$SNDR Risk Factor changes from 00/02/18/22/2022 to 00/02/23/24/2024

ITEM 1A.

In particular, information included under the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors,” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements.Readers are cautioned that the matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, anticipated, or implied in the forward-looking statements. Where, in any forward-looking statement, an expectation or belief as to future results or events is expressed, such expectation or belief is based on the current plans and expectations of management and expressed in good faith and believed to have a reasonable basis, but there can be no assurance that the expectation or belief will be achieved or accomplished. Many factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated include those matters described under the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

” We caution you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

All forward-looking statements, expressed or implied, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. This cautionary statement should also be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that we may make or persons acting on our behalf may issue.

You should consider each of the following factors, as well as the other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our financial statements and the related notes, in evaluating our business and our prospects. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently consider immaterial may also impair our business operations. If any of these risks occur, our business and financial results could be harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline.Risks Related to Our Business, Industry, and StrategyOur operating results may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.Our business and results of operations are sensitive to changes in overall economic conditions that impact customer shipping volumes, industry freight demand, industry truck capacity, inflation, and our operating costs.S. in the near-term due to the stabilization of the recent imbalance between supply and demand for goods and services in the economy. In general, significant decreases in shipping volumes within the industry or increases in available truck capacity result in more aggressive freight pricing as carriers compete for loads and truck productivity. Likewise, we are also subject to cost increases outside our control that could materially reduce our profitability if we are unable to offset such increases through rate increases or cost reductions. Any such cost increase or event could adversely affect our results of operations or cash flows. Moreover, to limit the number of approved carriers to a manageable number, some of our customers select “core carriers” as approved transportation service providers, and in some instances, we may not be selected. Other of our customers periodically accept bids from multiple carriers for their shipping needs, which also periodically results in the loss of business to competitors. Further, our industry has experienced market entrance by well-resourced, non-traditional firms or startups who, in some cases, have undercut market prices to capture market share. These competitive dynamics could have an adverse effect on the number of shipments we transport and the freight rates we receive, which could limit our growth opportunities and reduce our profitability.We strive to maintain a diverse customer base; however, a significant portion of our operating revenues is generated from a number of major customers, the loss of one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business. Aside from our dedicated operations and customer relationships where we manage such customers’ supply chains, we generally do not have long-term contractual relationships, rate agreements, or minimum volume guarantees with our customers. Furthermore, certain of the long-term contracts in our dedicated operations are subject to cancellation. There is no assurance any of our customers, including our dedicated customers, will continue to utilize our services, renew our existing contracts, or continue at the same volume levels. In addition, certain of our major customers may increasingly use their own truckload and delivery fleets, which would reduce our freight volumes. A reduction in or termination of our services by one or more of our major customers, including our dedicated customers, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.Difficulties attracting and retaining qualified drivers could materially, adversely affect our profitability and ability to maintain or grow our fleet. These increases could negatively affect our results of operations to the extent that we would be unable to obtain corresponding freight rate increases.9Table of ContentsWe recently completed the deployment of a new ERP system, and challenges with the system may adversely impact our business and operations.In May 2023, we began the implementation of a new ERP system, which was completed in December, to support and streamline our core financial systems. This implementation required the integration of the new system with multiple new and existing information systems and business processes. The new ERP system is designed to increase the efficiency and accuracy of data by streamlining data sources, simplifying complex processes, and reducing manual processes. Any remaining open disruptions, deficiencies, or other problems associated with the implementation of our ERP system, such as quality issues, programming errors, or any cost increases could adversely affect our ability to operate our business, produce timely and accurate financial statements, or comply with applicable regulations. This could result in negative impacts on our business, operations, and stock price or could subject us to potential liability or investigation by regulatory authorities. Additionally, the new ERP system involves greater utilization of third-party cloud computing services in connection with our business operations. Problems faced by us or our third-party providers, including technological or business-related disruptions and cybersecurity threats, could adversely impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition for future periods. Any failures identified within our internal controls as a result of this implementation, even if quickly remediated, or remaining difficulties encountered, may adversely impact our operating results or hinder our ability to report our financial results in a timely and accurate basis.We face risks associated with unionization.Although the number of our associates who are currently represented by a labor union is not significant, we face ongoing risks associated with the potential unionization of certain of our associates. Over the last several years we have been the subject of isolated unionization efforts involving a relatively small number of associates, which efforts were, in each case, unsuccessful. Overall, we believe our relations with our associates are good; however, should a significant number of our associates opt to be represented by a labor union, we could experience a significant disruption of, or inefficiencies in, our operations or incur higher labor costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and liquidity. Additionally, our responses to any union organizing efforts could negatively impact how our brand is perceived and have adverse effects on our business, including on our financial results. These responses could also expose us to legal risk or reputational harm and cause us to incur costs to defend legal and regulatory actions. Moreover, any labor disputes or work stoppages, whether or not our other associates unionize, could disrupt our operations and reduce our revenues.We have, and will continue to have, a portion of our workforce that works from home full-time or under flexible work arrangements, and we have provided associates with expanded remote network access options which enable them to work outside of our corporate infrastructure and, in some cases, use their own personal devices, which exposes the Company to additional cybersecurity risks. A significant disruption of our information technology systems, unauthorized access to or loss of confidential information, or legal claims resulting from our violation of privacy laws could each have a material adverse effect on our business.The success of our businesses depends on our strong reputation and ability to maintain the Schneider brand value.Because the transportation and logistics services we offer are primarily marketed under the Schneider brand, the Schneider brand name is our most valuable sales and marketing tool. If we do not maintain and protect our brand image and reputation, demand for our services could wane and thus have an adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations, as well as require additional resources to rebuild our reputation and restore the value of our brand.If fuel prices rise or fall significantly, our results of operations could be adversely affected. Likewise, if diesel fuel prices decrease significantly, the results of our intermodal operations could be adversely affected as shippers shift intermodal freight to over-the-road trucking. Prices and availability of petroleum products are subject to political, economic, geographic, weather-related, and market factors that are generally outside our control and each of which may lead to fluctuations in the cost of fuel. There is variability in the compensatory nature of individual customer fuel surcharge programs that can affect inflationary cost recovery of fuel. There is no assurance that such fuel surcharges can be maintained indefinitely or will be sufficiently effective. Our results of operations would be negatively affected to the extent we cannot recover higher fuel costs or fail to improve our fuel price protection through our fuel surcharge program. As of December 31, 2023, we did not have any derivative financial instruments to reduce our exposure to fuel price fluctuations. We depend on railroads and access to the nation’s ports of call in the operation of our intermodal business, and therefore, our ability to offer intermodal services or our results of operations could be adversely impacted if our rail partners or certain ports of call were to perform poorly or experience service disruptions. In certain areas of the U.S., rail service is limited to a few railroads, or even a single railroad due to the lack of competition. In addition, our intermodal business may be adversely affected by declines in service and volume levels provided by the railroads. All of the Class I railroads in the U.S., including our current rail partners, are unionized and have a recent history of disruption due to labor disputes and collective action, including strikes. While there is currently a contract in place between the Class I Railroads and the unions representing rail workers, underlying labor issues remain including, most prominently, precision-scheduled railroading, the business model adopted in recent years by Class I rail carriers which has been blamed by railroad unions as the reason for a dramatic reduction in the freight rail workforce, increased supply-chain congestion, and deteriorating railroad safety. As a result, we cannot predict whether or when a labor dispute involving our rail partners could occur, the duration of such dispute, and the impact, if any, on our results of operations. Any strike or labor related disruption at any of the Class I railroads can be expected to have an adverse impact on the results of operations of our Intermodal or Truckload segments.In addition, a portion of the freight we deliver through both our Intermodal and Truckload segments is imported to the U.S. through ports of call where workers are represented by the ILWU, a labor union which primarily represents a significant number of longshore workers at 29 ports across the West Coast, or the International Longshoremen’s Association, the largest union of maritime workers in North America, which represents a larger number of longshoremen on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Great Lakes, major U.S. rivers, Puerto Rico, and Eastern Canada. The west and east coast ports have long been the primary gateways for cargo coming into and leaving the U.S. and have a long history of labor and other port disputes, protracted collective bargaining and contract negotiations which, in the past, have involved port disputes and closures, as well as threats of a strike that would have disrupted domestic supply chains.

Although, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, there have been no reports or signs of labor strife at the ports on either coast, there can be no guarantee that work stoppages or other disruptions at the west or east coast ports will not occur. Such strategic investments naturally entail risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond our control. Therefore, we cannot provide assurance that any of our strategic investments will generate anticipated financial returns. If our strategic investments fail to meet our expectations, our business and results of operations may be adversely impacted. Refer to Note 5, Investments, to our consolidated financial statements for information on our strategic investments. Those investments can be negatively affected by market and economic factors including liquidity, credit deterioration, financial results, interest rate fluctuations, or other factors.Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly.Borrowings under our Receivables Purchase Agreement and our revolving credit facility are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on the variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed remains the same. Our net income and cash flows, including our cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease.Our Logistics segment is highly dependent on the services of third-party capacity providers, such as other truckload carriers, LTL carriers, railroads, ocean carriers, and airlines. Many of those providers face the same economic challenges as we do and, therefore, are actively and competitively soliciting business. These economic conditions may have an adverse effect on the performance, availability, and cost of third-party capacity. If we are unable to secure the services of these third-party capacity providers at reasonable rates, our results of operations could be adversely affected. These events may disrupt freight shipments or routes, affect regional economies, destroy our assets, disrupt fuel supplies, increase fuel costs, cause lost revenue and productivity, increase our maintenance costs, or adversely affect the business or financial condition of our customers, any of which could harm our results of operations or make our results of operations more volatile.1 billion, and the total market value of the Company’s outstanding shares was $4. In addition, we test goodwill for impairment annually. If our market capitalization was to fall below the book value of our total stockholders’ equity for a sustained period, we may conclude that the fair value of certain of our long-lived assets is materially impaired. In this case, we would be required under GAAP to record a noncash charge to our earnings which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.12Table of ContentsWe have significant ongoing capital requirements that could affect our profitability if we either fail or are unable to match the timing of our capital investments with customer demand, or we are otherwise unable to generate sufficient returns on our invested capital. The amount and timing of such capital expenditures depend on various factors, including anticipated freight demand and the price and availability of new or used tractors. This could cause us to incur losses on such sales, particularly during times of a softer used equipment market, either of which could have a materially adverse effect on our profitability. Our leasing business could also be at risk of inventory impairment if truck deliveries are not aligned with owner-operator demand, which could also have a materially adverse effect on our profitability.Our effective tax rate may fluctuate, which would impact our future financial results.Our effective tax rate may be adversely impacted by, among other things, changes in the regulations relating to capital expenditure deductions, or changes in tax laws where we operate, including the uncertainty of future tax rates. We cannot give any assurance as to the stability or predictability of our effective tax rate in the future because of, among other things, uncertainty regarding the tax laws and policies of the countries where we operate. For example, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) agreed to enact Pillar Two, which introduces a global minimum effective tax rate whereby certain multinational groups are subject to a 15% minimum tax which will be effective in some countries as early as 2024. While we do not believe Pillar Two will have a material impact on the Company, we continue to monitor the developments to evaluate the impact it could have on our effective tax rate, if any. We regularly assess the likelihood of an adverse outcome resulting from these audits to determine the adequacy of our provision for taxes. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of these audits or that our tax provisions will not change materially or be adequate to satisfy any associated tax liability. If our effective tax rates were to increase or if our tax liabilities exceed our estimates and provisions for such taxes, our financial results could be adversely affected.Insurance and claims expenses could significantly reduce our earnings.We self-insure, or insure through our wholly-owned captive insurance company, a significant portion of our claims exposure resulting from auto liability, general liability, cargo, and property damage claims, as well as workers’ compensation. In addition to insuring portions of our risk, our captive insurance company provides insurance coverage to our owner-operator drivers. We are also responsible for our legal expenses relating to such claims, which can be significant both on an aggregate and individual claim basis. Although we reserve for anticipated losses and expenses and periodically evaluate and adjust our claims reserves to reflect our experience, estimating the number and severity of claims, as well as related costs to settle or resolve them, is inherently difficult, and such costs could exceed our estimates. Accordingly, our actual losses associated with insured claims may differ materially from our estimates and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations in material amounts.As a supplement to our self-insurance program, we maintain insurance with excess insurance carriers for potential losses, which exceed the amounts we self-insure. Although we believe our aggregate insurance limits should be sufficient to cover our historic claims amounts, the commercial trucking industry has experienced a wave of blockbuster or so-called “nuclear verdicts,” where juries have awarded tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to accident victims and their families. Given this recent trend, it is possible that one or more claims could exceed our aggregate coverage limits. If any claim were to exceed our aggregate insurance coverage, we would bear the excess, in addition to our other self-insured amounts.Given the current claims settlement environment, the amount of coverage available from excess insurance carriers is decreasing, and the premiums for this excess coverage are increasing significantly. For the foregoing reasons, our insurance and claims expenses may increase, or we could increase our self-insured retention as policies are renewed or replaced. In addition, we may assume additional risk within our captive insurance company that we may or may not reinsure. Our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected if (1) our costs or losses significantly exceed our aggregate coverage limits, (2) we are unable to obtain insurance coverage in amounts we deem sufficient, (3) our insurance carriers fail to pay on our insurance claims, or (4) we experience a claim for which coverage is not provided.13Table of ContentsRisks Relating to Our Governance Structure Voting control of the Company is concentrated with a Voting Trust that was established for certain members of the Schneider family, which limits the ability of our other shareholders to influence major corporate transactions.We currently have a dual class common stock structure consisting of (1) Class A common stock, entitled to ten votes per share and (2) Class B common stock, entitled to one vote per share. The Schneider family, including trusts established for the benefit of certain members of the Schneider family, collectively beneficially own 100% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 40% of our outstanding Class B common stock, representing approximately 94% of the total voting power of all of our outstanding common stock and approximately 68% of our total outstanding common stock. A Voting Trust holds the shares of Class A common stock that are beneficially owned by the Schneider family. The independent directors who are members of our Corporate Governance Committee serve as trustees of the Voting Trust, and in general, those directors have full power and discretion to vote the Class A shares included in the Voting Trust with two exceptions. First, in the case of any Major Transaction (as defined under our Amended and Restated Bylaws, including, most notably, a transaction resulting in more than 40% of the voting power of our common stock being held outside of the Schneider family), the independent directors of our Corporate Governance Committee must vote the shares of common Class A stock held in the Voting Trust as directed by the trustees of certain trusts which have been established for the benefit of certain Schneider family members. As a result, the outcome of the vote on any Major Transaction is not within the discretion of the Voting Trustees. Second, the independent directors of our Corporate Governance Committee must vote the shares of common Class A stock held in the Voting Trust in accordance with a nomination process agreement pursuant to which two specified Schneider family members will be nominated to serve on our Board on an annual, rotating basis.As a result of these arrangements, the Voting Trust controls the outcome of major corporate transactions that require or may be accomplished by shareholder approval, and our Class B shareholders would be unable to affect the outcome of such transactions should any be proposed.We are a “controlled company” within the meaning of the rules of the NYSE and, as a result, qualify for, and intend to rely on, exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements relating to our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committees. Our shareholders will not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of other companies that are subject to such requirements.The Voting Trust has more than 50% of the voting power for the election of directors. As a result, we qualify as a “controlled company” under the corporate governance rules for NYSE-listed companies.We have elected to take advantage of this “controlled company” exemption, and therefore, the holders of our Class B common stock may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of companies that are subject to all of the corporate governance rules for NYSE-listed companies. Our status as a controlled company could therefore make our Class B common stock less attractive to some investors or otherwise depress our stock price. The price of our Class B common stock has been and may continue to be volatile and may fluctuate significantly, which may adversely impact investor confidence and increase the likelihood of securities class action litigation.Our Class B common stock price has experienced volatility in the past and may remain volatile in the future. Volatility in our stock price can be driven by many factors including divergence between our actual or anticipated financial results and published expectations of analysts or the expectations of the market, the gain or loss of customers, announcements that we, our competitors, our customers, or our vendors or other key partners may make regarding their operating results and other factors which are beyond our control such as market conditions in our industry, new market entrants, technological innovations, and economic and political conditions or events. These and other factors may cause the market price and demand for our Class B common stock to fluctuate substantially. During 2023, the closing stock price of our Class B common stock ranged from a low of $21. Our Class B common stock is also included in certain market indices, and any change in the composition of these indices to exclude our company may adversely affect our stock price. Increased volatility in the financial markets and/or overall economic conditions may reduce the amounts that we realize in the future on our cash equivalents and/or marketable securities and may reduce our earnings as a result of any impairment charges that we record to reduce recorded values of marketable securities to their fair values.Further, securities class action litigation is often brought against a public company following periods of volatility in the market price of its securities. Due to changes in our stock price, we may be the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial uninsured costs and divert management’s attention and our resources.14Table of ContentsCertain provisions in our certificate of incorporation, by-laws, and Wisconsin law may prevent or delay an acquisition of the Company, which could decrease the trading price of our Class B common stock.Each of our certificate of incorporation, our by-laws, and Wisconsin law, as currently in effect, contain provisions that are intended to deter coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids by making such practices or bids unacceptably expensive to a bidder and to encourage prospective acquirers to negotiate with our Board rather than to attempt a hostile takeover.Our status as a Wisconsin corporation and the anti-takeover provisions of the WBCL may discourage, delay, or prevent a change in control even if a change in control would be beneficial to our shareholders by prohibiting us from engaging in a business combination with any person that is the beneficial owner of at least 10% of the voting power of our outstanding voting stock (an “interested shareholder”) for a period of three years after such person becomes an interested shareholder, unless our Board has approved, before the date on which the shareholder acquired the shares, that a business combination or the purchase of stock made by such interested stockholder on such stock acquisition date.These provisions could have the effect of discouraging, delaying, or preventing a transaction involving a change in control of our company. These provisions could also have the effect of discouraging proxy contests and making it more difficult for our non-controlling shareholders to elect directors of their choosing, causing us to take other corporate actions.In light of present circumstances, we believe these provisions taken as a whole protect our stockholders from coercive or otherwise unfair takeover tactics by requiring potential acquirers to negotiate with our Board and by providing our Board with more time to assess any acquisition proposal. These provisions are not intended to make us immune from takeovers or prevent the removal of incumbent directors. However, these provisions could delay or prevent an acquisition that our Board determines is not in the best interests of the Company and all of our stockholders.We may change our dividend policy at any time.The declaration and amount of any future dividends, including the payment of special dividends, is dependent on multiple factors, including our financial performance and capital needs, and is subject to the discretion of our Board. The Board may, in its discretion, determine to cut, cancel, or eliminate our dividend and, therefore, the declaration of any dividend, at any frequency, as it is not assured. Each quarter, the Board considers whether the declaration of a dividend is in the best interest of our shareholders and in compliance with applicable laws and agreements. Although we expect to continue to pay dividends to holders of our Class A and Class B common stock, we have no obligation to do so, and our dividend policy may change at any time without notice. Future dividends may also be affected by factors that our Board deems relevant, including our potential future capital requirements for investments, legal risks, changes in federal and state income tax laws, or corporate laws and contractual restrictions such as financial or operating covenants in our debt arrangements. As a result, we may not pay dividends at any rate or at all.15Table of ContentsRisks Related to Legal ComplianceIf the independent contractors with whom we engage under our alternative owner-operator business model are deemed by law to be employees, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be adversely affected.Like many of our competitors, in certain of our service offerings we offer an alternative owner-operator business model, which provides opportunities for small business owners and private entrepreneurs who own tractors to selectively contract with us as independent contractors to transport freight, which they choose, at contracted rates. Were such independent contractors subsequently determined to be our employees, we would be liable under various federal and state laws for a variety of taxes, wages, and other compensation and benefits, including for prior periods, which were not timely paid or remitted. In the U.S., the regulatory and statutory landscape relating to the classification status of independent contractors (or workers) who work in temporary or flexible jobs and who are paid by the task or project is evolving. On January 9, 2024, the DOL released its final rule addressing when employers can classify workers as independent contractors under federal labor law. The new rule replaces the existing standard that was enacted under the Trump Administration. The rule, set to take effect March 11, 2024, directs employers to consider six criteria and employ a “totality of the circumstances” analysis to determine whether a worker is an employee or a contractor, without predetermining whether one criteria outweighs the other. The six factors, which are non-exhaustive, include a worker's opportunity for profit or loss; investments made by the worker and the potential employer; the degree of permanence of the work relationship; and the degree of control an employer has over the work. The factors also include the extent to which work performed is integral to the employer's business, and the use of a worker's skill and initiative. We believe that the final rule, as compared with its Trump Administration predecessor, is a less predictable framework that increases the likelihood of an employee determination and could dramatically limit the circumstances under which we may classify our current independent contractor owner-operators as independent contractors under FLSA. Because the final DOL independent contractor rule has not yet gone into effect, or been tested, we do not have any internal projections of the potential financial or operational impact of the final ruling. Any legislation or regulation, however, which limits our ability to classify owner-operators as independent contractors could result in driver shortages or adversely impact our freight capacity which, in turn, could adversely impact our results of operations. As a result, we are, from time to time, party to administrative proceedings and litigation, including class actions, alleging violations of the FLSA and other state and federal laws which seek retroactive reclassification of certain current and former independent contractors as employees. An adverse decision in such legal proceedings in an amount that materially exceeds our reserves or federal or state legislation in this area which render the owner-operator model either impractical or extinct thereby curtailing our revenue opportunities could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and profitability.We operate in a regulated industry, and increased direct and indirect costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could have a material adverse effect on our business. In the U.S., the DOT, FMCSA, and various state agencies exercise broad powers over our business, generally governing matters including authorization to engage in motor carrier service, equipment operation, safety, financial reporting, and leasing arrangements with independent contractors. We are audited periodically by the DOT to ensure that we are in compliance with various safety, HOS, and other rules and regulations. If we were found to be out of compliance, the DOT could restrict or otherwise impact our operations. We also operate in various Canadian provinces (as granted by the Ministries of Transportation and Communication in such provinces) and contract with third-party carriers to transport freight into Mexico. Our failure to comply with any applicable laws, rules, or regulations to which we are subject, whether actual or alleged, could expose us to fines, penalties, or potential litigation liabilities, including costs, settlements, and judgments. Further, these agencies or governments could institute new laws, rules or regulations, or issue interpretation changes to existing regulations at any time. The short and long-term impacts of changes in legislation or regulations are difficult to predict and could materially and adversely affect our earnings and results of operations.The EPA and the NHTSA have begun taking coordinated steps in support of a new generation of clean vehicles and engines to reduce GHG emissions. Complying with these and any future GHG regulations enacted by the CARB, EPA, NHTSA, and/or any other state or federal governing body has increased, and will likely continue to increase, the cost of our new tractors, may increase the cost of new trailers, may require us to retrofit certain of our trailers, may increase our maintenance costs, and could impair equipment productivity and increase our operating costs, particularly if such costs are not offset by potential fuel savings. These adverse effects, combined with the uncertainty as to the reliability of the newly designed diesel engines and the 16Table of Contentsresidual values of our equipment, could materially increase our costs or otherwise adversely affect our business or operations. However, we cannot predict the extent to which our operations and productivity will be impacted. We will continue monitoring our compliance with federal and state GHG regulations.Federal and state lawmakers are considering a variety of other climate-change proposals related to carbon and GHG emissions. The proposals could potentially limit carbon emissions within certain states and municipalities, which would restrict the location and amount of time that diesel-powered tractors may idle. Such proposals could result in decreased productivity or increased driver turnover. Regulatory requirements and changes in regulatory requirements may affect our business or the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices that could influence the demand for and increase the costs of providing transportation services. If current regulatory requirements become more stringent or new environmental laws and regulations regarding climate change are introduced, we could be required to make significant capital expenditures or discontinue certain activities. Refer to Item 1. Business, for additional details on recent climate-related regulation and laws that impact our operations.Our operations are subject to various environmental laws and regulations, the violation of which could result in substantial fines or penalties. We operate in industrial areas where truck terminals and other industrial activities are located and where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination have occurred. Our operations involve the risks of fuel spillage or seepage, environmental damage, and hazardous waste disposal, among others. Certain of our facilities have waste oil or fuel storage tanks and fueling islands.Additionally, in 2023, CARB passed ACF, a groundbreaking regulation designed to phase out the sales of medium and heavy-duty internal combustion engine trucks in California. The act aligns with the state’s long-term vision of transitioning the state’s transport system to zero-emissions vehicles by 2045. Other states have followed suit and enacted similar legislation. Despite successfully adding BEVs to our ntermodal fleet in California, the emission targets and timelines established by the ACF will make it more challenging for us to continue our current truckload and other operations in California and we believe will result in increased operating costs for us in California.We are subject to various regulations which are aimed at reducing GHG emissions and mandating GHG emissions disclosures, which could adversely impact our results of operations. Currently the long-haul trucking industry in North America is diesel fuel-based, and long-haul trucking operations powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains rather than diesel are not commercially feasible at scale in North America. Significant challenges remain with respect to the economic feasibility of these trucks, and further development of this technology is necessary considering power, torque, range, efficiency and other performance requirements of long-haul trucking operations. Moreover, the extensive nationwide charging/fueling infrastructure and maintenance network that would be necessary to support such operations does not exist. Nevertheless, federal, state, and local governmental agencies continue to engage in efforts to support legislation and regulations mandating the transition of diesel fuel-based commercial motor vehicles, such as Class 8 tractors operated by the Company’s independent owner operators and third-party brokerage carriers, to ZEVs. In 2022, the SEC proposed the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule that would require dramatic changes in the nature and extent of disclosures by public companies regarding their climate risks, progress on their climate goals and information on their Scope 1, Scope 2 and, as proposed, Scope 3 emissions. According to the SEC, the newly proposed rule would require SEC-registered companies to include detailed climate-related information in registration statements and periodic reports such as 10-K annual reports including: their climate-related risks and actual or likely material impacts on their business, strategy, and outlook; Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, which would require attestation reports for accelerated filers; Scope 3 emissions if either of two conditions are present: 1) if Scope 3 emissions are material to the company or 2) if the company has set an emissions target or goal that includes Scope 3 emissions; and certain climate-related financial statement metrics and related disclosures in a note to audited consolidated financial statements. The proposed SEC Climate Disclosure Rule includes footnote disclosure, which would be subject to the financial statement audit and management’s internal control over financial reporting, as well as disclosures outside the financial statements, including a scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas attestation requirements for accelerated and large accelerated filers. If adopted generally as proposed, we expect that we would need to expand our disclosures, even as the reporting timeline is accelerated. Should the Company fail to implement appropriate policies and procedures to accurately track or report all of the information required under the proposed SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, it could be determined that the Company has weaknesses in its internal controls, the Company would not be able to obtain the 17Table of Contentsrequired third-party attestation report or file them timely and could lose customers. Should any of those events occur, the Company would face fines and disciplinary actions by the SEC and the Company’s share price could be negatively impacted. At the state level, the CARB has adopted new regulations that would mandate the transition of commercial trucking operations in California to ZEVs over time. To the extent that the ACF regulation survives legal challenges and becomes effective, we expect that the ACT will impact the cost and/or supply of traditional diesel tractors. Moreover, despite our limited deployment of BEVs in our intermodal fleet and making adjustments to our operations to comply with the ACT, no assurances can be given with respect to the extent that the Company, its independent owner-operators, or third-party capacity providers will choose to become CARB-compliant by purchasing a ZEV. Accordingly, unless, in addition to its intermodal operations in California, the Company opts to become CARB-compliant in its truckload operations, the Company may not be permitted to haul loads that would require travel within California, which could negatively affect the ability of the Company to service customer freight needs for freight originating from, delivering to, or traveling through California. Furthermore, mandates requiring the transition to ZEVs would create substantial costs for the Company’s third-party capacity providers and, in turn, increase the cost of purchased transportation to the Company. Due primarily to the uncertainty of the timing of availability of compliant tractors from OEMs and the timing of the effectiveness of such laws and regulations, we are not currently able to forecast whether such impact will be material.We, and others, currently do not expect that long-haul trucking operations powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains rather than diesel, will become commercially viable at scale throughout North America in the next five years. We continue to actively monitor, evaluate, and test developments in the trucking industry related to the design, manufacture, operation, and support of heavy-duty trucks powered by electricity, natural gas, or hydrogen-based powertrains in order to consider the implementation of initiatives involving those technologies, as those technologies and the related infrastructure needed to support them may mature in the future. An increase in costs to implement these initiatives without a corresponding increase in price to the customer could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In 2023, California also passed three climate reporting laws, which apply to companies that do business in California, which require such companies to make mandated climate-related disclosures, SB 253 and SB 261. We are monitoring the pending legal challenges to SB 253 and SB 261 and do not currently have internal projections of the potential financial or operational impact these laws or proposed regulations may have on our operations however, an increase in our operating costs to comply with these laws and make the required disclosures without a corresponding increase in our fuel savings or pricing could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. In 2023, in a significant step toward implementing transparency in voluntary carbon markets, California also enacted the VCMDA which requires companies which operate in California and market or sell voluntary carbon offsets, or which make claims regarding the achievement of net zero emissions, carbon neutral status, or significant carbon emissions reductions to publicly disclose information documenting how the claim was determined to be accurate or accomplished and the measurement of interim progress. The VCMDA authorizes California to bring civil actions against subject companies and seek civil penalties for misstatements or other violations of these laws, with a maximum fine of $500,000. From time to time, in conjunction with delivering freight transportation services to certain of its customers, the Company purchases carbon credits or offsets to enable or assist such customers with achieving their carbon reduction targets. Should the Company either fail to achieve its GHG emission reduction goals or California subsequently determines that any of its related green marketing claims are unachievable, inaccurate, or overstated, the Company could be found to be in violation of the VCDMA and be subject to statutory fines or penalties under the VCMDA, which could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.Refer to Item 1. Business, for additional details on the ACT and ACF Regulations, the SEC Climate Disclosure Rule, California SB 253 and SB 261, and the VCMDA. We rely on information technology throughout all areas of our business and operations to receive, track, accept, and complete customer orders; process financial and non-financial data; compile results of operations for internal and external reporting; and achieve operating efficiencies and growth. Such data and information remain vulnerable to cyber-attacks, cybersecurity breaches, ransomware attacks, hackers, theft, or other unauthorized disclosure.

Like other companies in the transportation industry, we have identified, and expect to continue to identify, attempted cyberattacks and cyber security incidents, but none of 18Table of Contentsthe attempted cyberattacks or cybersecurity incidents identified as of the filing date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K has had a material impact on us, except as the continued presence of cybersecurity threats has resulted, and is expected to continue to result, in significant investments in cybersecurity risk management programs, processes, and tools. If a cyberattack, cybersecurity breach, ransomware, or other similar attack on us is successful, this could result in the disclosure of confidential customer or commercial data, loss of valuable intellectual property, or system disruptions, and subject us to civil liability and fines or penalties, damage our brand and reputation, or otherwise harm our business, any of which could be material. In addition, delayed sales, lower margins, or lost customers resulting from security breaches or network disruptions could materially reduce our revenues, materially increase our expenses, damage our reputation, and have a material adverse effect on our stock price.Our information technology systems may also be susceptible to interruptions or failures for a variety of reasons including software or hardware failure, user error, power outages, natural disasters, computer viruses, or other types of interruptions. However, despite our ability to potentially utilize manual processes, a significant disruption or failure in our computer networks or applications, of any duration, could have a material adverse effect on our business, including operational disruptions, loss of confidential information, external reporting delays or errors, legal claims, or damage to our business reputation.Our success depends on our ability to attract and retain key employees, and if we are unable to attract and retain such qualified employees, our business and our ability to execute our business strategies may be materially impaired.Our future success depends largely on the continued service and efforts of our executive officers and other key management and technical personnel and on our ability to continue to identify, attract, retain, and motivate them. Although we believe we have an experienced and highly qualified management team, the loss of the services of these key personnel could have a significant adverse impact on us and our future profitability. Additionally, we must continue to recruit, develop, and retain skilled and experienced operations, technology, and sales managers if we are to realize our goal of expanding our operations and continuing our growth. Failure to recruit, develop, and retain a core group of service center managers could have a materially adverse effect on our business. As a result of the nature and scope of our operations, we are subject to various claims and lawsuits in the ordinary course of business, which could adversely affect us. As a result of the nature and scope of our operations, we are involved in various legal proceedings and claims and exposed to a variety of litigation, including those related to accidents involving our trucks and our brokerage operations, cargo claims, commercial disputes, property damage, and environmental liability, which may not be fully covered by our insurance. In appropriate cases, we have taken and will seek subrogation from third parties who are responsible for losses or damages that we may become legally obligated to pay to claimants. Litigation is inherently uncertain, and the costs of defending litigation, particularly class-action litigation, may be substantial, and in any period, we could experience significant adverse results, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations. While we purchase insurance coverage at levels we deem adequate, future litigation may exceed our insurance coverage or may not be covered by insurance. In addition, adverse publicity surrounding an allegation or claim that results in litigation may cause significant reputational harm that could have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.Increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders regarding ESG related matters may have a negative impact on our business.Companies across all industries are facing increasing scrutiny from investors and other stakeholders related to ESG matters, including practices and disclosures related to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and diversity and inclusion. Organizations that provide information to investors on corporate governance and related matters have developed ratings processes for evaluating companies on their approach to ESG matters. Such ratings are used by some investors to inform their investment and voting decisions. Unfavorable ESG ratings may lead to negative investor sentiment toward us, which could have a negative impact on our stock price and our access to and costs of capital. We have developed certain initiatives and goals relating to ESG matters. Our ability to successfully execute these initiatives and accurately report our progress presents 19Table of Contentsnumerous operational, financial, legal, reputational, and other risks, many of which are outside our control, and all of which could have a material negative impact on our business. Additionally, the implementation of these initiatives imposes additional costs on us. If our ESG initiatives and goals do not meet the expectations of our investors or other stakeholders, which continue to evolve, then our reputation, our attractiveness as an investment and business partner, and our ability to attract or retain employees could be negatively impacted. Similarly, our failure, or perceived failure, to pursue or fulfill our goals, targets, and objectives or to satisfy various reporting standards in a timely manner, or at all, could also have similar negative impacts and expose us to government enforcement actions and private litigation.Our long-term sustainability and GHG reduction goals are predicated on large scale customer adoption of intermodal services, the operational feasibility and reliability of heavy-duty ZEVs, and the corresponding build out of a national support infrastructure to reasonably and efficiently manufacture, distribute, or store electricity or alternative fuels for ZEVs, none of which can be assured.A critical component of our multi-pronged plan to reduce our carbon emissions and comply with California’s and other states’ zero or reduced emission requirements is the deployment of ZEVs in significant numbers in these states together with leveraging our intermodal capability. As an early adopter of ZEVs, there can be no assurance that we will be successful deploying ZEVs in our operations in significant numbers, that we will be successful converting more over-the-road freight to intermodal, that the national support infrastructure, including the nation’s electricity grid, for heavy-duty ZEVs will be built-out as expected. Should any of those things fail to occur, we may fail to meet our published sustainability goals, which could result in losing the support of our investors, customers, and other stakeholders; our becoming subject to regulatory enforcement actions; or suffering reputational harm which, in any case, may increase the cost of providing transportation services or adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTSNone. CYBERSECURITYRisk Management and StrategyAs a large, multinational transportation and logistics company, we face a range of risks from cybersecurity threats in connection with our operations due to our inherent dependence on interconnected advanced information systems, software, and digital technologies to operate safely, efficiently, and effectively. We are exposed to such risks both through direct attacks on our own information systems and, indirectly, as a result of our engagement of third-party service providers, software vendors, and independent contractors, such as cloud computing providers. Certain of our third-party service providers or software vendors provide us with computing services which, in certain cases, involve hosting our data or processes on third-party servers, which exposes us to the risk that our data may be compromised or our operations disrupted if such third-party servers are compromised. Other third-party service providers provide us with contracted labor to whom we necessarily grant access to certain of our information systems, which indirectly exposes us to additional risks of network breaches and cybersecurity threats. In addition, because the trucking industry has been designated by the federal government as part of the critical U.S. infrastructure, as a leading provider of truckload, intermodal, and logistics services, we face increased risks from cybersecurity threats, cybercriminals, and bad actors, both foreign and domestic.Cyber risk management has become a vital part of our broader ERM efforts. To manage and mitigate cyber risks, we have a dedicated information security team that has been charged with monitoring and managing cyber threats to our information systems, and the data that is stored on those systems, using our cyber risk management methodology. Our information security team is led by our SDIS and overseen by our CITO. Our cybersecurity risk management framework encompasses, among other things, ongoing systematic processes to identify, analyze, prioritize, manage, and monitor potential cyber risks to the information systems that we own or use and the cybersecurity threats to which we are exposed as a result of our reliance on third-party service providers and third-party software. Our cyber risk management methodology is comprised of the following core tasks:•Risk identification. Our internal information security team works with a MSSP and other external security partners to identify existing and new threats to our information systems. Our information security team, working in partnership with our MSSP, monitors our information systems to identify malicious and anomalous activity, uncover potential cybersecurity threats, and assess risks to information systems.20Table of Contents•Risk analysis. Our information security team, working in partnership with relevant cybersecurity and technology experts, analyzes identified threats to determine the likelihood of the actualization of a threat and the potential business impacts, including evaluating the potential for data loss, data corruption, disruption to business operations, and financial impact.•Risk evaluation. Identified risks are evaluated to determine whether gaps in our controls or risk mitigation strategies exist that could result in material risk to the Company. If it is determined that our existing processes, strategies, or technology may be insufficient to effectively mitigate or manage an identified risk, it is escalated to our CITO and SDIS to assess and implement potential responsive or corrective actions in our processes, strategies, or technology to address the risk.•Risk mitigation. Our senior executive team, which includes our CITO, using input from our information security team and our broader information technology (or IT) department, develop and approve budgets, strategies, technology roadmaps and programs which are designed to effectively manage our cyber risks, safeguard our information resources, and reduce the likelihood or impact of cybersecurity incidents.Our cybersecurity risk management framework is integrated into our overall ERM process which is managed, administered, and governed by our senior executive team under the oversight of the Board. As part of our ERM program, our senior executive team has delegated the initial identification and assessment of the Company’s leading risks to an ERC which is comprised of executives from various operating segments and functional departments across the Company, inclusive of information security. Although both we, and the third parties who provide services to us, commit resources to the design, implementation, monitoring, and protection of the information systems we own or use, there is no guarantee that either our or those third parties’ cybersecurity measures will effectively manage the multitude of cyber risks to which we are exposed. For more information regarding the risks from cybersecurity threats that may impact our business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, see Part I, “Item 1A.

Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.GovernanceBoard Oversight of Risks from Cybersecurity ThreatsOur Board believes that evaluating management’s oversight, administration, and governance of the risks confronting the Company, including risks related to cybersecurity, is one of its most important areas of oversight. In carrying out this responsibility, the Board is assisted by each of its standing committees, which each considers risks that are within its areas of chartered responsibility, and each of which apprises the full Board of any significant risks which are considered by the committee and management’s response to those risks. The Audit Committee of the Board (“Audit Committee”) is charged with the primary responsibility for overseeing our design, execution, and administration of our ERM process and, with regard to cybersecurity risks, setting expectations and accountability for management and reviewing our internal auditors’ assessment of the effectiveness of our cybersecurity controls, including policies and procedures to address our cyber risks, and overseeing the Company’s cybersecurity disclosures. The Audit Committee receives semiannual updates, and the Board receives annual updates, from our senior executive team (including our CITO and the SDIS) on our cybersecurity risks, threats, and initiatives including evolving cybersecurity threats and trends, cybersecurity technologies and solutions that have been deployed internally, policies and procedures to address major cyber risk areas and threats to the Company, third-party assessments of the adequacy of our cybersecurity resources, and attendance by members of our information security team at various seminars and conferences on emerging cybersecurity risks and threats. In addition to these regular updates, the Audit Committee or the Board may receive additional updates if deemed appropriate. Management’s Role in Assessing and Managing Material Risks from Cybersecurity ThreatsCybersecurity is a key component of our technology strategy, which is architected and managed by our CITO and reviewed and monitored by our senior executive team, with oversight from our Board and the Audit Committee, as described above. Our CITO’s experience and expertise in cybersecurity includes 20 years of practitioner experience as an information security advisor across multiple industry verticals where he has served in security analyst, architect, and security program leadership roles, and has led information security teams to deliver large scale information security programs for multiple Fortune 500 companies. Our cybersecurity risk management program is managed by our SDIS, who reports directly to the CITO. Our SDIS’s experience and expertise in cybersecurity includes 32 years of working in the information technology field as an analyst, architect, and leader and 14 years leading information security teams at multiple enterprises. The processes by which the CITO and SDIS are informed about and monitor the prevention, detection, mitigation, and remediation of cybersecurity incidents are described above under “Risk Management and Strategy.

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