Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

11.  Related Party Transactions 

The Company purchases trailers and trailer refrigeration units that are used in our operations from W&B Service Company, L.P. (“W&B”), an entity in which we own a 19.9% equity interest. The Company accounts for that investment under the equity method of accounting.  As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, our equity investment in W&B was $1.2 million and $1.9 million, respectively, which is included in "Other Assets" in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, our equity in the earnings of W&B was $0.9 million, $0.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively. Cash distributions to us from W&B’s earnings were $1.6 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million for the same period in 2011, 2010, and 2009, respectively.

During the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, our purchases from W&B for trailers and refrigeration units were $23.1 million, $19.5 million and $5.4 million, respectively.  The Company also utilizes W&B to provide routine maintenance and warranty repair of trailers and refrigeration units.  During the year ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, W&B invoiced the Company $1.3 million, $1.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively, for maintenance and repair services, accessories and parts.   As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had $0.3 million and $1.4 million, respectively, payable to W&B included in our accounts payable balance on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.