Note 9 - Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

9.     Commitments and Contingencies

As of December 31, 2013, we had approximately $31.5 million of obligations remaining under operating lease arrangements related primarily to terminal and support facilities. Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases (with initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year) as of December 31, 2013, are approximately $31.5 million, with payment streams as follows (in millions): 2014 - $10.6; 2015 - $8.7; 2016 - $6.5, 2017 - $4.2, and 2018 - $1.5.

Total rent expense was $33.2 million in 2013, $27.5 million in 2012, and $24.8 million in 2011. At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding commitments to acquire approximately $606.6 million of revenue equipment in 2014.

During 2013, we issued financial standby letters of credit as a guarantee of our performance under certain operating agreements and self-insurance arrangements. If we default on our commitments under the agreements or other arrangements, we are required to perform under these guarantees. The undiscounted maximum amount of our obligation to make future payments in the event of defaults is approximately $4.5 million as of December 31, 2013.

We are a defendant in certain class-action lawsuits in which the plaintiffs are current and former California-based drivers who allege claims for unpaid wages, failure to provide meal and rest periods, and other items. A Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings with regard to the meal and rest break claims was granted in our favor in the fourth quarter of 2013. A Motion for Summary Judgment with regard to other remaining claims was heard in January of 2014. We are currently awaiting a decision on our Motion for Summary Judgment. The trial date for one of the class-action lawsuits is currently scheduled for the first quarter of 2015. We cannot reasonably estimate at this time the possible loss or range of loss, if any, that may arise from these lawsuits.

We are involved in certain other claims and pending litigation arising from the normal conduct of business. Based on the present knowledge of the facts and, in certain cases, opinions of outside counsel, we believe the resolution of these claims and pending litigation will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, our results of operations or our liquidity.