the Court in April, 2009.  The derivative action requires the Company to make certain corporate governance changes beginning in early March 2009.  The Company has begun making these changes.

The Company accrues for costs related to public liability, cargo, employee health insurance and work-related injury claims. When a loss occurs, we record a reserve for the estimated outcome. As additional information becomes available, adjustments are made. Accrued claims liabilities include all such reserves and our estimate for incidents that have been incurred but not reported.

8.    Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business at the acquisition date, measured at their full fair values as of that date. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations occurring after December 31, 2008.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require (i) non-controlling interests to be reported as a component of equity, (ii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest to be accounted for as equity transactions, and (iii) any retained non-controlling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary to be initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133 to clarify how and why companies use derivative instruments. In addition, SFAS No. 161 requires additional disclosures regarding how companies account for derivative instruments and the impact derivatives have on a company’s financial position. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). The staff position concludes that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities as defined in EITF 03-6 and therefore should be included in computing earnings per share using the two-class method.  This staff position is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company’s adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  However, since the Company’s restricted shares are entitled to dividends and contain voting rights they are included in the basic computation of earnings per share.
 

 
7

 


On April 1, 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS No. 141R-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP FAS No.141R-1”), to address application issues regarding the accounting and disclosure provisions for contingencies in SFAS No. 141R.  FSP FAS No. 141R-1 amends SFAS No. 141R by replacing the guidance on the initial recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies acquired or assumed in a business combination with guidance similar to that for preacquisition contingencies in FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations , before the 2007 revision.  The adoption of FSP FAS No. 141R-1 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS No. 165”), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of June 30, 2009 through August 7, 2009, which is the date the accompanying financial statements were issued.  The adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations and the Company is not aware of any subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (“SFAS No. 168”). The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) will be the single source of authoritative nongovernmental US GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative US GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All existing accounting standards are superseded as described in SFAS No. 168. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification is nonauthoritative. The Codification is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Item 2.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.  This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions.  Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including, but not limited to, those included in our Form 10-K, Part I, Item 1A for the year ended December 31, 2008.  We do not assume, and specifically disclaim, any obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained in this report.

OVERVIEW

U.S. economic conditions continued to decline throughout calendar 2008, accelerating in the second half of the calendar year with a sharp decline in the general economy providing confirmation that our country was in a recession.  The economic and national news reports during 2009 reported further economic challenges caused by increasing unemployment, decreased consumer confidence and spending, continued strain on the financial sector and credit markets, growing housing foreclosures, declining construction, continued government and municipal budget challenges, tax revenue declines and continuing reports of declines in corporate revenues and profits.

As we report our second quarter ended June 30, 2009, the U.S. economy remains in a severe recession and transportation companies continue to face adverse economic pressures.  During 2009, we continue to be negatively impacted by the economic recession which is driving lower demand for transportation services and excess capacity, which in turn is placing negative pressure on pricing.  We continue to experience revenue and profit challenges we believe are the result of the weakening economy, increased unemployment and changes in consumer buying habits.  While our results reflect these revenue and profit challenges, we continue to take steps to reduce our cost structure while focusing on initiatives to increase volume and margins.


 
8

 

Given the volatile trends and uncertain economic conditions, we have limited ability to forecast our fiscal 2009 consolidated operating and financial results.  While there are many significant factors that we cannot control, we intend to navigate the present general economic downturn by remaining focused on improving areas within our control and on achieving further progress on three primary goals:  maintaining a strong balance sheet, identifying revenue opportunities and cost reductions, and positioning our business to capitalize on economic recovery when it occurs.  Consistent with these goals we: (i) ended the first and second quarters with no amounts outstanding under our revolving credit agreement; (ii) have implemented a cost reduction initiative to reduce operating costs including staffing reductions, elimination of the Company’s 401(k) match, reducing driver recruiting costs, reducing non-driver work hours and elimination of discretionary spending; and (iii) implemented specific sales and service initiatives with our existing and new customers.  Our key business strategies and plans for the remainder of fiscal 2009 and into fiscal 2010 will continue to reflect these priorities.

We generate our revenue from truckload, less-than-truckload (“LTL”), dedicated and brokerage services we provide to our customers.  Generally, we are paid either by the mile, the weight or the number of trucks being utilized by our dedicated service customers.  We also derive revenue from fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention and other ancillary services.  The main factors that affect our revenue are the rate per mile we receive from our customers, the percentage of miles for which we are compensated and the number of miles we generate with our equipment.  These factors relate, among other things, to the United States economy, inventory levels, the level of truck capacity in the transportation industry and specific customer demand.  We monitor our revenue production primarily through average revenue per truck per week, net of fuel surcharges, revenue-per-hundredweight for our LTL services, empty mile ratio, revenue per loaded (and total) miles, the number of linehaul shipments, loaded miles per shipment and the average weight per shipment.
 
                For the second quarter of 2009 our operating revenue decreased by $34.1 million, or 26.5%.  Operating revenue, net of fuel surcharges, decreased $11.3 million, or 11.8%, to $84.5 million from $95.8 million in 2008.  Excluding fuel surcharges, our average truckload revenue-per-tractor-per-week decreased 7.1% primarily due to a decrease in our loaded truckload revenue per mile from $1.42 to $1.37, an increase in our empty mile ratio to 9.3% from 9.0%, a decrease in our intermodal business and a 12.1% decline in our LTL hundredweight.  These declines were partially offset by an increase in our LTL revenue per hundredweight from $14.14 to $14.21.  Our truckload revenue decreased by $5.0 million, or 8.3%.  Due to continuing pricing pressures and excess capacity in the freight industry, our truckload revenue per loaded mile decreased to $1.37 per mile and our loaded truckload miles declined 4.4%.  Dedicated revenue decreased for the quarter; however, it increased to represent 5.2% of our revenue in 2009 versus 4.4% over the same period in 2008.  Brokerage revenue decreased $2.6 million for the quarter.
               
Our profitability on the expense side is impacted by variable costs of transporting freight for our customers, fixed costs and expenses containing both fixed and variable components.  The variable costs include fuel expense, driver-related expenses, such as wages, benefits, training, and recruitment, and independent contractor costs, which are recorded under purchased transportation.  Expenses that have both fixed and variable components include maintenance and tire expense and our total cost of insurance and claims.  These expenses generally vary with the miles we drive, but also have a controllable component based on safety, fleet age, efficiency and other factors.  Our main fixed costs relate to the acquisition and financing of long-term assets, such as revenue equipment and service centers.  Although certain factors affecting our expenses are beyond our control, we monitor them closely and attempt to anticipate changes in these factors in managing our business.  For example, fuel prices fluctuated dramatically and quickly at various times during the last several years. We manage our exposure to changes in fuel prices primarily through fuel surcharge programs with our customers, as well as through volume fuel purchasing arrangements with national fuel centers and bulk purchases of fuel at our service centers.  To help further reduce fuel expense, we purchase tractors with opti-idle technology, which monitors the temperature of the cab and allows the engine to operate more efficiently while not on the road. 
 
                Our operating expenses as a percentage of operating revenue, or “operating ratio,” were 106.8% for the second quarter of 2009 compared with 100.0% in 2008.  Our operating expenses decreased at a lower rate than our revenue due to decreasing purchased transportation costs, higher claims and insurance costs and increased equipment rent as our share of leased equipment increased.  For the quarter our loss per basic and diluted share was $0.30 in 2009 compared to net income per basic and diluted share of $0.02 in 2008.

 
9

 
                  Our business requires substantial, ongoing capital investments, particularly for new tractors and trailers. At June 30, 2009, we had no outstanding borrowings under our credit facility and $95 million in shareholders’ equity.  In the second quarter of 2009, we added approximately $1.0 million of property and equipment, net of proceeds from dispositions, and recognized a gain of $118,000 on the disposition of used equipment.  These capital expenditures were funded with cash flows from operations.  We estimate that capital expenditures will range from $17 million to $20 million in 2009, which would be higher than our historical levels due to our tractor replacement schedule and the capital required to consolidate two of our facilities into one location in New Jersey.  
     
The following table summarizes and compares the significant components of revenue and presents our operating ratio and revenue per truck per week for each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30:   

   
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
Revenue from: (a)
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Temperature-controlled fleet
 
$
36,360
   
$
36,593
   
$
68,946
   
$
71,228
 
Dry-freight fleet
   
14,002
     
18,009
     
28,536
     
36,186
 
Total truckload linehaul services
   
50,362
     
54,602
     
97,482
     
107,414
 
Dedicated fleets
   
4,935
     
5,713
     
10,221
     
11,669
 
Total truckload
   
55,297
     
60,315
     
107,703
     
119,083
 
Less-than-truckload linehaul services
   
26,643
     
30,171
     
53,676
     
60,025
 
Fuel surcharges
   
10,416
     
33,266
     
19,573
     
56,260
 
Brokerage
   
1,317
     
3,907
     
3,758
     
7,501
 
Equipment rental  
   
1,222
     
1,366
     
2,392
     
2,886
 
Total revenue
   
94,895
     
129,025
     
187,102
     
245,755
 
                                 
Operating expenses
   
101,393
     
129,009
     
202,121
     
247,455
 
Income (loss) from freight operations
 
$
(6,498
)
 
$
16
   
$
(15,019
)
 
$
(1,700
)
Operating ratio (b)
   
106.8
%
   
100.0
%
   
108.0
%
   
100.7
%
                                 
Total truckload revenue
 
$
55,297
   
$
60,315
   
$
107,703
   
$
119,083
 
Less-than-truckload  revenue
   
26,643
     
30,171
     
53,676
     
60,025
 
Total linehaul and dedicated fleet revenue 
 
$
81,940
   
$
90,486
   
$
161,379
   
$
179,108
 
                                 
Weekly average trucks in service
   
1,976
     
2,028
     
1,987
     
2,037
 
Revenue per truck per week (c)
 
$
3,190
   
$
3,432
   
$
3,141
   
$
3,382
 
 
  Computational notes:
(a)
Revenue and expense amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.
(b)
Operating expenses divided by total revenue.
(c)
Average daily revenue, times seven, divided by weekly average trucks in service.
 

 
10

 

                The following table summarizes and compares selected statistical data relating to our freight operations for each of the three- and six-month periods ended June 30:
 
   
Three Months
   
Six Months
 
Truckload
 
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
    Total linehaul miles (a)
   
40,623
     
42,322
     
78,078
     
82,388
 
    Loaded miles (a)
   
36,833
     
38,518
     
70,688
     
75,062
 
    Empty mile ratio (b)
   
9.3
%
   
9.0
%
   
9.5
%
   
8.9
%
    Linehaul revenue per total mile (c)
 
$
1.24
   
$
1.29
   
$
1.25
   
$
1.30
 
    Linehaul revenue per loaded mile (d)
 
$
1.37
   
$
1.42
   
$
1.38
   
$
1.43
 
    Linehaul shipments (a)
   
41.0
     
39.9
     
77.6
     
76.0
 
    Loaded miles per shipment (e)
   
898
     
965
     
911
     
988
 
LTL
                               
    Hundredweight
   
1,875,428
     
2,134,011
     
3,739,681
     
4,207,827
 
    Shipments (a)
   
60.1
     
66.8
     
121.7
     
133.5
 
    Linehaul revenue per hundredweight (f)
 
$
14.21
   
$
14.14
   
$
14.35
   
$
14.27
 
    Linehaul revenue per shipment (g)
 
$
443
   
$
452
   
$
441
   
$
450
 
    Average weight per shipment (h)
   
3,119
     
3,195
     
3,073
     
3,152
 
 
Computational notes:
(a)
Amounts are stated in thousands.
(b)
Total truckload linehaul miles less truckload loaded miles, divided by total truckload linehaul miles.
(c)
Revenue from truckload linehaul services divided by total truckload linehaul miles.
(d)
Revenue from truckload linehaul services divided by truckload loaded miles.
(e)
Total truckload loaded miles divided by number of truckload linehaul shipments.
(f)
LTL revenue divided by LTL hundredweight.
(g)
LTL revenue divided by number of LTL shipments.
(h)
LTL hundredweight times one hundred divided by number of shipments. 

The following table summarizes and compares the makeup of our fleets between company-provided tractors and tractors provided by independent contractors as of June 30:

   
2009
   
2008
 
Total company-provided
    1,551       1,555  
Total owner-operator
    443       448  
Tractors in service
    1,994       2,003  
Trailers in service
    3,932       4,171  




 
11

 

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2009 to Three Months Ended June 30, 2008

The following table sets forth revenue, operating income, operating ratios and revenue per truck per week and the dollar and percentage changes of each:

Revenue from (a)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Dollar Change
2009 vs. 2008
 
Percentage Change
2009 vs. 2008
   
Temperature-controlled fleet
 
$
36,360
   
$
36,593
   
$
(233
)
(0.6
)
%
Dry-freight fleet
   
14,002
     
18,009
     
(4,007
)
(22.2
)
 
Total truckload linehaul services
   
50,362
     
54,602
     
(4,240
)
(7.8
)
 
Dedicated fleets
   
4,935
     
5,713
     
(778
)
(13.6
)
 
Total truckload
   
55,297
     
60,315
     
(5,018
)
(8.3
)
 
Less-than-truckload linehaul services
   
26,643
     
30,171
     
(3,528
)
(11.7
)
 
Fuel surcharges
   
10,416
     
33,266
     
(22,850
)
(68.7
)
 
Brokerage
   
1,317
     
3,907
     
(2,590
)
(66.3
)
 
Equipment rental  
   
1,222
     
1,366
     
(144
)
(10.5
)
 
Total revenue 
   
94,895
     
129,025
     
(34,130
)
(26.5
)
 
                               
Operating expenses
   
101,393
     
129,009
     
(27,616
)
(21.4
)
 
(Loss) income from operations
 
$
(6,498
 
$
16
   
$
(6,514
)
(40,712.5
)
%
Operating ratio (b)
   
106.8
%
   
100.0
%
             
                               
Total truckload revenue
 
$
55,297
   
$
60,315
   
$
(5,018
)
(8.3
)
%
Less-than-truckload revenue
   
26,643
     
30,171
     
(3,528
)
(11.7
)
 
Total linehaul and dedicated fleet revenue 
 
$
81,940
   
$
90,486
   
$
(8,546
)
(9.4
)
%
                               
Weekly average trucks in service
   
1,976
     
2,028
     
(52
)
(2.6
)
%
Revenue per truck per week (c)
 
$
3,190
   
$
3,432
   
$
(242
)
(7.1
)
%
  
Computational notes:
(a)
Revenue and expense amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.
(b)
Operating expenses divided by total revenue.
(c)
Average daily revenue, times seven, divided by weekly average trucks in service.

Total revenue decreased $34.1 million, or 26.5%, to $94.9 million in 2009 from $129.0 million in 2008.  Excluding fuel surcharges our revenue decreased $11.3 million, or 11.8%, to $84.5 million from $95.8 million in 2008.
 
                Truckload revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased $5.0 million, or 8.3%, to $55.3 million from $60.3 million in 2008.  Truckload revenues declined primarily due to continued pricing pressures and excess capacity in the industry driving down loaded miles 4.4% to 36.8 million from 38.5 million in 2008.  As a result, our empty mile ratio increased from 9.0% in 2008 to 9.3% in 2009.  During 2008, the Company continued to focus on providing services within our preferred networks; however, intermodal loads decreased to optimize utility with our existing fleet. The Company continues to shift revenue equipment between its truckload and less-than-truckload operations to optimize its fleet.  Due to the challenging freight environment, our ability to increase truckload rates was limited throughout 2008 and into 2009.  Our revenue per loaded mile declined to $1.37 in 2009 from $1.42 in 2008.
 
Our dry fleet revenue has declined 22.2% during 2009 primarily due to a decline in total tonnage shipped.  Excess capacity within the transportation industry resulted in increased competition for less available freight, which put downward pressure on pricing.

 
12

 

Less-than-truckload revenue decreased $3.5 million, or 11.7%, to $26.7 million from $30.2 million.  The decline in revenue was primarily driven by a decline in total weight shipped and fewer shipments.  Total weight shipped for the quarter declined 12.1% to 187.5 million pounds from 213.4 million pounds in 2008.  The Company implemented a general rate increase during mid-2008 and in the second quarter of 2009, which helped drive the revenue-per-hundredweight to $14.21 in the second quarter 2009 from $14.14 in the second quarter of 2008.  However, these increases were largely offset by other pricing pressures within the industry.
 
Fuel surcharges represent the cost of fuel that we are able to pass along to our customers based upon changes in the Department of Energy’s weekly indices.  The cost of fuel has decreased from the second quarter of 2008, resulting in decreased fuel surcharges of $22.9 million, or 68.7% for the quarter.  The lower fuel surcharge is offset by decreased fuel costs to the Company within fuel and purchased transportation expenses.
 
                  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the dollar and percentage increase or decrease of the items in our consolidated condensed statements of operations, and those items as a percentage of revenue:

   
(in thousands)
Dollar Change
 
Percentage Change
 
Percentage of Revenue
 
   
2009 vs 2008
 
2009 vs 2008
 
  2009 
 
  2008 
 
Revenue
 
$
(34,130
)
(26.5
)%
100.0
%
100.0
%
                     
Operating Expenses
                   
     Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
(26
)
(0.1
)
33.8
 
24.9
 
     Purchased transportation
   
(12,026
)
(36.5
)
22.1
 
25.5
 
     Fuel
   
(16,921
)
(52.4
)
16.2
 
25.0
 
     Supplies and maintenance
   
(832
)
(6.4
)
12.8
 
10.0
 
     Revenue equipment rent
   
1,363
 
15.5
 
10.7
 
6.8
 
     Depreciation
   
(310
)
(6.6
)
4.6
 
3.7
 
     Communications and utilities
   
166
 
14.5
 
1.4
 
0.9
 
     Claims and insurance
   
1,122
 
53.2
 
3.4
 
1.6
 
     Operating taxes and licenses
   
91
 
7.6
 
1.4
 
0.9
 
     Gain on sale of property and equipment
   
227
 
(65.8
)
(0.1
)
(0.3
)
     Miscellaneous
   
(470
)
(42.3
)
0.5
 
1.0
 
Total Operating Expenses
 
$
(27,616
)
(21.4
)%
106.8
%
100.0

Total operating expenses for 2009 decreased $27.6 million, or 21.4%, to $101.4 million from $129.0 million in 2008.  As a result of the decline in revenue and the decrease in operating expenses, the operating ratio increased to 106.8% from 100.0% in 2008.
 
Salaries, wages and related expenses consist of compensation for our employees, including drivers and non-drivers.  It also includes employee-related costs, including the costs of payroll taxes, work-related injuries, group health insurance, 401(k) plan contributions and other fringe benefits.  The most variable of these salary, wage and related expenses is driver pay, which is affected by the mix of company drivers and owner-operators in our fleets as well as our efficiencies in our over-the-road operations.  Driver salaries including per diem costs decreased to $17.8 million from $18.8 million in 2008 primarily from a decrease in loaded miles.  Non-driver salaries decreased $816,000 driven by a reduction in non-driver headcount partially offset by severance of $53,000 incurred in the quarter.  Group health insurance costs increased by $751,000 due to an increase in the quantity and severity of claims while work related injuries increased as a result of an increase in large claims for the quarter.
 

 
13

 

Purchased transportation expense consists of payments to independent contractors for the equipment and services they provide, payments to other motor carriers who handle our brokerage services and to various railroads for intermodal services.  It also includes fuel surcharges paid to our independent contractors for which we charge our customers.  These expenses are highly variable with revenue and/or the mix of company drivers versus independent contractors.  Purchased transportation expense decreased $12.0 million, or 36.5%, in 2009 from 2008.  Purchased transportation expense related to our intermodal service decreased by $1.5 million including fuel surcharges, or 28.2%, compared to 2008 as our intermodal movements declined.  The portion of our purchased transportation connected with our truckload and LTL services decreased $2.7 million, including fuel surcharges, primarily reflecting a decrease in the number of independent contractors utilized during the second quarter of 2009.  Purchased transportation associated with our brokerage services decreased $1.8 million, or 52.8%, compared to 2008, as the result of a similar decrease in brokerage revenue.  Fuel payments to our independent contractors decreased from $8.5 million in the second quarter of 2008 to $2.4 million in the second quarter of 2009 due to a decline in fuel surcharges and a decrease in our utilization of independent contractors.
 
Fuel expense and fuel taxes decreased by $16.9 million, or 52.4%, to $15.4 million from $32.3 million in 2008.   The decrease was primarily due to a 47.1% decline in the Department of Energy’s Fuel Index and an improvement in our miles per gallon.  We have fuel surcharge provisions in substantially all of our transportation contracts and attempt to recover a portion of increasing fuel prices through fuel surcharges and rates to our customers.  
 
 Supplies and maintenance expenses primarily consist of repairs, maintenance and tires along with load specific expenses including loading/unloading, tolls, pallets, pickup and delivery and recruiting.  Supplies and maintenance costs decreased $832,000, or 6.4%, from 2008.  The expense decrease was primarily driven by lower recruiting costs of approximately $360,000 as fewer drivers were recruited, lower freight handling expenses of approximately $261,000 as our revenue declined and lower fleet repairs and maintenance of $362,000 as our average truck count decreased.  Significant repairs to our equipment are generally covered by manufacturers’ warranties.
 
Total revenue equipment rent increased $1.4 million, or 15.5%, to $10.2 million from $8.8 million in 2008.  The increase is primarily due to an increase in the average number of tractors under lease at the end of June 2009 of 1,285 compared to 1,160 at the end of June 2008 and the increase in the average cost of equipment as we replace older equipment with new equipment and as our leased versus owned ratio increases.  We expect equipment rent expense to increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment and our shift toward leased versus owned equipment.
 
Depreciation relates to owned tractors, trailers, communications units, service centers and other assets. Gains or losses on dispositions of revenue equipment are set forth in a separate line item within our statements of operations.  Depreciation expense decreased $310,000, or 6.6%, as older equipment was disposed and replaced with newer leased equipment.  Depreciation expense is also dependent upon the mix of company-owned equipment versus independent contractors.  We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment, which is expected to result in greater depreciation.  Future depreciation expense will be impacted by our leasing decisions.
 
Claims and insurance expenses consist of the costs of premiums for insurance accruals we make within our self-insured retention amounts, primarily for personal injury, property damage, physical damage and cargo claims.  These expenses will vary and are dependent on the frequency and severity of accidents, our self-insured retention amounts and the insurance market. Claims and insurance costs increased by $1.1 million, or 53.2%, to $3.2 million from $2.1 million in 2008.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in the severity of claims incurred.  The Company is responsible for the first $4.0 million on personal injury and property damage liability claims and 25% of the claim amount between $4.0 million and $10.0 million.  The Company has excess coverage from $10.0 million to $50.0 million.  Our significant self-insured retention exposes us to the possibility of significant fluctuations in claims expense between periods depending on the frequency, severity and timing of claims and to adverse financial results if we incur large or numerous losses.  In the event of an uninsured claim above our insurance coverage, a claim that approaches the maximum self-insured retention level, or an increase in the frequency or severity of claims within our self-insured retention, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
 
14

 
The Company moved to an effective tax benefit rate of 21.4% in 2009 from an effective tax rate of 48.1% in 2008.  We pay our drivers a per-diem allowance for travel related expenses for which we are only able to deduct 80% for tax purposes.  This, along with other non-deductible items for tax, decreased our effective tax rate as we incurred a pre-tax loss in 2009 versus income in 2008.
 
As a result of factors described above, our net loss increased to $5.2 million compared to net income of $274,000 in 2008.  Our net loss per share increased to $0.30 per diluted share from a net income of $0.02 per diluted share in 2008.


Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2009 to Six Months Ended June 30, 2008

The following table sets forth revenue, operating income, operating ratios and revenue per truck per week and the dollar and percentage changes of each:

Revenue from (a)
 
2009
   
2008
   
Dollar Change
2009 vs. 2008
 
Percentage Change
2009 vs. 2008
   
Temperature-controlled fleet
 
$
68,946
   
$
71,228
   
$
(2,282
)
(3.2
)
%
Dry-freight fleet
   
28,536
     
36,186
     
(7,650
)
(21.1
)
 
Total truckload linehaul services
   
97,482
     
107,414
     
(9,932
)
(9.2
)
 
Dedicated fleets
   
10,221
     
11,669
     
(1,448
)
(12.4
)
 
Total truckload
   
107,703
     
119,083
     
(11,380
)
(9.6
)
 
Less-than-truckload linehaul services
   
53,676
     
60,025
     
(6,349
)
(10.6
)
 
Fuel surcharges
   
19,573
     
56,260
     
(36,687
)
(65.2
)
 
Brokerage
   
3,758
     
7,501
     
(3,743
)
(49.9
)
 
Equipment rental  
   
2,392
     
2,886
     
(494
)
(17.1
)
 
Total revenue 
   
187,102
     
245,755
     
(58,653
)
(23.9
)
 
                               
Operating expenses
   
202,121
     
247,455
     
(45,334
)
(18.3
)
 
Loss from operations
 
$
(15,019
 
$
(1,700
)
 
$
(13,319
)
783.5
 
%
Operating ratio (b)
   
108.0
%
   
100.7
%
             
                               
Total truckload revenue
 
$
107,703
   
$
119,083
   
$
(11,380
)
(9.6
)
%
Less-than-truckload revenue
   
53,676
     
60,025
     
(6,349
)
(10.6
)
 
Total linehaul and dedicated fleet revenue 
 
$
161,379
   
$
179,108
   
$
(17,729
)
(9.9
)
%
                               
Weekly average trucks in service
   
1,987
     
2,037
     
(50
)
(2.5
)
%
Revenue per truck per week (c)
 
$
3,141
   
$
3,382
   
$
(241
)
(7.1
)
%
  
Computational notes:
(a)
Revenue and expense amounts are stated in thousands of dollars.
(b)
Operating expenses divided by total revenue.
(c)
Average daily revenue, times seven, divided by weekly average trucks in service.

Total revenue decreased $58.7 million, or 23.9%, to $187.1 million in 2009 from $245.8 million in 2008.  Excluding fuel surcharges our revenue decreased $22.0 million, or 11.6%, to $167.5 million from $189.5 million in 2008.
 

 
15

 


                Truckload revenue, excluding fuel surcharges, decreased $11.4 million, or 9.6%, to $107.7 million from $119.1 million in 2008.  Truckload revenues declined primarily due to continued pricing pressures and excess capacity in the industry driving down loaded miles 5.8% to 70.7 million from 75.1 million in 2008.  As a result, our empty mile ratio increased from 8.9% in 2008 to 9.5% in 2009.  During 2008, the Company continued to focus on providing services within our preferred networks; however, intermodal loads decreased to optimize utility with our existing fleet. Our weighted average trucks utilized in our truckload services decreased from 988 to 911.  Due to the challenging freight environment, our ability to increase truckload rates was limited throughout 2008 and into 2009.  Our revenue per loaded mile declined to $1.38 in 2009 from $1.43 in 2008.
 
Our dry fleet revenue declined 21.1% during 2009 primarily due to a decline in total tonnage shipped.  Excess capacity within the dry transportation industry resulted in increased competition for less available freight, which put downward pressure on pricing.

Less-than-truckload revenue decreased $6.3 million, or 10.6%, to $53.7 million from $60.0 million.  The decline in revenue was primarily driven by increased competition in the LTL market resulting in a decrease in total weight shipped and a decline in shipments.  Total weight shipped for 2009 declined 11.1% to 374.0 million pounds from 420.8 million pounds in 2008.  The Company implemented a general rate increase during mid-2008 and 2009, which helped drive the revenue-per-hundredweight to $14.35 in 2009 from $14.27 in 2008.  However, these increases were largely offset by other pricing pressures within the industry.
 
Fuel surcharges represent the cost of fuel that we are able to pass along to our customers based upon changes in the Department of Energy’s weekly indices.  The cost of fuel has decreased from 2008, resulting in decreased fuel surcharges of $36.7 million, or 65.2% for the six months in 2009.  The lower fuel surcharge is offset by decreased fuel costs to the Company within fuel and purchased transportation expenses.
 
                  The following table sets forth for the periods indicated the dollar and percentage increase or decrease of the items in our consolidated condensed statements of operations, and those items as a percentage of revenue:

   
(in thousands)
Dollar Change
 
Percentage Change
 
Percentage of Revenue
 
   
2009 vs 2008
 
2009 vs 2008
 
  2009 
 
  2008 
 
Revenue
 
$
(58,653
)
(23.9
)%
100.0
%
100.0
%
                     
Operating Expenses
                   
     Salaries, wages and related expenses
   
978
 
1.6
 
34.1
 
25.6
 
     Purchased transportation
   
(22,118
)
(34.8
)
22.2
 
25.9
 
     Fuel
   
(27,445
)
(48.5
)
15.6
 
23.0
 
     Supplies and maintenance
   
(1,429
)
(5.5
)
13.0
 
10.5
 
     Revenue equipment rent
   
3,226
 
19.3
 
10.7
 
6.8
 
     Depreciation
   
(506
)
(5.3
)
4.8
 
3.9
 
     Communications and utilities
   
349
 
15.7
 
1.4
 
0.9
 
     Claims and insurance
   
1,451
 
23.1
 
4.1
 
2.6
 
     Operating taxes and licenses
   
312
 
13.8
 
1.4
 
0.9
 
     Gain on sale of property and equipment
   
353
 
(58.3
)
(0.1
)
(0.2
)
     Miscellaneous
   
(505
)
(22.6
)
0.8
 
0.8
 
Total Operating Expenses
 
$
(45,334
)
(18.3
)%
108.0
%
100.7

Total operating expenses for 2009 decreased $45.3 million, or 18.3%, to $202.1 million from $247.5 million in 2008.  As a result of the decline in revenue and the decrease in operating expenses, the operating ratio increased to 108.0% from 100.7% in 2008.
 

 
16

 


Salaries, wages and related expenses consist of compensation for our employees, including drivers and non-drivers.  It also includes employee-related costs, including the costs of payroll taxes, work-related injuries, group health insurance, 401(k) plan contributions and other fringe benefits.  The most variable of these salary, wage and related expenses is driver pay, which is affected by the mix of company drivers and owner-operators in our fleets as well as our efficiencies in our over-the-road operations.  Driver salaries including per diem costs remained flat at $35.8 million year over year as our company-owned tractors remained relatively flat over 2008 levels.  Non-driver salaries decreased $1.8 million driven by a reduction in non-driver headcount from 855 positions at December 31, 2008 to 701 positions at June 30, 2009 partially offset by severance of $536,000 incurred for the six months.  Group health insurance costs increased by $1.8 million due to an increase in quantity and severity of claims incurred in 2009 versus the prior year.
 
Purchased transportation expense consists of payments to independent contractors for the equipment and services they provide, payments to other motor carriers who handle our brokerage services and to various railroads for intermodal services.  It also includes fuel surcharges paid to our independent contractors for which we charge our customers.  These expenses are highly variable with revenue and/or the mix of company drivers versus independent contractors.  Purchased transportation expense decreased $22.1 million, or 34.8%, in 2009 from 2008.  Purchased transportation expense related to our intermodal service decreased by $2.9 million including fuel surcharges, or 28.8%, compared to 2008 as our intermodal movements declined.  The portion of our purchased transportation connected with our truckload and LTL services decreased $5.5 million, including fuel surcharges, primarily reflecting a decrease in the number of independent contractors utilized during 2009 versus last year.  Purchased transportation associated with our brokerage services decreased $3.2 million, or 50.5%, compared to 2008, as the result of a similar decrease in brokerage revenue.  Fuel payments to our independent contractors decreased from $15.0 million in 2008 to $4.4 million in 2009 due to a decline in fuel surcharges and a decrease in our utilization of independent contractors.
 
Fuel expense and fuel taxes decreased by $27.4 million, or 48.5%, to $29.1 million from $56.6 million in 2008.   The decrease was primarily due to a 42.9% decline in the Department of Energy’s Fuel Index and an increase in our miles per gallon.  We have fuel surcharge provisions in substantially all of our transportation contracts and attempt to recover a portion of increasing fuel prices through fuel surcharges and rates to our customers.  
 
 Supplies and maintenance expenses primarily consist of repairs, maintenance and tires along with load specific expenses including loading/unloading, tolls, pallets, pickup and delivery and recruiting.  Supplies and maintenance costs decreased $1.4 million, or 5.5%, from 2008.  The expense decrease was primarily driven by lower recruiting costs of approximately $779,000 as fewer drivers were recruited and lower freight handling expenses of approximately $729,000 due to a decline in revenues.  Significant repairs to our equipment are generally covered by manufacturers’ warranties.
 
Total revenue equipment rent increased $3.2 million, or 19.3%, to $19.9 million from $16.7 million in 2008.  The increase is primarily due to an increase in the average number of tractors under lease at the end of June 2009 of 1,288 compared to 1,131 at the end of June 2008 and the increase in the average cost of equipment as we replace older equipment with new equipment and as our leased versus owned ratio increases.  We expect equipment rent expense to increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment.
 
Depreciation relates to owned tractors, trailers, communications units, service centers and other assets. Gains or losses on dispositions of revenue equipment are set forth in a separate line item within our statements of operations.  Depreciation expense decreased $506,000, or 5.3%, as older equipment was disposed and replaced with newer leased equipment.  Depreciation expense is also dependent upon the mix of company-owned equipment versus independent contractors.  We expect our annual cost of tractor and trailer ownership will increase in future periods as a result of higher prices of new equipment, which is expected to result in greater depreciation.  Future depreciation expense will be impacted by our leasing decisions.
 

 
17

 


Claims and insurance expenses consist of the costs of premiums for insurance accruals we make within our self-insured retention amounts, primarily for personal injury, property damage, physical damage and cargo claims.  These expenses will vary and are dependent on the frequency and severity of accidents, our self-insured retention amounts and the insurance market. Claims and insurance costs increased by $1.4 million, or 23.1%, to $7.7 million from $6.3 million in 2008.  The increase was primarily due to an increase in the severity of claims incurred.  The Company is responsible for the first $4.0 million on personal injury and property damage liability claims and 25% of the claim amount between $4.0 million and $10.0 million.  The Company has excess coverage from $10.0 million to $50.0 million.  Our significant self-insured retention exposes us to the possibility of significant fluctuations in claims expense between periods depending on the frequency, severity and timing of claims and to adverse financial results if we incur large or numerous losses.  In the event of an uninsured claim above our insurance coverage, a claim that approaches the maximum self-insured retention level, or an increase in the frequency or severity of claims within our self-insured retention, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
The Company’s effective tax benefit rate decreased to 26.4% in 2009 from 48.2% in 2008.  We pay our drivers a per-diem allowance for travel related expenses for which we are only able to deduct 80% for tax purposes.  This, along with other non-deductible items for tax, decreased our effective tax rate as our pre-tax loss increased.
 
As a result of factors described above, our net loss increased to $11.3 million compared to a net loss of $551,000 in 2008.  Our net loss per share increased to $0.66 per diluted share from a loss of $0.03 per diluted share in 2008.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
Our business requires substantial, ongoing capital investments, particularly for new tractors and trailers. Our primary sources of liquidity are funds provided by operations, our secured revolving credit facility and our ability to enter into equipment leases with various financing institutions.  A portion of our tractor fleet is provided by independent contractors who own and operate their own equipment. We have no capital expenditure requirements relating to those drivers who own their tractors or obtain financing through third parties. However, to the extent we purchase tractors and extend financing to the independent contractors through our tractor purchase program, we have an associated capital expenditure requirement.
 
                In November 2007, our Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program to repurchase an additional 1 million shares of our common stock resulting in 1,357,900 being authorized for purchase.  This program is intended to be implemented through purchases made in either the open market or through private transactions.  The timing and extent to which we will repurchase shares depends on market conditions and other corporate considerations.  We made no purchases in 2008 or 2009 and have available approximately 1.1 million shares that can be repurchased from that and previous authorizations. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date.
 
                

 
18

 

The table below reflects our net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities, investing activities and financing activities and outstanding debt, including current maturities, for the periods indicated.

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
   
2009
   
2008
 
Net cash flows provided by operating activities
 
$
8,492
   
$
1,369
 
Net cash flows (used in) investing activities
   
(3,775
)
   
(3,591
)
Net cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities
   
(657
)
   
3,505
 
Debt at June 30
   
-
     
4,300
 

For the six months ended June 30, 2009, we purchased $11.1 million of new property and equipment, and recognized a gain of $252,000 on the disposition of used equipment.  We generated $8.5 million of cash flows from operating activities primarily driven by depreciation and amortization and a decrease in our accounts receivable balances partially offset by a decline in our net deferred tax liabilities.  Our net capital expenditures were primarily funded with cash flows from operations.  We believe our sources of liquidity are adequate to meet our current and anticipated needs for at least the next twelve months.  Based upon anticipated cash flows, current borrowing availability and sources of financing we expect to be available to us, we do not anticipate any significant liquidity constraints in the foreseeable future.  We estimate that capital expenditures, net of proceeds from dispositions, will range from $17-$20 million in 2009, which will be higher than our historical levels due to our tractor replacement schedule and the consolidation of two facilities into one service center in New Jersey.
        
We establish credit terms with our customers based upon their financial strength and their historical payment pattern.   Many of our largest customers under contract are Fortune 500 companies.  Given the current economic conditions, we have placed additional emphasis on our review of significant outstanding receivable balances.  Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectability of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation in which a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  Invoice balances over 30 days after the contractual due date are considered past due per our policy and are reviewed individually for collectability.  During 2009, we decreased our reserve for doubtful accounts by $537,000 from December 31, 2008 as our past due receivables declined as a percentage of outstanding balances and the risk of bad debts was reduced as the aging improved.  Initial payments by new customers are monitored for compliance with contractual terms.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential recovery is considered remote.

             We have a credit agreement that provides for a five-year secured committed credit facility maturing in June 2010 with an aggregate availability of $50.0 million.  We may borrow an amount not to exceed the lesser of $50.0 million, adjusted for letters of credit and other debt (as defined in the agreement), a borrowing base or a multiple of a measurement of cash flow.   At June 30, 2009 there were no amounts borrowed under the credit facility; however, we had $5.4 million of standby letters of credit primarily for our self-insurance programs, which reduced the availability to $44.6 million.  The credit facility is further limited to the borrowing base, which is defined as 85% of the eligible accounts receivable balance, which excludes amounts past due over 90 days, in-transit shipments and the current portion of freight claims.  The Company also has the ability to increase its borrowing base by an additional $15.0 million through securitizing various revenue equipment.  The borrowing base as of June 30, 2009 was $25.8 million, which is net of standby letters of credit.  The credit facility bears interest at a daily interest rate based on one of the bank’s prime lending rates less 75 basis points or for specified periods of time at fixed interest rates that are based on a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate.   The agreement contains a pricing grid in which increased levels of profitability and cash flows or reduced levels of indebtedness can reduce the interest rates.

         

 
19

 

The credit facility contains several restrictive covenants, which include the following:

·
The ratio of our annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rental and any non-cash expenses from stock option activity (“EBITDAR”) to the amount of our annual fixed charges may not be less than 1.25:1.0. Fixed charges generally include interest payments, rental expense, taxes paid and payments due on outstanding debt.

·
The ratio of our funded debt to EBITDAR may not exceed 2.5:1.0. Funded debt generally includes the amount borrowed under the credit facility or similar arrangements, letters of credit and the aggregate minimum amount of operating lease payments we are obligated to pay in the future.

·
Our tangible net worth must remain an amount greater than $80 million plus 50% of the positive amounts of our quarterly net income for each fiscal quarter ending after June 30, 2006. Tangible net worth is generally defined as our net shareholders' equity minus intangible and certain other assets plus 100% of any cash we receive from the issuance of equity securities.

·
We may not enter into a merger or acquire another entity without the prior consent of our banks.

·
The annual amount of our net expenditures for property and equipment may not be more than $50 million after taking into account the amounts we receive from the sale of such assets.

·
Payments of dividends are generally limited to net income derived in the previous quarter.

At June 30, 2009, our EBITDAR was $51.8 million.  Our fixed charges were $36.1 million, resulting in a fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.44.  Our funded debt as defined in the agreement was $103.8 million resulting in funded debt to EBITDAR ratio of 2.00.  As a result of the seasonality of our operations and the loss incurred during 2007, we amended the credit facility in March and August 2008 and again in February 2009, to allow the payment of dividends to our shareholders upon meeting certain criteria.  Maintaining a credit facility is imperative for us to continue our operations by allowing us to manage our working capital and acquire revenue equipment that is essential to our operations.  Should we not be able to meet these covenants, amounts outstanding may become payable immediately and our ability to make future draws on the credit facility or enter into financial arrangements on our equipment may be limited.  We are in compliance with all of the covenants under the credit facility as of June 30, 2009.

The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of June 30, 2009:

   
(in thousands)
 
   
Total
   
2009
     
2010-2011
     
2012-2013
   
After 2013
 
Letters of credit
 
$
5,422
   
$
-
   
$
5,422
   
$
-
   
$
-
 
Purchase obligations
   
17,943
     
17,943
     
-
     
-
     
-
 
Operating leases obligations
                                       
Rentals
   
98,392
     
18,524
     
50,110
     
18,977
     
10,781
 
Residual guarantees
   
8,373
     
-
     
3,578
     
4,795
     
-
 
   
130,130
   
$
36,467
   
$
59,110
   
$
23,772
   
$
10,781
 


 
20

 


Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of June 30, 2009, we leased 1,241 tractors and 2,357 trailers under operating leases with varying termination dates ranging from August 2009 through October 2015 with total obligations of $98.4 million.  Rent expense related to operating leases involving vehicles during the six months ended June 30, 2009 and 2008 was $20.0 million and $16.7 million, respectively.  We maintain standby letters of credit related to self-insured programs in the amount of $5.4 million.  These standby letters of credit allow the Company to self-insure a portion of its insurance exposure.

Inflation and Fuel Costs
 
                Most of our operating expenses are inflation-sensitive, with inflation generally producing increased costs of operations. During the past three years, the most significant effects of inflation have been on revenue equipment prices, accident claims, health insurance, employee compensation and fuel.  We attempt to limit the effects of inflation through increases in freight rates and cost control efforts.
 
                In addition to inflation, fluctuations in fuel prices can affect our profitability. We require substantial amounts of fuel to operate our tractors and power the temperature-control units on our trailers. Substantially all of our contracts with customers contain fuel surcharge provisions. Although we historically have been able to pass through most long-term increases in fuel prices and related taxes to our customers in the form of surcharges and higher rates, such increases usually are not fully recovered.  We do not hedge our exposure to fuel prices through financial derivatives.

Seasonality
 
                 Our temperature-controlled truckload operations are affected by seasonal changes. The growing seasons for fruits and vegetables in Florida, California and Texas typically create increased demand for trailers equipped to transport cargo requiring refrigeration. Our LTL operations are also impacted by the seasonality of certain commodities. LTL shipment volume during the winter months is normally lower than other months. Shipping volumes of LTL freight are usually highest from July through October.  LTL volumes also tend to increase in the weeks before holidays such as Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas when significant volumes of food and candy are transported. 

Our tractor productivity generally decreases during the winter season as inclement weather impedes operations and some shippers typically reduce their shipments as there is less need for temperature control during colder months than warmer months. At the same time, operating expenses generally increase, with harsh weather creating higher accident frequency, increased claims and more equipment repairs.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

                 The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions about future events, and apply judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses in our consolidated financial statements and related notes.  We base our estimates, assumptions and judgments on historical experience, current trends and other factors believed to be relevant at the time our consolidated financial statements are prepared.  However, because future events and their effects cannot be determined with certainty, actual results could differ from our estimates and assumptions, and such differences could be material.  We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant estimates, assumptions and judgments used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
 

 
21

 

Accounts Receivable.   We are dependent upon contracts with significant customers that generate a large portion of our revenue.  Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amounts, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts.  A considerable amount of judgment is required in assessing the realization of these receivables including the current creditworthiness of each customer and related aging of the past-due balances, including any billing disputes.  In order to assess the collectability of these receivables, we perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers’ financial condition.  Through these evaluations, we may become aware of a situation in which a customer may not be able to meet its financial obligations due to deterioration of its financial viability, credit ratings or bankruptcy.  The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on the best information available to us and is reevaluated and adjusted as additional information is received.  We evaluate the allowance based on historical write-off experience, the size of the individual customer balances, past-due amounts and the overall national economy.  We perform ongoing reviews of the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts.  Invoice balances over 30 days after the contractual due date are considered past due per our policy and are reviewed individually for collectability.  Initial payments by new customers are monitored for compliance with contractual terms.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential recovery is considered remote.

Revenue Recognition.   The Company recognizes revenue and the related direct costs on the date the freight is picked up from the shipper.  One of the preferable methods under FASB Emerging Issues Task Force Issue 91-9, Revenue and Expense Recognition for Freight Services in Progress (“EITF 91-9”) provides the recognition of revenue and direct costs when the shipment is completed.  Changing to this method would not have a material impact on the quarterly financial results or operations of the Company.

Property and Equipment.   The transportation industry is capital intensive. Our net property and equipment was $78.5 million as of June 30, 2009 and $83.4 million as of December 31, 2008. Our depreciation expense was $9.0 million for 2009 and $9.5 million for 2008. Depreciation is computed based on the cost of the asset, reduced by its estimated residual value, using the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes.  Accelerated methods are used for income tax reporting purposes. Additions and improvements to property and equipment are capitalized at cost.  Maintenance and repair expenditures are charged to operations as incurred.  Gains and losses on disposals of revenue equipment are included in operations as they are a normal, recurring component of our operations.  We have minimal risk to the used equipment market as the majority of our tractors have a pre-arranged trade-in value at the end of 42 months, which is utilized as the residual value in computing depreciation expense.
 
Impairment of Assets.   Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less the costs to sell.
 
Insurance and claims.   We are self-insured for a portion of losses relating to workers’ compensation, auto liability, general liability, cargo and property damage claims, along with employees’ health insurance with varying risk retention levels.  We maintain insurance coverage for per-incident occurrences and in excess of these risk retention levels in amounts we consider adequate based upon historical experience and our ongoing review.  We reserve currently for the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims. These reserves are periodically evaluated and adjusted based on our evaluation of the nature and severity of outstanding individual claims and an estimate of future claims development based on historical claims development factors.  The Company accrues for the anticipated legal and other costs to settle the claims currently.  The Company is responsible for the first $4.0 million on each personal injury and property damage claim and 25% of the claim amount between $4.0 million and $10.0 million.  The Company has excess coverage from $10.0 million to $50.0 million.  The Company utilizes an independent actuary to assist in establishing its accruals.  Our significant self-insured retention exposes us to the possibility of significant fluctuations in claims expense between periods depending on the frequency, severity and timing of claims and to adverse financial results if we incur large or numerous losses.  In the event of an uninsured claim above our insurance coverage, a claim that approaches the maximum self-insured retention level, or an increase in the frequency or severity of claims within our self-insured retention, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
 
 
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                 Income Taxes .  We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes and FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”).   As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, we are required to estimate our income taxes in each of the jurisdictions in which we operate.  This process involves estimating our current tax exposure together with assessing temporary differences resulting from differing treatment of items for tax and financial reporting purposes.  These temporary differences result in deferred tax assets and liabilities, which are included in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.  To the extent it is determined that it is not likely that our deferred tax assets will be recovered, a valuation allowance must be established for the amount of the deferred tax assets determined not to be realizable.  We believe the deferred tax assets will be principally realized through future reversals of existing temporary differences (deferred tax liabilities) and future taxable income.  However, if the facts or our financial results were to change, thereby impacting the likelihood of realizing the deferred tax assets, judgment would have to be applied to determine the amount of any increase to the valuation allowance that would be required in any given period.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 141R, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141R”). SFAS No. 141R requires an acquirer to recognize the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquired business at the acquisition date, measured at their full fair values as of that date. SFAS No. 141R is effective for business combinations occurring after December 31, 2008.  The adoption of SFAS No. 141R did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements — an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 establishes accounting and reporting standards that require (i) non-controlling interests to be reported as a component of equity, (ii) changes in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling interest to be accounted for as equity transactions, and (iii) any retained non-controlling equity investment upon the deconsolidation of a subsidiary to be initially measured at fair value. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of SFAS No. 160 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 In March 2008, the FASB issued Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of FASB Statement No. 133 to clarify how and why companies use derivative instruments. In addition, SFAS No. 161 requires additional disclosures regarding how companies account for derivative instruments and the impact derivatives have on a company’s financial position. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008.  The adoption of SFAS No. 161 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position EITF 03-6-1, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payment Transactions are Participating Securities (“FSP EITF 03-6-1”). The staff position concludes that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities as defined in EITF 03-6 and therefore should be included in computing earnings per share using the two-class method.  This staff position is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008.  The Company’s adoption of FSP EITF 03-6-1 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.  However, since the Company’s restricted shares are entitled to dividends and contain voting rights they are included in the basic computation of earnings per share.
 

 
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On April 1, 2009, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS No. 141R-1, Accounting for Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed in a Business Combination That Arise from Contingencies (“FSP FAS No.141R-1”), to address application issues regarding the accounting and disclosure provisions for contingencies in SFAS No. 141R.  FSP FAS No. 141R-1 amends SFAS No. 141R by replacing the guidance on the initial recognition and measurement of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies acquired or assumed in a business combination with guidance similar to that for preacquisition contingencies in FASB Statement No. 141, Business Combinations , before the 2007 revision.  The adoption of FSP FAS No. 141R-1 will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS No. 165”), which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. SFAS No. 165 is effective prospectively for interim or annual reporting periods ending after June 15, 2009.  The Company has evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of June 30, 2009 through August 7, 2009, which is the date the accompanying financial statements were issued.  The adoption of SFAS No. 165 did not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations and the Company is not aware of any subsequent events that would require recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements.

In June 2009, the FASB issued Statement No. 168, The FASB Accounting Standards Codification and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162 (“SFAS No. 168”). The FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) will be the single source of authoritative nongovernmental US GAAP. Rules and interpretive releases of the SEC under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative US GAAP for SEC registrants. SFAS No. 168 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. All existing accounting standards are superseded as described in SFAS No. 168. All other accounting literature not included in the Codification is nonauthoritative. The Codification is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
 Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
We are exposed to a variety of market risks, primarily from fuel prices and interest rates. These risks have not materially changed between December 31, 2008 and June 30, 2009.
 
Commodity Price Risk
 
Our operations are heavily dependent upon fuel prices.  The price and availability can vary and are subject to political, economic and market factors that are beyond our control.  Significant increases in diesel fuel costs could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition; however, historically, we’ve been able to recover the majority of diesel fuel price increases from customers in the form of fuel surcharges.  Fuel prices have fluctuated greatly in recent years. In some periods, our operating performance was adversely affected because we were not able to fully offset the impact of higher diesel fuel prices through increased freight rates and fuel surcharges. We cannot predict the extent to which high fuel price levels will continue in the future or the extent to which fuel surcharges could be collected to offset such increases. We do not enter into derivative hedging arrangements that protect us against fuel price increases.  A 5% increase in the average fuel cost per gallon would result in annual increased fuel costs of approximately $3.0 million that would be substantially offset by fuel surcharges.
 
Interest Rate Risk
 
Our market risk is also affected by changes in interest rates.  We have historically maintained a combination of fixed rate and variable rate obligations to manage our interest rate exposure.  Fixed rates are generally maintained within our lease obligations while variable rates are contained within our amended and restated credit agreement.
 
We are exposed to interest rate risk primarily from our amended and restated credit agreement.  Our credit agreement, as amended, provides for borrowings that bear interest based on the bank’s prime lending rate less 75 basis points or a spread over the London Interbank Offered Rate (commonly referred to as “LIBOR”). At June 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008, there were no borrowings outstanding under our credit facility.
 
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As of June 30, 2009, we held no market-risk-sensitive instruments for trading purposes.  For purposes other than trading, we held approximately 57,000 shares of our common stock at a value of $181,000 in a Rabbi Trust investment. Our consolidated financial statements include the assets and liabilities of the Rabbi Trust established to hold the investments of participants in our 401(k) Wrap Plan and for deferred compensation liabilities under our Executive Bonus and Phantom Stock Plan.  Such liabilities are adjusted from time to time to reflect changes in the market price of our common stock.  To the extent the trust assets are invested in our stock, our future compensation expense and income will be impacted by fluctuations in the market price of our stock.

 Item 4.    Controls and Procedures
 
As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), we have carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) 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 our Chief Financial Officer.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2009.  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.  We intend to periodically evaluate our disclosure controls and procedures as required by the Exchange Act Rules.

PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
 
 Item 1.    Legal Proceedings

We are involved in litigation incidental to our operations, primarily involving claims for personal injury, property damage, work-related injuries and cargo losses incurred in the ordinary and routine transportation of freight.

On January 8, 2008, a shareholders’ derivative action was filed in the District Court of Dallas County, 192nd District, entitled James L. and Eleanor A. Gayner, Individually and as Trustees of The James L. & Eleanor 81 UAD 02/04/1981 Trust, Derivatively On Behalf of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. v. Stoney M. Stubbs, Jr., et al.  This action alleged that certain of our current and former officers and directors breached their respective fiduciary duties in connection with our equipment lease arrangements with certain related-parties, which were terminated in September 2006.  The shareholders sought, on our behalf, an order that the lease arrangements were null and void from their origination, an unspecified amount of damages, the imposition of a constructive trust on any benefits received by the defendants as a result of their alleged wrongful conduct, and recovery of attorneys’ fees and costs.  A special litigation committee (“SLC”) consisting solely of independent directors was created to investigate the claims in the derivative action.   The derivative action was stayed while the SLC conducted an investigation.  The parties reached a tentative settlement of the disputed claims upon the conclusion of the SLC's investigation.  During 2008, the Company settled this lawsuit and derivative action without significant financial consideration which was approved by the Court in April 2009.  Under the proposed settlement, the Company agreed to make certain corporate governance changes beginning in early March 2009.  The Company has begun making these changes.
   
 Item 1A.    Risk Factors
 
Certain risks associated with our operations are discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of that report.  We do not believe there have been any material changes in these risks during the six months ended June 30, 2009.

 
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Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
On November 9, 2007, our Board of Directors renewed our authorization to purchase up to 1,357,900 shares of our common stock.  At June 30, 2009, there were a total of 1,111,500 remaining authorized shares that could be repurchased.  No shares were repurchased during the second quarter of 2009.  The authorization did not specify an expiration date.  Shares may be purchased from time to time on the open market or through private transactions at such times as management deems appropriate.  Purchases may be discontinued by our Board of Directors at any time.
 
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
 
None.
 
Item 4.    Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
Our Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on May 20, 2009. Of the 17,189,387 shares eligible to vote, 14,359,798 shares were represented at the meeting, either in person or by proxy. The following table summarizes the results of voting held during the Annual Meeting.

Election of Directors
 
                Each of management’s nominees for Class II directors, as listed in the proxy statement, was elected with the number of votes set forth below:

Director
 
For
   
Withheld
 
Results
Brian R. Blackmarr
    13,822,254       537,544  
Approved
W. Mike Baggett
    13,371,248       988,550  
Approved
John T. Hickerson
    13,753,631       606,167  
Approved

In addition to the directors listed above whose terms will expire in 2012, continuing as directors with terms expiring in 2010 are Stoney M. Stubbs, T. Michael O’Connor and Jerry T. Armstrong, and continuing as directors with terms expiring in 2011 are Barrett D. Clark, Leroy Hallman and S. Russell Stubbs.
 
Management Proposals
Subject of Proposal
 
For
   
Against
   
Abstain
   
Broker
Non-Vote
 
Results
To approve the amended and restated Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan
    10,545,169       2,408,233       4,507       1,401,899  
Approved

At our Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  The prior version of the Plan had previously been approved by our shareholders.  The amendment increases the total number of shares authorized to be awarded under the Plan from 2,200,000 shares to 2,700,000 shares provided, however, that no more than 1,000,000 shares of common stock may be awarded in the form of restricted stock, stock units, or performance shares.

Item 5.    Other Information
 
None.
 

 
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Item 6.    Exhibits

3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on May 29, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 3009 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.3
Amended and Restated Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (filed herewith).
   
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
   
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
   
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).


 
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SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of l934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
FROZEN FOOD EXPRESS INDUSTRIES, INC.
 
(Registrant)
     
 
Dated: August 7, 2009
 
By
 
/s/ Stoney M. Stubbs, Jr.
   
Stoney M. Stubbs, Jr.
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
Dated: August 7, 2009
 
By
 
/s/ Ronald J. Knutson
   
Ronald J. Knutson
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 

 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3(i) to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K on May 29, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on March 3, 3009 and incorporated herein by reference).
   
10.3
Amended and Restated Frozen Food Express Industries, Inc. 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (filed herewith).
   
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
 
 
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 
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