Accounting Policies, by Policy (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Covenant Transportation Group, Inc., a holding company incorporated in the state of Nevada in 1994, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Covenant Transport, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Southern Refrigerated Transport, Inc., an Arkansas corporation; Star Transportation, Inc., a Tennessee corporation; Covenant Transport Solutions, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Covenant Logistics, Inc., a Nevada corporation; Covenant Asset Management, Inc., a Nevada corporation; CTG Leasing Company, a Nevada corporation; and IQS Insurance Retention Group, Inc., a Vermont corporation.

References in this report to "it," "we," "us," "our," the "Company," and similar expressions refer to Covenant Transportation Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Investment in Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC

Transport Enterprise Leasing, LLC ("TEL") is a tractor and trailer equipment leasing company and used equipment reseller. We evaluated our investment in TEL to determine whether it should be recorded on a consolidated basis.  The percentage of ownership interest, an evaluation of control and whether a variable interest entity ("VIE") existed were all considered in our consolidation assessment. The analysis provided that we do not control TEL and that TEL is not deemed a VIE. We have accounted for our investment in TEL using the equity method of accounting given our 49% ownership interest and ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of equity in the earnings of TEL and reduced by distributions received and our proportionate share of TEL’s net income is included in our earnings.

On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indicators that the fair value of our investment in TEL may be impaired. The investment is impaired only if the estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss would be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment. As a result of TEL’s 2013 and 2012 earnings, no impairment indicators were noted that would provide for impairment of our investment.

Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue, drivers' wages, and other direct operating expenses generated by our Truckload reportable segment are recognized on the date shipments are delivered to the customer. Revenue includes transportation revenue, fuel surcharges, loading and unloading activities, equipment detention, and other accessorial services.

Revenue generated by our Solutions subsidiary is recognized upon completion of the services provided. Revenue is recorded on a gross basis, without deducting third party purchased transportation costs, as we act as a principal with substantial risks as primary obligor, except for transactions whereby equipment from our Truckload segment perform the related services, which we record on a net basis in accordance with the related authoritative guidance. Solutions revenue includes $1.7 million and $0.8 million of revenue in 2013 and 2012, respectively, related to an accounts receivable factoring business started in 2012 to supplement several aspects of our non-asset operations. Revenue for this business is recognized on a net basis, given we are acting as an agent and are not the primary obligor in these transactions.

Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make decisions based upon estimates, assumptions, and factors we consider as relevant to the circumstances. Such decisions include the selection of applicable accounting principles and the use of judgment in their application, the results of which impact reported amounts and disclosures. Changes in future economic conditions or other business circumstances may affect the outcomes of our estimates and assumptions. Accordingly, actual results could differ from those anticipated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less at acquisition to be cash equivalents. Additionally, we are also subject to concentrations of credit risk related to deposits in banks in excess of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits.

Loans and Leases Receivable, Allowance for Loan Losses Policy [Policy Text Block]

Accounts Receivable and Concentration of Credit Risk

We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business. We perform ongoing credit evaluations and generally do not require collateral. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at their invoiced amounts, net of allowance for doubtful accounts. We evaluate the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts quarterly. Accounts outstanding longer than contractual payment terms are considered past due and are reviewed individually for collectability. We maintain reserves for potential credit losses based upon its loss history and specific receivables aging analysis. Receivable balances are written off when collection is deemed unlikely.

Accounts receivable are comprised of a diversified customer base that results in a lack of concentration of credit risk. During 2013, 2012, and 2011, our top ten customers generated 34%, 32%, and 39% of total revenue, respectively. During each of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2013, no single customer represented more than 10% of total revenue. The carrying amount reported in the consolidated balance sheet for accounts receivable approximates fair value based on the fact that the receivables collection averaged approximately 36 days in both 2013 and 2012.

Included in accounts receivable is $13.0 million of factoring receivables at December 31, 2013, net of a $0.1 million allowance for bad debts.  We advance 80% to 90% of each receivable factored and retain the remainder as collateral for collection issues that might arise.  The retained amounts are returned to the clients after the related receivable has been collected. At December 31, 2013, the retained amounts related to factored receivables totaled $0.4 million and were included in accounts payable in the consolidated balance sheet.  Our clients are smaller trucking companies that factor their receivables to us for a fee to facilitate faster cash flow.  We evaluate each client’s customer base and only factor specific receivables that meet predefined criteria. 

The following table provides a summary of the activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for 2013, 2012, and 2011:

Years ended December 31:	Beginning balance January 1,		Additional provisions to allowance		Write-offs and other deductions		Ending balance December 31,
2013	$	1,729	$	457	$	(450)	$	1,736
2012	$	1,711	$	904	$	(886)	$	1,729
2011	$	1,537	$	713	$	(539)	$	1,711

Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Inventories and Supplies

Inventories and supplies consist of parts, tires, fuel, and supplies. Tires on new revenue equipment are capitalized as a component of the related equipment cost when the tractor or trailer is placed in service and recovered through depreciation over the life of the vehicle. Replacement tires and parts on hand at year end are recorded at the lower of cost or market with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Replacement tires are expensed when placed in service.

Assets Held for Sale, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Assets Held for SaleAssets held for sale include property and revenue equipment no longer utilized in continuing operations which are available and held for sale. Assets held for sale are no longer subject to depreciation, and are recorded at the lower of depreciated book value or fair market value less, selling costs. We periodically review the carrying value of these assets for possible impairment. We expect to sell the majority of these assets within twelve months.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation for book purposes is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, while depreciation for tax purposes is generally recorded using an accelerated method. Depreciation of revenue equipment is our largest item of depreciation. We generally depreciate new tractors (excluding day cabs) over five years to salvage values of approximately 26% of their cost and new trailers over seven years for refrigerated trailers and ten years for dry van trailers to salvage values of approximately 28% of their cost. We annually review the reasonableness of our estimates regarding useful lives and salvage values of our revenue equipment and other long-lived assets based upon, among other things, our experience with similar assets, conditions in the used revenue equipment market, and prevailing industry practice. Changes in the useful life or salvage value estimates, or fluctuations in market values that are not reflected in our estimates, could have a material effect on our results of operations. Gains and losses on the disposal of revenue equipment are included in depreciation expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

We lease certain revenue equipment under capital leases with terms of 60 to 84 months. Amortization of leased assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense.

Although a portion of our tractors are protected by non-binding indicative trade-in values or binding trade-back agreements with the manufacturers, substantially all of our owned trailers are subject to fluctuations in market prices for used revenue equipment. Moreover, our trade-back agreements are contingent upon reaching acceptable terms for the purchase of new equipment. Declines in the price of used revenue equipment or failure to reach agreement for the purchase of new tractors with the manufacturers issuing trade-back agreements could result in impairment of, or losses on the sale of, revenue equipment.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Pursuant to applicable accounting standards, revenue equipment and other long-lived assets are tested for impairment whenever an event occurs that indicates an impairment may exist. Expected future cash flows are used to analyze whether an impairment has occurred. If the sum of expected undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the long-lived asset, then an impairment loss is recognized. We measure the impairment loss by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Fair value is determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis or the appraised value of the assets, as appropriate.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

We classify intangible assets into two categories: (i) intangible assets with definite lives subject to amortization and (ii) goodwill. We test intangible assets with definite lives for impairment if conditions exist that indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Such conditions may include an economic downturn in a geographic market or a change in the assessment of future operations. We record an impairment charge when the carrying value of the definite lived intangible asset is not recoverable by the cash flows generated from the use of the asset.

We test goodwill for impairment at least annually or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that such intangible assets or goodwill might be impaired. We perform our impairment tests of goodwill at the reporting unit level. Our reporting units are defined as our subsidiaries because each is a legal entity that is managed separately. Such impairment tests for goodwill include comparing the fair value of the respective reporting unit with its carrying value, including goodwill. We use a variety of methodologies in conducting these impairment tests, including discounted cash flow analyses and market analyses. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded goodwill impairment of approximately $11.5 million, such that as of September 30, 2011, we have no goodwill on our consolidated balance sheet.

We determine the useful lives of our identifiable intangible assets after considering the specific facts and circumstances related to each intangible asset. Factors we consider when determining useful lives include the contractual term of any agreement, the history of the asset, our long-term strategy for the use of the asset, any laws or other local regulations which could impact the useful life of the asset, and other economic factors, including competition and specific market conditions. Intangible assets that are deemed to have definite lives are amortized, generally on a straight-line basis, over their useful lives, ranging from 4 to 20 years.

Insurance and Other Claims [Policy Text Block]

Insurance and Other Claims

The primary claims arising against us consist of cargo, liability, personal injury, property damage, workers' compensation, and employee medical expenses. Our insurance program involves self-insurance with high risk retention levels. Due to our significant self-insured retention amounts, we have exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims and to variations between our estimated and actual ultimate payouts. We accrue the estimated cost of the uninsured portion of pending claims and an estimate for allocated loss adjustment expenses including legal and other direct costs associated with a claim. Estimates require judgments concerning the nature and severity of the claim, historical trends, advice from third-party administrators and insurers, the size of any potential damage award based on factors such as the specific facts of individual cases, the jurisdictions involved, the prospect of punitive damages, future medical costs, and inflation estimates of future claims development, and the legal and other costs to settle or defend the claims. We have significant exposure to fluctuations in the number and severity of claims. If there is an increase in the frequency and severity of claims, or we are required to accrue or pay additional amounts if the claims prove to be more severe than originally assessed, or any of the claims would exceed the limits of our insurance coverage, our profitability could be adversely affected.

In addition to estimates within our self-insured retention layers, we also must make judgments concerning claims where we have third party insurance and for claims outside our coverage limits. Upon settling claims and expenses associated with claims where we have third party coverage, we are generally required to initially fund payment to the claimant and seek reimbursement from the insurer. Receivables from insurers for claims and expenses we have paid on behalf of insurers total $1.0 million and $0.5 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in drivers’ advances and other receivables on the consolidated balance sheet. Additionally, we accrue claims above our self-insured retention and record a corresponding receivable for amounts we expect to collect from insurers upon settlement of such claims. We have $0.6 million and $3.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, as a receivable in other assets and as a corresponding accrual in the long-term portion of insurance and claims accruals on the consolidated balance sheet for claims above our self-insured retention for which we believe it is reasonably assured that the insurers will provide their portion of such claims. We evaluate collectability of the receivables based on the credit worthiness and surplus of the insurers, along with our prior experience and contractual terms with each. If any claim occurrence were to exceed our aggregate coverage limits, we would have to accrue for the excess amount. Our critical estimates include evaluating whether a claim may exceed such limits and, if so, by how much. If one or more claims were to exceed our then effective coverage limits, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Our casualty insurance self-insured retention limit for the primary excess layer of casualty is no more than $1.0 million. Effective April 1, 2013, the policy includes a limit for a single loss of $9.0 million, an aggregate of $18.0 million for each policy year, and a $30.0 million aggregate for the three-year period ended March 31, 2016. Our prior aggregate casualty policy for the three-year period ended March 31, 2013, included a similar $9.0 million limit per claim and $18.0 million annual limit with a $27.0 million limit for the three-year period. Our excess policies cover up to $30.0 million per claim, subject to certain aggregate limits. In addition, our current auto liability policy includes a policy release premium refund of $13.0 million, less any amounts paid on claims by the insurer, for the three-year period ended March 31, 2016, if we were to commute the policy for the entire three-year period. A decision with respect to commutation of the policy cannot be made before April 1, 2016 and must be made by June 30, 2016. Management cannot predict whether or not the policy will be commuted, and accordingly, no related amounts were recorded in 2013.  The previous three-year casualty policy, which expired on March 31, 2013, provided for an annual commutation if certain losses were not met and we elected to commute the policy.  The policies for the twelve-month periods ending March 31, 2013 and March 31, 2011 were not commuted; however, in June 2012 we commuted the policy for the April 1, 2011 through March 31, 2012 policy year and as such are responsible for all claims that occurred during that policy year, excluding any claims between $10.0 million and $20.0 million, should such a claim develop. We received a $4.0 million non-cash credit in 2013 related to the commutation, that off-set premiums in 2013 and accordingly reduced our insurance and claims expense.

We are self-insured on an occurrence/per claim basis for workers' compensation up to the first $1.3 million.  We purchase coverage on an occurrence/per claim basis for any cargo losses in the $0.3 million to $2.0 million layer, with our contracts generally excluding the value of any cargo in excess of $2.0 million. We also maintain a self-insured group medical plan for our Covenant Transport, Solutions, Star, and corporate employees, with annual per individual claimant stop-loss deductible of $0.4 million, while SRT offers a fully insured group health program to its employees. We are completely self-insured for physical damage to our own tractors and trailers.

Interest Capitalization, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Interest

We capitalize interest on major projects during construction. Interest is capitalized based on the average interest rate on related debt. Capitalized interest was less than $0.1 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, commodity contracts, accounts payable, and debt. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and current debt approximates their fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying value of the factored receivables approximates the fair value, as the receivables are generally repaid directly to us by the client’s customer within 30-40 days due to the combination of the short-term nature of the financing transaction and the underlying quality of the receivables. Interest rates that are currently available to us for issuance of long-term debt with similar terms and remaining maturities are used to estimate the fair value of our long-term debt, which primarily consists of revenue equipment installment notes. The fair value of our revenue equipment installment notes approximated the carrying value at December 31, 2013, as the weighted average interest rate on these notes approximates the market rate for similar debt. Borrowings under our revolving Credit Facility approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate on the facility. Additionally, commodity contracts, which are accounted for as hedge derivatives, as discussed in Note 13, are valued based on the forward rate of the specific indices upon which the contract is being settled and adjusted for counterparty credit risk using available market information and valuation methodologies.

Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We have reflected the necessary deferred tax assets and liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. We believe the future tax deductions will be realized principally through future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences and future taxable income, except for when a valuation allowance has been provided as discussed in Note 9.

In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. For those tax positions where it is more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more likely than not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits are recognized as a component of income tax expense.

Our policy is to recognize income tax benefit arising from the exercise of stock options and restricted share vesting based on the ordering provisions of the tax law as prescribed by the Internal Revenue Code, including indirect tax effects, if any.

Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Lease Accounting and Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

We issue residual value guarantees in connection with the operating leases we enter into for certain of our revenue equipment. These leases provide that if we do not purchase the leased equipment from the lessor at the end of the lease term, then we are liable to the lessor for an amount equal to the shortage (if any) between the proceeds from the sale of the equipment and an agreed value. To the extent the expected value at the lease termination date is lower than the residual value guarantee, we would accrue for the difference over the remaining lease term. We believe that proceeds from the sale of equipment under operating leases would exceed the payment obligation on substantially all operating leases. The estimated values at lease termination involve management judgments. As leases are entered into, determination as to the classification as an operating or capital lease involves management judgments on residual values and useful lives.

Stockholders' Equity, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Capital Structure

The shares of Class A and B common stock are substantially identical except that the Class B shares are entitled to two votes per share while beneficially owned by our Chief Executive Officer or certain members of his immediate family, and Class A shares are entitled to one vote per share. The terms of any future issuances of preferred shares will be set by our Board of Directors.

Comprehensive Income, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) generally includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Comprehensive income for 2013 and 2012 were comprised of the net income plus the unrealized gain on the effective portion of diesel fuel hedges, and the reclassified fuel hedge gains into earnings. Comprehensive loss for 2011 was comprised of the net loss, the unrealized gain on the effective portion of diesel fuel hedges, and the reclassified fuel hedge gains into earnings.

Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing earnings available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common stock that then shared in our earnings. The calculation of diluted loss per share excludes all unexercised options and 3,000, 48,247, and 61,097 unvested shares since the effect of any assumed exercise of the related awards would be anti-dilutive for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

The following table sets forth the calculation of net income (loss) per share included in the consolidated statements of operations for each of the three years ended December 31:

(in thousands except per share data)
	2013		2012		2011
Numerator:
Net income (loss)	$	5,244	$	6,065	$	(14,267	)
Denominator:
Denominator for basic income (loss) per share – weighted-average shares		14,837		14,742		14,689
Effect of dilutive securities:
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested restricted stock		202		66		-
Equivalent shares issuable upon conversion of unvested employee stock options		-		-		-
Denominator for diluted income (loss) per share adjusted weighted-average shares and assumed conversions		15,039		14,808		14,689
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic income (loss) per share	$	0.35	$	0.41	$	(0.97	)
Diluted income (loss) per share	$	0.35	$	0.41	$	(0.97	)

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]

Stock-Based Employee Compensation

We issue several types of stock-based compensation, including awards that vest based on service, market, and performance conditions or a combination of the conditions. Performance-based awards vest contingent upon meeting certain performance criteria established by the Compensation Committee. Market-based awards vest contingent upon meeting certain stock price targets selected by the Compensation Committee. All awards require future service and thus forfeitures are estimated based on historical forfeitures and the remaining term until the related award vests. Determining the appropriate amount to expense in each period is based on likelihood and timing of achieving the stated targets for performance- and market-based awards, respectively, and requires judgment, including forecasting future financial results and market performance. The estimates are revised periodically based on the probability and timing of achieving the required performance and adjustments are made as appropriate. Awards that are only subject to time vesting provisions are amortized using the straight-line method.

Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We periodically utilize derivative instruments to manage exposure to changes in fuel prices. At inception of a derivative contract, we document relationships between derivative instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various derivative transactions, and assess hedge effectiveness. We record derivative financial instruments in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability at fair value. If it is determined that a derivative is not highly effective as a hedge, or if a derivative ceases to be a highly effective hedge, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively. The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded in other comprehensive income, and reclassified into earnings in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. The ineffective portion is recorded in other income or expense.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior years' consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2013 presentation. The reclassifications consisted of a $1.6 million increase in fuel surcharge revenue in the 2012 year and a corresponding $1.6 million decrease in freight revenue during 2012, related to the consistency of fuel surcharge in certain contracts.  Further, we reclassified $0.6 million and $0.3 million from insurance and claims to operations and maintenance in 2012 and 2011, respectively, related to certain towing charges that pertained to maintenance as opposed to wrecked units.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

Effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2012, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") revised accounting guidance relating to the reporting of items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. We adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2013 and have presented amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income in a note to the financial statements. For more information, see Note 14, "Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This accounting guidance only impacted presentation and did not have an impact on our consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity or cash flows.

Presentation of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

In June 2011, FASB issued "Presentation of Comprehensive Income." The standard revises the presentation and prominence of the items reported in other comprehensive income and is effective retrospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. We adopted this standard in 2012 and have presented comprehensive income in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss). This accounting guidance only impacted presentation and did not have an impact on our consolidated balance sheets, results of operations, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity or cash flows.