In June 2019, we recorded pretax charges of $20 million for the settlement of a casualty claim within our DCS segment.

9.Legal Proceedings

In January 2017, we exercised our right to utilize the arbitration process to review the division of revenue collected beginning May 1, 2016, as well as to clarify other issues, under our Joint Service Agreement with BNSF Railway Company (BNSF). BNSF requested the same. In October 2019, the arbitrators issued a Final Award and we recorded pretax charges in the third quarter 2019 of $26.8 million related to certain charges claimed by BNSF and $17.4 million for legal fees, cost and interest claimed by BNSF, for a total of $44.2 million. On January 17, 2020, we filed under seal in the United States District Court for the Western District of Arkansas (the Arkansas Federal Court) a motion to confirm and enforce the Final Award, seeking the Court’s specific enforcement of certain confidential contractual rights the arbitrators decided in our favor. BNSF moved to confirm the Final Award in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, but that requested relief was ultimately denied and dismissed as moot. During the first quarter 2020, we recorded an $8.2 million pretax charge resulting from an adjusted calculation of the revenue divisions owed to BNSF under the Final Award. On July 21, 2020, the Arkansas Federal Court granted our motion in part, entering a judgment confirming the arbitration awards. In a sealed opinion, the Court denied our request for additional enforcement relief but did not foreclose our right to pursue post-confirmation enforcement in court or in arbitration if warranted. We have filed an appeal with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit seeking review of the Arkansas Federal Court’s denial.

We are also party to various state use tax audits, and have been assessed amounts owed for which we are vigorously appealing. If our appeals fail, we could be forced to settle these assessments for a material amount.

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

In

10.Business Segments

We reported five distinct business segments during the three months ended March 31, 2021 and 2020. These segments included Intermodal (JBI), Dedicated Contract Services® (DCS®), Integrated Capacity Solutions™ (ICS), Final Mile Services® (FMS), and Truckload (JBT). The operation of each of these businesses is described in Note 14,Segment Information, of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020. A summary of certain segment information is presented below (in millions):         

ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION ANDRESULTS OFOPERATIONS

You should refer to the attached interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes and also to our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, as you read the following discussion. We may make statements in this report that reflect our current expectation regarding future results of operations, performance, and achievements. These are “forward-looking” statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and are based on our belief or interpretation of information currently available. When we use words like “may,” “plan,” “contemplate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “continue,” “expect,” “project,” “goals,” “strategy,” “future,” “predict,” “seek,” “estimate,” “likely,” “could,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions, you should consider them as identifying forward-looking statements, although we may use other phrasing. Forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, subject to risks, and should be viewed with caution. You should realize there are many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described. Some of the factors and events that are not within our control and could have a significant impact on future operating results are general economic and business conditions; potential business or operational disruptions resulting from the ongoing effects of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including any future spikes or outbreaks of the virus, as well as government actions taken in response to the pandemic; competition and competitive rate fluctuations; excess capacity in the intermodal or trucking industries; a loss of one or more major customers; cost and availability of diesel fuel; interference with or termination of our relationships with certain railroads; rail service delays; disruptions to U.S. port-of-call activity; ability to attract and retain qualified drivers, delivery personnel, independent contractors, and third-party carriers; retention of key employees; insurance costs and availability; litigation and claims expense; determination that independent contractors are employees; new or different environmental or other laws and regulations; volatile financial credit markets or interest rates; terrorist attacks or actions; acts of war; adverse weather conditions; disruption or failure of information systems; inability to keep pace with technological advances affecting our information technology platforms; operational disruption or adverse effects of business acquisitions; increased costs for new revenue equipment; increased tariffs assessed on or disruptions in the procurement of imported revenue equipment; decreases in the value of used equipment; and the ability of revenue equipment manufacturers to perform in accordance with agreements for guaranteed equipment trade-in values. Additionally, our business is somewhat seasonal with slightly higher freight volumes typically experienced during August through early November in our full-load transportation business. You should also refer to Part I, Item 1A of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, for additional information on risk factors and other events that are not within our control. Our future financial and operating results may fluctuate as a result of these and other risk factors as described from time to time in our filings with the SEC.

GENERAL

We are one of the largest surface transportation, delivery, and logistics companies in North America. We operate five distinct, but complementary, business segments and provide a wide range of reliable transportation, brokerage, and delivery services to a diverse group of customers and consumers throughout the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. Our service offerings include transportation of full-truckload containerized freight, which we directly transport utilizing our company-controlled revenue equipment and company drivers or independent contractors. We have arrangements with most of the major North American rail carriers to transport freight in containers or trailers, while we perform the majority of the pickup and delivery services. We also provide customized freight movement, revenue equipment, labor, systems, and delivery services that are tailored to meet individual customers’ requirements and typically involve long-term contracts. These arrangements are generally referred to as dedicated services and may include multiple pickups and drops, freight handling, specialized equipment, and freight network design. In addition, we provide or arrange for local and home delivery services, generally referred to as final-mile delivery services, to customers through a network of cross-dock and other delivery system locations throughout the continental United States. Utilizing thousands of reliable third-party carriers, we also provide comprehensive freight transportation brokerage and logistics services. In addition to dry-van, full-load operations, we also arrange for these unrelated outside carriers to provide flatbed, refrigerated, less-than-truckload (LTL), and other specialized equipment, drivers, and services. Also, we utilize a combination of company-owned and contracted power units to provide traditional over-the-road full truckload delivery services. Our customers, who include many Fortune 500 companies, have extremely diverse businesses. Many of them are served by J.B. Hunt 360°®, an online platform that offers shippers and carriers greater access, visibility, and transparency to the supply chain. We account for our business on a calendar year basis, with our full year ending on December 31 and our quarterly reporting periods ending on March 31, June 30, and September 30. The operation of each of our five business segments is described in Note 14, Segment Information, of our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Our operations continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Due to the nature of our business and the large portion of our workforce consisting of drivers and other non-office personnel, fewer than 25% of our total employees have been able to work remotely; however, we remain committed to the safety of our workforce, suppliers, and customers while continuing to meet our customers’ needs. In the first quarter 2020, we began our COVID-19 response activities which have been expanded and will continue as necessary until the risks related to COVID-19 dissipate. Our COVID-19 safety response activities at our home office campus and all other field locations throughout North America include requiring remote working when possible, expanded health and safety policies, facility modifications, increased security coverage, and purchase and distribution of personal protective equipment and supplies. During the first quarter 2021, we committed to providing incremental paid time off for employees to eliminate any financial loss caused by their absence from work when receiving the COVID-19 vaccination. We also continue to work with local healthcare organizations to provide vaccination assistance under applicable area guidelines and procedures to all employees and their adult family members. We are reviewing and analyzing both external and internal COVID-related data on a daily basis in anticipation of the full return to work phase of our COVID-19 response. Thus far throughout the pandemic, we have been pleased with the continued performance of our employees, particularly our drivers, who have been consistently available to serve our customers.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Therefore, the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and associated disclosures of contingent liabilities are affected by these estimates. We evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts, and other methods considered reasonable in the particular circumstances. Nevertheless, actual results may differ significantly from our estimates. Any effects on our business, financial position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recognized in the accounting period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known.

Information regarding our Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates can be found in our Annual Report (Form 10-K). The critical accounting policies that we believe require us to make more significant judgments and estimates when we prepare our financial statements include those relating to self-insurance accruals, revenue equipment, revenue recognition and income taxes. We have discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors. In addition, Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the financial statements in our Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2020, contains a summary of our critical accounting policies. There have been no material changes to the methodology we apply for critical accounting estimates as previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Comparison of Three Months Ended March 31, 2021 to Three Months Ended March 31, 2020

Total consolidated operating revenues increased to $2.62 billion for the first quarter 2021, a 15% increase from $2.28 billion in the first quarter 2020, and a 17% increase excluding fuel surcharge revenues. This increase in operating revenues was driven by increased revenues in ICS and JBT as both segments captured capacity in the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360 °®, increased revenues in FMS related to new contractual business obtained, higher fleet utilization in DCS, and higher revenue per load, partially offset by decreased load volumes in JBI. All operating segments experienced weather-related volume disruptions in the first quarter 2021, with the most significant impact within JBI.

JBI segment revenue increased 2% to $1.18 billion during the first quarter 2021, compared with $1.15 billion in 2020. Load volumes during the first quarter 2021 decreased 3% over the same period 2020. Transcontinental loads decreased 2% during the first quarter 2021, and eastern network load volume was down 3% compared to the first quarter 2020. Load volumes were heavily impacted by severe weather-related events during the first quarter 2021, in addition to existing challenges present as a result of rail congestion and service issues stemming from elevated demand levels and labor challenges across the supply chain. The overall decrease in load volume was offset by a 5% increase in revenue per load, which is determined by the combination of customer rates, fuel surcharges and freight mix. Revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue increased 6% compared to the first quarter 2020. JBI segment operating income increased 5%, to $107.5 million in the first quarter 2021, from $102.2 million in 2020. Benefits from increased revenue were partially offset by severe weather-related disruptions in the current quarter that further deteriorated network fluidity and challenges already present, higher driver wages and recruiting costs, and higher salary and wages for non-driver personnel, when compared to the first quarter 2020. Furthermore, JBI operating income for the first quarter 2020 included an $8.2 million rail purchase transportation expense resulting from an adjusted calculation of the revenue divisions owed to BNSF Railway Company (BNSF) for 2019 related to the final award of our completed arbitration with BNSF issued in 2019 and JBI’s $4.0 million portion of the one-time COVID-19 related bonus paid to employee drivers and other key field personnel. The current period ended with approximately 99,000 units of trailing capacity and 5,740 power units assigned to the dray fleet.

DCS segment revenue increased 7% to $580 million in the first quarter 2021 from $542 million in 2020. Productivity, defined as revenue per truck per week, increased 6% when compared to 2020. Productivity excluding fuel surcharges increased 5%, primarily due to higher utilization of assets, contractual indexed rate increases, and less idle equipment during the current period. A net additional 203 revenue-producing trucks were in the fleet by the end of the first quarter 2021 compared to a year ago. DCS segment operating income increased 2% to $74.3 million in the first quarter 2021, from $72.9 million in 2020. The benefits of increased productivity were partially offset by higher driver wages and recruiting costs and higher salary and wages for non-driver personnel, when compared to the first quarter 2020. In addition, operating income for the prior period included DCS’s $6.5 million portion of the one-time COVID-19 bonus paid in first quarter 2020.

ICS segment revenue increased 56% to $525 million in the first quarter 2021, from $335 million in 2020. Overall volumes decreased 1% primarily due to changes in customer freight mix, while truckload volumes increased 10% compared to the first quarter 2020. Revenue per load increased 58%, primarily due to higher spot and contractual customer rates compared to first quarter 2020. Contractual business represented approximately 49% of total load volume and 35% of total revenue in the first quarter 2021, compared to 67% and 54%, respectively, in 2020. Approximately $359 million of first quarter 2021 ICS revenue was executed through the Marketplace for J.B. Hunt 360° compared to $235 million in the first quarter 2020. ICS segment operating income increased to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to an operating loss of $18.9 million in 2020. Gross profit margin increased to 12.4% in the first quarter 2021, compared to 9.6% in 2020, primarily due to higher rates in our contractual business and a higher mix of spot business during the current period. First quarter 2021, operating results were further impacted by increased incentive compensation and technology spending, compared to a year ago. ICS’s carrier base increased 24% compared to first quarter 2020.

FMS segment revenue increased 31% to $202 million in the first quarter 2021 from $154 million in 2020. Stop count for the first quarter 2021 increased 37%, while productivity, defined as revenue per stop, decreased 4% compared to 2020. The reduction in productivity was primarily due to a shift in the mix between asset and asset-light operations resulting from the characteristics of new customer contracts. FMS segment operating income increased to $8.5 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to an operating loss of $3.3 million in 2020, primarily due to increased revenues, partially offset by higher costs related to service quality performance controls, higher salary and wages for non-driver personnel, and increased third-party truck purchased transportation costs. In addition, the operating loss for the prior period included FMS’s $1.3 million portion of the one-time COVID-19 bonus paid in first quarter 2020.

JBT segment revenue totaled $150 million for the first quarter 2021, an increase of 43% from $105 million in first quarter 2020. Revenue excluding fuel surcharge increased 46% primarily due to a 6% increase in load volume, a 38% increase in revenue per load excluding fuel surcharge revenue, and an 8% increase in average length of haul compared to first quarter 2020. The growth in load count and the length of haul during the first quarter 2021, were primarily driven by the continued expansion of J.B. Hunt 360box™ which leverages the J.B. Hunt 360 platform. Revenue per loaded mile excluding fuel surcharge in first quarter 2021 increased 28%, while comparable contractual customer rates increased 14% compared to first quarter 2020. At the end of the first quarter 2021, the JBT fleet consisted of 1,716 tractors and 8,571 trailers, compared to 1,887 tractors and 7,391 trailers in 2020. JBT segment operating income increased to $10.2 million in 2021, compared with $1.8 million during first quarter 2020. Benefits from the higher load volume and increased revenue per load were partially offset by higher purchased transportation expense and higher salary and wages for non-driver personnel. In addition, operating income for the prior period included JBT’s $0.5 million portion of the one-time COVID-19 bonus paid in first quarter 2020.

Consolidated Operating Expenses

The following table sets forth items in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings as a percentage of operating revenues and the percentage increase or decrease of those items as compared with the prior period.

Total operating expenses increased 13.4%, while operating revenues increased 14.8%, during the first quarter 2021, from the comparable period 2020. Operating income increased to $207.7 million during the first quarter 2021, from $154.7 million in 2020.

Rents and purchased transportation costs increased 19.0% in 2021 compared with 2020. This increase was primarily due to increased third-party truck purchased transportation rates in ICS and an increase in the use of third-party truck carriers by JBT and FMS during the current period.

Salaries, wages and employee benefit costs increased 8.0% in 2021 compared with 2020. This increase was primarily related to increases in driver pay and office personnel compensation due to a tighter supply of qualified drivers, an increase in the number of employees, and additional incentive compensation. This increase was partially offset by first quarter 2020 including a $12.3 million one-time COVID-19 related bonus paid to employee drivers and other key field personnel and $3.4 million of additional stock compensation expense related to the acceleration of equity award vesting for executive employee retirements.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased 5.7% in 2021, primarily due to the addition of tractors and specialized trailing equipment within JBI, increased capital investments in information technology, and increased trailing equipment within JBT. Fuel costs increased 11.8% in 2021, compared with 2020, primarily due to an increase in the price of fuel and an increase in road miles.

Operating supplies and expenses decreased 4.6% in 2021, compared with 2020, primarily due to reduced travel and entertainment expenses, partially offset by increased tire expenses and higher weather-related towing costs. General and administrative expenses for the current quarter were virtually flat compared with 2020, primarily due to increased technology spend on the J.B. Hunt 360° platform and legacy system upgrades, higher advertising costs, and increased driver hiring expenses, being offset by decreased professional fees, lower bad debt expenses, and decreased net loss from the sale or disposal of assets. Net loss from sale or disposal of assets was $1.1 million in 2021, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in 2020. Insurance and claims expense increased 17.5% in 2021, compared with 2020, due to higher incident volume and higher insurance policy premium expenses, partially offset by a decrease in accident severity.

Net interest expense for the current quarter was virtually flat compared with 2020. Income tax expense increased 29.4% in first quarter 2021, compared with 2020, primarily due to increased taxable earnings, partially offset by a higher effective income tax rate in the prior period due to the impact of stock compensation accelerations for executive employee retirements. Our effective income tax rate was 25.1% for the first quarter 2021, compared to 26.5% in 2020. Our annual tax rate for 2021 is expected to be between 24.0% and 25.0%. In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, adjusted for discrete items. This rate is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates, best estimate of nontaxable and nondeductible items of income and expense, and the ultimate outcome of tax audits.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $365 million during the first three months of 2021, compared with $249 million for the same period 2020. Operating cash flows increased due to the timing of general working capital activities and increased earnings. Net cash used in investing activities totaled $86 million in 2021, compared with $129 million in 2020. The decrease resulted from a decrease in equipment purchases, net of proceeds from the sale of equipment, during the current period. Net cash used in financing activities was $39 million in 2021, compared with $107 million in 2020. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in treasury stock purchases during the first quarter 2021.

Debt and Liquidity Data

Liquidity

Our need for capital has typically resulted from the acquisition of containers and chassis, trucks, tractors, and trailers required to support our growth and the replacement of older equipment as well as periodic business acquisitions. We are frequently able to accelerate or postpone a portion of equipment replacements or other capital expenditures depending on market and overall economic conditions. In recent years, we have obtained capital through cash generated from operations, revolving lines of credit and long-term debt issuances. We have also periodically utilized operating leases to acquire revenue equipment.

We believe our liquid assets, cash generated from operations, and revolving line of credit will provide sufficient funds for our operating and capital requirements for the foreseeable future. Should COVID-19 related economic conditions warrant, we believe we have sufficient credit resources available to meet our near and long-term operating and capital needs. Throughout 2020 and the first quarter 2021, we paused or cancelled certain capital expenditures and other discretionary spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, at March 31, 2021, we had a cash balance of $553 million and we had no outstanding balance on our senior revolving line of credit, which authorizes us to borrow up to $750 million and is supported by a credit agreement with a group of banks that expires in September 2023. This senior credit facility allows us to request an increase in the total commitment by up to $250 million and to request a one-year extension of the maturity date.

Our financing arrangements require us to maintain certain covenants and financial ratios. At March 31, 2021, we were well above compliance with all covenants and financial ratios, and we fully intend and expect to emerge from the current COVID-19 related economic environment with our investment-grade rating intact.

We are continually evaluating the possible effects of current COVID-19 related economic conditions and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts on operational cash flows, including the risks of declines in the overall freight market and our customers' liquidity and ability to pay. We regularly monitor working capital and maintain frequent communication with our customers, suppliers, and service providers.

The following table summarizes our expected obligations and commitments as of March 31, 2021 (in millions):