UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 10-K

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or

Commission File Number: 001-36605

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PATRIOT TRANSPORTATION HOLDING, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

_____________________

(904) 396-5733

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

_________________

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  [_]    No  [X]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  [_]    No  [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  [X]    No  [_]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  [X]    No  [_]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  [_] 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).     Yes  [_]    No  [X]

The number of shares of the registrant’s stock outstanding as of December 2, 20218, 2022 was 3,415,6433,501,289. The aggregate market value of the shares of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2021,2022, the last day of business of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $27,322,39120,463,894.

+ Solely for purposes of this calculation, the registrant has assumed that all directors, officers and ten percent (10%) shareholders of the Company are affiliates of the registrant.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders are incorporated by reference in Parts I and II.

Portions of the Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. Proxy Statement which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 20212022 are incorporated by reference in Part III.

PATRIOT TRANSPORTATION HOLDING, INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.

Certain matters discussed in this report contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, capital expenditures, liquidity, capital resources and competition and may be indicated by words or phrases such as “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plans”, “projects”, “continuing”, “ongoing”, “expects”, “management believes”, “the Company believes”, “the Company intends” and similar words or phrases. The following factors and others discussed in the Company’s periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are among the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements: freight demand for petroleum products including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and “stay home” orders, as well as increased vehicle fuel efficiency, other impacts on the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations and financial results; the increased popularity of electric vehicles; recessionary and terrorist impacts on travel in the Company’s markets; fuel costs and the Company’s ability to recover fuel surcharges; accident severity and frequency; risk insurance markets; driver availability and cost; the impact of future regulations, including regulations regarding the transportation industry and regulations intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; cyber-attacks; availability and terms of financing; competition in our markets; interest rates, and inflation and general economic conditions. However, this list is not a complete statement of all potential risks or uncertainties.

These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof based on management’s current expectations, and the Company does not undertake an obligation to update such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional information regarding these and other risk factors may be found in the Company’s other filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

PART I

Item 1. BUSINESS.

Our Business. Our business, conducted through our wholly owned subsidiary Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc., consists of hauling petroleum related products, dry bulk commodities and liquids. We are one of the largest regional tank truck carriers in North America. We operate terminals in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee. We do not own any of the products we haul; rather, we act as a third-party carrier to deliver our customers’ products from point A to point B, using predominately Company employees and Company-owned tractors and tank trailers. Approximately 86%85% of our business consists of hauling liquid petroleum products (mostly gas and diesel fuel) from large scale fuel storage facilities to our customers’ retail outlets (e.g. convenience stores, truck stops and fuel depots) where we off-load the product into our customers’ fuel storage tanks for ultimate sale to the retail consumer. The remaining 14%15% of our business consists of hauling dry bulk commodities such as cement, lime and various industrial powder products, water and liquid chemicals. As of September 30, 2021,2022, we employed 341312 revenue-producing drivers who operated our fleet of 282265 Company tractors, 2236 owner operators and 420415 trailers from our 1817 terminals and 6 satellite locations.

Tractors and Trailers. During fiscal 2021,2022, the Company did not purchase any new tractors.replaced 26 tractors and 5 trailers. Our fiscal 20222023 capital budget includes 3073 new tractors.tractors, of which 29 are replacing lease units. We believe maintaining a modern fleet will result in reduced maintenance expenses, improved operating efficiencies and enhanced driver recruitment and retention. At September 30, 20212022 the Company operated a fleet of 282265 tractors, and 420415 tank trailers. The Company owns all of the tank trailers and tractors used to conduct our business, except for 2236 tractors owned by owner-operators and 29 full-service leased 2019 model year tractors located in key areas without Company maintenance shops.tractors.

Competitors. The tank lines transportation business is extremely competitive and fragmented. We have multiple competitors in each of our markets, consisting of other carriers of varying sizes as well as our customers’ private fleets. Price, service, and location are the major competitive factors in each local market. Some of our competitors have greater financial resources and a more expansive geographic footprint than our company. Some of our competitors periodically reduce their prices to gain business, which may limit our ability to maintain or increase prices, implement new pricing strategies, or maintain significant growth in our business.

Our largest competitors include Kenan Advantage Group, Eagle Transport, and Penn Tank Lines. We also compete with smaller carriers in most of our markets. 

Our strategy is to build long-term partnerships with our customers based on the highest level of customer service and reliability. The current trend is that hypermarkets and super regional and national chains have emerged to replace many of the independent convenience stores and service stations historically served by many of our competitors. As this continues, we believe that our size, capabilities, scope of services and geographic reach will provide us a competitive advantage over smaller carriers with fewer resources.

Customers. Approximately 86%85% of our business consists of hauling petroleum related products. Our petroleum clients include major convenience store and hypermarket accounts, fuel wholesalers and major oil companies. We strive to build long-term relationships with major customers by providing outstanding customer service. During fiscal 2021,2022, the Company’s ten largest customers accounted for approximately 59.8%58.7% of revenue. One of these customers

accounted for 21.4%18.3% of revenue. The loss of any one of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s revenues and income. Nine of ourOur top 10 accounts have been customers for at least 610 years.

Our dry bulk and chemical customers include large industrial companies including cement and concrete accounts and product distribution companies. Our customer relationships are long-standing and have grown over time as a result of consistently high safety and service levels.

In September 2020, we entered into a 3-year contract with a customer to haul spring water in seven food grade trailers. This is the Company’s first venture into the food grade space.

Sales and Marketing. Our marketing activities are focused on building our relationships with existing customers as well as developing new business opportunities. Our senior management team has extensive experience in marketing specialized fuels delivery services. In addition, significant portions of our marketing activities are conducted locally by our regional managers, terminal managers and dispatchers who act as local customer service representatives. These managers and dispatchers maintain regular contact with customers and are well-positioned to identify the changing transportation needs of customers in their respective geographic areas. We also actively participate in various trade associations, including the National Tank Truck Carriers Association, various state trucking and petroleum marketing associations and the Society of Independent Gasoline Marketers Association.

Environmental Matters. Our activities, which involve the transportation, storage and disposal of fuels and other hazardous substances and wastes, are subject to various federal, state and local health and safety laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including, among others, those governing the transportation, management and disposal of hazardous materials, vehicle emissions, underground and above ground storage tanks and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Our operations involve risks of fuel spillage or seepage, hazardous waste disposal and other activities that are potentially damaging to the environment. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of or liable under applicable laws or regulations, it could significantly increase our cost of doing business.

Most of our truck terminals are located in industrial areas, where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination may have occurred. Under environmental laws, we could be held responsible for the costs relating to any contamination at those or other of our past or present facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites, including cleanup costs, fines and penalties and personal injury and property damages. Under some of these laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (also known as the Superfund law) and comparable state statutes, liability for the entire cost of the cleanup of contaminated sites can be imposed upon any current or former owner or operator, or upon any party who sent waste to the site, regardless of the lawfulness of any disposal activities or whether a party owned or operated a contaminated property at the time of the release of hazardous substances. From time to time, we have incurred remedial costs and/or regulatory penalties with respect to chemical or wastewater spills and releases relating to our facilities or operations, and, notwithstanding the existence of our environmental management program, we may incur such obligations in the future. The discovery of contamination or the imposition of additional obligations or liabilities in the future could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or our business reputation.

Our operations involve hazardous materials and could result in significant environmental

liabilities and costs. For a discussion of certain risks of our being associated with transporting hazardous substances see “Risk Factors—Risks Relating to Our Business”

Seasonality. Our business is subject to seasonal trends common in the refined petroleum products delivery industry. We typically face reduced demand for refined petroleum products delivery services during the winter months and increased demand during the spring and summer months. Further, operating costs and earnings are generally adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. These factors generally result in lower operating results during the first and second fiscal quarters of the year and cause our operating results to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our operating expenses also have been somewhat higher in the winter months, due primarily to decreased fuel efficiency and increased maintenance costs for tractors and trailers in colder months.

Employees. As of September 30, 2021,2022, the Company employed 508475 people.

Financial Information. Financial information about the company is presented in the financial statements included in the accompanying 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Company Website. The Company’s website may be accessed at www.patriottrans.com. All of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission can be accessed through our website promptly after filing. This includes annual reports on Form 10-K, proxy statements, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports filed or furnished on Form 8-K and all related amendments. These filings are accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Our future results may be affected by a number of factors over which we have little or no control. The following issues, uncertainties, and risks, among others, should be considered in evaluating our business and outlook. Also, note that additional risks not currently identified or known to us could also negatively impact our business or financial results.

Strategic Risks Relating to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Our business may continue to be adversely affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and other health outbreaks. 

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19”) has evolved into a global pandemic. The coronavirus has spread to many regions of the world, including the areas of the United States where we operate. 

Our business relies heavily on the demand for petroleum products. The spread of the coronavirus or other pandemics has had and may continue to have a material economic effect on our business due to government-imposed restrictions on travel and shelter-in-place orders, increased teleworking and a reduction in business travel and tourism.

Should the coronavirus continue to spread, our business operations could be delayed or interrupted. For instance, our operations would be adversely impacted if a number of our administrative personnel, drivers or field personnel are infected and become ill or are quarantined. At this time, we believe that our business would generally be exempted from shelter-in-place orders or other mandated local travel restrictions as an essential service but

there can be no assurance as to the scope of quarantine orders imposed by local or state governments.

While the potential economic impact brought by and the duration of the pandemic or any new pandemic may be difficult to assess or predict, it has already caused, and is likely to result in further, significant disruption of global financial markets, which may reduce our ability to access capital either at all or on favorable terms. In addition, a recession, depression or other sustained adverse market event resulting from the spread of the coronavirus could materially and adversely affect our business and the value of our common stock. 

Risks Relating to Our Business

Our business is subject to general economic and other factors that are largely out of our control and could affect our operations, profitability, and cash flow.

Our business is dependent on various economic factors over which we have little control, that include:

As a result, we may experience periods of overcapacity, declining prices, lower profit margins and less availability of cash in the future. The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread adverse economic impacts, and the ultimate impact of the pandemic on these and other factors affecting our business is highly uncertain. Our revenues and operating income could be materially adversely affected.

Our operations and financial results are subject to the demand for hauling petroleum products in our markets, which is determined by factors outside our control.

We derive approximately 86%85% of our revenues from the hauling of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel fuel and ethanol. The demand for these services is determined by motor fuel

consumption in our markets, which is affected by gasoline prices, general economic conditions, employment levels, remote work, consumer confidence and spending patterns. Gasoline prices can be highly volatile and are impacted by factors outside of our control (including production decisions made by oil producing nations).

Demand for our petroleum hauling services is also impacted by vehicleDevelopments related to climate change, fuel efficiency, the increasing popularityvehicle manufacturing and increased acceptance of electric hybrid or alternative fuel vehicles and government regulation relating to ethanol. The Energy Information Administration of the U.S. Department of Energy projects that U.S. motor gasoline consumption will decline at an average rate of 1.1% per year between 2012 and 2040 as improvements in fuel efficiency are expected to outpace increases in miles driven.reduce demand for petroleum products.

Future legislation or regulations adopted to reduceIncreasing concern regarding the impacts of climate change resulting from greenhouse gas emissions has resulted in proposed regulations to improve fuel efficiency and legislation such as

the Inflation Reduction Act that create incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, as well as legislative proposals such as a carbon tax, maytaxes and cap and trade programs. Many major automobile manufacturers have plans to increase our operating costs, require unanticipated capital expendituresproduction of electric vehicles over time. These factors, together with increasing social consciousness about climate change and consumer acceptance of electric vehicles, could reduce the demand for petroleum products. Developments regarding climate change and the effects of greenhouse gas emissions on climate change in recent years has increased the likelihood of such legislation or regulation. Moreover, attitudes toward gasoline and its relationship to the environment may significantly affect our sales and ability to market our products. Reduced consumer demand for gasoline could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.products over time.

Human Capital Risks

Our ability to recruit and retain drivers is critical to our financial results and the ability to grow our business.

Our industry is subject to a shortage of qualified drivers. This shortage is exacerbated during periods of economic expansion, in which attractive employment opportunities, including in the construction and manufacturing industries, may offer better compensation and better hours. We suffer from high turnover. We have implemented driver pay increases to address this shortage in the hopes of reducing turnover, however our efforts to reduce turnover may be unsuccessful.

There is substantial competition for qualified personnel, particularly drivers, in the trucking industry. Supply chain challenges could continue to reduce the number of eligible drivers in our markets. This results in temporary under-utilization of our equipment, difficulty in meeting our customers’ demands and increased compensation levels, each of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. A decrease in quality drivers could lead to an increased frequency in the number of accidents, potential claims exposure and, indirectly, insurance costs.

Difficulty in attracting qualified drivers limits our ability to accept or service new business opportunities or could require us to increase the wages we pay in order to attract and retain drivers. If we are unable to hire qualified drivers to service new or existing business, we may have to temporarily send drivers from other terminals to those struggling markets, causing us to incur significant costs relating to out-of-town driver pay and expenses.

If our relationship with our employees were to deteriorate, we may be faced with unionization efforts, labor shortages, disruptions or stoppages, which could adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins and income.

Our operations rely heavily on our employees, and any labor shortage, disruption or stoppage caused by poor relations with our employees could reduce our operating margins and income. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, although unions have traditionally been active in the U.S. trucking industry. Our workforce has been subject to union organization efforts from time to time, and we could be subject to future unionization efforts as our operations expand. Unionization of our workforce could result in higher compensation and working condition demands that could increase our operating costs or constrain our operating flexibility. We believe we are exempt from overtime pay rules under regulations of the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). However, our operating costs would increase if this exemption were rescinded or if a court determined that we were not exempt from these overtime pay rules.

If we lose key members of our senior management, our business may be adversely affected.

Our ability to implement our business strategy successfully and to operate profitably depends in large part on the continued employment of our senior management team, led by Robert Sandlin,

President and CEO. If Mr. Sandlin or the other members of senior management become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business or financial results could be adversely affected.

Operational Risks

Our business may continue to be adversely affected by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and other health outbreaks. 

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19”) has evolved into a global pandemic. The coronavirus has spread to many regions of the world, including the areas of the United States where we operate. 

Our business relies heavily on the demand for petroleum products. The spread of the coronavirus had a material economic effect on our business due to government-imposed restrictions on travel and shelter-in-place orders, increased teleworking and a reduction in business travel and tourism. Should we experience another COVID-19-like virus outbreak in the future with similar restrictions, etc. we would anticipate a similar impact on our business.

We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in the price and availability of fuel.

We require large amounts of diesel fuel to operate our tractors. In 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2021,2022, cost of fuel (including fuel taxes) represented approximately 14.5%11.6%, 11.6%11.9%, and 11.8%15.1%, respectively, of our total revenue. The market price for fuel can be extremely volatile and can be affected by a number of economic and political factors. In addition, changes in federal or state regulations can impact the price of fuel, as well as increase the amount we pay in fuel taxes.

We typically incorporate a fuel surcharge provision in all customer contracts. The intended effect of that provision is to neutralize the impacts of fluctuations in the price of diesel fuel on both the Company and our customer. The amount of the fuel surcharge is typically set at the beginning of each month and is based on the actual price of diesel fuel recorded in the preceding month. This provision produces a lag in the timing of the recovery of the price move for both the Company and our customer. However, our customers may be able to negotiate contracts that minimize or eliminate our ability to pass on fuel price increases.

We currently do not hedge our fuel purchases to protect against fluctuations in fuel prices.

Our operations may also be adversely affected by any limit on the availability of fuel. Disruptions in the political climate in key oil producing regions in the world, particularly in the event of wars or other armed conflicts, could severely limit the availability of fuel in the United States. In the event our customers face significant difficulty in obtaining fuel, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be materially adversely affected.

Our business may be adversely affected by seasonal factors and harsh weather conditions.

Our business is subject to seasonal trends common in the refined petroleum products delivery industry. We typically encounter increased demand for fuels delivery services in Florida during the spring months and our other markets during the summer driving season. Further, operating costs and earnings are generally adversely affected by inclement weather conditions. These factors generally result in lower operating results during the first and second fiscal quarters of the year and cause our operating results to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. Our operating expenses also have been somewhat higher in the winter months, primarily due to decreased fuel efficiency, increased utility costs and increased maintenance costs for tractors and trailers in colder months. An occurrence of unusually harsh or long-lasting inclement weather could have an adverse effect on our operations and profitability.

We operate in a highly competitive industry, and competitive pressures may adversely affect our operations and profitability.

The tank lines transportation business is extremely competitive and fragmented. We compete with many other carriers of varying sizes as well as our customers’ private fleets. Numerous competitive factors could impair our ability to maintain our current level of revenues and profitability and adversely affect our financial condition. These factors include the following:

If we are unable to address these competitive pressures, our operations and profitability may be adversely affected.

Our operations present hazards and risks, which are not fully covered by insurance. If a significant accident happens, for which we are not fully insured, our operations and financial results could be adversely affected.

The primary accident risks associated with our business are:

We currently maintain insurance for:

Our insurance program includes a self-insured deductible of $250,000 per incident for bodily injury and property damage. The deductible on workers’ compensation is $500,000. In addition, the Company maintains a minimum of $10 million of insurance coverage which is the largest amount required by any of our customers. The deductible per incident could adversely affect our profitability, particularly in the event of an increase in the frequency or severity of incidents.

Additionally, we are self-insured for damage to the equipment that we own and lease, as well as for cargo losses and such self-insurance is not subject to any maximum limitation. In addition, even where we have insurance, our insurance policies may not provide coverage for certain claims against us or may not be sufficient to cover all possible liabilities.

Our self-insured retentions require us to make estimates of expected loss amounts and accrue such estimates as expenses. Changes in estimates may materially and adversely affect our financial results. In addition, our insurance does not cover claims for punitive damages.

We are subject to changing conditions and pricing in the insurance marketplace that in the future could change dramatically the cost or availability of various types of insurance. To the extent these costs cannot be passed on to our customers in increased prices, increases in insurance costs

could reduce our future profitability and cash flow.

Moreover, any accident or incident involving us, even if we are fully insured or not held to be liable, could negatively affect our reputation among customers and the public, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete effectively, and could significantly affect the cost and availability of insurance in the future. Because we provide “last mile” fuels delivery services, we generally perform our services in more crowded areas, which increases the possibility of an accident involving our trucks.

If our relationship with our employees were to deteriorate, we may be faced with unionization efforts, labor shortages, disruptions or stoppages, which could adversely affect our business and reduce our operating margins and income.

Our operations rely heavily on our employees, and any labor shortage, disruption or stoppage caused by poor relations with our employees could reduce our operating margins and income. None of our employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements, although unions have traditionally been active in the U.S. trucking industry. Our workforce has been subject to union organization efforts from time to time, and we could be subject to future unionization efforts as our operations expand. Unionization of our workforce could result in higher compensation and working condition demands that could increase our operating costs or constrain our operating flexibility. We believe we are exempt from overtime pay rules under regulations of the Department of Transportation (“DOT”). However, our operating costs would increase if this exemption were rescinded or if a court determined that we were not exempt from these overtime pay rules.

If we lose key members of our senior management, our business may be adversely affected.

Our ability to implement our business strategy successfully and to operate profitably depends in large part on the continued employment of our senior management team, led by Robert Sandlin, President and CEO. If Mr. Sandlin or the other members of senior management become unable or unwilling to continue in their present positions, our business or financial results could be adversely affected.

If we fail to develop, integrate or upgrade our information technology systems, we may lose customers or incur costs beyond our expectations.

We rely heavily on information technology and communications systems to operate our business and manage our network in an efficient manner. We have equipped our tractors with various mobile communications systems and electronic logging devices that enable us to monitor our tractors and communicate with our drivers in the field and enable customers to track the location and monitor the progress of their cargo through the Internet.

Increasingly, we compete for customers based upon the flexibility and sophistication of our technologies supporting our services. The failure of hardware or software that supports our information technology systems, the loss of data contained in the systems, or the inability of our customers to access or interact with our website, could significantly disrupt our operations and cause us to lose customers. If our information technology systems are unable to handle additional volume for our operations as our business and scope of service grow, our service levels and operating efficiency will decline. In addition, we expect customers to continue to demand more sophisticated fully integrated information systems. If we fail to hire and retain qualified personnel to implement and maintain our information technology systems or if we fail to upgrade

or replace these systems to handle increased volumes, meet the demands of our customers and protect against disruptions of our operations, we may lose customers, which could seriously harm our business.

Our business could be negatively impacted by cyberattacks targeting our computer and telecommunications systems and infrastructure, or targeting those of our third-party service providers.

Our business, like other companies in our industry, has become increasingly dependent on digital technologies, including technologies that are managed by third-party service providers on whom we rely to help us collect, host or process information. Such technologies are integrated into our business operations. Use of the internet and other public networks for communications, services,

and storage, including "cloud" computing, exposes all users (including our business) to cybersecurity risks.

While we and our third-party service providers commit resources to the design, implementation, and monitoring of our information systems, there is no guarantee that our security measures will provide absolute security. Despite these security measures, we may not be able to anticipate, detect, or prevent cyberattacks, particularly because the methodologies used by attackers change frequently or may not be recognized until launched, and because attackers are increasingly using techniques designed to circumvent controls and avoid detection. We and our third-party service providers may therefore be vulnerable to security events that are beyond our control, and we may be the target of cyber-attacks, as well as physical attacks, which could result in information security breaches and significant disruption to our business.

As cyberattacks continue to evolve, we may be required to expend significant additional resources to respond to cyberattacks, to continue to modify or enhance our protective measures, or to investigate and remediate any information.

We operate in a highly regulated industry, and increased costs of compliance with, or liability for violation of, existing or future regulations could significantly increase our costs of doing business.

As a motor carrier, we are subject to regulation by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) and DOT, and by various federal and state agencies. These regulatory authorities exercise broad powers governing various aspects such as operating authority, safety, hours of service, hazardous materials transportation, financial reporting and acquisitions. There are additional regulations specifically relating to the trucking industry, including testing and specification of equipment, product-handling requirements and drug testing of drivers. In 2003,2019, Florida Rock & Tank Lines, Inc. underwent a compliance review by the FMCSA in which we retained our satisfactory DOT safety rating. Any downgrade in our DOT safety rating (as a result of new regulations or otherwise) could adversely affect our business.

The trucking industry is subject to possible regulatory and legislative changes that may affect the economics of the industry by requiring changes in operating practices, emissions or by changing the demand for common or contract carrier services or the cost of providing trucking services. Possible changes include:

From time to time, various legislative proposals are introduced, including proposals to increase federal, state, or local taxes, including taxes on motor fuels and emissions, which may increase

our operating costs, require capital expenditures or adversely impact the recruitment of drivers.

Restrictions on emissions or other climate change laws or regulations could also affect our customers that use significant amounts of energy or burn fossil fuels in producing or delivering the products we carry. We also could lose revenue if our customers divert business from us because we have not complied with their sustainability requirements.

Our business may be adversely affected by terrorist attacks and anti-terrorism measures.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, federal, state and municipal authorities have implemented and are implementing various security measures, including checkpoints and travel restrictions on large trucks and fingerprinting of drivers in connection with new hazardous materials endorsements on their licenses. Such measures may have costs associated with them which we are forced to bear. While we believe we are in compliance with these new regulations, if existing requirements are interpreted differently by governmental authorities or additional new security measures are required, the timing of our deliveries may be disrupted and we may fail to meet the needs of our customers or incur increased expenses to do so. Such developments could have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Moreover, large trucks containing petroleum products are potential terrorist targets, and we may be obligated to take measures, including possible capital expenditures intended to protect our trucks. In addition, the insurance premiums charged for some or all of the coverage maintained by us could continue to increase dramatically or such coverage could be unavailable in the future.

Our operations involve hazardous materials and could result in significant environmental liabilities and costs.

Our activities, which involve the transportation, storage and disposal of fuels and other hazardous substances and wastes, are subject to various federal, state and local health and safety laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment, including, among others, those governing the transportation, management and disposal of hazardous materials, vehicle emissions, underground and above ground storage tanks and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Our operations involve risks of fuel spillage or seepage, hazardous waste disposal and other activities that are potentially damaging to the environment. If we are involved in a spill or other accident involving hazardous substances, or if we are found to be in violation of or liable under applicable laws or regulations, it could significantly increase our cost of doing business.

Most of our truck terminals are located in industrial areas, where groundwater or other forms of environmental contamination may have occurred. Under environmental laws, we could be held responsible for the costs relating to any contamination at those or other of our past or present

facilities and at third-party waste disposal sites, including cleanup costs, fines and penalties and personal injury and property damages. Under some of these laws, such as the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (also known as the Superfund law) and comparable state statutes, liability for the entire cost of the cleanup of contaminated sites can be imposed upon any current or former owner or operator, or upon any party who sent waste to the site, regardless of the lawfulness of any disposal activities or whether a party owned or operated a contaminated property at the time of the release of hazardous substances. From time to time, we have incurred remedial costs and/or regulatory penalties with respect to spills and releases in connection with our operations and, notwithstanding the existence of our environmental management program, such obligations may be incurred in the future. The discovery of contamination or the imposition of additional obligations or liabilities in the future could result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or our business

reputation.

We have significant ongoing capital requirements.

Our business requires substantial ongoing capital investment, particularly for tractors, trailers, terminals and technology. Our capital expenditures were approximately $9.6 million, $5.0 million and $0.9 million in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively, and we expect to make capital expenditures of approximately $6.0 million during fiscal 2022. We expect that cash flow from operations will be our primary sources of financing for capital expenditures.

Financing may not always be available to fund our activities.

We usually must spend and risk a significant amount of capital to fund our activities. Although most capital needs are funded from operating cash flow, the timing of cash flows from operations and capital funding needs may not always coincide, and the levels of cash flow may not fully cover capital funding requirements.

From time to time, we may need to supplement our cash generated from operations with proceeds from financing activities. We currently have a revolving credit facility available to us, for up to $15 million of borrowings, to provide us with available financing for working capital, equipment purchases and other general corporate purposes. This credit facility is intended to meet any ongoing cash needs in excess of internally generated cash flows. The disruption to financial markets caused by the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely impact our ability to obtain financing on terms that are acceptable to us.

Risks Relating to Our Common Stock

Your percentage of ownership in the Company may be diluted in the future.

In the future, your percentage ownership in the Company may be diluted because of equity issuances for acquisitions, capital market transactions or other corporate purposes, including equity awards that we will grant to our directors, officers and employees. Our employees have options to purchase shares of our common stock and we anticipate our compensation committee will grant additional stock options or other stock-based awards to our employees. Such awards will have a dilutive effect on our earnings per share, which could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. From time to time, we will issue additional options or other stock-based awards to our employees under our employee benefits plans.

In addition, our amended and restated articles of incorporation authorizes us to issue, without the

approval of our shareholders, one or more classes or series of preferred stock having such designation, powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights, including preferences over our common stock respecting dividends and distributions, as our board of directors generally may determine. The terms of one or more classes or series of preferred stock could dilute the voting power or reduce the value of our common stock. For example, we could grant the holders of preferred stock the right to elect some number of our directors in all events or on the happening of specified events or the right to veto specified transactions. Similarly, the repurchase or redemption rights or liquidation preferences we could assign to holders of preferred stock could affect the residual value of the common stock.

Certain shareholders have effective control of a significant percentage of our common stock and likely will control the outcome of any shareholder vote.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, two of our directors, Edward L.John D Baker II and Thompson S. Baker II, beneficially own, collectively, approximately 9.03%24.31% of the outstanding shares of our common stock (45.97%(54.85% of such shares are held in trusts under which voting power is shared with family members) and certain of their family members who (i) report their beneficial ownership on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G, or (ii) are members of their immediate familyfamilies beneficially own an additional 26.52%12.72%. As a result, these individuals effectively may have the ability to direct the election of all members of our board of directors and to exercise a controlling influence over our business and affairs, including any determinations with respect to mergers or other business combinations involving us, our acquisition or disposition of assets, our borrowing of monies, our issuance of any additional securities, our repurchase of common stock and our payment of dividends.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and certain provisions of Florida law could delay or prevent a change in control of us.

The existence of some provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Florida law could discourage, delay or prevent a change in control of us that a shareholder may consider favorable. These include provisions:

These provisions apply even if a takeover offer may be considered beneficial by some shareholders and could delay or prevent an acquisition that our board of directors determines is not in our and our shareholders’ best interests.

Item 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

Item 2. PROPERTIES.

As of September 30, 2021,2022, our terminals and satellite locations were located in the following cities:

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the accompanying 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

None.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

There were approximately 343333 holders of record of Patriot Transportation Holding, Inc. common stock, $.10 par value, as of September 30, 2021.2022. The Company's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market (Symbol PATI).

Price Range of Common Stock. Information concerning stock prices is included under the caption "Quarterly Results" on page 5 of the Company's 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders, and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Dividends. On December 4, 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock. This one-time, special dividend was paid on January 30, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on January 15, 2020. The Board of Directors also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share, paid on January 30, 2020, to shareholders of record on January 15, 2020. On December 4, 2020, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.00 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock. This one-time, special dividend was paid on December 30, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 17, 2020. On October 25, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a special cash dividend of $3.75 per share on the Company’s outstanding common stock. This special dividend was paid on November 15, 2021, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 8, 2021. Information concerning restrictions on the payment of cash dividends is included in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements included in the accompanying 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans. Information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans is included in Item 12 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers. Share repurchase activity during the three months ended September 30, 20212022 was as follows:

⁽¹⁾ On February 4, 2015, the Board of Directors authorized management to expend up to $5,000,000 to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock from time to time as opportunities arise. To date, the Company has not repurchased any common stock of the Company.

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

Information required in response to this Item 6 is included under the caption "Five Year Summary" on page 5 of the Company's 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATION.

Information required in response to Item 7 is included under the caption "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" on pages 6 through 10 of the Company’s 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders and such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 7.A QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk. We are exposed to the impact of interest rate changes through our variable-rate borrowings under the Credit Agreement. Under the Wells Fargo revolving credit line, the applicable margin for borrowings at September 30, 20212022 was 1.1% over SOFR.

The Company did not have any variable or fixed rate debt outstanding at September 30, 2021,2022, so a sensitivity analysis was not performed to determine the impact of hypothetical changes in interest rates on the Company’s results of operations and cash flows.

Commodity Price Risk. The price and availability of diesel fuel are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the level of global oil production, seasonality, weather, global politics and other market factors. Historically, we have been able to recover a significant portion of fuel price increases from our customers in the form of fuel surcharges. The typical fuel surcharge table provides some margin contribution at higher diesel fuel prices but also results in some margin erosion at lower diesel fuel prices. The price and availability of diesel fuel can be unpredictable as well as the extent to which fuel surcharges can be collected to offset such increases. In fiscal 20212022 and 2020,2021, a significant portion of fuel costs was recovered through rate and fuel surcharges.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Information required in response to this Item 8 is included under the caption "Quarterly Results" on page 5 and on pages 11 through 23 of the Company's 20212022 Annual Report to Shareholders. Such information is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

Item 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls And Procedures. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and chief accounting officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such terms is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer and our chief accounting officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report.

Management’s Annual Report On Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in the Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2021.2022.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Hancock Askew & Co., LLP, regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm pursuant to rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit the Company to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.

Change In Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. During the fourth quarter of 2021,2022, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent Limitations Over Internal Controls. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

made only in accordance with authorizations of our management and directors; and

Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error and circumvention by collusion or overriding of controls. Accordingly, even an effective internal control system may not prevent or detect material misstatements on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

PART III

Item 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Information regarding the Company’s executive officers and directors (including the disclosure regarding audit committee financial experts), required in response to this Item 10, is included under the captions "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Our Board of Directors," "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Board Leadership," "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Board Committees," "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Business Conduct Policies,” “Securities Ownership- Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” and "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" in the Company's Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 2021.2022.

The Company has adopted a Financial Code of Ethical Conduct applicable to its principal executive officers, principal financial officers and principal accounting officers. A copy of this Financial Code of Ethical Conduct is filed as Exhibit 14 to this Form 10-K. The Financial Code of Ethical Conduct is available on our web site at www.patriottrans.com under the heading Corporate Governance.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Information required in response to this Item 11 is included under the captions "Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Board Committees- Compensation Committee," "Non-Employee Director Compensation," "Compensation Discussion and Analysis" and "Executive Compensation" in the Company's Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 2021.2022.

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

Information required in response to this Item 12 is included under the captions "Securities Ownership" in the Company's Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 20212022.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Information required in response to this Item 13 is included under the caption “Related Party Transactions" and “Board of Directors and Corporate Governance- Director Independence " in the Company's Proxy Statement and such information is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 2021.2022.

Item 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

Our independent registered accounting firm is Hancock Askew & Co., LLP, Jacksonville, Florida, Firm 794. Information required in response to this Item 14 is included under the captions “Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Proxy Statement and such

information is incorporated herein by reference. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than December 31, 2021.2022.

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE.

(a) (1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule.

The response to this item is submitted as a separate section. See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedule on page 2625 of this Form 10-K.

(3) Exhibits.

The response to this item is submitted as a separate section. See Exhibit Index on pages 2524 of this Form 10-K.

SIGNATURES

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

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on December 14, 2020.9, 2022.