10-K405 1 trism10k.htm Prepared by e-Services, LLC - www.edgar2.net

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

 

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

[ X ]     Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Fee Required)

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000

or

[ ]    Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (No Fee Required)

For the transition period from                                 to                                                                   

Commission file number 0-23210

TRISM, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

 

13-3491658

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

 

 

4174 Jiles Road, Kennesaw, Georgia

 

30144

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(770) 795-4600
Registrant's telephone number, including area code

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Common Stock, Par Value $.01
(Title of class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

[ X ] Yes       [ ] No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.      [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports to be filed by Section 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

[ X ] Yes       [ ] No

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price as quoted on the OTC Bulletin on April 30, 2001 was $2,000,000.

As of April 30, 2001, 2,000,000 shares of TRISM, Inc.'s common stock, par value $.01 per share, were outstanding.

 

Page 1 of 58 Pages
Exhibit Index located on page 52

 


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM

PAGE

 

 

 

 

PART I.

1.

Business

3

 

2.

Properties

8

 

3.

Legal Proceedings

9

 

4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

9

 

 

 

 

PART II.

5.

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related  
   Stockholder Matters

10

 

 

 

6.

Selected Financial Data and Operating Statistics

11

 

7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
   and Results of Operations

12

 

 

 

8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

22

9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
   and Financial Disclosure

46

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART III.

10.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

47

 

11.

Executive Compensation

48

 

12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
   Management

50

 

13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

50

 

 

 

 

PART IV.

14.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form    8-K

 51

 

 

 

 

Exhibit Index

52

 

 

 

 

 

 


PART I.

ITEM 1. Business

Overview

Trism, Inc. (the "Company"), a Delaware corporation, entered the transportation business in January 1990 with the acquisition of Tri-State Motor Transit Co. The Company's operations include a group of carriers primarily specializing in the transportation of heavy machinery and equipment and over-dimensional commodities, building materials, steel and metal products (Heavy Haul), hazardous waste, explosives, military munitions and radioactive materials (Secured Materials), and a contract logistics provider (Logistics). The Company conducts these operations principally through its subsidiaries, Trism Specialized Carriers, Inc. ("TSC"), Tri-State Motor Transit Co. ("TSMT"), Diablo Systems, Inc. ("Diablo"), C.I. Whitten Transfer ("CIW"), and Trism Logistics, Inc. ("TLI").

Emergence from Bankruptcy

On September 16, 1999, the Company filed (the "Filing") for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (the "Code") in the District of Delaware. The Company operated as a Debtor-in-Possession ("DIP") under the Code. Subsequent to the Filing, the Company obtained a $42.4 million senior collateralized DIP credit facility to meet its ongoing working capital needs and replace its pre-petition revolving credit facility. The DIP facility provided for borrowings up to $35 million on a revolving credit facility, with availability depending upon a borrowing base formula based on accounts receivable. Additionally, the DIP facility provided additional borrowing capacity of $2.4 million to refinance an existing term loan collateralized by five hundred and forty-one trailers and an incremental $5 million of borrowings, if drawn, to be collateralized by identified real property and other unencumbered trailers. The borrowings bore interest at rates ranging from prime rate plus .25% to .50% or from LIBOR rates plus 2.25% to 2.50%. The DIP facility was repaid in full on February 15, 2000, the effective date of the Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan"). On October 25, 1999 the Court signed an order approving the second amended disclosure statement for a joint plan of reorganization. On December 9, 1999, the Plan was confirmed by the United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Delaware (the "Court").

On February 15, 2000, the consummation of the Company's Plan of Reorganization was completed, and the Company exited from Chapter 11. The Company converted the existing Senior Subordinated Notes ("Notes") and common equity as outlined under the terms of the restructuring agreement.

The agreement provided for the Notes to be converted into (i) new notes in the aggregate principal amount of $30 million, due February 15, 2005, with interest at the rate of 12% per annum (the first semi-annual interest payment was paid on March 15, 2000), and (ii) 95% of the new common equity of the Company to be issued post-recapitalization. The agreement also provided that the Company's old common equity would be converted into 5% of the new common equity issued po st-recapitalization.

In connection with the exit from Chapter 11, the Company executed a new, three-year $42.5 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"). The Revolver provides for borrowings up to $42.5 million based on a borrowing base formula determined by eligible accounts receivable, certain unencumbered trailers, and the Company's real property in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Revolver also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $17 million. The Revolver bears interest at the prime rate plus .25% or LIBOR plus 2.25%. No financial covenants exist unless availability, as defined, initially falls below $5 million for ten consecutive business days. Required covenants if availability falls below $5 million include a minimum net worth threshold, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. The Revolver also limits debt incurrence, capital expenditures, changes in control and management, mergers and certain material asset sales, irrespective of the $5 million availability threshold.

The results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 represents the mathematic addition of the historical amounts for the predecessor company period January 1 through February 15, 2000, and the reorganized company period, February 16 through December 31, 2000. Management believes that a combined discussion of predecessor and reorganized company periods is reasonable and appropriate because there were no material adjustments to the presented items (other than depreciation, amortization and interest expense) resulting from the Fresh Start Reporting. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

 


ITEM 1. Business, Continued

Recent Adverse Developments

On October 19, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a change in management restriction as a result of the resignation of the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. On October 27, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a materially adverse effect evidenced by, (a) the Company's current and projected future negative earnings and cash flow, (b) the change in management discussed in notice of default on October 19, 2000, (c) the increase in fuel costs to the Company and (d) a proposed sixty percent increase in insurance premiums to the Company.

On November 8, 2000, the Company executed a forbearance agreement with CIT Business Credit that modified certain terms with the Revolver, including a $3.0 million forbearance reserve on collateral availability, and increased interest rates to 2.0% above Prime and required the payment of a forbearance fee of $150,000. The forbearance agreement has been subsequently amended and extended for additional fees totalling $425,000. The most recent amendment, dated April 27, 2001, extends the forbearance period until May 18, 2001. The Company has agreed, during the period of forbearance, not to pay the interest due on its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2005. Under the terms of the Notes, the Company had a thirty-day grace period on its interest payment due March 15, 2001. The Company did not make the interest payment on April 15 and this constituted an Event of Default under the terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Notes were issued. In addition, the Company is delinquent on all of its equipment debt obligations. See Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 6 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

As a result of the Company's negative earnings and cash flow and its resulting failure to make the March 15, 2001 interest payment in the amount of $1.8 million on the Notes and its continuing defaults under the Revolver with CIT Business Credit , there is substantial doubt as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on obtaining additional financing and/or negotiating a restructuring of its indebtedness, including the Notes and the Revolver.

On March 9, 2001, the Company announced the Board of Directors has engaged the Carreden Group, Inc., investment bankers located in New York City, as financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives. With the assistance of Carreden Group, the Company is currently exploring alternative financing to replace the Revolver and is also engaged in preliminary discussions with potential purchasers of substantially all of the Company's assets who have indicated their interests in pursuing such a transaction. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing either of these objectives. Moreover, the consummation of either of these alternatives may require a restructuring of the Company's existing indebtedness. In order to effect any such sale or restructuring of its indebtedness, it may be necessary for the Company to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

On April 18, 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the retention of Transport Management, a trucking management firm, to assist in the management of the Company.

The Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 included in its Annual Report have been prepared assuming that the Company and its subsidiaries will continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described above. See the Independent Auditors' Report on such financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.

Shareholder Rights Plan

On April 27, 2001, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Shareholder Rights Plan designed to assure that all of the Company's securityholders are offered a full and fair price in the event a potential acquirer seeks to gain control of the Company and to protect securityholders from attempts to acquire effective control through open market and/or private purchases of common stock without paying a fair control premium to either selling or remaining stockholders.  Under the terms of the Rights Plan, under certain circumstances the Rights will become exercisable if a person or group (other than those eligible to report such ownership on Schedule 13G) acquires beneficial ownership of 30% or more of the Company's outstanding common stock, in which case each Right not held by such person or group will enable the holder to purchase that number of shares of the Company's common stock having a market value at that time of two times the $1.50 exercise price of the Right.  Details of the Rights Plan are described in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 2001 and a copy of the Rights Agreement establishing the Plan is filed as an Exhibit to such Current Report.

Heavy Haul

TSC, the Company's largest business segment, is comprised of three fleets. Each fleet specializes in servicing customers with unique shipping needs.

General Fleet

This fleet services customers in the industrial and public construction markets. Approximately 40% of loads hauled in this division are permitted and require special handling. The general fleet solicits freight under 50,000 lbs.

 


 

ITEM 1. Business, Continued

Heavy Haul Fleet

This fleet hauls loads ranging from 50,000 pounds to 70,000 pounds, which all require special permitting and escorts retained to meet specific state rules and regulations. Heavy Haul's largest markets are equipment transportation for the U.S. government, power industry, modular buildings for the communications industry, and agricultural equipment.

Special Equipment Fleet

This fleet specializes in loads over 70,000 pounds and is capable of handling load exceeding 150,000 pounds and 125 feet in length. The fleet services the power industry, U.S. Government, automotive, engineering, and construction markets. The fleet owns and employs highly specialized, multi-axle trailer configurations and uniquely built tractors to properly handle overdimensional loads. All of this fleet's loads are permitted and most require escorts to meet individual state requirements.

On July 15, 2000, the Company sold the assets of the Super Heavy Haul division for $1.1 million to Emmert International; the proceeds were used to retire outstanding equipment indebtedness. The Super Heavy Haul division had revenues of approximately $2.0 million, $6.3 million and $4.7 million in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

The following table includes Heavy Haul's contribution of revenue, exclusive of intersegment elimination adjustments, for the three years ended December 31:

2000

1999

1998

  Revenue (In thousands)

$ 195,791

$ 188,866

$ 203,172

  Percent of Company revenue

67%

66%

67%

Secured Materials

The Secured Materials segment of the Company is one of the largest nationwide carriers of hazardous materials for the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy. The Secured Division consists of Tri-State Motor Transit Co. ("TSMT"), Trism Environmental Services (a division of TSMT), Diablo Transportation and C.I. Whitten Transport. These companies hold authorities to transport all classes of explosive materials, nuclear fuel cycle, and radioactive materials, as well as all other toxic and hazardous materials allowed for highway movement throughout the forty-eight (48) states and provinces of Canada.

Trism Environmental Services ("TES") provides service to customers in the hazardous waste and radioactive materials market. TES operates throughout the continental United States.

The Secured Materials segment provides cleared drivers and teams to transport full truckload and less-than-truckload (dromedary) shipments of sensitive materials for all government agencies and commercial markets where required.

The Secured Materials segment of Trism has long been a leader offering transportation services to customers in specific market niches. Secured specializes in transporting cargo which requires careful handling due to their explosive or contaminant nature. Exceptional performance in safety and customer service continues to be a hallmark of the Company.

The following table includes Secured Material's contribution of revenue, exclusive of intersegment elimination adjustments, for the three years ended December 31:

2000

1999

1998

  Revenue (In thousands)

$ 75,534

$ 83,683

$ 92,113

  Percent of Company revenue

26%

29%

31%

 


ITEM 1. Business, Continued

Logistics

TLI is a logistics firm that specializes in freight management services for the overdimensional, open equipment marketplace. TLI manages/contracts transportation services for its customers in all transport modes. TLI's client base includes the power industry, engineering and construction companies, and major equipment manufacturers. Along with TLI's freight management responsibilities, TLI also manages terminal services for the rail industry through its Intermodal division and develops software for use in managing the administrative side of the logistics industry. Whether it is an individual shipment or an entire project TLI's service offerings can provide a single source solution for its customers.

The following table includes TLI's contribution of revenue, exclusive of intersegment elimination adjustments, for the three years ended December 31:

2000

1999

1998

  Revenue (In thousands)

$ 20,450

$ 13,905

$ 7,178

  Percent of Company revenue

7%

5%

2%

Strategy

The Company's business strategy is to offer high quality, specialized transportation services in specific markets of the trucking industry to service-sensitive customers. The key components of the Company's strategy are as follows:

Market Leadership

The Company has sought to enter niche-trucking markets in which it can become the preeminent carrier. These markets generate higher revenues per mile than general freight carriage. There are substantial service and productivity advantages to having a large specialized equipment fleet including high route density and a large, diverse customer base.

Nationwide Coordination of Operations

The Company's nationwide coordinated operations, and careful compliance by the Company's drivers and field personnel, along with a synchronized network load plan are key elements in its strategy. In order to minimize down time and to reduce empty miles, the Company coordinates its nationwide operations by utilizing systems designed to match driver and equipment availability to customer and geographic demand. As part of this process, the Company has equipped substantially all of its tractors with satellite communications equipment that enables the Company's drivers and dispatchers to communicate with each other at any time regardless of where a tractor is in the continental United States. This system enables the Company to provide its customers with current information on the location and status of cargo while in transit.

Specialized Operating Capabilities and Equipment

The Company generally has the capability of handling all of an individual shipper's freight in the Company's niche markets. The Company's operating capabilities include a variety of specialized equipment, regulatory permits and compliance expertise, satellite communications and technology, specialized terminals including segregated munitions storage areas, and driver selectivity and training. The Company operates 32 types of trailers in order to meet the specialized needs of shippers. Because of the number and variety of trailers in the Company's fleet, the Company is able to accommodate large nationwide shippers' needs on a timely basis. The breadth of these equipment options is an integral part of the Company's position with its major customers.

Seasonality

The Company's operations are subject to seasonal trends common to the trucking industry. Results of operations for the quarters ending in December and March are significantly lower than the quarters ending in June and September due to reduced shipments and higher operating costs as a percentage of revenues in the winter months.

 


 

Item 1. Business, Continued

Customers

The Company's largest customer is the U.S. Government (principally the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy) which accounted for approximately 14 percent of consolidated revenues in 2000. The remainder of the Company's customer base is diversified in terms of customer concentration, industry and geography. No other customer accounted for more than 5 percent of the Company's consolidated revenues.

Employees

At December 31, 2000, the Company had 1,987 employees of whom 1,487 were drivers, compared to 2,258 employees at December 31, 1999 of whom 1,641 were drivers. Like other trucking operations, the Company experiences a high turnover rate (approximately 124.9% for 2000) of its Company-employed drivers and contract operators. The inability to attract and retain qualified driving employees could negatively impact the operations of the Company.

Risk Management and Insurance

The primary risk areas in the Company's businesses are liability for bodily injury and property damage, workers' compensation, and cargo loss and damage. In November 2000, the Company began an insurance program with a deductible for bodily injury and property damage of $500,000 per occurrence. Prior to November 2000, the Company maintained a first dollar premium-based insurance program against liability for bodily injury and property damage and was not subject to deductibles. Prior to November 1999, the Company maintained liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage, with a deductible for bodily injury and property damage of $500,000 per occurrence plus the satisfaction of an additional $750,000 deductible per year for claims which exceed $500,000. The Company is a qualified workers' compensation self-insurer in the State of Missouri where most of its drivers are domiciled, with losses in excess of $500,000 insured by an excess workers' compensation policy. In all other states statutory workers' compensation insurance is maintained with a deductible of $500,000 loss limit per occurrence to the Company. The Company has issued standby letters of credit in the amount of $9.3 million and collateralized an additional $2.5 million in the form of restricted deposits at December 31, 2000, to collateralize its self-insured and previous liability for bodily injury and property damage deductible insurance programs.

The Company also self-insures as to damage or loss to the property and equipment it owns or leases, subject to insurance coverage maintained in the event of a catastrophic loss in excess of $50,000 for property and $100,000 for equipment. Certain shipments transported by the Company are very valuable. The Company currently maintains cargo loss and damage insurance with a current deductible of $250,000 per occurrence. In addition to following Department of Transportation ("DOT") regulations requiring random drug testing and post-accident drug testing, the Company rigorously enforces its accident and incident reporting and follow-up standards.

Safety

The Company employs safety specialists and maintains safety programs designed to meet its specific needs. In addition, the Company employs specialists to perform compliance checks and to conduct safety tests throughout the Company's operations. The Company conducts a number of safety programs designed to promote compliance with rules and regulations and to reduce accidents and cargo claims. These programs include an ongoing Substance Abuse Prevention Program, driver safety meetings, distribution of safety bulletins to drivers, and participation in national safety associations.

 


 

Item 1. Business, Continued

Fuel Availability and Cost

The Company's fuel requirements are met by commercial fuel stops. The Company has entered into agreements with national truckstop chains that provide for discounts on fuel. The Company may, from time to time, enter into the forward purchases of fuel for delivery through its truckstop network for up to 40 percent of its monthly usage, though no agreements were in place during 2000. The Company believes that a portion of any increase in fuel costs or fuel taxes generally would be recoverable from its customers in the form of higher rates. However, a sharp, unexpected rise in fuel prices could negatively impact profitability due to a time lag in implementing and collecting these costs and the inability to fully recover these costs from customers.

The average fuel prices increased from $1.07 per gallon in 1999 to $1.43 per gallon in 2000. The Company has adjusted its freight rates to mitigate these increased costs.

Competition and Regulation

The trucking industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with other truckload carriers, private carriage fleets and, to a lesser extent, railroads. Although the increased competition resulting from deregulation has created downward pressure on rates, the Company has mitigated this decline by setting rates on the basis of its quality of service and its ability to provide specialized services.

The trucking industry has been substantially deregulated since the Motor Carrier Act of 1980. Although the Company is still subject to the regulatory powers of the DOT (which has assumed the trucking regulation responsibilities from the Interstate Commerce Commission), as are all interstate common carriers by motor vehicle, many of the previous regulatory barriers for entry into the trucking business have been eased. Further, as a result of deregulation, operating authorities for handling commodities in individual states are more easily obtained by new and existing carriers, and certain restrictions on transportation have been eased.

The DOT sets safety and equipment standards, as well as hours of service regulations for drivers. Federal, state and local governments regulate the transportation of hazardous waste and hazardous materials. Generally, certain procedures must be followed, pre-notifications given, and permits obtained when transporting these materials.

Environmental Matters

The Company's operations as well as those of its competitors are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental regulations. In order to comply with such regulations and to be consistent with the Company's corporate environmental policy, normal operating procedures include practices to protect the environment. Amounts expended relating to such practices are part of the normal day-to-day costs of the Company's business operations.

ITEM 2. Properties

Facilities

The Company owns executive and administrative offices in Kennesaw, Georgia and Joplin, Missouri, which are the Company's principal operational headquarters. These facilities provide sufficient space for the Company to coordinate its nationwide operations.

As of December 31, 2000, the Company operated 40 total facilities including 10 owned facilities and 30 leased facilities, compared to a total of 44 facilities at December 31, 1999. The Company has identified certain facilities for downsizing and closure. The Company expects to complete this process by the end of the second quarter of 2001. Our facilities are strategically located in 25 states throughout the United States, and include operating terminals, maintenance facilities, equipment drop and exchange yards, and customer storage facilities. From these facilities, the Company caters to service-sensitive customers transporting cargo in truckload quantities to single destinations throughout the continental United States and Canada. The Company arranges for shipments into Mexico primarily through agreements it maintains with Mexican trucking companies.


 

Item 1. Business, Continued

Revenue Equipment and Maintenance

The Company utilizes a wide range of specialized equipment designed to meet its customers' varied transportation requirements which distinguishes the Company from many other large truckload carriers. To meet its customers' specialized needs, the Company's trailer fleet consists of 32 types of trailers, including closed vans, flat beds, drop frames, double drops, extendibles, low-boy and dromedary trailers.

The Company's policy is to replace tractors on a four to five year cycle. At December 31, 2000, the average age of the Company's tractor fleet was 3.4 years. The Company's policy is to replace trailers on a seven to fifteen year cycle. At December 31, 2000, the average age of the Company's trailer fleet was 9.3 years.

TRISM operated the following tractors and trailers at December 31:

2000

1999

1998

Tractors:

  Owned (1)

1,317

1,126

925

  Leased (1)

83

380

787

  Independent contractors

     278

     270

     244

     Total

1,678

1,776

1,956




  Trailers:

  Owned

3,724

3,912

4,161

  Leased

     217

     216

     216

     Total

3,941

4,128

4,377




(1) Operated by Company-employed drivers.

ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings

The information required by this item is included in Item 7 and Note 10 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

ITEM 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

During the fourth quarter of 2000, no matters were submitted to a vote of security holders.

 


PART II.

ITEM 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

The Company's common stock is believed to be owned by more than 500 beneficial stockholders as of December 31, 2000. The Company's common stock was traded on the OTC Bulletin under the stock symbol of "TSMX". Under the terms of the Plan of Reorganization the old common stock was exchanged for new common stock based upon certain exchange ratios at the time the Company emerged from bankruptcy on February 15, 2000. See Note 4 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for discussion regarding the reorganization and issuance of new common stock. The Company did not receive any proceeds from this new stock issuance. The Company's old common stock (as defined as common stock relating to the Predecessor Company) was traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation National Market System (NASDAQ) until July 21, 1999, and was traded on the OTC Bulletin Board for the remainder of 1999. The following table sets forth the high and low closing sales prices for the Company's old and new common stock for 2000 and 1999.

2000 

High 

Low 

Close

First quarter (b)

 6

 2 3/4

 4 1/8

Second quarter (b) 

1 5/8 

1 5/8 

1 5/8

Third quarter (b) 

1 3/4 

7/8

 7/8

Fourth quarter (b)

 1 1/4

 5/8 

5/8

 

1999 

High

 Low 

Close

First quarter (a)

 1 1/2

 1 1/18

 1 3/16

Second quarter (a)  

1 1/8

 5/8

 3/4

Third quarter (b)

 5/8 

1/4 

1/4

Fourth quarter (b) 

1/4

 1/8

 5/32

 

The Company has never paid a cash dividend on its common stock. It is the current intention of the Company's Board of Directors to continue to retain earnings to finance the Company's business rather than to pay dividends. Future payment of cash dividends will depend upon the financial condition, results of operations and capital commitments of the Company as well as other factors deemed relevant by the Board of Directors. Furthermore, the Senior Subordinated Notes and the Revolver have covenants that restrict the payment of dividends. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

(a)  Quotations on NASDAQ

(b)  Quotations on OTC Bulletin Board

 

 


 

ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data and Operating Statistics

The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data for the periods indicated and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes. The selected financial data for each of the five years for the period ended December 31, 2000 was derived from the Company's audited consolidated financial statements. The results of operations are presented for the Predecessor Company period January 1 through February 15, 2000, ("Predecessor Company, February 15, 2000"), and the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, 1997 and 1996. The results of operations are presented for the Reorganized Company period February 16 through December 31, 2000, ("Reorganized Company, December 31, 2000").

Reorganized
Company


Predecessor Company

December 31,

February 15,

December 31,

2000

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Selected financial data

For the year/period:

Revenues

$ 248,776

$ 32,609

$ 274,646

$ 291,631

$ 309,880

$ 310,033

Operating (loss) income (a)

(3,561)

(258)

(1,235)

6,274

6,915

5,082

Loss before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change (b)


(13,853)


(40,632)


(18,173)


(9,008)


(5,605)


(6,598)

Extraordinary gain, net of tax (c)

-

42,682

-

1,563

-

-

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net (d)

                     -

             -

(274)

             -

             -

             -

Net (loss) earnings

$ (13,853)

$  2,050

$ (18,447)

$ (7,445)

$ (5,605)

$ (6,598)







Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share:

Loss before extraordinary items and cumulative effect of accounting change


$    (6.93)


$  (7.13)


$ (3.19)


$ (1.58)


$ (0.98)


$ (1.15)

Extraordinary gain

-

7.49

-

0.28

-

-

Cumulative effect of accounting change

             -

             -

(0.05)

             -

             -

             -

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share

$    (6.93)

$   0.36

$ (3.24)

$ (1.30)

$ (0.98)

$ (1.15)







Number of shares used in computation of (loss) earnings per share


2,000


5,702


5,702


5,714


5,737


5,735

At year/period end:

Total assets

$ 158,290

$ 198,517

$ 202,738

$ 213,245

$ 218,824

$ 232,497

Debt including current maturities

$ 109,641

$ 158,706

$ 159,837

$ 162,290

$ 157,554

$ 163,223

Stockholders' equity (deficit)

$    6,147

$  (3,732)

$  (2,551)

$  15,799

$  23,145

$  28,750

Common shares outstanding

2,000

5,702

5,702

5,714

5,737

5,737

Net book value per share

$      3.07

$    (0.65)

$   (0.45)

$     2.77

$     4.03

$     5.01

Selected operating data

For the year/period:

Operating ratio (a) (e)

101.4%

100.8%

100.4%

97.8%

97.8%

98.4%

Revenue per loaded mile (f)

$      1.91

$      1.90

$     1.80

$     1.77

$     1.74

$     1.69

Revenue per total mile (f)

$      1.58

$      1.56

$     1.50

$     1.47

$     1.47

$     1.40

Load factor (g)

82.9%

82.4%

83.1%

83.1%

84.2%

82.9%

Daily revenue per tractor (h)

$       537

$       533

$      510

$     534

$     547

$     505

Average length of haul in miles (i)

960

912

919

926

880

819

Total loads (000's)

114

16

146

163

182

196

Total tractor miles (000's)

131,954

17,958

161,349

181,702

189,696

198,333

 


ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data and Operating Statistics, Continued

 

2000

1999

1998

1997

1996

Weighted average number of:

   Employees (j)

     Drivers

1,593

1,720

2,048

2,257

2,173

     Mechanics

117

152

167

131

168

     Administrative (k)

447

555

618

695

758

Tractors (l)

1,781

1,904

2,014

2,065

2,220

Ratio of average tractors to

  administrative employees

4.0

3.4

3.3

3.0

2.9

---------------

  1. Includes restructuring charges of $0.4 million, $0.8 million and $0.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.
  2. The Company recorded a loss on adjustment of assets to fair market value of $39.5 million upon fresh start reporting for the one and one-half month period ended February 15, 2000.
  3. The Company recorded an extraordinary gain related to the early extinguishment of debt during the one and one-half month period ended February 15, 2000 and for the year ended December 31, 1998.
  4. The Company recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change related to tires in service for the year ended December 31, 1999.
  5. Operating ratio represents operating expenses as a percentage of revenues.
  6. Freight revenues exclude brokerage and other revenues.
  7. Load factor represents loaded miles as a percentage of total book miles.
  8. Based on weighted average number of tractors during the period.
  9. Calculated as the average distance from origin to the destination of the shipments.
  10. Includes part-time employees.
  11. Administrative employees include all non-driver employees except mechanics.
  12. Includes the monthly average of owned, leased and independent contractor units.

 

---------------

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain statements in Items 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8 of this Form 10-K include information that is forward looking, such as the Company's opportunities to grow revenues and increase operational efficiency, its anticipated liquidity and capital requirements, and the results of legal proceedings. The matters referred to in forward-looking statements could be affected by the risks and uncertainties involved in the Company's business.

These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the effect of economic and market conditions, the expenses associated with and the availability of drivers and fuel, as well as certain other risks described above in this Item and in Item 1 in "Business". Subsequent written and oral forward looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements in this paragraph and elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Selected Consolidated Financial Data and the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes.

To facilitate a meaningful comparison of the Company's yearly operating performance in years 2000, 1999 and 1998, the following discussion of results of operations is presented on a traditional comparative basis for all periods. Accordingly, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2000 represents the mathematic addition of the historical amounts for the Predecessor Company period January 1 through February 15, 2000, and the Reorganized Company period February 16 through December 31, 2000. Consequently, the current year's information presented below does not comply with reporting requirements for companies upon emergence from bankruptcy which calls for separate reporting.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

for the newly reorganized company and the predecessor company. Management believes that a combined discussion of predecessor and reorganized company periods is reasonable and appropriate because there were no material adjustments to the presented items (other than depreciation, amortization and interest expense) resulting from the Fresh Start Reporting.

The following tables set forth certain financial information and operating data for the three years ended December 31:

 

2000 to1999

1999 to1998

Percentage of Revenue Basis:

2000

1999

1998

Variance

Variance

Operating Revenue:

100% 

100% 

100% 

Operating Expenses:

Salaries, wages and fringe benefits

32.5 

36.1 

38.2 

(3.6)

(2.1)

Operating supplies and expenses

16.1 

13.9 

14.0 

2.2 

(0.1)

Brokerage carrier expense

13.1 

9.2 

6.5 

3.9 

2.7 

Contractor equipment

12.9 

9.9 

8.0 

3.0 

1.9 

Operating taxes and licenses

8.1 

8.4 

9.2 

(0.3)

(0.8)

Depreciation and amortization

5.3 

7.4 

6.7 

(2.1)

0.7 

General supplies and expenses

5.0 

5.5 

5.0 

(0.5)

0.5 

Claims and insurance

4.8 

4.0 

3.3 

0.8 

0.7 

Revenue equipment rents

2.0 

4.0 

4.6 

(2.0)

(0.6)

Communications and utilities

1.6 

1.6 

1.7 

0.0 

(0.1)

Restructuring and severance expenses

0.1 

0.3 

0.3 

(0.2)

0.0 

(Gain) loss on disposition of assets

(0.1)

0.1 

0.3 

(0.2)

(0.2)

Total operating expenses

101.4 

100.4 

97.8 

1.0 

2.6 


(Loss) income from operations

(1.4)

(0.4)

2.2 

(1.0)

(2.6)


Pertinent financial and operating data is summarized in Selected Financial Data and Operating Statistics on page 10 of this document.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

Overview

Operating revenue was approximately $281.4 million in 2000 compared to $274.6 million in 1999. Operating loss for 2000 was approximately $3.8 million compared to an operating loss $1.2 million in 1999. The net loss for 2000 was $11.8 million compared to a net loss of $18.4 million in 1999. The results for 2000 include restructuring and severance charges of $0.4 million, loss on adjustment of assets to fair market value of $39.5 million and an extraordinary gain on the discharge of indebtedness relating to the Senior Subordinated Notes of $42.7 million. In addition, results for 2000 include $1.2 million expenses relating to the write-off of deferred loan costs and financial restructuring. The results for 1999 include a cumulative effect of accounting change of $0.3 million, restructuring and severance charges of $0.8 million and $4.1 million reorganization expenses relating to the write-off of deferred loan costs and financial restructuring.

The Company's performance in 2000 was negatively impacted by driver retention issues and the general softening of the Heavy Haul and Secured Materials markets in the latter part of the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter of 2000. Additionally, the financial results were primarily affected by increased costs associated with attracting and retaining qualified drivers, lower asset productivity and increased fuel costs.

The Company embarked upon a reorganization and recapitalization initiated in early 1999. Below is a summary of these events, which culminated in the Company's exit from Chapter 11 on February 15, 2000.

  • The Company had approximately $86.2 million of Notes outstanding as of December 31, 1998, which were to mature on December 15, 2000. The Company failed to make a scheduled interest payment on the Notes due on June 15, 1999 or during the thirty-day grace period ended July 15, 1999.
  • On July 15, 1999, the Company reached an agreement in principle with the steering committee representing major holders of the Notes. This agreement in principle was formally documented in a restructuring agreement executed on September 10, 1999.
  • The terms of the restructuring agreement provided for the Notes to be converted into (i) new notes in the aggregate principal amount of $30 million, due February 15, 2005, with interest at the rate of 12% per annum, and (ii) 95% of the new common equity of the Company issued post-recapitalization. The agreement also provided that the Company's old common equity would be converted into 5% of the new common equity issued post-recapitalization.
  • On September 16, 1999, the Company filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the Code in the District of Delaware. The pre-arranged Filing allowed the Company to continue to operate as a Debtor-in-Possession. In connection with the Filing, the Company obtained a $42.4 million senior collateralized Debtor-in-Possession credit facility to meet its on-going working capital needs during the course of the Filing.
  • On October 25, 1999, the Court signed an order approving the second amended disclosure statement for the Plan.
  • On December 9, 1999, the Plan was confirmed by the Court.
  • On February 15, 2000, the Plan was consummated. The Company exited Chapter 11, converted the Notes and recapitalized the Company in accordance with the provisions of the restructuring agreement. In connection with the exit from Chapter 11, the Company executed a new, three-year $42.5 million revolving credit facility. The Revolver provides for borrowings up to $42.5 million based on a borrowing base formula, determined by eligible accounts receivable, certain unencumbered trailers, and the Company's real property in Kennesaw, Georgia. See Note 1 and Note 6 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and "Liquidity and Capital Resources" within this Item for further discussion.

Recent Adverse Developments

On October 19, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a change in management restriction as a result of the resignation of the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. On October 27, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a materially adverse effect evidenced by, (a) the Company's current and projected future negative earnings and cash flow, (b) the change in management discussed in notice of default on October 19, 2000, (c) the increase in fuel costs to the Company and (d) a proposed sixty percent increase in insurance premiums to the Company.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

On November 8, 2000, the Company executed a forbearance agreement with CIT Business Credit that modified certain terms with the Revolver, including a $3.0 million forbearance reserve on collateral availability, and increased interest rates to 2.0% above Prime and required the payment of a forbearance fee of $150,000. The forbearance agreement has been subsequently amended and extended for additional fees totalling $425,000. The most recent amendment, dated April 27, 2001, extends the forbearance period until May 18, 2001. The Company has agreed, during the period of forbearance, not to pay the interest due on its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2005. Under the terms of the Notes, the Company had a thirty-day grace period on its interest payment due March 15, 2001. The Company did not make the interest payment on April 15 and this constituted an Event of Default under the terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Notes were issued. In addition, the Company is delinquent on all of its equipment debt obligations. See Item 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources and Note 6 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

As a result of the Company's negative earnings and cash flow and its resulting failure to make the March 15, 2001 interest payment in the amount of $1.8 million on the Notes and its continuing defaults under the Revolver with CIT Business Credit , there is substantial doubt as to the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's ability to continue as a going concern is dependent on obtaining additional financing and/or negotiating a restructuring of its indebtedness, including the Notes and the Revolver

On March 9, 2001, the Company announced the Board of Directors has engaged the Carreden Group, Inc., investment bankers located in New York City, as financial advisor to explore strategic alternatives. With the assistance of Carreden Group, the Company is currently exploring alternative financing to replace the Revolver and is also engaged in preliminary discussions with potential purchasers of substantially all of the Company's assets who have indicated their interests in pursuing such a transaction. There can be no assurances that the Company will be successful in accomplishing either of these objectives. Moreover, it is expected that any sale of the Company or other alternatives would require a restructuring of the Company's existing indebtedness, with the holders of the Notes receiving significantly less than the face amount of their Notes. In order to effect any such sale or restructuring of its indebtedness, it may be necessary for the Company to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code.

On April 18, 2001, the Board of Directors authorized the retention of Transport Management, a trucking management firm, to assist in the management of the Company.

The Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 included in its Annual Report have been prepared assuming that the Company and its subsidiaries will continue as a going concern. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of the uncertainties described above. See the Independent Auditors' Report on such financial statements included elsewhere in this Report.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

Operating Revenue

Operating revenue for 2000 increased $6.7 million, or 2.5%, from 1999 to 2000 and decreased $17.0 million, or 5.8%, from 1998 to 1999. Revenue per total mile amounted to $1.58, $1.50 and $1.47 in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Total miles driven amounted to approximately 149.9 million miles in 2000, 161.3 million miles in 1999, and 181.7 million miles in 1998. Operating revenues by segment were as follows (in thousands):

 

Segment

2000

1999

1998

Heavy Haul

$ 195,791 

$ 188,866 

$ 203,172 

Secured

75,534 

83,683 

92,113 

Logistics

    20,450 

    13,905 

      7,178 

Sub-total:

291,775 

286,454 

302,463 

Intersegment eliminations

  (10,390)

  (11,808)

  (10,832)

Consolidated

$ 281,385 

$ 274,646 

$ 291,631 




2000 Compared to 1999

Operating revenues increased by $6.7 million, or 2.5%, from 1999 to 2000, primarily as a result of increased third party carrier services revenues. However, the Company experienced a significant slow down in shipping demand in the fourth quarter 2000 as compared to 1999. Heavy Haul's operating revenues were positively impacted by an increase in third party carrier services revenues of $5.8 million or 25.5%. In addition, Heavy Haul operating revenues increased as a result of an improvement in asset productivity as miles per tractor per day increased by 1.2% and rate per loaded mile net of fuel surcharges increased by 1.7%. Secured's operating revenues were primarily affected by a reduction in tractor capacity of 67 tractors. TLI revenues increased as a result of increased third party logistics contracts in 2000.

1999 Compared to 1998

Operating revenues declined by $17.0 million, or 5.8%, from 1998 to 1999. Heavy Haul's operating revenues were negatively impacted by a decline in shipments associated with the U.S. Government and customers in the aerospace, agriculture, construction and machinery industries. Heavy Haul operating revenues declined also as a result of a reduction in asset productivity as miles per tractor per day decreased by 6.3%. Secured's operating revenues were primarily affected by the loss of two dedicated fleet contracts at TES due to consolidation in the waste industry and declining military munitions shipments. Secured operating revenues also declined as a result of a 6.6% decline in asset utilization partially offset by a 1% improvement in freight rates per total mile. TLI revenues increased as a result of new business generated in 1999, and the full year effect of revenues in the intermodal services division.

Operating (Loss) Income

Operating (loss) income by segment were as follows (in thousands):

Segment

2000

1999

1998

Heavy Haul

$ (5,051)

$ (2,402)

$   6,254 

Secured

1,033 

1,652 

458 

Logistics

       554 

       315 

       314 

Sub-total:

(3,464)

(435)

7,026 

Restructuring charge

     (355)

     (800)

     (752)

Consolidated

$ (3,819)

$ (1,235)

$   6,274 




Operating loss increased $2.6 million in 2000 as compared to 1999 and operating income decreased $7.5 million in 1999 as compared to 1998. The operating expense ratio was 101.4%, 100.4%, and 97.8% in 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

2000 Compared to 1999

The decline in the consolidated operating performance in 2000 from 1999 resulted from an increase in fuel costs of $8.1 million, an increase in independent contractor costs of $3.4 million, an increase in insurance costs of $2.4 million and a decrease in freight revenues of $5.4 million. These changes were partially offset by a $5.2 million reduction in tractor ownership costs and a $3.6 million reduction in fixed operating costs.

Heavy Haul's operating income decreased by $2.6 million from 1999 to 2000 as a result of those factors noted above. Total miles driven decreased by 4% from 1999 and overall loaded miles as a percentage of total miles declined. Additionally, variable operating costs increased in the areas of fuel, driver wages, independent contractors and insurance. All of these factors were partially offset by a reduction in tractor ownership costs, fixed operating costs and overhead.

Secured's operating income decreased by $0.6 million in 2000 from 1999 in conjunction with a decline in freight revenues of $6.8 million. The decline in revenues and increases in fuel, insurance and driver related costs were partially offset by a reduction in tractor and trailer ownership costs, fixed operating costs and overhead.

TLI operating income increased by $0.2 million in 2000. TLI's revenues increased due to new business growth.

1999 Compared to 1998

The decline in the consolidated operating performance in 1999 from 1998 resulted from a decline in freight revenues of $25.1 million due to those factors noted above, an 11% decline in total miles driven, an overall 4.7% decline in revenue per tractor per day productivity, an increase in fuel costs of $2.6 million, an increase in driver recruiting, retention and wage costs of approximately $1.9 million, and an increase in insurance costs of $1.9 million. These changes were partially offset by a $4.0 million reduction in tractor ownership costs and a $2.4 million reduction in fixed operating costs.

Heavy Haul's operating income decreased by $8.7 million from 1998 to 1999 as a result of those factors noted above. Total miles driven decreased by 9% from 1998 and overall revenue per tractor per day productivity declined by 3.8%. Additionally, variable operating costs increased in the areas of fuel, driver recruiting, retention and wages, and insurance. All of these factors were partially offset by a reduction in tractor ownership costs, fixed operating costs and overhead.

Secured's operating income increased by $1.2 million in 1999 from 1998 in spite of a decline in freight revenues of $12.3 million. The decline in revenues and increases in fuel, insurance and driver related costs were more than offset by a reduction in tractor and trailer ownership costs, fixed operating costs and overhead.

TLI operating income remained relatively flat in 1999 despite an increase in revenues. TLI's revenues increased due to new business growth and the full year effect of the intermodal services divisions. Operating income was negatively impacted primarily as a result of start-up costs of the intermodal services division and new business contracts.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses increased $9.3 million from 1999 to 2000. Total operating expenses decreased $9.5 million from 1998 to 1999. Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue were 101.4%, 100.4% and 97.8% in 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. The following expense categories increased or decreased significantly as a percentage of revenue between the periods indicated below:

2000 Compared to 1999

  • Salaries, wages and fringe benefits decreased 3.6% from 1999 to 2000. The decrease relates to lower driver wages as a percentage of revenue due to an overall increase in the use on independent contractors and lower non-driver wages.
  • Operating supplies and expenses increased 2.2% from 1999 to 2000 due to an increase in fuel costs of $8.1 million as a result of an increase in the average fuel cost per gallon from $1.07 in 1999 to $1.43 in 2000.
  • Broker carrier expense increased 3.9% from 1999 to 2000 as a result of an increase in logistics and brokerage revenues from $31.9 million in 1999 to $44.7 million in 2000. Broker carrier expense increased to 82.5% of related revenues in 2000 from 79.2% in 1999 due primarily to higher third party logistics costs.
  • Contractor equipment expenses increased by 3.0% from 1999 to 2000 attributable to an overall increase in the number of independent contractors, which increased from 270 in 1999 to 336 in 2000.
  • Depreciation and amortization expenses decreased by 2.1% from 1999 to 2000. The decrease in depreciation resulted primarily from a decline in the number of company owned tractors and trailers and the write down of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to fair market value relating to Fresh Start Reporting.
  • Claims and insurance costs increased by 0.8% from 1999 to 2000 primarily as a result of increased insurance premium costs relating to the Company's insurance program on liability for bodily injury and property damage.
  • Revenue equipment rents declined by 2.0% from 1999 to 2000 primarily as a result of a reduction in the number of tractors under operating leases from 380 in 1999 to 83 in 2000 and a decrease in short-term trailer rentals.

1999 Compared to 1998

  • Salaries, wages and fringe benefits decreased 2.1% from 1998 to 1999. The decline resulted primarily from reductions in non-driving personnel and reduced workers' compensation costs. Additionally, the Company increased its use of independent contractors as a percentage of overall freight operations.
  • Operating supplies and expenses decreased 0.1% from 1998 to 1999 despite an increase in fuel costs of $2.6 million as a result of an increase in fuel cost per gallon from $0.99 in 1998 to $1.07 in 1999. Cost reductions in the area of maintenance partially offset the rise in fuel prices.
  • Broker carrier expense increased from 1998 to 1999 as a result of an increase in logistics and brokerage revenues from $23.7 million in 1998 to $31.9 million in 1999. Broker carrier expense decreased to 79.2% of related revenues in 1999 from 81.1% in 1998 due primarily to higher third party logistics costs.
  • Contractor equipment expenses increased by 1.9% from 1998 to 1999 attributable to an overall increase in the number of independent contractors, which increased from 244 in 1998 to 270 in 1999.
  • Operating taxes and licenses decreased 0.8% from 1998 to 1999 due to a decline in the Company owned tractor fleet and an increase in the number of independent contractors.

 


 

ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Operating Expenses, Continued

 

1999 Compared to 1998, continued

  • Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by 0.7% from 1998 to 1999. The increase in depreciation resulted primarily from an increase in owned tractors to 1,126 in 1999 from 925 in 1998.
  • Claims and insurance costs increased by 0.7% from 1998 to 1999 as a result of a higher frequency of accidents relating to cargo claims.
  • Equipment rents declined by 0.6% from 1998 to 1999 primarily as a result of a reduction in the number of tractors under operating leases from 787 in 1998 to 380 in 1999.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $5.6 million in 2000 compared to $13.8 million in 1999. The decrease is primarily due to lower income from operations, and an increase in insurance payments. These changes were partially offset by an increase in accounts payable due to increase in the payment cycle.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities was $3.4 million in 2000 compared to $1.2 million in 1999. The increase in investing activities results from a increase in proceeds from the sale of assets of $1.9 million from 1999. The Company significantly reduced its replacement capital expenditures as a result of the reorganization and decreased liquidity.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities was $11.0 million in 2000 compared to cash used of $15.8 million in 1999. The decrease in cash used in financing activities in 2000 resulted from increased borrowings under the revolving credit facility and a reduction in the repayment long-term debt, due to the restructuring, and capital lease obligations, due to decreased liquidity.

The Company's performance in 2000 was negatively impacted by an increase in fuel and insurance costs. Additionally, the financial results were primarily affected by increased costs associated with attracting and retaining qualified drivers and lower asset productivity. Industry conditions remained severe in fourth quarter of 2000 due to extremely high fuel prices, a slowdown in the freight-moving economy, collapsing used truck values and increased insurance costs. The Company's overall liquidity position has been negatively impacted from the current environment.

The Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a materially adverse effect evidenced by, (a) the Company's current and projected future negative earnings and cash flow, (b) the change in management discussed in notice of default on October 19, 2000, (c) the increase in fuel costs to the Company and (d) a proposed sixty percent increase in insurance premiums to the Company. On November 8, 2000, the Company executed a forbearance agreement with CIT Business Credit that modified certain terms with the Revolver, including a forbearance reserve on collateral availability and default interest rates of 2.0% above Prime, or 11.5% as of December 31, 2000. The Company had approximately $0.6 million in availability under its Revolver at December 31, 2000. The Company had a forbearance reserve of $3.0 million placed on the Revolver because of the event of default at the end of October 2000, which has since increased to $3.8 million by subsequent amendments through April 27, 2001. The Company has agreed, during the period of forbearance, not to pay the interest due on its outstanding Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2005. Under the terms of the Notes, the Company had a thirty-day grace period on its interest payment due March 15, 2001. The Company did not make the interest payment on April 15 and this constituted an Event of Default under the terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Notes were issued. In addition, the Company is delinquent on all of its equipment obligations and has slowed its payment cycle on accounts payable in order to operate the business during the forbearance period. See Note 6 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

 


ITEM 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

Existing credit facilities are not expected to be sufficient to cover liquidity requirements for the next twelve months and the Company is facing the prospect of not having adequate funds to operate its business. Due to a number of uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company, there can be no assurance that additional credit facilities can be arranged or that any long term restructuring can be successfully initiated or implemented, in which case the Company may be compelled to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Moreover, it may be necessary for the Company to file under Chapter 11 to implement any consensually negotiated restructuring of its indebtedness or a sale of the Company as discussed above.

Capital Requirements

The Company intends to use proceeds from unencumbered assets for general business capital expenditures in 2001. However, the Company does not have any plans to replace or increase its tractor and trailer fleet in 2001. The Company has residual obligations of approximately $5.0 million, primarily relating to certain capital lease obligations, that will mature in 2001, and the Company will have the option to extend the maturity of the residual, purchase the revenue equipment for the residual amount, sell the equipment and repay the residual, or return the equipment to the lessor at the end of the lease term.

Major Customers

Operating revenues derived from U.S. Governmental Agencies were approximately $39.7 million, $40.7 million and $43.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively, which represents 14 percent, 15 percent and 15 percent of total operating revenues for 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively. No other single customer exceeded 5 percent of operating revenues during these periods.

Contingencies

Legal Proceedings

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Responses, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state laws, a transporter of hazardous substances may be liable for the costs of responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from disposal sites if such transporter selected the site for disposal. Because it is the Company's practice not to select the sites where hazardous substances and wastes will be disposed, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material liability under CERCLA and similar laws. Although the Company has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" (PRP) at four sites, solely because of its activities as a transporter of hazardous substances, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material liabilities at such sites.

The Company is a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to its business, primarily involving claims for personal injury or property damage arising from the transportation of freight. The Company does not believe that these legal proceedings, or any other claims or threatened claims of which it is aware, are likely to materially and adversely affect the Company's financial condition. With regard to personal injury, property damage, workers' compensation claims, and cargo claims, the Company is and has been covered by insurance. Such matters may include claims for punitive damages. It is an open question in some jurisdictions in which the Company does business as to whether or not punitive damages awards are covered by insurance.

Inflation and Fuel Costs

Inflation can be expected to have an impact on the Company's earnings; however, the effect of inflation has been minimal over the past three years. The average fuel prices increased from $1.07 per gallon in 1999 to $1.43 per gallon in 2000. An extended period of inflation or increase in fuel costs would adversely affect the Company's results of operations without a corresponding freight rate increase from customers and a continuation of fuel surcharges.

 


Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Continued

Market Risk

The Company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates and fuel prices. The Company manages its exposure to these market risks through its regular operating and financing activities and may utilize fuel forward purchase commitments, though no agreements were in place during 2000.

Interest Rate Risk

The fair value of the Company's cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2000 approximated carrying value due to its short-term duration. Market risk was estimated as the potential decrease in fair value resulting from a hypothetical 10% increase in interest rates for the issues contained in the investment portfolio and was not materially different from the year-end carrying value.

The Company has no material future earnings or cash flow exposures from changes in interest rates related to the senior subordinated notes or the Company's equipment obligations, as these long-term debt obligations have fixed rates. The fair value of the Company's long-term debt, including current maturities, was estimated to be $97.2 million at December 31, 2000, and was below the carrying value by $12.6 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in the interest rates on the Company's revolving credit facility for a duration of one year would not have a material impact on interest expense and cash flows in 2001.

Commodity Price Risk

The Company may use forward purchase commitments to reduce the exposure to fluctuations in fuel prices by entering into short-term fuel price agreements for the actual delivery of fuel. These forward purchase commitments have the effect of locking in for specified periods the price the Company will receive for the fuel volumes to which the forward purchase commitment relates. As a result, while these forward purchase commitments are structured to reduce the Company's exposure to increases in the price of fuel, they also limit the benefit the Company might otherwise have received from any price decreases associated with the fuel volumes. At December 31, 2000, the Company did not have any outstanding forward purchase commitments.

The average fuel prices increased from $1.07 per gallon in 1999 to $1.43 per gallon in 2000. The Company has adjusted its freight rates to mitigate these increased costs.

Accounting Pronouncements

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and hedging. It requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value and establishes specific criteria for the use of hedge accounting. The Company adopted SFAS 133 on January 1, 2001. There was no material effect on consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or stockholders' equity upon adoption of SFAS 133.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Market Risk" noted above.

 


ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

TRISM, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

Reorganized

Predecessor

Company

Company

December 31,

December 31,

2000

1999

ASSETS

Current assets:

   Cash and cash equivalents

$        194 

$    2,246 

   Restricted cash and insurance deposits

2,500 

835 

   Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts

   of $1,627 and $1,043 for 2000 and 1999, respectively

36,002 

36,304 

   Other accounts receivable

       622 

    2,106 

     Total accounts receivable

36,624 

38,410 

   Materials and supplies

850 

1,206 

   Prepaid insurance

7,942 

7,509 

   Other prepaid expenses

     3,716 

    4,737 

     Total current assets

51,826 

54,943 

Property and equipment, at cost

117,040 

202,470 

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (12,315)

 (72,968)

     Net property and equipment

104,725 

129,502 

Intangibles and other assets, net

1,739 

18,293 



Total assets

$ 158,290 

$ 202,738 



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Current liabilities:

   Accounts payable

$  15,831 

$  12,010 

   Bank overdraft

1,261 

2,085 

   Accrued expenses and insurance reserves

18,330 

24,396 

   Current maturities of long-term debt:

     Principal payments on equipment debt

14,222 

18,722 

     Residual obligations on equipment debt

4,975 

2,820 

   Long-term debt classified as current:

     Revolving credit facility

25,440 

10,596 

     Equipment debt

35,004 

41,469 

     Senior subordinated notes

   30,000 

  86,230 

       Total current liabilities

145,063 

198,328 

Insurance reserves

    7,080 

           6,961 

       Total liabilities

152,143 

205,289 

Stockholders' equity (deficit):

   Common stock; $.01 par value; 5,000 and 10,000 shares authorized

   respectively; 2,000 and 5,903 shares issued respectively

20 

59 

   Additional paid-in capital

19,980 

37,243 

   Accumulated deficit

(13,853)

(38,216)

   Treasury stock, at cost, 201 shares

           - 

   (1,637)

     Total stockholders' equity (deficit)

6,147 

(2,551)



     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit)

$ 158,290 

$ 202,738 



See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 


TRISM, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Reorganized

Predecessor Company

Company

Ten and one

One and one

half months

half months

Year

ended

ended

ended

December 31,

February 15,

December 31,

2000

2000

1999

1998

Revenues

$ 248,776

$ 32,609

$ 274,646

291,631

Operating expenses:

   Salaries, wages and fringe benefits

80,157

11,146

99,287

111,523

   Operating supplies and expenses

39,988

5,209

38,090

40,745

   Brokerage carrier expense

33,258

3,679

25,247

19,210

   Contractor equipment

32,837

3,436

27,213

23,223

   Operating taxes and licenses

20,074

2,700

23,067

26,808

   General supplies and expenses

12,575

1,485

15,123

14,559

   Depreciation and amortization

12,573

2,243

20,411

19,516

   Claims and insurance

12,213

1,417

10,851

9,582

   Revenue equipment rents

4,599

994

11,022

13,429

   Communications and utilities

4,066

555

4,426

5,053

   Restructuring and severance expenses

355

-

800

752

   (Gain) loss on disposition of assets, net

     (358)

         3

     344

     957

     Total operating expenses

252,337

32,867

275,881

285,357

   Operating (loss) income

(3,561)

(258)

(1,235)

6,274

   Interest expense, net

8,664

686

11,845

13,944

   Other expense, net

1,628

38

950

704

   Reorganization items:

     Loss on write-off of deferred debt issuance costs

-

-

1,183

-

     Financial restructuring costs

-

200

2,960

-

     Loss on adjustment of assets to fair market value

            -

  39,450

          -

         -

Loss before income tax expense,

   extraordinary item and cumulative effect of

   accounting change

(13,853)

(40,632)

(18,173)

(8,374)

   Income tax expense

            -

           -

           -

     634

Loss before extraordinary item and cumulative effect
   of accounting change


(13,853)


(40,632)


(18,173)


(9,008)

Extraordinary item, gain on extinguishment

   of debt, net of income taxes of $841 in 1998

-

42,682

-

1,563

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net

            -

           -

     (274)

            -

Net income (loss)

$ (13,853)

$   2,050

$ (18,447)

(7,445)





Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

   Loss before extraordinary item

$    (6.93)

$   (7.13)

$    (3.19)

(1.58)

   Extraordinary item

-

7.49

-

0.28

   Cumulative effect of accounting change

           -

           -

    (0.05)

           -

   Net income (loss)

$    (6.93)

$     0.36

$    (3.24)

(1.30)





Pro forma amounts assuming the new accounting method applied retroactively (unaudited):

Net income (loss)

$ (18,173)

(7,701)



Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

$    (3.19)

(1.35)



Weighted average number of shares used in

computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share

2,000

5,702

5,702

5,714





See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 


 

TRISM, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

Reorganized

Predecessor

Company

Company

Ten and

One and

one half

one half

Year Ended

Months Ended

Months Ended

December 31,

December 31, 2000

February 15, 2000

1999

1998

Cash flows from operating activities:

  Net income (loss)

$    (13,853)

$     2,050 

$ (18,447)

$  (7,445)

  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash

     provided by operating activities:

     Depreciation and amortization

12,573 

2,243 

21,023 

20,272 

     Loss (gain) on disposition of assets

(358)

344 

957 

     Provision for losses on accounts receivable

1,186 

176 

1,010 

879 

     Deferred gain on sale-leaseback

(151)

(258)

     Deferred income taxes

1,475 

     Extraordinary gain, net

(1,563)

     Write-off of deferred debt issuance costs

1,183 

     Financial restructuring costs

-

-

2,960

-

     Changes in assets and liabilities:

       Accounts receivable

1,090 

(666)

(938)

4,714 

       Prepaid expenses

(2,037)

2,625 

(3,754)

(1,419)

       Accrued expenses and insurance reserves

1,775 

(2,915)

10,274 

1,129 

       Accounts payable

3,797 

1,165 

2,585 

(2,431)

       Other

298 

(137)

(506)

261 

          Net cash provided by operating activities

                  

                 

                

                

            before reorganization items

          4,471 

        4,544 

     15,583 

     16,571 

Cash flows from operating activities relating to reorganization items:

       Loss on adjustment of assets to fair market value

39,450 

       Extraordinary gain

(42,682)

       Financial restructuring costs, net

          (355)

           162 

      (1,765)

                - 

         Net cash provided by operating activities

         4,116 

        1,474 

     13,818 

     16,571 

Cash flows from investing activities:

       Proceeds from sale of assets

7,197 

522 

5,777 

11,734 

       Purchases of property and equipment

(4,115)

(223)

(4,361)

(4,143)

       Other, net

                - 

               - 

        (206)

           83 

         Net cash provided by investing activities

         3,082 

          299 

       1,210 

      7,674 

Cash flows from financing activities:

     Net proceeds (repayment) under revolving credit
       agreement

11,532 

1,020 

3,301 

3,800 

     Repayment of long-term debt and capital lease
       obligations

(17,392)

(3,797)

(18,372)

(22,759)

     Repurchase of senior subordinated notes

(9,500)

     Issuance of long-term debt

2,750 

     (Decrease) increase in bank overdrafts

(1,744)

920 

(3,557)

846 

     Payment of deferred financing costs

(1,480)

(82)

     Other, net

                 - 

               - 

          95 

          98 

         Net cash used in financing activities

        (9,084)

      (1,939)

  (15,783)

  (27,515)

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(1,886)

(166)

(755)

(3,270)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

         2,080 

       2,246 

     3,001 

     6,271 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$          194 

$      2,080 

$    2,246 

$    3,001 





Supplemental cash flow information:

Equipment purchases and borrowings

$     14,672 

$            - 

$    6,642 

$  34,758 





Conversion of operating leases to installment debt

$      2,722 

$            - 

$   5,852 

$           - 





See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 


 

 

TRISM, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)

(In thousands, except share amounts)


Common
Stock

Additional
Paid-In
Capital


Loans to
Stockholders


Accumulated
Deficit


Treasury
Stock

Stockholders'
Equity (Deficit)

December 31, 1997 - Predecessor
   Company


$      59


$  37,327


$  (368)


$ (12,324)


$ (1,549)


$  23,145

Repayment of loan to

  stockholders

-

(98)

285

-

-

187

Purchase of 35,000 shares

-

-

-

-

(88)

(88)

Net loss for twelve months ended

        -

           -

           -

  (7,445)

          -

  (7,445)

December 31, 1998 - Predecessor
  Company


59


37,229


(83)


(19,769)


(1,637)


15,799

Repayment of loans to

  stockholders

-

14

83

-

-

97

Net loss for twelve months ended

        -

            -

           -

 (18,447)

           -

(18,447)

December 31, 1999 - Predecessor
   Company


59


37,243


-


(38,216)


(1,637)


(2,551)

Net income for one and one half
   months ended


-


-


-


2,050


-


2,050

Reorganization

     (59)

  (37,243)

           -

  36,166

    1,637

        501

February 15, 2000 - Predecessor
   Company


$         -


$          -


$          -


$          -


$          -


$           -







New stock issuance upon
    emergence
from bankruptcy


$       20


$ 19,980


$          -


$           -


$         -


$ 20,000

Net loss for ten and one half months
    ended


           -


            -


           -


  (13,853)


          -


 (13,853)

December 31, 2000 - Reorganized
 Company


$       20


$  19,980


$          -


$ (13,853)


$          -


$   6,147







See notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 


TRISM, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Financial Results and Liquidity

Trism, Inc. (the "Company"), has incurred net losses of $11.8 million, $18.4 million and $7.4 million during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. The Company had been faced with a variety of operating challenges, including, among others, escalating fuel costs, an increase in insurance costs, the ability to attract and retain qualified driving employees, and a reduced shipping demand given present domestic economic conditions. These factors have and are significantly impacting the Company's liquidity.

As discussed in Note 6, the Company is presently in default of certain covenants related to its Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2005 and has not made its most recent interest payment relating to such notes, which was due March 15, 2001. Under the terms of the Notes, the Company had a thirty-day grace period on this interest payment before the note holders can call the Notes. The Company did not make the interest payment on April 15 and this constituted an Event of Default under the terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Notes were issued. In addition, beginning in October 2000 the Company has also been in default of certain covenants relating to its revolving credit facility. Since that time, the Company has negotiated several forbearance agreements with the lender for the revolver, the terms of which have included payment of fees in exchange for such forbearance, as well as increase in interest rates under the revolver and a reduction in borrowing capacity. The most recent forbearance expires on May 18, 2001. The Company is presently negotiating with its lender for a continued extension of the forbearance agreement. However, such extension is not assured at this time. The Company is also in technical default on certain of its equipment debt and is several months behind in making certain of its equipment debt payments.

These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company's continued existence is dependent on several factors including the Company's ability to overcome the operational and liquidity issues discussed above. The Company's consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

The Company's near and long term operating strategies focus on exploiting existing and potential competitive advantages while eliminating or mitigating competitive disadvantages. In response to current market conditions and as a part of its ongoing corporate strategy, the Company is pursuing several initiatives intended to increase liquidity and better position the Company to compete under current market conditions. The Company has closed and reduced in size its network of terminal facilities throughout the United States which included a reduction in the number of non-driver employees. Sales and marketing efforts have been augmented by increasing the number of customer service personnel, increasing the number of outside sales personnel and establishing an outbound telemarketing effort. Accounts receivable collection efforts have been expanded by the addition of collection personnel staff. The Company has also retained the Carreden Group, an investment banking firm based in New York City, to assist it in pursuing strategic alternatives, including refinancing, as well as a sale of all or a portion of the Company.

Existing credit facilities are not expected to be sufficient to cover liquidity requirements for the next twelve months and the Company is facing the prospect of not having adequate funds to operate its business. Due to a number of uncertainties, many of which are outside the control of the Company, there can be no assurance that additional credit facilities can be arranged or that any long term restructuring can be successfully initiated or implemented, in which case the Company may be compelled to file for protection under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. Moreover, it may be necessary for the Company to file under Chapter 11 to implement any consensually negotiated restructuring of its indebtedness or a sale of the Company as discussed above.

Management believes that, despite the financial and operational hurdles and funding uncertainties going forward, it has under development a business plan that, if successfully funded and executed as part of a financial restructuring, can significantly improve operating results. The support of the Company's vendors, customers, lenders, stockholders and employees will continue to be key to the Company's future success.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation and Nature of Operations

The Company, a Delaware corporation, entered the transportation business in January 1990 with the acquisition of Tri-State Motor Transit Co. The Company's operations include a group of carriers primarily specializing in the transportation

 


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

of heavy machinery and equipment and over-dimensional commodities, building materials, steel and metal products (Heavy Haul), hazardous waste, explosives, military munitions and radioactive materials (Secured Materials), and a contract logistics provider (Logistics). The Company conducts these operations principally through its subsidiaries, Trism Specialized Carriers, Inc. ("TSC"), Tri-State Motor Transit Co. ("TSMT"), Diablo Systems, Inc. ("Diablo"), C.I. Whitten Transfer ("CIW"), and Trism Logistics, Inc. ("TLI").

Due to the reorganization and implementation of fresh start reporting (see Note 4), consolidated financial statements for the new Reorganized Company (period starting February 16, 2000) are not comparable to those of the Predecessor Company. The Reorganized Company relates to all operations post-emergence from bankruptcy and the Predecessor Company relates to all operations pre-emergence from bankruptcy. A black line has been drawn on the accompanying consolidated financial statements to distinguish between the Reorganized Company and the Predecessor Company. The results of operations are presented for the Predecessor Company for the period January 1 through February 15, 2000, ("Predecessor Company, February 15, 2000" or "Predecessor Company in 2000"), and the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998. The results of operations are presented for the Reorganized Company for the period February 16 through December 31, 2000, ("Reorganized Company, December 31, 2000" or "Reorganized Company in 2000").

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Tires in Service and Change in Accounting Principle

Prior to 1999, the cost of tires placed in service, including replacement tires, was capitalized in prepaid expenses ("prepaid tires") and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life. Effective January 1, 1999, the Company began capitalizing tires placed in service on new revenue equipment as a part of the equipment cost. Replacement tires are now expensed at the time that they are placed in service. This new method is consistent with industry practice. Due to the increasing variety of equipment and tires in the Company's specialized fleet, this new method, in the opinion of management, provides a more precise and less subjective method to account for tires in service. This change decreased net earnings for 1999 by $0.2 million or $0.04 per share. The cumulative effect of the change as of the effective date was $0.3 million or $0.05 per share. The unaudited pro forma amounts shown on the statements of operations have been adjusted for the effects of retroactive application on expenses and the related taxes.

Revenue Recognition

All freight revenue and related costs are recognized in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Emerging Issues Task Force Consensus 91-9 which require that revenues be allocated between reporting periods based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid temporary cash investments that are readily convertible into cash, and which present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates, to be cash equivalents.

Prepaid Expenses

Prepaid expenses primarily consist of prepaid insurance, taxes, licenses and other expenses that are amortized into operating results on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging between 12 and 24 months.

Property, Equipment and Depreciation

Property and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. The cost of additions, major replacements, improvements, and interest on construction and certain revenue equipment are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are charged to

 


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

expense when incurred. The cost of assets sold or retired, net of accumulated depreciation or amortization, are removed from the accounts at the date of disposition, and any resulting gain or loss is recognized.

The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its assets for events or changes in circumstances, which indicate that the carrying value 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 exceed the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. In accordance with Fresh Start Reporting, property and equipment were reflected at fair market value as of February 16, 2000 (See Note 4).

The cost components of property and equipment and related useful lives at December 31 are as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

Reorganized
Company
2000

Predecessor
Company
1999


Estimated
Useful Lives

Land

$    7,143

$    9,262

-

Structures and improvements

6,884

14,133

18 -30

Revenue equipment

98,978

154,984

4 - 15

Other equipment

      4,035

    24,091

3-5

    Property and equipment, at cost

$ 117,040

$ 202,470

Depreciation expense amounted to $12.6 million for the Reorganized Company in 2000 and for the Predecessor Company $2.1 million, $19.7 million, and $18.8 million in 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively.

Intangibles and Other Assets

Intangible assets included goodwill, which represented cost in excess of net assets of businesses acquired, and certain non-compete and customer list expenditures related to acquisitions. Goodwill and related acquisition expenditures were being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods ranging from 3 to 40 years and amounted to approximately $17.7 million as of December 31, 1999. Effective with Fresh Start Reporting, all unamortized intangible assets were written off (see Note 4).

Intangibles and other assets also include deferred financing fees, which are being amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the term of the related financing agreements. In 1999, the Company wrote-off all deferred financing fee costs related to the Old Notes and prior revolving credit facility in the amount of $1.2 million in accordance with SOP 90-7. At December 31, 2000, there were no intangible assets recorded; and other assets consisted of deferred financing fees amounted to $1.3 million.

Insurance Reserves

Insurance reserves amounted to approximately $13.6 million and $13.4 million as of December 31, 2000 and 1999, and reflect the estimated cost of claims for cargo loss and damage, bodily injury and property damage, workers' compensation and employee and welfare program claims not covered by insurance. The insurance liability provision is based on claims incurred and on estimates of both unasserted and unsettled claims which are assessed based on management's evaluation of the nature and severity of individual claims and on the Company's past claims experience.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net earnings (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Common shares outstanding include issued shares, less shares held in treasury for the periods prior to emergence from bankruptcy. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock (common stock equivalents). Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and dilutive common stock equivalents during each reporting period. Common

 


2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, Continued

stock equivalents are excluded from the diluted calculation if a net loss was incurred for the period, as the results would be anti-dilutive. Accordingly, the calculations for basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share are identical, because none of the Company's potentially dilutive instruments (i.e. stock options) were dilutive for any period presented.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is shown in the table below:

(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts)

Reorganized
Company


Predecessor Company

December 31,

February 15,

December 31,

2000

2000

1999

1998

Numerators:

Loss before extraordinary items and cumulative  
    effect of accounting change


$ (13,853)


$ (40,632)


$ (18,173)


$  (9,008)

Extraordinary gain on extinguishment of debt, net
    of tax provision of $841 in 1998


-


42,682


-


1,563

Cumulative effect of accounting change, net

-

-

(274)

-

               

              

              

             

Net loss

$ (13,853)

$    2,050

$ (18,447)

$  (7,445)





Weighted average number of shares:

Denominator:

Average common shares outstanding

2,000,000

5,702,137

5,702,137

5,714,137





Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:

Loss before extraordinary items and cumulative
    effect of accounting change

$    (6.93)

$    (7.13)

$    (3.19)

$   (1.58)

Extraordinary gain

-

7.49

-

0.28

Cumulative effect of accounting change

-

(0.05)

-

               

              

              

              

Net (loss) earnings per share

$    (6.93)

$       0.36

(3.24)

(1.30)





 

Accounting Pronouncements

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities." SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and hedging. It requires that all derivatives be recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value and establishes specific criteria for the use of hedge accounting. The Company adopted SFAS 133 on January 1, 2001. There was no material effect on consolidated results of operations, financial position, cash flows or stockholders' equity upon adoption of SFAS 133.

Reclassifications

Certain prior year data has been reclassified to conform with presentation in 2000. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net loss, stockholders' equity or net cash flows.

3. Reorganization Items

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the consolidated statements of operations for periods prior to emergence should portray the results of operations of the Company while it is in Chapter 11. Expenses resulting from the restructuring are reported separately as reorganization items. In the accompanying consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 1999, the Company wrote-off $1.2 million of deferred debt issuance costs related to the pre-petition revolving credit facility and the outstanding Notes. Furthermore, the Company incurred financial restructuring costs in connection with the Chapter 11 process of $0.2 million and $3.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2000 and 1999. In addition, the Company recognized an extraordinary gain of $42.7 million relating to the discharge of indebtedness upon emergence from bankruptcy (see Note 4).

4. Fresh Start Reporting

As of February 15, 2000, the Company adopted Fresh Start Reporting in accordance with the AICPA Statement of Position 90-7. Fresh Start Reporting resulted in material changes to the consolidated balance sheet, including valuation of assets, intangible assets and liabilities at fair market value and valuation of equity based on the appraised reorganization value of the ongoing business.

In accordance with SOP 90-7, the Consolidated Statements of Operations should portray the results of operations of the Company while in Chapter 11. Expenses resulting from the restructuring are reported separately as reorganization items. In the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations for the one and one-half months period ended February 15, 2000, the Company wrote-off $39.5 million related to assets adjusted to estimated fair market value. Furthermore, the Company incurred financial restructuring costs of $0.2 million for the one and one-half months period ended February 15, 2000.

The Company's reorganization value of $135 million (the approximate fair value of its assets) was based upon the assumed total long-term debt (including capital lease and operating lease obligations) of $115 million and the estimated imputed equity value of reorganized Trism at $20 million during the administration of the bankruptcy in 1999. These values were based on the consideration of many factors and various valuation methods, including discounted cash flows, selected publicly traded Company market multiples, selected acquisition transaction multiples and other applicable ratios and valuation techniques believed by the Company's management and its financial advisors to be appropriate for the Company's business and industry.

The reorganization of the Company resulted in a discharge of debt under the Tax Code. The discharge reduced outstanding net operating loss carryforwards on February 15, 2000 (see Note 7).

In addition, SOP 90-7 requires the Company to report interest expense during the bankruptcy proceeding only to the extent that it will be paid during the proceeding or that it is probable to be an allowed priority, secured or unsecured claim. Accordingly, the Company only recorded interest expense for its DIP credit facility and secured debt obligations subsequent to the bankruptcy filing. The difference between the reported interest expense and the contractual interest expense was $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 1999, and relates to the Notes. The Company recorded interest expense for all long-term debt obligations prior to the Filing.

 


4. Fresh Start Reporting, Continued

The Reorganization and the adoption of Fresh Start Reporting resulted in the following adjustments to the Company's consolidated balance sheet upon emergence from bankruptcy (in thousands):


Predecessor
Company


Reorganization and Fresh Start
Adjustments


Reorganized
Company

February 15, 2000

Debit

Credit

February 16, 2000

ASSETS

Current Assets

$ 52,638

$          -

$    917

(a) (b)

$   51,721

Property, Plant & Equipment, net

127,114

-

21,880

(c)

105,234

Other Long-term Assets, net

18,765

1,500

(e)

17,459

(d)

2,806

                      

            

            

               

Total Assets

$ 198,517

$   1,500

$40,256

$ 159,761





LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities

$  57,050

$   7,758

(a)

$  1,500

(e)

$  50,792

Long-term Debt

138,238

86,230

(a)

30,000

(f)

82,008

Other Long-term Liabilities

6,961

-

-

6,961

                      

            

            

             

Total Liabilities

202,249

93,988

31,500

139,761





Stockholders' Equity

(3,732)

37,302

(g)

61,034

(h) (i)

20,000

                      

            

            

               

Total Liabilities and Equity

$ 198,517

$131,290

$92,534

$ 159,761





(a) - To reflect the cancellation of the old Notes and related accrued net interest expense.

(b) - To adjust current assets to fair market value.

(c) - To adjust property, plant and equipment to fair market value.

(d) - To adjust intangibles to fair market value.

(e) - To reflect deferred debt issuance costs of $1.5 million relating to new Notes.

(f) - To reflect the issuance of the new Notes.

(g) - To reflect the cancellation of the old common stock and additional paid in capital and

elimination of retained earnings of the Predecessor Company.

(h) - To reflect the issuance of the new common stock and additional paid in capital of $20.0 million.

(i) - To reflect the extraordinary credit resulting from the discharge of indebtedness. The extraordinary gain

is calculated below:

Historical value of Old Senior Subordinated Notes "Old Notes"

$ 86,230

Historical value of Accrued Interest, net on Old Notes

   6,952

93,182

Market Value of consideration exchanged for the Old Notes:

New Senior Subordinated Notes "New Notes"

(30,000)

Deferred financing fees on New Notes

(1,500)

New Common Stock (95% of 2.0 million shares)

(19,000)

(50,500)

              

Extraordinary Gain

$ 42,682


 


4. Fresh Start Reporting, Continued

The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations presents the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 1999 as though the consummation of the Plan and Fresh Start Reporting had been completed on January 1, 1999, and assumes that there were no other changes in the operations of the Company. The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet assumes the consummation of the Plan and Fresh Start Reporting had been completed on December 31, 1999. The pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the financial results that might have occurred had the consummation of the Plan and Fresh Start Reporting actually taken place on January 1, 1999, or of future results of operations (In thousands):

Pro forma Condensed Statement of Operations

For Year Ended December 31, 1999

Revenues

$ 274,646

Operating Expenses

  270,588

(a)

Operating Income

4,058

Interest Expense, net

8,879

(b)

Other Expense, net

       752

(c)

Net Loss

$ (5,573)


(a) - Reflects reduced depreciation and amortization expense by $5.3 million from write down

      of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets to estimated fair value.

(b) - Reflects reduced interest expense by $2.9 million to reflect interest related to new debt structure.

(c) - Reflects reduced amortization by deferred debt issuance costs of $0.2 million related

       to new debt structure.

 


 

Pro forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 1999

ASSETS

Current Assets

$    54,942

Property, Plant & Equipment, net

106,225

Other Long-term Assets

      2,439

Total Assets

$  163,606


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities

$   54,580

Long-term Debt

82,065

Other Long-term Liabilities

       6,961

Total Liabilities

   143,606

Stockholders' Equity

     20,000

Total Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

$ 163,606


5. Corporate Restructuring and Severance Expenses

In 2000 and 1999, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively, pertaining to the reduction in certain administrative and maintenance personnel and for certain terminal closure costs.

In June 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $0.4 million for a separation and consulting agreement with a former officer of the Company. Furthermore, in September 1998, the Company recorded a pre-tax severance provision of $0.35 million pertaining to the reduction of certain administrative personnel.

6. Indebtedness and Lease Commitments

Indebtedness

Long-term debt includes the following as of December 31 (in thousands):

 

Reorganized
Company
2000

Predecessor
Company
1999

Senior subordinated notes, refinanced as

discussed below

$   30,000

$   86,230

Obligations collateralized by equipment

maturing through 2005 with interest rates

ranging from 6.6% to 11.6%.

17,594

14,868

Capital lease obligations collateralized by

equipment maturing through 2005, with

interest rates ranging from 6.3% to 10.4%.

36,607

48,143

Revolving credit facility, amended as discussed below

   25,440

     10,596

  109,641

   159,837

Less current maturities

19,197

21,542

Less long-term debt classifed as current

    90,444

   138,295

$           -

$            -



Senior Subordinated Notes

The old Senior Subordinated Notes ("Old Notes") bore interest at 10.75% payable on June 15th and December 15th of each year and were to mature on December 15, 2000. The Notes were redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, on or after December 15, 1999, at a redemption price of 105% through December 1999 and 102.5% thereafter. Through December 31, 1999, the Company had repurchased $13.8 million of the Notes.

The Company executed a recapitalization which culminated on February 15, 2000. The recapitalization converted the Old Notes into (i) new Senior Subordinated Notes ("New Notes") in the aggregate principal amount of $30 million, due 2005, with interest at the rate of 12% per annum payable on March 15th and September 15th of each year, and (ii) 95% of the new common equity of the Company to be issued post-recapitalization. The Company's old common equity was converted into 5% of the new common equity issued post-recapitalization.

The Company is currently in default of the minimum net worth covenant and therefore the notes bear 13% per annum beginning January 1, 2001, until the Company meets the covenant requirement. In addition, the Company failed to make a scheduled interest payment due on March 15, 2001 on the New Notes. The grace period for the payment of interest expired on April 15, 2001. The Company did not make the interest payment on April 15 and this constituted an Event of Default under the terms of the indenture pursuant to which the New Notes were issued. The Company has classified the Notes as current due to the existence of the defaults. The accrued interest due as of December 31, 2000 under the Notes was $1.1 million.

 

 


6. Indebtedness and Lease Commitments, Continued

Senior Subordinated Notes, Continued

The new notes are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future indebtedness of the Company. The indenture contains covenants that require a minimum net worth, and are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications, which limit the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to incur indebtedness, pay dividends, issue preferred stock, create liens, sell assets and limit the ability of the subsidiaries to guarantee indebtedness of the Company. Furthermore, the indenture contains change of control provisions, which may require the Company to repurchase the notes at an amount equal to 101% plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the repurchase.

The Company's senior subordinated notes are guaranteed by all of the Company's direct and indirect subsidiaries (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). All of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly owned direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Company and the guarantees of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are full, unconditional and joint and several. Trism, Inc., exclusive of its subsidiaries, has no independent assets or operations.

Revolving Credit Facility

On February 15, 2000 in connection with the Company's exit from Chapter 11, the Company executed a new, three-year $42.5 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"). The Revolver provides for borrowings up to $42.5 million based on a borrowing base formula determined by collateralized eligible accounts receivable, certain unencumbered trailers, and the Company's real property in Kennesaw, Georgia. The Revolver also provides for the issuance of letters of credit up to $17 million. The Revolver bears interest at the prime rate plus .25% or LIBOR plus 2.25%. No financial covenants exist unless availability, as defined, initially falls below $5 million for ten consecutive business days. Required covenants if availability falls below $5 million include a minimum net worth threshold, minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and a maximum leverage ratio. The Revolver also limits debt incurrence, capital expenditures, changes in control and management, mergers and certain material asset sales, irrespective of the $5 million availability threshold.

On October 19, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a change in management restriction as a result of the resignation of the former Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company. On October 27, 2000, the Company was notified by CIT Business Credit that an event of default had occurred under the Revolver concerning a materially adverse effect evidenced by, (a) the Company's current and projected future negative earnings and cash flow, (b) the change in management discussed in notice of default on October 19, 2000, (c) the increase in fuel costs to the Company and (d) a proposed sixty percent increase in insurance premiums to the Company.

On November 8, 2000, the Company executed a forbearance agreement that modified certain terms with the Revolver, including a forbearance reserve of $3 million on collateral availability, a forbearance fee of $150,000 and interest rates of 2.0% above Prime, which prior to the forbearance were at 0.5% above Prime or 2.5% above LIBOR. The Company has classified the Revolver as current due to the existence of technical defaults.

The following table outlines the amendments to the forbearance agreement:

Amendments to the Forbearance Agreement


Effective Date


Expiration Date

Forbearance
Fees Paid

First Amendment

November 30, 2001

January 10, 2001

---

Second Amendment

January 10, 2001

January 31, 2001

$150,000

Third Amendment

January 31, 2001

February 28, 2001

---

Fourth Amendment

February 28, 2001

March 14, 2001

$50,000

Fifth Amendment

March 14, 2001

March 30, 2001

$50,000

Sixth Amendment

March 30, 2001

April 13, 2001

$50,000

Seventh Amendment

April 13, 2001

April 27, 2001

$50,000

Eighth Amendment April 27, 2001 May 18, 2001 $75,000

Cash and availability under the revolving credit facility was approximately $0.6 million at December 31, 2000, net of a reduction for outstanding letters of credit of approximately $9.3 million. The revolving credit facility bore 11.5% interest at December 31, 2000.On September 16, 1999, the Company filed a Plan of Reorganization with the United States Bankruptcy Court in Delaware under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Company secured a $42.4 million DIP facility which was approved by the

 


6. Indebtedness and Lease Commitments, Revolving Credit Facility, Continued

Court on October 11, 1999. Cash and availability under the DIP facility was approximately $9.2 million at December 31, 1999, net of a reduction for outstanding letters of credit of approximately $12.1 million. The revolving credit facility bore 8.75% interest at December 31, 1999.

The Company has classified the equipment debt as current due to the existence of technical defaults.

The scheduled maturities of long-term debt outstanding at December 31, 2000, are summarized as follows:


(Dollars in thousands)


Principal Payments on Equipment Debt

Residual Obligations on Equipment Debt


Revolving Credit Facility


Senior Subordinated Notes



Total

2001

$ 14,222

$   4,975

$ 25,440

$ 30,000

$   74,637

2002

7,597

11,179

-

-

18,776

2003

4,224

3,582

-

-

7,806

2004

2,934

4,876

-

-

7,810

2005

       222

       390

           -

           -

        612

$ 29,199

$ 25,002

$ 25,440

$ 30,000

$ 109,641






Net interest expense and cash interest payments are as follows:

 

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor
Company

December 31,

February 15,

December 31,

(Dollars in thousands)

2000

2000

1999

1998

Net interest on debt and capital leases

$ 8,975

    

$ 728

$ 12,994

$ 15,316

Capitalized interest

         -

      -

           -

     (229) 

   Net interest expense

  8,975

  728

  12,994

  15,087

Cash interest payments

$ 8,150

$ 551

$  5,723

$ 15,307

Leases

The Company leases certain revenue and equipment through long-term non-cancelable leases. Commitments for minimum rentals under the lease agreements at the end of 2000 are as follows:

 


(Dollars in thousands)

Capital 
Leases

Operating Leases

2001

$ 16,203

$ 3,389

2002

16,900

2003

4,616

2004

1,896

2005

      646

Total minimum lease payments

$ 40,261

$ 3,389

Less amount representing interest

   3,654

Present value of net minimum lease payments,

including current maturities of $14,433

$ 36,607


 


 

6. Indebtedness and Lease Commitments, Continued

Property and equipment as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 include the following amounts for capitalized leases:

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor
Company

(Dollars in thousands)

2000

1999

Revenue equipment

$ 44,780

58,967

Other equipment

     271  

   1,427

45,051

60,394

Less accumulated depreciation

    6,344

 18,608

$ 38,707

41,786

 

The Company acquired equipment by incurring capital lease obligations of $1.1 million in 1999. Rent expense for all operating leases were approximately $1.0 million and $4.6 million for the Predecessor Company and the Reorganized Company in 2000, respectively, and $11.0 million, and $13.4 million in 1999 and 1998, respectively.

7. Income Taxes

The Company has provided for income tax expense as follows:

 

Reorganized Company

Predecessor 
Company

(Dollars in thousands)

2000

2000

1999

1998

Current:

  Federal

$      -

$    -

$       -

-

  State

       -

     -

     65

     92

     65

     92

Deferred:

  Federal

-

-

(81)

1,306

  State

       -

     -

     16

      77

     -

   (65)

  1,383

Income tax expense

$      -

$    -

$      -

$ 1,475

The Company has available net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately $76 million that expire beginning in 2019. In connection with the reorganization upon emergence from bankruptcy, the Company realized a gain from the extinguishment of certain indebtedness (see Note 4). This gain will not be taxable since the gain results from reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. However, the Company is required, as of the beginning of its 2000 taxable year, to reduce net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards in an amount equal to such gain on extinguishment.

The reorganization of the Company upon emergence from bankruptcy constituted an ownership change under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code and therefore the use of any of the Company's NOL's generated prior to the ownership change, that were not reduced pursuant to the provisions discussed above, will be subject to an overall annual limitation of approximately $2.7 million for NOL's. The Company also has available general business tax credit carryforwards of approximately $0.5 million which will expire in 2001.

 


7. Income Taxes, Continued

Components of the net deferred income tax asset (liability) at December 31 are as follows:

Reorganized 
Company

Predecessor Company

(Dollars in thousands)

2000

1999

Current deferred income taxes:

Accrued expenses, reserves and other

$  3,504

$   2,060

Prepaid tires

-

3,211

Valuation allowance

  (3,504)

  (5,271)

           -

           -

Non-current deferred income taxes:

Net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards

28,136

21,884

Insurance reserves, long term

2,594

2,776

Depreciation and capital leases

(9,998)

(21,575)

Intangibles

3,539

1,043

Valuation allowance

 (24,271) 

  (4,128)

            -

           -

Net deferred tax asset (liability)

$          -

$          -



SFAS 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes", requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company determined that a full valuation allowance against the net deferred tax asset should be recorded. The valuation allowance for deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 was $27,775,000 and $9,399,000. The net change in the total valuation allowance in 2000 was an increase of $18,376,000.

The provision for income taxes is different than the amount computed using the applicable statutory federal income tax rate with the differences summarized below:

Reorganized Company

Predecessor
 Company

(Dollars in thousands)

2000

2000

1999

1998

Federal statutory income tax rate of 34%

$ (4,710)

697

(6,179)

(2,847)

Gain on discharge of indebtedness

(14,512)

Valuation allowance adjustments

4,577

13,799

4,895

3,926

Nondeductible travel and entertainment

75

9

88

77

Fines and penalties

41

5

60

65

Amortization and other

17

2

1,060

111

Prior year state income tax deficiencies

-

-

65

92

State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit

           -

          -

       11

    51

  Income tax expense

$          -

          -

         -

1,475

 

State taxes paid in cash amounted to approximately $65,000 and $92,000 in 1999 and 1998, respectively. There were no income taxes paid in 2000.


8. Stock Option Plan and Warrants

On February 15, 2000, in connection with the consummation of the Plan of Reorganization, all previously outstanding stock options, stock grants and warrants were extinguished and cancelled. A new stock option plan was issued which the Company's employees and consultants may be granted options to purchase up to 200,000 shares of Company common stock at not less than 100% of the market price on the day the option is granted. The term of the options granted may not exceed 10 years. Notwithstanding the above, the exercise price of options issued in connection with the Company's emergence from bankruptcy were issued at prices ranging from $10 to $12 per share. The Company has 268,600 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2000. However, the stock option plan only authorizes 200,000 stock options and will need to be amended to satisfy the options that have been granted.

The Predecessor Company had a stock option plan under which the Company's officers, directors and key employees may be granted options to purchase up to 725,000 shares of Company old common stock at not less than 100% of the market price on the day the option is granted. These options vested ratably over 3 years. The term of the options granted to either officers or key employees or directors did not exceed 10 years and 5 years, respectively.

Stock option activities during the periods indicated are as follows:

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Number of

Number of

Per

Shares

Shares

Share

Exercisable

Predecessor Company:

Balance at December 31, 1997

319,500.00

6.45

258,694

  Forfeited / Expired

(163,000.00)

6.50

  Granted

-

-

Balance at December 31, 1998

156,500.00

6.40

154,278

  Forfeited / Expired

(25,000.00)

6.50

  Granted

                 -

-

Balance at December 31, 1999

131,500.00

6.39

128,722

  Cancelled on February 15, 2000

(131,500.00)

6.39

Balance at February 15, 2000

-

-


Reorganized Company:

Granted on February 16, 2000

200,000

10.75

100,000

  Forfeited / Expired

(31,400)

10.75

  Granted

      100,000

1.00

33,333

Balance at December 31, 2000

268,600


At December 31, 2000, the weighted-average price and remaining contractual life of total outstanding options were $7.125 and 9.1 years, respectively. Outstanding options vest ratably over a period of 2 years. The weighted average exercise price of the vested options at December 31, 2000 was $7.45.

 


8. Stock Option Plan and Warrants, Continued

The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock options, and accordingly no compensation cost has been recognized for stock options in the financial statements. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company's net (loss) earnings would have been adjusted to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor
Company

Ten and one half months ended December 31,

One and one half months ended February 15,


Year ended December 31,


Year ended December 31,

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

2000

2000

1999

1998

Net (loss) earnings

As reported

$ (13,853)

$ 2,050

$ (18,447)

$ (7,445)

Pro forma

(13,950)

2,046

(18,478)

(7,542)

Basic and diluted (loss) earnings per share

As reported

$     (6.93)

$  0.36

$    (3.24)

$   (1.30)

Pro forma

(6.98)

0.36

(3.24)

(1.32)

 

The above pro forma schedule reflects options only granted from 1998 through 2000. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net (loss) earnings accounts presented above because compensation cost is reflected over the options' vesting period of 3 years for 1998 and 1999 and the vesting period of 2 years for 2000.

The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions: 2000 - expected volatility of 108%; risk free interest rate ranging from 5.7% to 6.5%; expected life of approximately 10 years; and, a no dividend yield assumption. For 1999 and 1998 the assumptions were as follows: expected volatility of 67%; risk free interest rate of 5.0%; expected life of 5 years; and, a no dividend yield assumption. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during 2000 was $0.37. There were no options granted in 1999 or 1998.

9. Employee Benefit Plan

The Company sponsors a tax-qualified defined contribution plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code covering all full-time employees who have completed one year of service as of a quarterly enrollment date. This Profit Sharing Plan includes a "401(k)" arrangement pursuant to which participants may contribute, subject to certain Code limitations, a percentage of their salary on a "pre-tax" basis. The Company contributes a matching contribution with respect to the contributions made by participants at a rate determined by the Board of Directors of the Company each year. The Company may also make an additional contribution to the Profit Sharing Plan each year at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company's 401(k) matching contributions were approximately $177,000 for the Reorganized Company in 2000 and the Predecessor Company had contributions of approximately $25,000, $209,000 and $259,000 in 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively.

10. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

Legal Proceedings

Under the Comprehensive Environmental Responses, Compensation and Liability Act ("CERCLA") and similar state laws, a transporter of hazardous substances may be liable for the costs of responding to the release or threatened release of hazardous substances from disposal sites if such transporter selected the site for disposal. Because it is the Company's practice not to select the sites where hazardous substances and wastes will be disposed, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material liability under CERCLA and similar laws.

Although the Company has been identified as a "potentially responsible party" (PRP) at four sites, solely because of its activities as a transporter of hazardous substances, the Company does not believe it will be subject to material liabilities at such sites.

The Company is a party to certain legal proceedings incidental to its business, primarily involving claims for bodily injury or property damage arising from the transportation of freight. The Company does not believe that these legal proceedings, or any other claims or threatened claims of which it is aware, are likely to materially and adversely affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. With regard to personal injury, property damage, workers'

 


 

10. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, Continued

compensation claims, and cargo claims, the Company is and has been covered by insurance. Such matters may include claims for punitive damages, which in some jurisdictions, may not be covered by insurance.

In addition to matters referred to above, the Company is a party to certain additional lawsuits, none of which is believed to involve a significant risk of materially and adversely affecting the Company's financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Insurance

The primary risk areas in the Company's businesses are liability for bodily injury and property damage, workers' compensation, and cargo loss and damage. In November 2000, the Company began a deductible for bodily injury and property damage of $500,000 per occurrence. Prior to November 2000, the Company maintained a first dollar premium-based insurance program against liability for bodily injury and property damage and was not subject to deductibles. Prior to November 1999, the Company maintained liability insurance for bodily injury and property damage, with a deductible for bodily injury and property damage of $500,000 per occurrence plus the satisfaction of an additional $750,000 deductible per year for claims which exceed $500,000. The Company is a qualified workers' compensation self-insurer in the State of Missouri where most of its drivers are domiciled, with losses in excess of $500,000 insured by an excess workers' compensation policy. In all other states statutory workers' compensation insurance is maintained with a deductible of

10. Commitments and Contingent Liabilities, Continued

$500,000 loss limit per occurrence to the Company. The Company has issued standby letters of credit in the amount of $9.3 million and collateralized an additional $2.5 million in the form of restricted deposits at December 31, 2000, to collateralize its self-insured loss claims for bodily injury and property damage for deductible insurance programs.

The Company also self-insures as to damage or loss to the property and equipment it owns or leases, subject to insurance coverage maintained in the event of a catastrophic loss in excess of $50,000 for property and $100,000 for equipment. Certain shipments transported by the Company are very valuable. The Company currently maintains cargo loss and damage insurance with a current deductible of $250,000 per occurrence. In addition to following Department of Transportation ("DOT") regulations requiring random drug testing and post-accident drug testing, the Company rigorously enforces its accident and incident reporting and follow-up standards.

11. Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentration

Financial Instruments

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk consist principally of cash equivalents and receivables. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure to any one customer and places its temporary cash into investments of high credit quality. Concentrations of credit risk with respect to receivables are limited due to their dispersion across various customers and geographies.

The estimated fair values of cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, and accrued interest approximate their carrying amounts. The estimated fair values and carrying amounts of long-term debt borrowings were as follows (dollars in thousands):

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor
Company

2000

1999

Fair Value

$ 97,240

$ 103,607

Carrying Amount

$ 109,641

$ 159,837

The fair value of the foregoing financial instruments were primarily determined from quoted market prices and discounted cash flows using an estimated fair market value interest/discount rate.

 


11. Financial Instruments and Credit Risk Concentration, Continued

Major Customers

Operating revenues derived from U.S. Governmental Agencies were approximately $5.0 million for the Predecessor Company and $34.7 million for the Reorganized Company in 2000, $40.7 million and $43.9 million for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998, respectively, which represents 15 percent for the Predecessor Company and 14 percent for the Reorganized Company of total operating revenues for 2000, 15 percent and 15 percent of total operating revenues for 1999 and 1998, respectively. There was no other single customer that exceeded 5 percent of operating revenues during these periods.

12. Extraordinary items

During 1998 the Company retired, at a discount, $9.5 million of the 10.75% senior subordinated debentures due in 2000. The transactions resulted in an extraordinary gain of $1.6 million ($.28 per share), net of income tax of $0.8 million. See Note 4 - Fresh Start Reporting, relating to extraordinary gain on discharge of indebtedness in 2000.

13. Segment and Related Information

The Company identifies operating segments based on management responsibility and marketing strategies. The Company has three reportable segments: Heavy Haul, Secured Materials and Logistics.

Heavy Haul

This segment consists of TSC, the Company's largest operating segment, specializing in the transportation of over-sized and over-dimensional loads throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The largest markets for Heavy Haul are manufacturers of large machinery and equipment, suppliers and contractors to industrial and public construction, importers of industrial durable goods and the U.S. Government.

Secured Materials

The Secured Materials segment is characterized by the toxic or explosive nature and special handling requirements of the cargo. The cargo typically consists of military munitions, commercial explosives, hazardous waste, and radioactive materials. The largest markets for Secured Materials are the U.S. Government and various governmental agencies, waste generators, and environmental clean-up firms.

Logistics

The Logistics segment specializes in the management of freight by truck (particularly in the hazardous waste market). TLI's client base includes engineering and construction companies, suppliers to the European Community, Fortune 500 companies and major utility companies. In September 1998, TLI began providing logistics services to the rail industry through its intermodal division.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the Notes to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Intersegment revenues primarily consist of loads brokered from the Heavy Haul segment to the Secured Materials segment. Such services are priced at approximately the same basis as services to external customers. Certain administrative and other costs are allocated among the segments utilizing various allocation factors that include revenues, number of loads and tractors, and other estimates. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on operating income which is defined as income before income taxes, non-operating items and interest income and expense. A summary of segment information is presented below (in thousands):

 


13. Segment and Related Information, Continued

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor 
Company

December 31,

February 15,

December 31,

Operating Revenue

2000

2000

1999

1998

Heavy Haul

$ 173,683

$  22,108

$ 188,866

$ 203,172

Secured

66,219

9,315

83,683

92,113

Logistics

   18,063

     2,387 

   13,905

     7,178

   Sub-total:

257,965

33,810

286,454

302,463

Intersegment eliminations

   (9,189)

   (1,201)

  (11,808)

  (10,832)

Consolidated

$ 248,776

$  32,609

$ 274,646

$ 291,631





Operating Income

Heavy Haul

$ (4,461)

$     (590)

$  (2,402)

$    6,254

Secured

836

197

1,652

458

Logistics

      419

       135

315

314

   Sub-total:

(3,206)

(258)

(435)

7,026

Restructuring charge

(355)

            -

      (800)

(752)

Consolidated

$ (3,561)

$     (258)

$  (1,235)

$    6,274





  Interest expense, net

(8,664)

(686)

(11,845)

(13,944)

  Other expense, net

(1,628)

(38)

(950)

(704)

  Reorganization items

-

-

(1,183)

-

  Financial restructuring costs

-

(200)

(2,960)

-

  Loss on adjustment of assets to fair market value

-

(39,450)

-

-

Loss before income taxes and extraordinary items and cumulative effect of change in accounting methods


$ (13,853)


$ (40,632)


$ (18,173)


$  (8,374)





                 

Reorganized
Company

Predecessor 
Company

December 31,

December 31,

Total Assets

2000

1999

1998

Heavy Haul

$ 100,841

$ 130,568

$ 139,259

Secured

53,301

68,439

71,811

Logistics

      4,148

     3,731

      2,175

Consolidated

$ 158,290

$ 202,738

$ 213,245




 


 

 

Independent Auditors' Report

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Trism, Inc.
Kennesaw, Georgia

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Trism, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000 (Reorganized Company balance sheet), and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity (deficit), and cash flows for the period from February 16, 2000 to December 31, 2000 (Reorganized Company operations) and the period from January 1, 2000 to February 15, 2000 (Predecessor Company operations). Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 14 for the periods referred to above. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, on December 9, 1999, the Bankruptcy Court entered an order confirming the plan of reorganization which became effective after the close of business on February 15, 2000. Accordingly, the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with AICPA Statement of Position 90-7, Financial Reporting for Entities in Reorganization Under the Bankruptcy Code, for the Reorganized Company as a new entity, with assets, liabilities, and a capital structure having carrying values not comparable with prior periods, as described in Note 4.

In our opinion, the Reorganized Company consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Trism, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2000, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the period from February 16, 2000 to December 31, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Further, in our opinion, the Predecessor Company consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of the Predecessor Company for the period from January 1, 2000 to February 15, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic 2000 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2000 have been prepared assuming that Trism, Inc. and its subsidiaries will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1, the Company is (1) experiencing difficulty in generating sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and sustain its operations; (2) not in compliance with certain covenants of its revolving credit facility, senior subordinated notes, and equipment debt agreements; and (3) sustaining recurring losses from operations. Such conditions raise substantial doubt about their ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard to these matters are also described in Note 1. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Atlanta, Georgia
April 9, 2001 (April 27, 2001 as to Note 6)

 


 

Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
TRISM, Inc.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index appearing under Item 14 (a) (1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of TRISM, Inc. at December 31, 1999, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 1999, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 14 (a) (2) presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

As explained in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 1999, the Company changed its method of accounting for the measurement of tires-in-service.

As discussed in Note 4, on September 16, 1999, the Company filed a petition with the United States Bankruptcy Court for reorganization under the provisions of Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. The Company's reorganization plan was substantially consummated on February 15, 2000 and the Company emerged from bankruptcy. In connection with its emergence from bankruptcy, the Company adopted "fresh start reporting" whereby its assets, liabilities and new capital structure were adjusted to reflect estimated fair values as of February 15, 2000.

PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP

/s/ Pricewaterhouse Coopers LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
March 3, 2000

 


Supplementary Data - Quarterly financial data (unaudited)

 

First

Second

Third

Fourth

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

Quarter

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Reorganized Company

2000:

Revenues

$ 36,899

74,692

72,525

64,660

Operating income (loss)

1,196

1,993

434

(7,184)

Net income (loss)

29

(348)

(1,951)

(11,583)

Earnings (loss) per share

0.01

(0.17)

(0.98)

(5.79)

Number of shares used in computation of earnings (loss) per common share

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000


Predecessor Company

2000:

Revenues

$ 32,609 

Operating loss

(258)

Net income

2,050 

Earnings per share

0.36 

Number of shares used in computation of earnings per common share

5,702 

1999:

Revenues

$ 68,630 

72,171 

69,606 

64,239 

Operating income (loss)

172 

1,190 

225 

(2,822)

Income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change

(3,620)

(2,729)

(5,571)

(6,253)

Net income (loss)

(3,894)

(2,729)

(5,571)

(6,253)

Earnings (loss) per share before cumulative effect of accounting change

(0.63)

(0.48)

(0.98)

(1.10)

Earnings (loss) per share

(0.68)

(0.48)

(0.98)

(1.10)

Number of shares used in computation of earnings (loss) per common share

5,702 

5,702 

5,702 

5,702 

 

For the first quarter 2000, operations of the Predecessor Company ended on February 15, 2000, while operations for the Reorganized Company began on February 16, 2000. Due to the reorganization and implementation of fresh start reporting (see Note 4), consolidated financial statements for the new Reorganized Company (period starting February 16, 2000) are not comparable to those of the Predecessor Company. The Reorganized Company relates to all operations post-emergence from bankruptcy and the Predecessor Company relates to all operations pre-emergence from bankruptcy. A black line has been drawn to distinguish between the Reorganized Company and the Predecessor Company.

 


 

ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

The Board of Directors of Trism, Inc. ("Trism"), on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, authorized the President and CEO and the Executive Vice President and CFO to engage Deloitte & Touche LLP as Trism's independent auditors to audit its consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2000. This appointment, which was effective October 6, 2000, represents a change in outside auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

The reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on the financial statements for the past two fiscal years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 contained no adverse opinions or disclaimers of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principle. During the two-year period ended December 31, 1999 and thereafter through October 6, 2000, there have been no disagreements with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP on any matters of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements if not resolved to the satisfaction of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP would have caused them to make reference thereto in their report on the financial statements for such years.

Trism provided PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with a copy of this disclosure. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP furnished a letter addressed to the SEC stating that PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP agrees with the above statements.

 


PART III

ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

Board of Directors

In connection with the financial reorganization of the Company effective February 15, 2000, all prior members of the Board of Directors were replaced, except Edward L. McCormick who continued on the new Board of Directors until his resignation effective October 18, 2000. Thomas P. Krasner was elected Chairman of the Board, replacing Mr. McCormick, on October 18, 2000. Mr. Krasner was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company on January 25, 2001. The following provides information about Mr. McCormick and each of the four other members of the Board of Directors effective December 31, 2000, including data on the public companies and other selected entities for which each also serves as a Director. All of the Board members were elected by the "new" shareholders of the Company in connection with the confirmation of the Company's Plan of Reorganization effective February 15, 2000. Randall G. Kominsky resigned as a director effective February 15, 2001 and as a result, the Board now consists of three directors.

Edward L. McCormick, age 65, joined the Company in September 1997 as the Executive Vice President of Sales and Markets and had been President since February 1998. He had been Chief Executive Officer and a Director of the company since May 1998, and Chairman of the Board from February 15, 2000 until his resignation on October 18, 2000. For more than five years prior to September 1997 he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Management Action Process, Inc. a management development and business consulting firm.

John S. Albanese, age 49, has been a director of the Company since February 15, 2000. He has been Senior Counsel at Washington Headquarters Services, a Department of Defense Field Operating Activity at the Pentagon, for more than the prior five years. Mr. Albanese is a member of the Board of Directors at Prospect Street High Income Portfolio, a mutual fund whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (PHY).

Randall G. Kominsky, age 46, served as a director of the Company from February 15, 2000 until his resignation on February 15, 2001. He has been the President of Alliance for Financial Growth, Inc., a privately owned financial and operating consulting firm, since January 1996. Prior to joining Alliance, Mr. Kominsky was a Principal with Coopers & Lybrand LLP ( a predecessor to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP). Mr. Kominsky resigned from the Board effective February 15, 2001.

Thomas P. Krasner, age 39, has been a director of the Company since February 15, 2000. He has been an Executive Vice President of Harch Capital Management, a high yield money management firm, since March 1999. He was a Principal and Portfolio Manager from February 1998 until March 1999 and before that a Portfolio Manager with Riverside Capital Advisors, Inc., a high yield money management firm. Prior to his tenure with Riverside, he was with John Alden Asset Management Company, the investment arm of a life insurance company, since September 1985, as an Investment Analyst.  On October 18, 2000 he was elected Chairman of the Board.  On January 25, 2001 he was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Dana L. Manner, age 39, has been a director of the Company since February 15, 2000. He has been a Manager-Financial Planning with Ryder System, Inc. - Ryder Transportation Services, a Transportation Holding Company since April 1999 and, prior to that, a Financial Consultant - Corporate Planning for Ryder, since August, 1996. Prior to his tenure with Ryder, he was a Senior Financial Strategist - Structured Investments (May 1995 to August 1996) with Meridian Bank - Meridian Capital Markets, a Commercial Bank and, prior to May 1995, a Financial Strategist with Meridian.

Compensation of Directors

For 2000, each member of the Board of Directors who was not an officer or employee of the Company was compensated as follows: an annual fee of $10,000 payable $2,500 per quarter in arrears, a per meeting fee for physical attendance at board meetings of $2,500, a per meeting fee for telephonic attendance at board meetings of $1,000, a per meeting fee for physical or telephonic attendance at Committee meetings of $1,000, exclusive of a Committee Chairman, and a per meeting fee for physical or telephonic attendance at committee meetings for the Committee Chairman of $2,000. In addition, the Board of Directors is reimbursed for all incurred out of pocket expenses.


ITEM 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant, Continued

Committees

The standing committees of the Board of Directors are the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee.

The Audit Committee reviews the internal and external audit policies and procedures of the Company. It also reviews the Company's internal controls, oversees the external auditors of the Company (recommending annually the selection of the Company's external auditors), and reviews the Company's litigation, claims and contingencies. Its 2001 members are Thomas P. Krasner and Dana L. Manner. Randall G. Kominsky was a member of the Audit Committee until his resignation from the Board effective February 15, 2001. The Audit Committee approved an Audit Committee Charter on September 21, 2000, which was approved by the full Board of Directors at a meeting on the same date.

The Compensation Committee oversees organizational, personnel, compensation and benefits policies and practices of the Company. It reviews and recommends to the Board of Directors the compensation of the executive officers. The Compensation Committee administers the Company's Stock Option Plan. Its 2001 members are Thomas P. Krasner, John S. Albanese and Dana L. Manner.

The Nominating Committee is responsible for recommending nominees to the Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee does not consider nominees recommended by stockholders. The 2001 member is John S. Albanese.

Meetings of Directors

In calendar year 2000, the Board of Directors held sixteen meetings. Each of the then current Directors of the Company attended at least 75% of the aggregate meetings held by the Board of Directors and by the committees on which each Director served. The Audit Committee of the Board met five times in 2000. The Compensation Committee of the Board met one time in 2000. The Nominating Committee of the Board did not meet in 2000. 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Executive Compensation

The following table sets forth the total compensation paid or accrued by the Company for services rendered during the years ended December 31, 2000, 1999 and 1998 to the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, the former President and Chief Executive Officer, and the five executive officers of the Company whose total cash compensation for the year ended December 31, 2000 was the greatest (the "Named Executive Officers").

 


 

Item 11. Executive Compensation, Continued

 

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary ($)

Bonus ($)

Securities Underlying Options/SARs (#)

All Other Compensation ($)

Thomas P. Krasner (1)
President and Chief Executive Officer

2000
1999
1998

---
---
---

---
---
---

---
---
---

21,250 (2)
---
---

Edward L. McCormick (1)
Former President and Chief Executive Officer

2000
1999
1998

206,731
225,000
209,375

---
---
1,444

30,000 (13)
----
----

82,561 (3)
1,525 (4)
49,788 (5)

J. Barry Moody
Executive Vice President,
Operations

2000
1999
1998

174,437
164,280
57,916

---
---
---

28,000 (13)
----
----

27,746 (6)
8,698 (7)
16,510 (8)

Glenn M. Kavanagh
Senior Vice President,
Marketing

2000
1999
1998

170,000
148,748
144,832

---
---
39,697

20,000 (13)
---
----

23,451 (9)
---
---

Ralph S. Nelson
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel and Secretary

2000
1999
1998

164,500
158,500
153,000

---
---
1,317

24,000 (13)
---
----

16,693 (10)
1,000 (4)
1,075 (4)

Walter E. Prince
Senior Vice President, Maintenance

2000
1999
1998

163,788
152,295
150,000

---
---
1,317

20,000 (13)
---
----

15,588 (11)
1,525 (4)
1,500 (4)

James G. Overley (1)
Former Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

2000
1999
1998

145,750
158,500
153,000

---
---
---

---
---
---

10,461 (12)
1,415 (4)
1,000 (4)

  1. Mr. McCormick left the Company as President an Chief Executive Officer effective October 18, 2000. Mr. Krasner was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer on January 25, 2001. Mr. Overley resigned as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer effective October 26, 2000.
  2. Amount shown represents board fees earned prior to his election as and President and Chief Executive Officer.
  3. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($1,748), Company provided life insurance ($12,971), vacation pay on termination ($19,231) and payments made pursuant to a severance agreement ($48,611).
  4. Amounts shown represent contributions by the Company to the Trism 401(k) Plan on behalf of such officer.
  5. Amount shown represents reimbursement for relocation expense in connection with commencing employment ($49,206) and contribution by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($582).
  6. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($1,537), Company car expense ($10,111), relocation expense in connection with commencing employment ($11,618) and Company provided life insurance ($4,480).
  7. Amount shown represents reimbursement for relocation expense in connection with commencing employment ($643), Company car expense ($7,412) and the Company's contribution to the Trism 401(k) Plan ($643).
  8. Amount shown represents reimbursement for relocation expense in connection with commencing employment ($14,302) and Company car expense ($2,208).
  9. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to Company car expense ($10,555), relocation expense in connection with commencing employment ($9,134) and Company provided life insurance ($3,762).
  10. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($1,050), Company car expense ($9,323) and Company provided life insurance ($6,320).
  11. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($1,637), Company car expense ($9,221) and Company provided life insurance ($4,730).
  12. Amount shown represents contributions by the Company to the 401(k) Plan ($1,470), Company car expense ($7,456) and Company provided life insurance ($1,535).
  13. Amount shown represents options granted on February 15, 2000, and still current, to purchase shares of the new Common Stock of the Company.

 


 

Item 11. Executive Compensation, Continued

The Company has entered into Employment Agreements with Messrs. Kavanagh, Moody, Nelson, and Prince which provide, in pertinent part, for the continuation of their respective employment for a period of twelve months in the event they are terminated or their respective position is downgraded without cause, or in certain Change of Control events.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

On February 15, 2000, in connection with the consummation of the Plan, the outstanding old stock options, stock grants and warrants were extinguished and cancelled. A new stock option plan was adopted which granted management, subject to certain conditions and the passage of time, the option to acquire up to 10% of the outstanding new common stock.

The following table shows as of December 31, 2000 the beneficial ownership of Common Stock with respect to (i) each Director and nominee for Director, (ii) each executive officer named in the Summary Compensation Table, and (iii) all executive officers and Directors as a group, and (iv) each person who is known to the Company to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of the Common Stock.

 
Name

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership


Percent of Class

 

 

 

Edward L. McCormick (1)

30,096

*

John S. Albanese

--

--

Thomas P. Krasner

--

--

Glenn M. Kavanagh

15,000

*

Dana L. Manner

1,000

*

J. Barry Moody (2)

21,000

*

Ralph S. Nelson (3)

18,000

*

James G. Overley

100

*

Walter E. Prince (4)

15,000

*

Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.(5)

564,492(6)

28.22

Alpine Associates (7)

138,682

6.9

Prudential Insurance Co of America (8)

110,171

5.51

All executive officers and Directors as a group (9 persons)

100,196

4.77

*less than one percent (1%)

  1. Includes 30,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of vested options as of December 31, 2000.
  2. Includes 14,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of vested options as of December 31, 2000.
  3. Includes 12,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of vested options as of December 31, 2000.
  4. Includes 10,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of vested options as of December 31, 2000.
  5. Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. ("ML&Co.") is a parent holding company. The Merrill Lynch Asset Management Group ("AMG") is an operating division of ML&Co. consisting of ML&Co.'s indirectly owned asset management subsidiaries.
  6. Includes shares of Common Stock held by certain of ML&Co.'s indirectly owned asset management subsidiaries.
  7. Based upon information obtained from a Schedule 13D filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about March 9, 2000. The Schedule 13D was filed by Alpine Associates, a limited partnership and Alpine Partners, L.P. The principal business address of Alpine Associates and Alpine Partners, L.P. is 100 Union Avenue, Cresskill, New Jersey 07626.
  8. Based upon information obtained from a Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about February 5, 2001. The Schedule 13G was filed by Prudential Insurance Co. of America. The principal business address of Prudential Insurance Co. of America is 751 Broad Street, Newark, NJ 07102.

 

ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

NONE

 


 

PART IV

ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) The consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2000 and 1999 and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, cash flows and financial statement schedule for the period from February 16, 2000 to December 31, 2000 (Reorganized Company operations) and the period from January 1, 2000 to February 15, 2000 and for the years ended December 31, 1999 and 1998 (Predecessor Company operations) are filed as part of this report:

(1) Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Independent Auditors' Report

 

(2) Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules for the Company are omitted because they are not required or not applicable. The required information is included in the financial statements or notes thereto.

 

 


 

ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K, Continued

Exhibit Index

      The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

Exhibit

Number  

Description

3.1 

Certificate of Incorporation of TRISM, Inc., as amended and restated on February 15, 2000 

(1)

3.2 

By-laws of TRISM, Inc., as amended and restated on February 15, 2000 

(1)

4.1

 Form of Indenture

(1)

4.2 Registration Rights Agreement  (1)
4.3 Exhibit 4 to the Company's current report on Form 8-K dated April 27, 2001 which is the Rights Agreement by and between the Company and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company dated as of April 27, 2001 is hereby incorporated by reference as Exhibit 4.3
10.1 Revolving Credit Facility with CIT  (1)
10.2 Stock Option Plan  (1)
10.3 Management Incentive Plan  (1)
10.4 Employment Agreement with Edward L. McCormick  (1)
10.5 Employment Agreement with James G. Overley  (1)
10.6 Employment Agreement with J. Barry Moody  (1)
10.7 Employment Agreement with Ralph S. Nelson  (1)
10.8 Employment Agreement with Walter E. Prince  (1)
10.9 Employment Agreement with Glenn Kavanagh  (1)
10.10 Cash Incentive Agreement with Edward L. McCormick  (1)
10.11 Cash Incentive Agreement with James G. Overley  (1)
10.12 Cash Incentive Agreement with J. Barry Moody  (1)
10.13 Cash Incentive Agreement with Ralph S. Nelson  (1)
10.14 Cash Incentive Agreement with Walter E. Prince  (1)
10.15 Cash Incentive Agreement with Glenn Kavanagh  (1)
10.16 First Amendment to the Revolving Credit Facility with CIT  (2)
10.17 Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.18 1st Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.19 2nd Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.20 3rd Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.21 4th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.22 5th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.23 6th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.24 7th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT
10.25 8th Amendment to Forbearance Agreement on Revolving Credit Facility with CIT

18.1

 Letter from Independent Accountants on Change in Accounting Principle 

   (1)

21.1 Subsidiaries
23.1 Consent of DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
23.2 Consent of PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP

(1) Exhibits 3.1 through 10.15 and 18.1 are incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K  
     for the year ended December 31, 1999.

(2) Exhibit 10.16 is incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q  
     for the quarter ended September 30, 2000.

 


 

ITEM 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K, Continued

Reports on Form 8-K

During the fourth quarter of 2000, there were two reports filed on Form 8-K.

  1. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant - Filed on October 13, 2000
  2. The Board of Directors of Trism, Inc. ("Trism"), on the recommendation of the Audit Committee, authorized the President and CEO and the Executive Vice President and CFO to engage Deloitte & Touche LLP as Trism's independent auditors to audit its consolidated financial statements for the year ending December 31, 2000. This appointment, which was effective October 6, 2000, represents a change in outside auditors from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP to Deloitte & Touche LLP.

  3. Other Events - Filed on October 31, 2000

The Company announced on October 19, 2000 that Edward L. McCormick has resigned as the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company to pursue other interests.

The Board has engaged Kirkland Messina, Inc., a Los Angeles based financial advisory firm, to provide interim management assistance and advice while the Board seeks a replacement for Mr. McCormick. Mr. Thomas P. Krasner, a Director of the Company, has been appointed Chairman of the Board.

Unrelated to the foregoing matters, the Company said that James G. Overley has resigned as Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, effective October 26, 2000, in order to accept the position of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Transit Group, Inc. The Company has begun the search for a replacement for Mr.Overley.

 

 


 

S I G N A T U R E S

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

TRISM, INC.

s/Thomas P. Krasner

Thomas P. Krasner

Chairman, President and

Chief Executive Officer

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on May 1, 2001 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Signature 

Title

/s/Thomas P. Krasner

Chairman, President and Chief

Thomas P. Krasner 

Executive Officer

/s/John S. Albanese 

Director

John S. Albanese

/s/Dana L. Manner

Director

Dana L. Manner

 

 


 

SCHEDULE II

 

 

TRISM, INC.
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

 

 

COLUMN A

COLUMN B

COLUMN C

COLUMN D

COLUMN E

ADDITIONS

(1)

(2)




CHARGED
TO OTHER

DESCRIPTION

BALANCE AT
BEGINNING OF
PERIOD

CHARGED TO
COSTS AND
EXPENSES

ACCOUNTS

DEDUCTIONS

BALANCE AT
END OF
PERIOD

Reorganized Company

February 16 through December 31, 2000:

Allowance for doubtful

$   895,991

1,186,436

-

455,053

(a)

1,627,374

accounts


Predecessor Company

January 1 through Febuary 15, 2000:

Allowance for doubtful

$ 1,043,069

176,348

-

323,426

(a)

895,991

accounts

For period ended December 31, 1999:

Allowance for doubtful

accounts

$ 1,063,458

1,010,688

-

1,031,077

(a)

1,043,069

For period ended December 31, 1998:

Allowance for doubtful

accounts

$ 2,069,718

879,055

-

1,885,315

(a)

1,063,458

 

(a) Represents net write-offs of uncollectible accounts.